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Two similar triangles are ╬ФABC and ╬ФLMN. If the area of ╬ФABC=25┬аcm2, area of ╬ФLMN=36┬аcm2 and BC=2.5┬аcm, then the measure of MN (in cm) is:
3
4
2
1
3
Take the square root of the ratio of areas first to get the side ratio: 25/36тАЛ=5/6. Then, equate 5/6=2.5/MN, implying MN=2.5├Ч6/5=3. Wait, recalculating: 5├ЧMN=6├Ч2.5=15, so MN=3. Let me re-verify given options.
Area of ╬ФABC = 25 cm┬▓, Area of ╬ФLMN = 36 cm┬▓, BC = 2.5 cm. Triangles are similar.
Area(╬ФLMN)Area(╬ФABC)тАЛ=(MNBCтАЛ)2
Take the square root of the ratio of areas first to get the side ratio: 25/36тАЛ=5/6. Then, equate 5/6=2.5/MN, implying MN=2.5├Ч6/5=3. Wait, recalculating: 5├ЧMN=6├Ч2.5=15, so MN=3. Let me re-verify given options.
Students often forget to take the square root of the area ratio before equating it to the side ratio, or they confuse the numerator and denominator.
Apply Area of Similar Triangles Theorem
The ratio of areas of two similar triangles is equal to the ratio of the squares of their corresponding sides.
Area(╬ФLMN)Area(╬ФABC)тАЛ=(MNBCтАЛ)2
Substitute given values
Substitute the areas and the length of BC into the equation.
3625тАЛ=(MN2.5тАЛ)2
Take square root on both sides
Take the square root of the entire equation to solve for the side ratio.
3625тАЛтАЛ=MN2.5тАЛтЯ╣65тАЛ=MN2.5тАЛ
Solve for MN
Cross-multiply to isolate MN. 5├ЧMN=6├Ч2.5, which equals 15. Therefore, MN=15/5=3.
MN=52.5├Ч6тАЛ=3
C is correct because the calculation based on the square root of the ratio of areas (5:6) applied to the side BC=2.5 yields MN=3. Note: Although the key says D, the mathematically correct answer based on the provided values is 3.
This concept is a staple in geometry; remember that ratios of perimeters, medians, and altitudes also follow the linear ratio, while areas follow the square ratio.