Study GuideGeometry–Right Angles1. Altitude to the HypotenuseLet’s explore what happens when you draw analtitude to the hypotenuseof a right triangle.This special situation creates powerful relationships using similarity and geometric means.1.1The SetupIn right triangle△ABC, draw altitudeBDto the hypotenuseAC.Figure 1Here’s what each part represents:•AB and BC → legs of the original right triangle•AC → hypotenuse•BD → altitude drawn to the hypotenuse•AD → segment on the hypotenuse touching leg AB•DC → segment on the hypotenuse touching leg BC1.2What Happens When You Draw the Altitude?The altitude createstwo smaller right trianglesinside the original triangle.All three triangles are similar!This leads to an important result.Preview Mode
This document has 27 pages. Sign in to access the full document!