Similar Shapes

More questions on this topic: IGCSE Shape & Space: Similar Shapes (114)

From a Foundation paper

Edexcel

Edexcel · Old spec

AQA

OCR

Higher June 2025 Paper 2 Q16

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec5 marksSimilar Shapes

16 Two jars are mathematically similar.

Smaller jar of height h cm and volume 90 cm cubed; larger jar of height 12 cm and volume 1350 cm cubed
(a) Work out the height, \(h\) cm, of the smaller jar.
Give your answer correct to 1 decimal place. (4)

The surface area of the smaller jar is \(A\) cm2
The surface area of the larger jar is \(pA\) cm2

(b) Find the exact value of \(p\). (1)

Higher June 2025 Paper 1 Q8

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec5 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

8 \(ABC\) is a right-angled triangle.

Right-angled triangle ABC with the right angle at C; E on AC and D on AB with ED parallel to CB; AC = 18 cm, ED = 20 cm, CB = 30 cm

\(AEC\) and \(ADB\) are straight lines.
\(ED\) is parallel to \(CB\).

(a) Prove that triangle \(ABC\) is similar to triangle \(ADE\). (2)

\(ED = 20\) cm    \(CB = 30\) cm    \(AC = 18\) cm

(b) Work out the length of \(EC\). (3)

Higher November 2024 Paper 3 Q13

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marks2D Area & PerimeterSimilar Shapes

13 \(ABC\) and \(AED\) are straight lines.
\(BE\) and \(CD\) are parallel.

Triangle ACD with B on AC and E on AD; BE is parallel to CD; right angles marked at B (angle ABE) and at C (angle ACD)

\(BE = 4.2\) cm
\(CD = 6.3\) cm
\(AC = 10.8\) cm

Work out the area of trapezium \(BCDE\). (3)

Higher November 2024 Paper 1 Q12

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

12 A, B and C are three solid spheres.

Sphere A has a volume of 64 cm3
Sphere B has a volume of 125 cm3

The radius of sphere C is 50% of the radius of sphere B.

Work out the ratio of the surface area of sphere A to the surface area of sphere C.
Give your answer in the form \(a : b\) where \(a\) and \(b\) are integers. (4)

Foundation June 2024 Paper 2 Q27

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec2 marksSimilar Shapes

27 \(ABC\) and \(DEF\) are two similar isosceles triangles.

Isosceles triangle ABC with AB = AC = 8 cm and BC = 6 cm; smaller isosceles triangle DEF with EF = 1.5 cm

\(DE = DF\)

Work out the length of \(DE\). (2)

Higher June 2024 Paper 1 Q19

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

19

Triangle ABD with point C on BD between B and D, joined to A

\(ABC\) and \(DAB\) are similar isosceles triangles.

\(AB = AC\)
\(AD = BD\)

\(BC : CD = 4 : 21\)

Find the ratio \(AB : AD\) (3)

Higher June 2024 Paper 2 Q17

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

17 L, M and P are three similar solid cylinders made from the same material.

Three similar cylinders labelled L, M and P

L has a mass of 64 g
M has a mass of 125 g

M has a total surface area of 144 cm2
P has a total surface area of 16 cm2

Work out

height of cylinder L : height of cylinder M : height of cylinder P (4)

Higher November 2023 Paper 3 Q15

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec2 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

15 The diagram shows triangle \(ABC\) and triangle \(AED\).

Triangle ABC with D on AB and E on AC, joined by DE; AD = 32 cm, DB = 22 cm, AE = 21.6 cm, EC = 58.4 cm

Show that triangle \(ABC\) and triangle \(AED\) are similar. (2)

Higher November 2023 Paper 1 Q13

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

13 Solid A and solid B are similar.

The ratio of the height of solid A to the height of solid B is \(2 : 5\)

The volume of solid A is 12 cm3

Work out the volume of solid B. (3)

Higher June 2023 Paper 2 Q23

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

23 Here are three similar triangles, \(ABG\), \(ACF\) and \(ADE\).

Triangle ADE with B and C on AD and G and F on AE; GB, FC and ED are parallel

\(ABCD\) and \(AGFE\) are straight lines.

\(AB : BC : CD = 1 : 2 : 3\)

Show that

area of \(ABG\) : area of \(BCFG\) : area of \(CDEF\) = 1 : 8 : 27 (3)

Higher June 2023 Paper 3 Q18

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec5 marksSimilar ShapesVolume & Surface Area

18 A solid frustum is made by removing a small cone from a large cone as shown in the diagram.

Large cone of slant height 10 cm and base radius 3 cm with a small cone of slant height 6 cm removed from the top to leave a frustum. A box shows a cone with slant height l and radius r and the formula Curved surface area of cone = pi r l

The slant height of the small cone is 6 cm.
The slant height of the large cone is 10 cm.
The radius of the base of the large cone is 3 cm.

Calculate the total surface area of the frustum.
Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures. (5)

Foundation November 2022 Paper 3 Q25

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

25 Triangle \(ABC\) and triangle \(DEF\) are similar.

Triangle ABC with AC = 5 cm and BC = 4 cm. Triangle DEF with DE = 22 cm and DF = 20 cm. Angle B equals angle E and angle C equals angle F
(a) Work out the length of \(EF\). (2)
(b) Work out the length of \(AB\). (2)

Higher November 2022 Paper 2 Q17

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

17 The diagram shows two similar solid triangular prisms, A and B.

Two similar triangular prisms. Prism A is small with the height of its triangular cross section labelled h cm. Prism B is larger, with its triangular cross section of area 43.74 square cm and base 8.1 cm

The volume of prism A is 58.806 cm3
The volume of prism B is 1587.762 cm3

The cross section of each prism is a right-angled triangle.

For prism B:
 the length of the base of the triangle is 8.1 cm
 the area of the triangle is 43.74 cm2

The height of the triangle for prism A is \(h\) cm.

Work out the value of \(h\). (4)

Higher June 2022 Paper 3 Q15

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

15 \(P\), \(Q\), \(R\) and \(S\) are four points on a circle.

Circle with points P, Q, R and S on it. Chords PQ, PR, SQ and SR are drawn; PR and SQ cross at X

\(PXR\) and \(SXQ\) are straight lines.

Prove that triangle \(PQX\) and triangle \(SRX\) are similar. (3)

Higher November 2021 Paper 2 Q19

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksSimilar ShapesVolume & Surface Area

19 \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are three spheres.

The volume of sphere \(A\) is 125 cm\(^3\)
The volume of sphere \(B\) is 27 cm\(^3\)

The ratio of the radius of sphere \(B\) to the radius of sphere \(C\) is \(1 : 2\)

Work out the ratio of the surface area of sphere \(A\) to the surface area of sphere \(C\). (3)

Higher November 2021 Paper 3 Q10

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksPythagorasSimilar Shapes

10 The diagram shows two right-angled triangles \(ACB\) and \(DEB\).

Triangle ACB with a right angle at C; D lies on AB and E lies on CB, with DE perpendicular to CB so there is a right angle at E

\(AD = 9\) cm
\(DE = 2\) cm
\(DB = 6\) cm

Calculate the length of \(CB\).
Give your answer correct to 2 decimal places. (4)

Foundation November 2019 Paper 1 Q29

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

29 \(ABC\) and \(PQR\) are similar right-angled triangles.

