Math Problem Statement

ΔABC and ΔDBC are two right-angled triangles on the same hypotenuse BC. BD intersects AC at the point P. Prove that AP·PC = BP·PD.

Solution

The problem asks us to prove that:

APPC=BPPDAP \cdot PC = BP \cdot PD

Given:

  • Triangles ABC\triangle ABC and DBC\triangle DBC are right-angled on the same hypotenuse BCBC.
  • Line segment BDBD intersects ACAC at point PP.

To Prove: APPC=BPPDAP \cdot PC = BP \cdot PD

This kind of geometric problem usually suggests that we use properties of similar triangles and intersecting chords. Here's how we can prove this:

Proof:

  1. Triangles ABC\triangle ABC and DBC\triangle DBC: Since both triangles are right-angled on the same hypotenuse BCBC, they share some angles:

    • ABC=DBC=90\angle ABC = \angle DBC = 90^\circ
    • BAC=BDC\angle BAC = \angle BDC (since they are opposite angles of the right-angled triangles)
  2. Use of Intersecting Chord Theorem: The key theorem that applies here is the Intersecting Chord Theorem. This theorem states that if two chords of a circle intersect each other, the product of the segments of one chord equals the product of the segments of the other chord.

    Here, points AA, BB, CC, DD, and PP form such a configuration, with BDBD intersecting ACAC at point PP.

    Therefore, by the intersecting chord theorem, we can directly conclude: APPC=BPPDAP \cdot PC = BP \cdot PD

This concludes the proof.

Would you like to see more details or have any questions?


Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. What other theorems in geometry are useful for proving properties of intersecting chords?
  2. Can the intersecting chord theorem be used in non-right-angled triangles?
  3. How does the similarity of triangles help in geometric proofs?
  4. What happens if point PP lies on the hypotenuse instead of intersecting ACAC?
  5. How would you prove this statement using coordinate geometry?

Tip: When dealing with geometric proofs, drawing diagrams and marking known angles and lengths can often simplify the problem significantly.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Right-Angled Triangles
Intersecting Chord Theorem

Formulas

AP·PC = BP·PD

Theorems

Intersecting Chord Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12