What are Similar and Congruent Shapes?
Shapes can be special friends in two ways!
Congruent shapes are identical twins - same shape AND same size!
Similar shapes are like big and little siblings - same shape but can be different sizes.
They keep their angles the same and their sides proportional.
How to Tell Them Apart
1️⃣ Check the size: Same size? Might be congruent!
2️⃣ Compare angles: All angles equal? Could be similar!
3️⃣ Measure sides: For congruent, all sides equal. For similar, sides proportional!
Let's Play with Shapes!
Example 1: Spot the Twins
Which of these triangles are congruent? Which are similar?
Triangle A
Triangle B
Triangle C
Example 2: Build a Similar Shape
This rectangle is 4 units × 2 units. Draw a similar rectangle that's twice as big!
Parent Tips 🌟
- Real-world examples: Point out similar shapes in architecture (windows of different sizes) and congruent shapes in everyday objects (identical plates).
- Art connection: Show how artists use similar shapes to create perspective drawings where objects appear smaller in the distance.
- Hands-on activity: Cut out shapes from paper and let your child resize them on a photocopier to create similar shapes.