Right-angled triangles ABC with AC = 9 cm and CB = 15 cm, and PQR with RQ = 10 cm; right angles at C and R

angle \(ABC\) = angle \(PQR\)

(a) Work out the length of \(PR\). (2)

Triangle \(EGH\) is congruent to triangle \(KGF\).

Triangles EGH and KGF: E above G with F on EG, H and K on a horizontal line through G, right angle at G

\(HK = 10\) cm.
\(HG = 4\) cm.

(b) Work out the length of \(EF\). (2)

Higher November 2019 Paper 1 Q22

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

22 \(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are four points on a circle.

Circle with points A, B, C and D on it; chords AD, AB, AC, DB, DC and BC drawn; AC and DB cross at E

\(AEC\) and \(DEB\) are straight lines.

Triangle \(AED\) is an equilateral triangle.

Prove that triangle \(ABC\) is congruent to triangle \(DCB\). (4)

Higher November 2019 Paper 1 Q17

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

17 A and B are two similar cylindrical containers.

Two similar cylinders, a smaller one labelled A and a larger one labelled B

the surface area of container A : the surface area of container B = 4 : 9

Tyler fills container A with water.
She then pours all the water into container B.
Tyler repeats this and stops when container B is full of water.

Work out the number of times that Tyler fills container A with water.
You must show all your working. (4)

Higher June 2019 Paper 2 Q9

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

9 The circumference of circle B is 90% of the circumference of circle A.

(a) Find the ratio of the area of circle A to the area of circle B. (2)

Square E has sides of length \(e\) cm.
Square F has sides of length \(f\) cm.

The area of square E is 44% greater than the area of square F.

(b) Work out the ratio \(e : f\) (2)

Foundation November 2018 Paper 1 Q16

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec1 markSimilar Shapes

16 Here are two rectangles.

A rectangle 8 cm by 6 cm and a rectangle 12 cm by 10 cm

Jim says,

“The two rectangles are similar because \(8 + 4 = 12\) and \(6 + 4 = 10\)”

Is Jim correct?
Explain your answer. (1)

Higher November 2018 Paper 1 Q15

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

15 Three solid shapes A, B and C are similar.

The surface area of shape A is 4 cm\(^2\)
The surface area of shape B is 25 cm\(^2\)

The ratio of the volume of shape B to the volume of shape C is 27 : 64

Work out the ratio of the height of shape A to the height of shape C.
Give your answer in its simplest form. (4)

Foundation November 2018 Paper 3 Q9

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec2 marksAngles in PolygonsSimilar Shapes

9 The diagram shows five shapes on a centimetre grid.

Five shapes A to E drawn on a centimetre grid: A, B and C in the top row, D and E in the bottom row
(a) Write down the name of shape E. (1)

Two of the shapes are congruent.

(b) Write down the letters of these two shapes. (1)

Foundation June 2018 Paper 3 Q27

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

27 Triangle \(ABC\) and triangle \(DEF\) are similar.

Two similar triangles. Triangle ABC: CA = 6.4 cm, AB = 8.4 cm. Triangle DEF: DE = 12.6 cm, FE = 15 cm. Matching angles are marked at A and D, B and E, C and F
(a) Work out the length of \(DF\). (2)
(b) Work out the length of \(CB\). (2)

Higher June 2018 Paper 3 Q21

21

Parallelogram ABCD with AB extended to P and CD extended to Q; lines DP and BQ are drawn

\(ABCD\) is a parallelogram.
\(ABP\) and \(QDC\) are straight lines.
Angle \(ADP\) = angle \(CBQ = 90^\circ\)

(a) Prove that triangle \(ADP\) is congruent to triangle \(CBQ\). (3)
(b) Explain why \(AQ\) is parallel to \(PC\). (2)

Higher June 2018 Paper 3 Q13

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

13 Here are two similar solid shapes.

Two similar solid shapes, A and B, shaped like chess pieces, with B larger than A

surface area of shape A : surface area of shape B = 3 : 4

The volume of shape B is 10 cm3

Work out the volume of shape A.
Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures. (3)

Higher November 2017 Paper 1 Q22

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec5 marksSimilar Shapes

22 The two triangles in the diagram are similar.

Triangle ACD with B on AC and E on AD, so that triangle ABE is inside triangle ACD. AB = 8 cm, BC = x cm, AE = 12 cm and ED = 3 cm

There are two possible values of \(x\).

Work out each of these values.
State any assumptions you make in your working. (5)

Higher November 2017 Paper 3 Q14

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

14 Cone A and cone B are mathematically similar.
The ratio of the volume of cone A to the volume of cone B is 27 : 8

The surface area of cone A is 297 cm2

Show that the surface area of cone B is 132 cm2 (3)

Higher June 2017 Paper 1 Q21

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

21 \(ABCD\) is a quadrilateral.

Quadrilateral ABCD with BC at the top and AD at the bottom; AB and CD are marked equal and angles ABC and BCD are marked

\(AB = CD\).
Angle \(ABC\) = angle \(BCD\).

Prove that \(AC = BD\). (4)

Foundation June 2017 Paper 2 Q21

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

21

Triangle AEC with B on AC and D on EC; DB is parallel to EA

\(ABC\) and \(EDC\) are straight lines.
\(EA\) is parallel to \(DB\).

\(EC = 8.1\) cm.
\(DC = 5.4\) cm.
\(DB = 2.6\) cm.

(a) Work out the length of \(AE\). (2)

\(AC = 6.15\) cm.

(b) Work out the length of \(AB\). (2)

Foundation June 2017 Paper 3 Q21

EdexcelFoundationCurrent spec2 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

21

Two right-angled triangles. The first has sides 7.5 cm and 10 cm either side of the right angle and hypotenuse 12.5 cm. The second has sides 3 cm and 4 cm either side of the right angle and hypotenuse 5 cm

Show that these two triangles are mathematically similar. (2)

Higher June 2017 Paper 2 Q15

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

15 \(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are four points on the circumference of a circle.

Circle with points A, B, C and D on the circumference; chords AC and BD cross at E, and chords AB, CD and AD are drawn

\(AEC\) and \(BED\) are straight lines.

Prove that triangle \(ABE\) and triangle \(DCE\) are similar.
You must give reasons for each stage of your working. (3)

Higher June 2017 Paper 2 Q5

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

5

Triangle AEC with B on AC and D on EC; DB is parallel to EA

\(ABC\) and \(EDC\) are straight lines.
\(EA\) is parallel to \(DB\).

\(EC = 8.1\) cm.
\(DC = 5.4\) cm.
\(DB = 2.6\) cm.

(a) Work out the length of \(AE\). (2)

\(AC = 6.15\) cm.

(b) Work out the length of \(AB\). (2)

1MA0 Foundation June 2017 Paper 1 Q3

EdexcelFoundationOld spec3 marks2D Area & PerimeterSimilar Shapes

3 Here are six shapes drawn on a centimetre grid.

Centimetre grid with six shaded rectangles labelled A to F

Two of the shapes are congruent.

(a) Write down the letters of these two shapes. (1)

One of the shapes is similar to shape A.

