Alex used a graphic design tool to increase the base and height of a right triangle, each by 35%. The original base was 8 inches long. The original height was 12 inches long.

Part A: By how many square inches did the area increase after Alex increased the base and the height? (Hint: Area of a triangle 1 over 2 times base times height .) Explain your reasoning.


Part B: Is the new triangle similar to the original triangle? Why or why not? Explain your reasoning.