[Math] Perpendicular lines create a similar triangle

geometry

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In my physics book, it says that since both $V_1$ and $V_2$ are perpendicular to the lines joining them to the center of the circle (the blue radius lines), this means that the blue lined triangle (when joined) is a similar triangle to ($V_1 + \Delta V)$, thus making the angle between $V_2, V_1$ being $\theta$.

This is confusing for me, because when searching the internet, it says that there are only two means of a triangle being similar to another, SSS, SAS, and AAA. This text does not meet any of the rules. What am I missing?

Best Answer

The angle beween $V_1$ and $V_2$ is $\theta$ because $V_2$ is obtained by a rotation of $V_1$ by $\theta$, as you can check by translating them to the origin ($V_1$ forms an angle $\pi/2$ with the $X$-axis, while $V_2$ $\pi/2+\theta$). If you want to translate this in a language of similiar triangels you can, but personally I see it more clearly by thinking about rotations.

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