(b) Write down the letter of this shape. (1)
(c) Find the area of shape F. (1)

1MA0 Higher November 2016 Paper 1 Q21

EdexcelHigherOld spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

21

Triangle ACD with B on AC and E on AD; BE = 1.5 cm, CD = 6 cm and AD = 5 cm

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(ABC\) and \(AED\) are straight lines.
\(BE\) and \(CD\) are parallel.
\(BE = 1.5\) cm.
\(CD = 6\) cm.
\(AD = 5\) cm.

Calculate the length of \(ED\). (3)

1MA0 Foundation June 2016 Paper 1 Q3

EdexcelFoundationOld spec2 marksSimilar Shapes

3 Six shapes are drawn on the grid of squares.

Six shapes labelled A to F on a grid of squares

Two of the shapes are congruent.

(a) Write down the letters of these two shapes. (1)

One of the shapes is similar to shape F.

(b) Write down the letter of this shape. (1)

1MA0 Higher November 2015 Paper 1 Q22

EdexcelHigherOld spec5 marksCircle TheoremsSimilar Shapes

*22

Circle through A, B, D and E; ABC and EDC are straight lines meeting at C outside the circle

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(A\), \(B\), \(D\) and \(E\) are points on a circle.
\(ABC\) and \(EDC\) are straight lines.

Prove that triangle \(BCD\) is similar to triangle \(ECA\).
You must give reasons for your working. (5)

1MA0 Higher June 2015 Paper 2 Q21

EdexcelHigherOld spec2 marksSimilar Shapes

21 Fred is making two rectangular flower beds.

The dimensions of the larger rectangle will be three times the dimensions of the smaller rectangle.

There is going to be the same depth of soil in each flower bed.

Fred needs 180 kg of soil for the smaller flower bed.

Work out how much soil Fred needs for the larger flower bed. (2)

1MA0 Higher November 2014 Paper 1 Q18

EdexcelHigherOld spec5 marksSimilar Shapes

18

Similar trapeziums ABCD and AEFG sharing vertex A; AE = 5 cm, EF = 12 cm, BC = 18 cm; region between them shaded

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(ABCD\) and \(AEFG\) are mathematically similar trapeziums.

\(AE = 5\) cm
\(EF = 12\) cm
\(BC = 18\) cm

(a) Work out the length of \(AB\). (2)

Trapezium \(AEFG\) has an area of 36 cm\(^2\).

(b) Work out the area of the shaded region. (3)

1MA0 Higher June 2014 Paper 1 Q20

EdexcelHigherOld spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

20 Steve has a photo and a rectangular piece of card.

A 16 cm by 10 cm photo on a 30 cm by 15 cm card

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

The photo is 16 cm by 10 cm.
The card is 30 cm by 15 cm.

Steve cuts the card along the dotted line shown in the diagram below.

The 15 cm high card with a vertical dotted line x cm from the right-hand edge

Steve throws away the piece of card that is 15 cm by \(x\) cm.
The piece of card he has left is mathematically similar to the photo.

Work out the value of \(x\). (3)

1MA0 Higher June 2014 Paper 2 Q17

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

17

Quadrilateral ABCD with AD = 5 cm and DC = 6 cm, and quadrilateral LMNP with MN = 12 cm and PN = 9 cm

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

Quadrilaterals \(ABCD\) and \(LMNP\) are mathematically similar.

Angle \(A\) = angle \(L\)
Angle \(B\) = angle \(M\)
Angle \(C\) = angle \(N\)
Angle \(D\) = angle \(P\)

(a) Work out the length of \(LP\). (2)
(b) Work out the length of \(BC\). (2)

1MA0 Foundation June 2014 Paper 2 Q7

EdexcelFoundationOld spec3 marksSimilar ShapesTransformations of Shapes

7 Here are some triangles drawn on a grid.

Six triangles A to F drawn on a square grid

Two of the triangles are congruent.

(a) Write down the letters of these two triangles. (1)

One of the triangles is an enlargement of triangle A.

(b)
(i) Write down the letter of this triangle.
(ii) Write down the scale factor of the enlargement.
(2)

1MA0 Higher November 2013 Paper 2 Q28

EdexcelHigherOld spec3 marksCircle TheoremsSimilar Shapes

*28

Circle centre O with diameters AOC and BOD; chords AB, AD, DC and the line AC drawn

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(AOC\) and \(BOD\) are diameters of a circle, centre \(O\).

Prove that triangle \(ABD\) and triangle \(DCA\) are congruent. (3)

1MA0 Higher November 2013 Paper 1 Q16

EdexcelHigherOld spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

16 A company makes monsters.
The company makes small monsters with a height of 20 cm.

Picture of a small monster with height 20 cm

A small monster has a surface area of 300 cm\(^2\).

The company also makes large monsters with a height of 120 cm.
A small monster and a large monster are mathematically similar.

Work out the surface area of a large monster. (3)

1MA0 Higher June 2013 Paper 1 Q22

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

22 P and Q are two triangular prisms that are mathematically similar.

Prism P with cross section ABC (AC = 6 cm, area 10 cm squared) and length 15 cm; prism Q with cross section DEF (DF = 12 cm)

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

Prism P has triangle \(ABC\) as its cross section.
Prism Q has triangle \(DEF\) as its cross section.

\(AC = 6\) cm
\(DF = 12\) cm

The area of the cross section of prism P is 10 cm\(^2\).
The length of prism P is 15 cm.

Work out the volume of prism Q. (4)

1MA0 Higher March 2013 Paper 2 Q22

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksSimilar ShapesVolume & Surface Area

22

Frustum of a cone: large cone height 40 cm, base diameter 30 cm, small cone of height 20 cm removed from the top

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

A frustrum is made by removing a small cone from a similar large cone.

The height of the small cone is 20 cm.
The height of the large cone is 40 cm.
The diameter of the base of the large cone is 30 cm.

Work out the volume of the frustrum.
Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures. (4)

1MA0 Higher March 2013 Paper 2 Q15

EdexcelHigherOld spec5 marks2D Area & PerimeterSimilar Shapes

15

Triangle PRS with Q on PR and T on PS; QT and RS are perpendicular to PS, QT = 4 cm, RS = 12 cm, TS = 10 cm

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(PQR\) and \(PTS\) are straight lines.
Angle \(PTQ\) = Angle \(PSR = 90^\circ\)
\(QT = 4\) cm
\(RS = 12\) cm
\(TS = 10\) cm

(a) Work out the area of the trapezium \(QRST\). (2)
(b) Work out the length of \(PT\). (3)

1MA0 Foundation March 2013 Paper 2 Q12

EdexcelFoundationOld spec3 marks2D Area & PerimeterSimilar Shapes

12 These shapes have been drawn on a grid of centimetre squares.

Centimetre grid with shaded shapes A to H
(a)
(i) Write down the letters of a pair of shapes that are congruent.
(ii) Write down the letters of a different pair of shapes that are similar. (2)
(b) Find the perimeter of shape D.
 cm (1)

1MA0 Higher November 2012 Paper 1 Q25

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

25 The diagram shows two similar solids, A and B.

Two similar solids: A with a length of 4 cm and B with the corresponding length 8 cm

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

Solid A has a volume of 80 cm\(^3\).

