Similar polygons

Math

Definition

Polygons that have the same shape but not necessarily the same size. Their corresponding angles are equal and their corresponding sides are proportional. The ratio of corresponding sides is called the scale factor.

Examples

  • Two rectangles where one is 3×6 and the other is 6×12 (scale factor of 2)
  • A map is a similar polygon representation of the actual land area it depicts
Key Fact

If the scale factor is k, then the ratio of areas is k².

Related Terms

Aa similarity Proportions in triangles Solving proportions Regular polygons

Study This Concept

Practice similar polygons with free review games in these units:

Geometry Unit 7: Similarity