If the scale factor of two similar figures is ab, then the ratio of their areas is a^2b^2.
With this in mind, consider the given similar figures. Let x be the area of the smaller isosceles trapezoid.
We have two corresponding sides of similar figures that measure 12 meters and 18 meters. Let's find the scale factor.
Scale Factor: 12/18=2/3
The scale factor for our figures is 23. Using this, we can find the ratio of the areas.
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Scale Factor & & Ratio of the Areas [0.8em]
2/3 & ⇒ & 2^2/3^2= 4/9
Finally, we will write and solve the proportion using the ratio of the areas and the area of the larger figure, which is 121m^2.
