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CHAPTER

14 RATIO AND PROPORTION

Animation 14.1: Ratio and Proportion

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Students Learning Outcomes In ∆ABC ←→ ∆DEF

mAB mBC mCA

After studying this unit, the students will be able to: ∠A ≅ ∠D, ∠B ≅ ∠E, ∠C ≅ ∠F, and = =
mDE mEF mFD
• prove that a line parallel to one side of a triangle, intersecting the
other two sides, divides them proportionally.
• prove that if a line segment intersects the two sides of a triangle
in the same ratio, then it is parallel to the third side.
• prove that the internal bisector of an angle of a triangle divides
the side opposite to it in the ratio of the lengths of the sides
containing the angle.
• prove that if two triangles are similar, the measures of their then ∆ABC and ∆DEF are called similar triangles which is symbolically
corresponding sides are proportional written as
∆ABC ~∆DEF
Introduction It means that corresponding angles of similar triangles are equal
In this unit we will prove some theorems and corollaries and measures of their corresponding sides are proportional.
involving ratio and proportions of sides of triangle and similarity of ∆PQR ≅ ∆LMN means that in
triangles. A knowledge of ratio and proportion is necessary requirement ∆PQR ←→ ∆LMN
of many occupations like food service occupation, medications in ∠P ≅ ∠L, ∠Q ≅ ∠M,
health, preparing maps for land survey and construction works, profit ∠R ≅ ∠N, PQ ≅ LM,
to cost ratios etc. QR ≅ MN, RP ≅ NL
a
Recall that we defined ratio a : b = as the comparison of mPQ mQR
b mRP
two alike quantities a and b, called the elements (terms) of a ratio. Now as = = = 1
mLM mMN mNL
(Elements must be expressed in the same units). Equality of two ratios
was defined as proportion.
That is, if a : b = c : d, then a, b, c and d are said to be in ∴ ∆PQR ~∆LMN
proportion.
In other words, two congruent triangles are similar also. But two
similar triangles are not necessarily congruent, as congruence of their
Similar Triangles
corresponding sides is not necessary.
Equally important are the similar shapes. In particular the similar
triangles that have many practical applications. For example, we know
that a photographer can develop prints of different sizes from the
Theorem 14.1.1
A line parallel to one side of a
same negative. In spite of the difference in sizes, these pictures look
triangle and intersecting the other
like each other. One photograph is simply an enlargement of another.
two sides divides them proportionally.
They are said to be similar in shape. Geometrical figures can also be
similar. e.g., If
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Given Observe that

In ∆ABC, the line l is intersecting the sides AC and AB at points E From the above theorem we also have
and D respectively such that ED || CB.
mBD mCE mAD mAE
= and =
mAB mAC mAB mAC
To Prove
mAD : mDB = mAE : mEC Corollaries

mAD mAE mAB mAC

Construction (a) If = , then DE || BC (b) If = ,then DE || BC
mAB mAC mDB mEC
Join B to E and C to D. From D draw DM ^ AC and from E draw
EL ^ AB. Points to be noted
(i) Two points determine a line and three non-collinear points
Proof determine a plane.
Statements Reasons (ii) A line segment has exactly one midpoint.
(iii) If two intersecting lines form equal adjacent angles, the lines are
In triangles BED and AED, EL is the
perpendicular.
common perpendicular.

