Mathematical+Reflection+p.74

R.G 7/12/08


 * Big Idea:** Many things in our world are mathematically similar and we can use this to understand and describe the world around us.


 * Essential Question:** What types of situations can I use my similarities and ideas to solve?

Two ways you can use similar triangles to measure things in the real world are mirrors and the shadows. Shadow because it reflects it's shape but just on the ground and mirrors because you can find the corresponding angles from triangles with mirrors.
 * 1. Explain at least two ways you can use similar triangles to measure things in the real world. Illustrate you ideas with an example.**

The properties of similar triangles are useful for estimating distance and heights are the side lengths, and the angles.
 * 2. What properties of similar triangles are useful for estimating distances and heights?**

If i take any two similar triangles and place the small on top of the large triangle so that a pair of corresponding angles match, i can say that if you duplicate the smaller triangle and arrange it in a manner it should be a reptile. The double of the scale factor, will be the amount of triangles you used.
 * 3. If you take any two similar triangles and place the small on top of the large triangle so that a pair of corresponding angles match, what can you say about the sides of the triangles opposite these corresponding angles?**


 * Summary:** What I have learned especially in this Mathematical Reflection and this Investigation is, properties of similar triangles are useful for estimating distance and height.


 * Notes:** I understood all the questions except from number 3. It was too confusing.