(a) Work out the volume of solid B. (2)

Solid B has a total surface area of 160 cm\(^2\).

(b) Work out the total surface area of solid A. (2)

1MA0 Foundation November 2012 Paper 2 Q13

EdexcelFoundationOld spec3 marks2D Area & PerimeterSimilar Shapes

13 Here are 6 triangles drawn on a grid of centimetre squares.

Centimetre grid with triangles A to F
(a) Write down the letters of the two congruent triangles. (1)
(b) Write down the letter of an isosceles triangle. (1)
(c) Find the area of triangle E.
 cm\(^2\) (1)

Higher June 2025 Paper 3 Q24

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksAdvanced TrigonometrySimilar Shapes

24 Triangles \(ABC\) and \(DEF\) are similar.

Two similar triangles. Triangle ABC with AC = 6 cm and angle ACB = 127°. Triangle DEF with angle DFE = 127° and FE = 4.4 cm

Not drawn accurately

The area of \(ABC\) is 26.355 cm\(^2\)

Work out the area of \(DEF\). [4 marks]

Foundation June 2025 Paper 3 Q15

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

15 A and B are triangles.

For each statement, tick the correct box to describe A and B. [3 marks]

Always
congruent
Sometimes
congruent
Never
congruent
A’s sides are the same lengths as B’s sides
A’s angles are the same as B’s angles
A is an enlargement of B with scale factor 2

Foundation June 2025 Paper 2 Q10

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

10 These two shapes are similar.

Two similar shapes. Large shape: base 15 cm, height x, angle 30° at the bottom right. Small shape: base 6 cm, height 3 cm, angle y at the bottom right

Not drawn accurately

(a) Write down the value of \(y\). [1 mark]
(b) Work out the value of \(x\). [2 marks]

Higher November 2024 Paper 2 Q19

AQAHigherCurrent spec5 marksSimilar Shapes

19 A phone screen is similar to a tablet screen.

Two shaded rectangles. Phone has height 6 cm. Tablet has height 15 cm

Not drawn accurately

The area of the tablet screen is 420 cm\(^2\)

A screen costs £7000 per square metre.

Work out the cost of a screen for the phone. [5 marks]

Foundation November 2024 Paper 1 Q14

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksSimilar ShapesTransformations of Shapes

14

(a) On the grid, draw a shape congruent to triangle A. [1 mark]
Square grid with triangle A: vertical side 3 squares long, apex 3 squares to the right
(b) On the grid, enlarge shape B by scale factor \(\dfrac{1}{3}\) [2 marks]
Square grid with shape B: base 3 squares, left side 6 squares, right side 3 squares, joined by a sloping edge

Higher November 2023 Paper 2 Q25

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

25 Here are two square-based paving stones.

The stones are similar solids.

Two similar square-based paving stones; the smaller has base edge 20 cm and the larger has base edge 25 cm

The price per cm\(^3\) is the same for both stones.

The price of the larger stone is £17.50

Work out the price of the smaller stone. [4 marks]

Higher November 2023 Paper 3 Q19

19 \(AC\) is a diameter of a circle, centre \(E\).

\(E\) is the midpoint of \(BD\).

Circle with centre E and diameter AC; line BD passes through E with B and D outside the circle; triangles ABE and CDE are drawn

Not drawn accurately

Prove that triangle \(ABE\) is congruent to triangle \(CDE\). [4 marks]

Foundation November 2023 Paper 2 Q17

AQAFoundationCurrent spec2 marksSimilar Shapes

17

(a) A rectangle is drawn on a square grid.

On the grid, draw a congruent rectangle. [1 mark]

Square grid, 10 by 10, with a rectangle 4 squares wide and 2 squares high drawn on it
(b) Here is the rectangle on a different square grid.

On this grid, draw a similar rectangle which is not congruent. [1 mark]

Square grid, 10 by 10, with a rectangle 4 squares wide and 2 squares high drawn on it

Foundation June 2023 Paper 2 Q22

AQAFoundationCurrent spec2 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

22 Show that these two rectangles are similar. [2 marks]

Two rectangles: one 12 cm by 5 cm, the other 19.2 cm by 8 cm

Not drawn accurately

Higher June 2023 Paper 1 Q15

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

15 \(ABCD\) is a trapezium.

All four sides are different lengths.

\(AB\) is parallel to \(CD\).

The diagonals intersect at \(X\).

Trapezium ABCD with AB parallel to DC, AB at the top and DC at the bottom; diagonals AC and BD cross at X

Not drawn accurately

For each statement, tick the correct box. [4 marks]

TrueMay be trueNot true
Triangles \(AXB\) and \(CXD\) are similar
Triangles \(AXD\) and \(BXC\) are congruent
Angle \(ADB =\) angle \(BDC\)
Area of triangle \(ABC =\) area of triangle \(ABD\)

Higher June 2023 Paper 2 Q12

AQAHigherCurrent spec2 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

12 Show that these two rectangles are similar. [2 marks]

Rectangle 5 cm by 12 cm and rectangle 8 cm by 19.2 cm

Not drawn accurately

Higher November 2022 Paper 3 Q23

AQAHigherCurrent spec5 marksSimilar ShapesVolume & Surface Area

23 Alec makes a bowl for dog food from a solid wooden cone.

The sketches show how the bowl is made.

The cone has radius 9 cm and perpendicular height 30 cm

A smaller cone, with radius 6 cm, is removed.

Sketch of a cone of height 30 cm with base width labelled 9 cm; the top part (dashed) is a smaller cone with base width labelled 6 cm that is removed, leaving a frustum. Not drawn accurately
Volume of a cone \(= \dfrac{1}{3}\pi r^2 h\)
where \(r\) is the radius and \(h\) is the perpendicular height

A hemisphere with radius 6 cm is then removed.

Sketch of the frustum with a hemisphere of width labelled 6 cm removed from its top, leaving the bowl. Not drawn accurately
Volume of a hemisphere \(= \dfrac{2}{3}\pi r^3 \quad\) where \(r\) is the radius

Work out the volume of the remaining wood that forms the bowl. [5 marks]

Foundation November 2022 Paper 3 Q15

AQAFoundationCurrent spec2 marksSimilar ShapesTransformations of Shapes

15

(a) On the grid, shape A is shown.

One side of shape B is also shown.

Square grid showing L-shaped shape A and one vertical side, 3 squares long, of shape B

Complete shape B so that it is congruent to shape A. [1 mark]

(b) On this grid, shape C is shown.

One side of shape D is also shown.

Square grid showing triangle C with a horizontal side 3 squares long, and one horizontal side, 6 squares long, of shape D

Complete shape D so that it is an enlargement of shape C with scale factor 2 [1 mark]

Higher November 2022 Paper 2 Q13

AQAHigherCurrent spec5 marksPythagorasSimilar Shapes

13 Trapezium DEFG is formed by joining

triangle DEH
to
rectangle EFGH.

Right-angled triangle ABC with hypotenuse AB = 7 cm, AC = 4.2 cm and the right angle at C. Trapezium DEFG made of triangle DEH on top of rectangle EFGH, with DH = 6 cm, HG = 7.5 cm and a right angle at H, not drawn accurately

ABC is similar to DEH.

