Short Answer 
To determine if two triangles are similar, first identify corresponding sides and angles. Next, check if all corresponding angles are equal, and finally compare the ratios of corresponding sides; if all ratios are equal, the triangles are similar.
Step 1: Identify Corresponding Parts
The first step in determining if two triangles are similar is to identify the corresponding sides and angles in each triangle. This means matching each angle in one triangle with the angle in the other triangle that it corresponds with, as well as matching each side to its equivalent side. Establishing these pairs is crucial for the next steps in the process.
Step 2: Check Angle Equality
The next step is to check if the corresponding angles of the two triangles are equal. If all pairs of corresponding angles are equal, you have one criterion that indicates the triangles may be similar. Remember, angle equality is a fundamental property of similar triangles, and all angles must match for similarity to hold.
Step 3: Compare Side Ratios
The final step involves forming ratios of the lengths of the corresponding sides of the triangles. Calculate the ratios of each pair of corresponding sides and compare them. If all these ratios are equal, you can conclude that the triangles are similar. If any ratio differs, the triangles are not similar, regardless of the angle measures.