1 1 Theorem 14.1.2
∴ Area of ∆BED =× mBD × mEL .... (i) Area of a ∆ = (base)(height)
2 2
(Converse of Theorem 14.1.1)
1 If a line segment intersects the two sides of a triangle in
and Area of ∆AED =× mAD × mEL .... (ii)
2 the same ratio, then it is parallel to the third side.
Area of ∆BED mBD
Thus = .... (iii) Dividing (i) by (ii)
Area of ∆AED mAD Given
Similarly In ∆ABC, ED intersects AB and AC such
that mAD : mDB = mAE : mEC
Area of ∆CDE mEC
= .... (iv)
Area of ∆ADE mAE To Prove
(Areas of triangles with ED || CB
But ∆BED ≅ ∆CDE
common base and same
Construction
altitudes are equal). Given
If ED || CB, then draw BF || DE to meet AC produced at F.
that ED  mCB , so altitudes
... From (iii) and (iv), we have are equal.
Proof
mDB mEC mAD mAE Statements Reasons
= = or Taking reciprocal of both
mAD mAE mDB mEC
sides. In ∆ABF
Hence mAD : mDB = mAE : mEC
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DE || BF Construction
3. In an equilateral triangle ABC shown in the figure,
mAD mAE
... = .......(i) (A line parallel to one side of a mAE : mAC = mAD : mAB
mDB mEF
triangle divides the other two sides Find all the three angles of ∆ADE and name it also.
proportionally Theorem 14.1.1) 4. Prove that the line segment drawn through the mid-point of one
mAD mAE
But = .......(ii) Given side of a triangle and parallel to another side bisects the third side.
mDB mEC
5. Prove that the line segment joining the mid-points of any two sides
mAE mAE
... = From (i) and (ii) of a triangle is parallel to the third side.
mEF mEC

or mEF = mEC, Theorem 14.1.3

which is possible only if point F The internal bisector of an angle of a triangle divides the side
is coincident with C. (Property of real numbers.) opposite to it in the ratio of the lengths of the sides containing the
... Our supposition is wrong angle.
Hence ED||CB

EXERCISE 14.1

1. In ∆ABC, DE || BC.
(i) If mAD = 1.5cm, mBD = 3cm, mAE = 1.3cm,
then find mCE.
(ii) If mAD = 2.4cm, mAE = 3.2cm, mEC = 4.8cm,
find mAB. Given
In ∆ABC internal angle bisector of ∠A meets CB at the point D.
mAD 3
(iii) If = and
5 mAC = 4.8cm, find mAE.
mDB
To Prove
(iv) If mAD = 2.4cm, mAE = 3.2cm, mDE = 2cm, mBC = 5cm, find mBD : mDC = mAB : mAC
mAB, mDB, mAC, mCE.
(v) If AD = 4x - 3, AE = 8x - 7, BD = 3x - 1, and CE = 5x - 3, find the Construction
value of x. Draw a line segment BE || DA to meet CA produced at E.
2. If ∆ABC is an isosceles triangle, ∠A is vertex angle and
DE intersects the sides AB and AC as shown in the Proof
figure so that Statements Reasons
mAD : mDB = mAE : mEC. a AD || EB and EC intersects them, Construction

Prove that ∆ADE is also an isosceles triangle. ... m∠1 = m∠2 ......(i) Corresponding angles
Again AD || EB
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and AB intersects them. Construction

... m∠3 = m∠4 ........(ii) Alternate angles (i) Suppose that mAB > mDE
But m∠1 = m∠3 Given (ii) mAB < mDE
... m∠2 = m∠4 From (i) and (ii) On AB take a point L such that mAL = mDE.
and AB ≅ AE or AE ≅ AB In a ∆, the sides opposite to On AC take a point M such that mAM = mDF. Join L and M by
congruent angles are also the line segment LM.
congruent.
Now AD || EB Construction Proof
Statements Reasons
mBD mEA (i) In ∆ALM fg ∆DEF
... =
mDC mAC by Theorem 14.1.1
∠A ≅ ∠D Given
mBD mAE AL ≅ DE Construction
or = mEA = mAB (proved)
mDC mAC AM ≅ DF Construction
Thus mBD : mDC = mAB : AC Thus ∆ALM ≅ ∆DEF S.A.S. Postulate
and ∠L ≅ ∠E, ∠M ≅ ∠F (Corresponding angles of congruent
triangles)
Theorem 14.1.4
Now ∠E ≅ ∠B and ∠F ≅ ∠C Given
If two triangles are similar, then the measures of their
... ∠L ≅ ∠B, ∠M ≅ ∠C Transitivity of congruence
corresponding sides are proportional.
Thus LM || BC Corresponding angles are equal.