Work out the area of DEFG. [5 marks]

Higher June 2022 Paper 2 Q13

AQAHigherCurrent spec7 marksSimilar ShapesVolume & Surface Area

13 Outside a cafe there is a large plastic ice cream cornet.

The cornet is a hemisphere on top of a cone.

Ice cream cornet: a hemisphere on top of an inverted cone

The cone and the hemisphere each have radius 24 cm

The cone has perpendicular height 117 cm

Volume of a cone \(= \dfrac{1}{3}\pi r^2 h\)
\(r\) is the radius
\(h\) is the perpendicular height
Volume of a hemisphere \(= \dfrac{2}{3}\pi r^3\)
\(r\) is the radius
(a) Work out the total volume of the cornet. [4 marks]
(b) The actual cornets that the cafe sells are similar to the plastic one.

For the actual cornets, the cone and the hemisphere each have radius 2 cm

How many times greater is the volume of the plastic cornet than an actual cornet? [3 marks]

Higher November 2021 Paper 3 Q26

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

26 Here are two similar cones.

Two similar cones, a smaller Cone A and a larger Cone B

The surface area of cone A is 2 m2

The surface area of cone B is 4.5 m2

Work out the ratio \(\qquad\) radius of cone A : radius of cone B

Give your answer in the form \(\quad 1 : n\) [3 marks]

Foundation November 2021 Paper 3 Q24

AQAFoundationCurrent spec1 markShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

24 Here are two rectangles.

Rectangle 40 mm by 28 mm and rectangle 50 mm by 35 mm

Not drawn accurately

Show that the rectangles are similar. [1 mark]

Higher November 2020 Paper 1 Q27

AQAHigherCurrent spec2 marksSimilar Shapes

27 A and B are similar solid cylinders.

base area of A : base area of B \(= 9 : 25\)

Complete these ratios. [2 marks]

curved surface area of A : curved surface area of B = ...... : ......
height of A : height of B = ...... : ......

Foundation November 2020 Paper 3 Q26

AQAFoundationCurrent spec2 marksSimilar Shapes

26 These two triangles are similar.

Triangle with sides 12 cm and 20 cm, angle y between them and angle x opposite the 12 cm side
Smaller triangle with sides a and 16 cm, angle y between them and angle x opposite side a

Not drawn accurately

Work out the value of \(a\). [2 marks]

Higher November 2020 Paper 3 Q9

AQAHigherCurrent spec2 marksSimilar Shapes

9 These two triangles are similar.

Two similar triangles, each with angles x and y. The first has sides 12 cm and 20 cm with angle y between them. The second has sides a and 16 cm with angle y between them

Not drawn accurately

Work out the value of \(a\). [2 marks]

Higher November 2019 Paper 2 Q23

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

23 Here are three similar cuboids, A, B and C.

A has length 5 cm, width 2 cm and height 3 cm
B has length 10 cm
C has length \(x\) cm

Three similar cuboids. A has length 5 cm, width 2 cm and height 3 cm. B has length 10 cm. C has length x cm
(a) The total surface area of A is 62 cm2

Tim wants to work out the total surface area of B.

Here is his working.

\(10 \div 5 = 2\)
\(62 \times 2 = 124\)
Total surface area of B = 124 cm2

Make one criticism of Tim’s method. [1 mark]

(b) Volume of A \(\times \dfrac{125}{8} =\) Volume of C

Work out the value of \(x\). [3 marks]

Foundation June 2019 Paper 2 Q13

AQAFoundationCurrent spec2 marksSimilar Shapes

13 Here are two similar shapes, A and B.

Two similar shapes, A and B, each made of four arrow shapes; B is larger

Not drawn accurately

length of edges in A : length of edges in B = 2 : 5

The perimeter of A is 210 mm

Work out the perimeter of B. [2 marks]

Higher June 2019 Paper 1 Q9

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircles & SectorsSimilar Shapes

9 A shaded semicircle is inside a circle as shown.

A circle with radius 10 cm, containing a shaded semicircle of diameter 8 cm

Not drawn accurately

The radius of the circle is 10 cm

The diameter of the semicircle is 8 cm

How many times bigger is the unshaded area than the shaded area? [4 marks]

Higher November 2018 Paper 1 Q23

AQAHigherCurrent spec5 marksPrismsSimilar Shapes

23 Prisms A and B are similar.

The cross sections are shaded.

Prism A with volume 480 cm³ and a larger similar Prism B with length 30 cm; the trapezium cross sections are shaded

area of the cross section of A : area of the cross section of B = 4 : 9

Work out the area of the cross section of B. [5 marks]

Higher November 2018 Paper 3 Q23

AQAHigherCurrent spec5 marksPythagorasSimilar Shapes

23 The diagram shows the side view of a step ladder with a horizontal strut of length 48 cm

The strut is one third of the way up the ladder.

The symmetrical cross section of the ladder shows two similar triangles.

Not drawn accurately

Side view of a step ladder standing on the ground: an isosceles triangle with slant side 141 cm, a horizontal strut of 48 cm and vertical height h cm

Work out the vertical height, \(h\) cm, of the ladder. [5 marks]

Foundation June 2018 Paper 3 Q25

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

25 A and B are similar shapes.

B is an enlargement of A with scale factor 1.5

Two similar arrow-head shapes. A: top angle 54°, slanting top edge w, vertical side 5 cm. B: top angle x, slanting top edge 9 cm, vertical side h

Not drawn accurately

Work out the values of \(x\), \(h\) and \(w\). [3 marks]

Higher June 2018 Paper 2 Q23

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

23 Solids X and Y are similar.

X has volume 64 cm\(^3\)
Y has volume 343 cm\(^3\)

The surface area of X is 176 cm\(^2\)

Work out the surface area of Y. [3 marks]

Higher June 2018 Paper 3 Q6

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

6 A and B are similar shapes.

B is an enlargement of A with scale factor 1.5

Two similar arrow-head shapes. Shape A has apex angle 54 degrees, a vertical side of 5 cm and a sloping edge labelled w. Shape B has apex angle x, a sloping edge of 9 cm and a vertical side h

Not drawn accurately

Work out the values of \(x\), \(h\) and \(w\). [3 marks]

Higher November 2017 Paper 1 Q17

AQAHigherCurrent spec1 markSimilar Shapes

17 A and B are similar solids.

Solidlength (cm)
A\(l\)
B\(2l\)

Alex says,

“The volume of B is double the volume of A
because the length of B is double the length of A.”

Is he correct?

Tick a box.

  • Yes
  • No

Give a reason for your answer. [1 mark]

Higher June 2017 Paper 1 Q28

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar ShapesVolume & Surface Area

28 Volume of cone \(= \dfrac{1}{3}\pi r^2 h\) \(\;\) where \(r\) is the radius and \(h\) is the perpendicular height.

A cone has a

  • horizontal base of radius 5 cm
  • height of 15 cm

The cone contains water to a depth of 9 cm

Cone with vertex at the top, height 15 cm and base radius 5 cm. The bottom 9 cm is shaded as water

Work out the volume of the water, in cm\(^3\)

Give your answer in terms of \(\pi\). [4 marks]

Higher June 2017 Paper 1 Q22

AQAHigherCurrent spec1 markSimilar Shapes

22 PRT and QRS are similar triangles.

Triangle PRT with Q on PR and S on RT. QS is parallel to PT (arrows)

Not drawn accurately

Which of these is equivalent to \(\dfrac{QR}{PR}\)?

