Problem 1: Similar Triangles
Triangle ABC is similar to triangle DEF. If AB = 6 cm, BC = 8 cm, AC = 10 cm, and DE = 9 cm, find:
a. The lengths of EF and DF
b. The area of triangle DEF, given that the area of triangle ABC is 24 cm²
Step 1 — Find the scale factor:
$$k = \frac{DE}{AB} = \frac{9}{6} = \frac{3}{2}$$
a. Missing sides:
$$EF = k \cdot BC = \frac{3}{2}(8) = \boxed{12 \text{ cm}}, \qquad DF = k \cdot AC = \frac{3}{2}(10) = \boxed{15 \text{ cm}}$$
b. Area of DEF (area scales as $k^2$):
$$A_{\triangle DEF} = k^2 \cdot A_{\triangle ABC} = \left(\frac{3}{2}\right)^2 \times 24 = \frac{9}{4} \times 24 = \boxed{54 \text{ cm}^2}$$