mAL mAM
Hence = by Theorem 14.1.1
mAB mAC
mDE mDF
or = ....(i) mAL = mDE and mAM = mDF
mAB mAC
(construction)
Similarly by intercepting
segments on BA and BC, we
Given
can prove that
∆ABC ~ ∆DEF
i.e., ∠A ≅ ∠D, ∠B ≅ ∠E and ∠C ≅ ∠F mDE mEF
= .....(ii)
mAB mBC
To Prove mDE mDF mEF
Thus = = by (i) and (ii)
mAB mAC mBC mAB mAC mBC
= = mAB mAC mBC
mDE mDF mEF or = = by taking reciprocals
mDE mDF mEF

(ii) If mAB < mDE, it can

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similarly be proved by taking REVIEW EXERCISE 14

intercepts on the sides of ∆DEF.
If mAB = mDE, 1. Which of the following are true and which are false?
then ∆ABC fg ∆DEF (i) Congruent triangles are of same size and shape. ……
∠A ≅ ∠D Given (ii) Similar triangles are of same shape but different sizes. ..…
∠B ≅ ∠E Given (iii) Symbol used for congruent is ‘~’. ……
and AB ≅ DE (iv) Symbol used for similarity is ‘@’. ……
so ∆ABC ≅ ∆DEF A.S.A. ≅ A.S.A. (v) Congruent triangles are similar. ……
(vi) Similar triangles are congruent. ……
mAB mAC mBC (vii) A line segment has only one mid point. ……
Thus = = = 1 AC ≅ DF, BC ≅ EF
mDE mDF mEF (viii) One and only one line can be drawn through two
Hence the result is true for all cases. points. ......
(ix) Proportion is non-equality of two ratios. ……
EXERCISE 14.2 (x) Ratio has no unit. ……
2. Define the following:
(i) Ratio (ii) Proportion
g (iii) Congruent Triangles (iv) Similar Triangles
1. In ∆ABC as shown in the figure, CD bisects ∠C
and meets AB at D. mBD is equal to 3. In ∆LMN shown in the figure, MN || PQ
(a) 5 (b) 16 (c) 10 (d) 18 (i) If mLM = 5cm, mLP = 2.5cm, mLQ = 2.3cm,
then find mLN.
(ii) If mLM = 6cm, mLQ = 2.5cm, mQN = 5cm,
then find mLP.
g
2. In ∆ABC shown in the figure, CD
bisects ∠C. If mAC = 3, mCB = 6 and 4. In the shown figure, let mPA = 8x - 7, mPB = 4x - 3,
mAB = 7, then find mAD and mDB. mAQ = 5x - 3, mBR = 3x - 1. Find the value of x if
AB || QR.
3. Show that in any correspondence of two triangles, if two angles of
g
5. In ∆LMN shown in the figure, LA bisects ∠L.
one triangle are congruent to the corresponding angles of the
other, then the triangles are similar. If mLN = 4, mLM = 6, mMN = 8, then find
mAX mCX mMA and mAN.
4. If line segments AB and CD are intersecting at point X and =
mXB mXD
then show that ∆AXC and ∆BXD are similar.
6. In isosceles ∆PQR shown in the figure, find the
value of x and y.

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SUMMARY

In this unit we stated and proved the following theorems and gave
some necessary definitions:
• A line parallel to one side of a triangle and intersecting the other
two sides divides them proportionally.
• If a line segment intersects the two sides of a triangle in the same
ratio, then it is parallel to the third side.
• The internal bisector of an angle of a triangle divides the side
opposite to it in the ratio of the lengths of the sides containing
the angle.
• If two triangles are similar, then the measures of their
corresponding sides are proportional.
a
• The ratio between two alike quantities is defined as a : b = , b
where a and b are the elements of the ratio.
• Proportion is defined as the equality of two ratios i.e., a : b = c : d.
• Two triangles are said to be similar if they are equiangular and
corresponding sides are proportional.

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