Circle your answer. [1 mark]

  • \(\dfrac{RS}{ST}\)
  • \(\dfrac{QS}{PT}\)
  • \(\dfrac{PT}{QS}\)
  • \(\dfrac{RT}{RS}\)

Foundation June 2017 Paper 3 Q16

AQAFoundationCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

16 Triangles \(ABC\) and \(DEF\) are similar.

Triangle ABC with AB = x cm, BC = 3 cm and angle C = 53°. Larger triangle DEF with DE = 9 cm, EF = 6 cm and angle F = y

Not drawn accurately

(a) Work out the value of \(x\). [2 marks]
(b) Write down the size of angle \(y\). [1 mark]

Higher June 2017 Paper 3 Q8

AQAHigherCurrent spec2 marksSimilar Shapes

8 This shape is made from two triangles and four congruent parallelograms.

Two rows, one above the other. Each row is a parallelogram, a triangle pointing up, then another parallelogram, all fitted together along a straight base

Not drawn accurately

For each statement, tick the correct box.

(a) The triangles are equilateral. [1 mark]
  • Must be true
  • Could be true
  • Must be false
(b) The triangles are congruent. [1 mark]
  • Must be true
  • Could be true
  • Must be false

Foundation June 2025 Paper 2 Q22

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

22 The diagram shows a rectangle ABCD with diagonal AC.

Rectangle with D top left, C top right, B bottom right and A bottom left, with the diagonal AC drawn

Not to scale

Complete each statement to show that triangle ABC is congruent to triangle ADC.

Angle ADC = angle .................. because both angles are \(90^\circ\).
Side AD = side .................. because opposite sides of a rectangle are equal.
Side CD = side .................. because ......................................................

The above three statements show that triangle ABC is congruent to triangle ADC because of .................. [4]

Foundation June 2025 Paper 3 Q19

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

19 The diagram shows two similar cuboids, X and Y.

Two cuboids: X with height 5 cm, and a larger similar cuboid Y

Not to scale

Cuboid X has a square base with area 16 cm\(^2\) and height 5 cm.
Cuboid Y has a square base with area 36 cm\(^2\).

Work out the height of cuboid Y.
You must show your working. [4]

Higher June 2025 Paper 6 Q13

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

13 The diagram shows two similar triangles, AEB and ADC.

Triangle ADC with E on AD and B on AC; EB is parallel to DC. AB = 8 cm, BE = 5 cm and CD = 17.5 cm

Not to scale

AB = 8 cm, BE = 5 cm and CD = 17.5 cm

Work out the length of BC. [3]

Higher June 2025 Paper 5 Q12

12

Triangle ABC with A at the top, B at the bottom left and C at the bottom right; D is on AC and BD is perpendicular to AC

Not to scale

ABC is an equilateral triangle.
BD is perpendicular to AC.

Prove that triangle ABD is congruent to triangle CBD. [4]

Foundation November 2024 Paper 1 Q25

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

25 Triangles ABC and PQR are mathematically similar.
Angle ACB = Angle PRQ.
Angle ABC = Angle PQR.

Triangle ABC with BC = 8 cm and AC = 12 cm, and a larger triangle PQR with PR = 45 cm; matching angles are marked at B and Q and at C and R

Not to scale

The perimeter of triangle PQR is 99 cm.

Find the length of PQ. [4]

Higher November 2024 Paper 4 Q19

OCRHigherCurrent spec6 marksSimilar Shapes

19 Two ornaments, A and B, are mathematically similar.
The table shows information about the two ornaments.

Ornament AOrnament B
Height (m)\(h\)12
Surface area (m2)216\(A\)
Volume (m3)2403750

Find the value of \(h\) and the value of \(A\).
You must show your working. [6]

Higher November 2024 Paper 4 Q11

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

11 Triangles ABC and PQR are mathematically similar.
Angle ACB = Angle PRQ.
Angle ABC = Angle PQR.

Triangle ABC with BC = 8 cm and AC = 12 cm, and a larger triangle PQR with RP = 45 cm. Matching angles at B and Q, and at C and R, are marked

Not to scale

The perimeter of triangle PQR is 99 cm.

Find the length of PQ. [4]

Foundation June 2024 Paper 3 Q18

18 The diagram shows two straight lines AB and DC that intersect at P.
DA is parallel to BC.

Lines AB and DC crossing at P, with A top left, D bottom left, C top right and B bottom right; DA and BC are vertical and marked parallel with arrows

Complete these statements to show that triangle PAD is similar to triangle PBC.

Angle  ADP  = angle  BCP  because they are  alternate  angles

Angle  APD  = angle ................ because they are ................................ angles

Angle ................ = angle ................ because they are ................................ angles

Triangle PAD is similar to triangle PBC because ................................................ [4]

Higher June 2024 Paper 5 Q16

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

16 Two prisms, A and B, are mathematically similar.

The ratio of the volume of prism A to the volume of prism B is 8 : 27.
The height of prism A is 6 cm.

Work out the height of prism B. [3]

Foundation November 2023 Paper 1 Q23

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

23

(a) The measurements, in centimetres, of two triangles are shown in the table.
Side 1Side 2Side 3
Triangle 12.53.24
Triangle 278.9611.2

Are the two triangles mathematically similar?
Show how you decide. [3]

(b) Are these two triangles definitely congruent?
Give a reason. [1]
Triangle ABC with angles A 70 degrees, B 105 degrees, C 47 degrees and triangle DEF with angles D 70 degrees, E 105 degrees, F 47 degrees; no side lengths given

Not to scale

Higher November 2023 Paper 4 Q15

15 P, Q, T and V are points on the circumference of a circle.
TV is a diameter of the circle.
M is a point on PQ such that PM = MQ.

Circle with chord PQ and diameter VT crossing at M, with PM and MQ marked equal; lines TP and TQ are drawn

Not to scale

Complete these sentences to show that triangle TMP is congruent to triangle TMQ.

Side PM = side MQ because it is given to you.

Angle PMT = angle …… because ……

Side MT is ……

Triangle TMP is congruent to triangle TMQ because …… [3]

Higher June 2023 Paper 6 Q15

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

15 Two bottles are mathematically similar.

The small bottle holds 0.5 litres and has a height of 35 cm.
The large bottle holds 2 litres.

Calculate the height of the large bottle. [4]

Foundation June 2023 Paper 3 Q11

OCRFoundationCurrent spec2 marksSimilar Shapes

11 The table shows four pairs of triangles.

For each pair, decide whether the two triangles are mathematically similar.
Write each answer, yes or no, in the second column of the table.

