Congruent’ and ‘Similar’ are the terms that are used in the mathematical concepts of shapes, sizes, and figures.
Congruent figures have the same structure, size, and shape and can be wholly superimposed onto each other.
Similar figures look alike in shape but do not have the exact measurements as the other figure.
Key Takeaways
- Congruent shapes have the same size and shape; similar shapes have the same shape but may differ in size.
- Congruent shapes can be superimposed on one another; similar shapes can be resized or scaled to match one another.
- Both congruent and similar shapes share identical angles, but congruent shapes have equal side lengths, while similar shapes have proportional side lengths.
Congruent vs Similar
Congruent shapes are identical in shape and size, meaning they can be perfectly overlaid on each other. Similar shapes, on the other hand, have the same shape but may differ in size, maintaining the same proportions but not necessarily the same dimensions.
Congruent figures might or might not have the same placing orientation in general or in 3D, whereas similar figures can’t have the same placing or exposure.
Congruent figures are accurate geometric figures that can be placed and rotated to superimpose each other and produce replicas. Still, similar figures can’t replicate each other because they are unequal in size.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Congruent | Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Congruent is the term that refers to the figures or anything, in general, that is the same in size and shape and can superimpose each other. | Similar is used for the figures or other things that resemble each other in size and shape but are not identical in measurements. |
| Principle | Congruent figures follow the mathematical principle of the S.S.S theorem, where the measurements of all sides and angles in two figures are the same. | Similar or identical figures do not follow any such rule. The two figures’ shapes, sides, and angles can vary differently. |
| Precision | Congruent figures are geometrically precise and superimposing figures. | Similar is the loosed term to define identical figures that resemble each other in shape largely. |
| Orientation | Congruent figures superimpose each other even when they are placed in different orientations. That can be done by rotating the statistics. | Similar figures do not superimpose each other even when placed in the same orientation. |
| Multiplicity of meanings | Congruent can also be used as an adjective to describe objects or experiences that can be superimposed or are coincidental. | Similar can also be used as an adjective to describe things or objects linked because of their similar nature. It is also used for comparisons. |
What is meant by the term Congruent?
Congruent is the term used to refer to figures, shapes, objects, or anything that have equal dimensions of shape and size.
These figures superimpose each other entirely because of their equal size and measure.
These are the accurate mathematical and geometrical figures that follow the S.S.S (side, side, side) theorem, meaning they have all sides and angles equal.
These figures can be superimposed on each other, even in different orientations or placed just by rotating them till they fit together.
Congruent figures are identical in terms of dimensions and use the concepts of precision in the mathematical world.
‘Congruent’ as a term can be used in multiple ways. In some cases, it is used as an adjective to precisely describe the objects or experiences that are superimposed or coincidental.
It can also define the motivational or intrinsically linked ideals and principles of people.
What is meant by the term Similar?
Similar is the loose term used to define figures that look identical in shape and size.
These figures do not superimpose each other because they are not equal in dimensions.
Thus, these figures do not produce replicas of each other.
Similar figures do not follow mathematical concepts or principles because they are not equal in dimensions or shape.
These figures can be used for comparison purposes or to get a rough idea about the shapes and sizes.
They do not superimpose and never fit in each other’s orientation of placing.
The term ‘similar’ can also be used in multiple contexts. It is used as an adjective to compare or link objects or experiences of a similar nature.
The similarity is not the precise concept but helps the person get a brief hint of the principles and ideals linked together.
Main Differences Between Congruent and Similar
- Congruent is the term used for the figures or shapes that are identical to each other in terms of shape and size, whereas similar is the term that refers to figures that look alike but do not have equal dimensions.
- Congruent is the precise term that is generally used for identical and geometric figures, whereas similar is the term that is used to get a loose idea about the statistics.
- The concept of congruent figures follows tough mathematical principles and theorems, whereas similar figures do not follow any such images.
- Congruent figures superimpose each other and can produce replicas, whereas similar figures can’t superimpose each other.
- The term congruent can be used as an adjective to denote the coincidental and superimposed incidents, whereas similar is used to define the experience or objects of similar nature.
- https://study.com/academy/lesson/similar-figures-definition-examples.htm
- lhttps://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/congruent
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
