Similar figures have the same shape, but might not be the same size.
- When two shapes are similar, their corresponding sides are proportional (see ratios and proportions) and their corresponding angles are congruent.
- An older sister and a younger sister might be considered similar
Congruent figures have the same shape and size.
- When two shapes are congruent, their corresponding sides and angles are congruent.
- Identical twins might be considered congruent
Here are two symbols that you need to know:
~ means similar
≅ means congruent
Look Out: be careful when reading which sides correspond to each other; the shapes may be rotated.