Table of four pairs of triangles, not to scale. Pair 1: angles 60, 70, 50 and 60, 70, 50. Pair 2: sides 6 cm, 3 cm, 7 cm and 12 cm, 6 cm, 14 cm. Pair 3: right-angled with sides 3, 4, 5 cm and 5, 12, 13 cm. Pair 4: sides 3 cm and 5 cm with 70 degrees between, and 6 cm and 10 cm with 70 degrees between. Second column: Mathematically similar? (yes/no)

[2]

Foundation November 2022 Paper 3 Q26

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

26 Triangles ABC and DEF are mathematically similar.
Angle ABC = Angle DEF.

Not to scale

Triangle ABC with AC = 25 cm and BC = 15 cm; triangle DEF with DE = 7 cm and FD = 10 cm; the angles at B and E are marked equal

Calculate the perimeter of triangle ABC.

.................... cm [4]

Higher November 2022 Paper 5 Q13

13 Points A, B, C and D lie on the circumference of a circle.
Line AC intersects line BD at point E.

Circle with points A (left), B (top right), C (bottom right) and D (bottom left) on the circumference; chords AC and BD cross at E; chords AD and BC are drawn

Not to scale

Prove that triangle AED is similar to triangle BEC. [3]

Higher November 2022 Paper 4 Q12

OCRHigherCurrent spec6 marksSimilar ShapesVolume & Surface Area

12 The diagram shows a sphere and a cone.

A sphere of radius 4 cm, and a cone with vertex at the bottom, top radius 15 cm and height 30 cm, containing water to a depth of d cm

Not to scale

The sphere has radius 4 cm.
The cone has radius 15 cm and height 30 cm.

The sphere is completely filled with water.
The same amount of water is poured into the cone.

Work out the depth, \(d\) cm, of the water in the cone.
You must show your working.

[The volume \(V\) of a sphere with radius \(r\) is \(V = \frac{4}{3}\pi r^3\).
The volume \(V\) of a cone with radius \(r\) and height \(h\) is \(V = \frac{1}{3}\pi r^2 h\).] [6]

Higher November 2022 Paper 6 Q8

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

8 Triangles ABC and DEF are mathematically similar.
Angle ABC = Angle DEF.

Triangle ABC with AC = 25 cm along the top and BC = 15 cm, angle B marked; triangle DEF with DF = 10 cm along the bottom and ED = 7 cm, angle E marked

Not to scale

Calculate the perimeter of triangle ABC. [4]

Foundation November 2022 Paper 3 Q4

OCRFoundationCurrent spec2 marksSimilar Shapes

4 On the grid are seven triangles, labelled A to G.

Square grid with seven triangles A to G of various sizes and orientations

Complete each statement by writing the letter of the correct triangle.

Triangle A is congruent to triangle ....................
Triangle B is mathematically similar to triangle .................... [2]

Higher June 2022 Paper 6 Q20

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar ShapesVolume & Surface Area

20 Two pyramids, A and B, are mathematically similar.
Pyramid A has surface area 12 cm² and volume 8 cm³.
Pyramid B has surface area 75 cm².

Work out the volume of pyramid B.
You must show your working. [4]

Higher June 2022 Paper 6 Q5

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

5 In each row of the table there are two triangles.

State whether the two triangles are congruent or not.
If they are congruent state a reason from SSS, SAS, ASA or RHS.

Table with columns Triangles, Congruent (yes/no) and Reason (SSS/SAS/ASA/RHS). Row 1: two triangles each with sides 8 cm, 10 cm and 11 cm. Row 2: two right-angled triangles, each with an angle of 40°; in the first the side of 9 cm lies between the right angle and the 40° angle, in the second the side of 9 cm is between the 40° angle and the right angle on the other side. Row 3: two triangles each with sides 6 cm and 7 cm and an angle of 50° opposite the 6 cm side. Each triangle pair is marked Not to scale.

[3]

Foundation November 2021 Paper 1 Q17

OCRFoundationCurrent spec2 marksSimilar Shapes

17 These two triangles are mathematically similar.

Two similar triangles. The smaller has sides 20 cm and 15 cm with a 20° angle between them. The larger has the corresponding sides 32 cm and x cm with a 20° angle between them

Not to scale

Work out the value of \(x\). [2]

Higher November 2021 Paper 4 Q11

11 The diagram shows triangles ABC and ADE.

Triangle ADE with B on AD and C on AE; BC is parallel to DE, shown by arrows

Not to scale

B lies on AD and C lies on AE.
BC is parallel to DE.

Complete these statements to show that triangles ABC and ADE are similar.

Angle ABC = angle ADE because they are corresponding angles.
Angle ACB = angle ........ because ........
Angle BAC is ........
Triangles ABC and ADE are similar because ........

[3]

Higher November 2020 Paper 6 Q13

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

13 In the diagram, AED and ABC are straight lines and BE is parallel to CD.

Triangle ACD with E on AD and B on AC; BE is parallel to CD

Not to scale

The ratio of length AB to length BC is 2 : 3.
Triangle ABE has an area of 8 cm2.

Work out the area of triangle ACD. [4]

Higher November 2020 Paper 5 Q9

9 In the diagram, AB and DC are parallel lines of equal length.

Quadrilateral ABCD with AB and DC marked parallel, and the diagonal DB drawn

Not to scale

Prove that angle DAB = angle BCD. [4]

Higher November 2020 Paper 5 Q7

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksSimilar Shapes

7 A pattern is made from four congruent right-angled triangles.

Four congruent right-angled triangles on x and y axes. Points A (4, 9), B (17, 12), C and D are marked; A and C lie on a horizontal line and D is below it

Not to scale

The line AC is parallel to the \(x\)-axis.
The point A has coordinates (4, 9) and the point B has coordinates (17, 12).

Work out the coordinates of point C and point D. [5]

Foundation November 2019 Paper 1 Q20

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

20

(a) Are these two triangles definitely congruent?
Give a reason.
Triangles ABC and DEF, each with angles 36 degrees, 64 degrees and 80 degrees and no lengths given

Not to scale

.................. because .................. [1]

(b) Prove that these two triangles are congruent.
Triangles GHI and JKL. GH = 9 cm, GI = 7 cm and angle HGI = 36 degrees; JK = 9 cm, JL = 7 cm and angle KJL = 36 degrees

Not to scale

[3]

Higher November 2019 Paper 4 Q13

OCRHigherCurrent spec6 marksSimilar Shapes

13

(a) A transport lorry consists of a cab and a trailer.
The trailer has a volume of 90 m3.
Alfie makes a model of this lorry using a scale of 1 : 72.

Work out the volume of the trailer in Alfie’s model, giving your answer in cm3. [3]

(b) Alfie paints his model lorry.
He has eight colours available.

He decides to paint the cab in one colour and the trailer in a different colour.

He then wants to paint his name on the trailer.
The name must be in a different colour to the trailer.

In how many different ways can Alfie paint his model lorry? [3]

Higher November 2019 Paper 4 Q11

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

11

(a) Are these two triangles definitely congruent?
Give a reason.
Triangle ABC with angles A = 36°, B = 64°, C = 80° and triangle DEF with angles D = 36°, E = 64°, F = 80°

Not to scale

[1]
(b) Prove that these two triangles are congruent.
Triangle GHI with GH = 9 cm, GI = 7 cm and angle G = 36°, and triangle JKL with JK = 9 cm, JL = 7 cm and angle J = 36°

Not to scale

[3]

Foundation June 2019 Paper 3 Q25

OCRFoundationCurrent spec3 marksSimilar Shapes

25 Are these two triangles mathematically similar?
Show how you decide.

Two right-angled triangles. The first has shorter sides 6 cm (vertical) and 10 cm (horizontal). The second has shorter sides 11 cm (vertical) and 15 cm (horizontal)

Not to scale

[3]

Higher June 2019 Paper 6 Q21

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

21 Toy building bricks are available in two sizes, small and large.
The small and large bricks are mathematically similar.

