Maritza draws two similar right triangles. The longest side of the larger triangle measures 21 cm, and the shortest side of that triangle measures 14 cm. The longest side of the smaller triangle measures 15 cm. What is the length of the shortest side of the smaller triangle?(1 point)
Responses
5 cm
5 cm
22.5 cm
22.5 cm
12 cm
12 cm
10 cm
Referring to the concept of similarity in triangles, we can set up a proportion based on the corresponding sides of the triangles.
Let x be the length of the shortest side of the smaller triangle.
(21 cm / 15 cm) = (14 cm / x)
Cross-multiply to solve for x:
21x = 14 * 15
21x = 210
x = 210 / 21
x = 10 cm
Therefore, the length of the shortest side of the smaller triangle is 10 cm.
The correct answer is:
10 cm