[Math] Proving a right triangle with an altitude have two similar triangles

geometry

Q. Create a right triangle and draw an altitude to the hypotenuse.
When dragging the points of the right triangle, noticed that the two
smaller triangles that are formed within the larger right triangle
appear to always be similar to each other, and more surprisingly, seem
to always be similar to the big triangle. How do you prove it?

I am having a hard time proving this because I was taught that if we want to prove triangles similar we need two angles but I can only find one.

Let ABC be a right triangle with altitude AD. I need to show triangle ADB and ADC are similar. ADB and ADC are right angles so they are equal to each other.

Any idea how to get the 2nd angle?

Best Answer

Whether you add angles DAC to BAD or ACD, the result ( sum total) is same, equal to 90 degrees. So they are equal.

$$ \angle BAD = \angle ACD $$

similarly

$$ \angle DBA= \angle DAC $$

You said

$$ \angle ADB = \angle CDA = 90^{0} $$

Done.