A small brick has volume 8 cm\(^3\) and width 2.1 cm.
A large brick has volume 15.625 cm\(^3\).

Calculate the width of a large brick. [4]

Higher June 2019 Paper 5 Q14

14 In the diagram AB is parallel to CD.
AED and BEC are straight lines.

AB parallel to CD, with AD and BC crossing at E

Not to scale

Prove that triangle ABE is similar to triangle CDE. [3]

Higher November 2018 Paper 4 Q19

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksSimilar Shapes

19 Two cylinders, A and B, are mathematically similar.

Cylinder A has volume 2400 cm\(^3\) and height 12 cm.
Cylinder B has volume 750 cm\(^3\).

Find the height of cylinder B.
Give your answer correct to an appropriate degree of accuracy. [5]

Higher November 2018 Paper 5 Q17

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksSimilar Shapes

17 The diagram consists of three mathematically similar shapes.
The heights of the shapes are in the ratio 1 : 4 : 5.

Three similar cross shapes one inside another: the smallest (unshaded) inside the middle one (shaded), inside the largest (unshaded border)

Not to scale

Find the ratio

total shaded area : total unshaded area.

Give your answer in its simplest form. [4]

Foundation June 2018 Paper 3 Q21

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

21 The diagram below shows two triangles.

Quadrilateral ABCD split by diagonal AC into triangles ABC and ACD. Angle ABC = 80 degrees, angle BAC = 56 degrees, angle CAD = 44 degrees and angle ADC = 80 degrees

Not to scale

Prove that triangle ABC is congruent to triangle ACD. [4]

Foundation June 2018 Paper 2 Q20

OCRFoundationCurrent spec6 marksSimilar Shapes

20

(a) Here are three similar triangles.
Three similar triangles with matching angles marked. Large triangle: sides 15 cm and 21 cm. Small triangle: sides 4 cm and x cm. Middle triangle: sides 5 cm and 8 cm

Not to scale

Work out the value of \(x\). [3]

(b) The diagram shows two right-angled triangles, OAB and OCD.
Triangle OCD with right angle at D, OD horizontal and CD = 7 cm vertical. A lies on OC and B lies on OD with AB = 4 cm vertical and a right angle at B. OB = 14 cm

Work out the length of BD. [3]

Higher June 2018 Paper 6 Q18

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksSimilar Shapes

18 Percy sells paint in standard tins and large tins.
The standard tin covers 40 m\(^2\) and the large tin covers 60 m\(^2\).

(a) Percy publishes this chart showing the area that can be covered with each tin of paint.
Bar chart of area in square metres: the standard tin bar is narrow with height 40; the large tin bar is wider with height 60

Explain why the chart is misleading. [1]

(b) The standard tin and the large tin are mathematically similar.
The volume of the large tin is 50% more than the volume of the standard tin.
Both tins are cylinders.
The radius of the standard tin is 10 cm.

Calculate the radius of the large tin. [4]

Higher June 2018 Paper 6 Q12

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksPythagorasShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

12 The diagram below shows two right-angled triangles.

Triangle QRS with a right angle at R, QR = 4 cm and RS = 8 cm; triangle PQS with a right angle at Q and PS = 10 cm; QS is a common side

Not to scale

Prove that triangles PQS and QRS are similar. [5]

Higher June 2018 Paper 6 Q11

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

11 The diagram below shows two triangles.

Quadrilateral ABCD split by diagonal AC into triangles ABC and ACD; angle ABC = 80 degrees, angle BAC = 56 degrees, angle CAD = 44 degrees and angle ADC = 80 degrees

Not to scale

Prove that triangle ABC is congruent to triangle ACD. [4]

Foundation November 2017 Paper 2 Q13

OCRFoundationCurrent spec3 marks2D Area & PerimeterSimilar Shapes

13 ABCD and PQRS are rectangles.
O is the centre of both rectangles.

Rectangle PQRS inside rectangle ABCD, both centred at O. Dotted diagonals AC and BD pass through the corners of PQRS. PQ = 6 cm and QR = 2 cm

Not to scale

AC is a straight line passing through P, O and R.
BD is a straight line passing through Q, O and S.

PQ = 6 cm and QR = 2 cm.
The perimeter of rectangle ABCD is 40 cm.

Work out the length and width of rectangle ABCD. [3]

Higher November 2017 Paper 6 Q13

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksSimilar Shapes

13 A model railway is built using the scale 1 : 87.

(a) On the model railway, the distance between the rails is 16.5 mm.
Section of railway track with two rails across sleepers; the gap between the rails is labelled distance between the rails

Calculate, in metres, the distance between the rails for a full-size train.

........................................ metres [2]

(b) The volume of a full-size train carriage is 220 m³.
Trevor calculates the volume of a model train carriage to be 334 cm³ correct to 3 significant figures.

Is Trevor’s calculation correct?
Show how you decide. [3]

Higher November 2017 Paper 5 Q10

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

10 ABCD is a quadrilateral.
AD = AB and CD = CB.

Kite ABCD with A at the top, B on the right, C at the bottom and D on the left

Not to scale

Prove that angle ADC is equal to angle ABC. [4]

Foundation June 2017 Paper 2 Q21

OCRFoundationCurrent spec4 marksPythagorasShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

21 Triangles P and Q are right-angled.

Right-angled triangle P with hypotenuse 13 cm and one shorter side 12 cm; right-angled triangle Q with shorter sides 5 cm and 12 cm

Not to scale

(a) Show that the two shorter sides in triangle P have the same lengths as the two shorter sides in triangle Q. [3]
(b) Explain why the two triangles are congruent. [1]

Higher June 2017 Paper 6 Q13

13 A and B are points on the circumference of a circle, centre O.
CA and CB are tangents to the circle.

Circle centre O with points A and B on the circumference; tangents CA and CB meet at C outside the circle; lines OA, OB and OC are drawn

Not to scale

Prove that triangle OAC is congruent to triangle OBC. [4]

Higher June 2017 Paper 6 Q9

OCRHigherCurrent spec7 marksSimilar ShapesTransformations of Shapes

9

(a) Triangle A is drawn on the grid.
Coordinate grid with x from −2 to 9 and y from −2 to 9; triangle A has vertices (5, 8), (8, 8) and (8, 2)

Enlarge triangle A with scale factor \(\frac{1}{3}\) and centre of enlargement (−1, 5). [3]

(b) Prism P and prism Q are similar.

The ratio of the surface area of prism P to the surface area of prism Q is 1 : 3.

(i) Jay says
The height of prism P is one third of the height of prism Q.

Explain why he is wrong. [1]

(ii) The volume of prism Q is 86 cm\(^3\).

Calculate the volume of prism P. [3]