Question

if these two shapes are similar, what is the measure of the missing length b?
(image of two similar shapes: left shape has side b and 1 ft, right shape has sides 6 ft and 2 ft)
b = \boxed{} feet

Explanation:

Step1: Find similarity ratio

The corresponding sides are 1 ft and 2 ft, so the ratio of the smaller shape to the larger shape is $\frac{1}{2}$.

Step2: Set up proportion for $b$

Since similar shapes have proportional sides, $\frac{b}{6} = \frac{1}{2}$.

Step3: Solve for $b$

Multiply both sides by 6: $b = 6 \times \frac{1}{2}$

Answer:

3 feet