Math Problem Statement

Triangle $ABC$ has $\angle ACB = 90^{\circ}$. Point $D$ is on side $\overline{AB}$ such that $AD = CD$. Prove that $D$ is the midpoint of $\overline{AB}$. [asy] pair A, B, C, D; A = (-5,0); D = (0,0); B = (5,0); C = (-3,4); draw(A--B--C--cycle); draw(C--D, dotted); label("$A$", A, SW); label("$B$", B, SE); label("$C$", C, N); label("$D$", D, S); [/asy] Since A D

C D , is isosceles, giving the equal angles

; let the measure of these angles be x ∘ . Then, ∠ D C B

90 ∘ − x ∘ . Since the angles of add to 180 ∘ , ∠ A B C + ∠ A C B + ∠ B A C

90 ∘ + x ∘

180 ∘ , and solving gives

90 ∘ − x ∘ . Therefore,

, so is isosceles. Therefore, B D

C D

A D , and we conclude that D is the midpoint of ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ A B . ∠ A C B ∠ D A C ∠ D B C ∠ D C A ∠ D C B △ A D C △ C D B △ A B C ∠ C D A ∠ C D B

Solution

To prove that DD is the midpoint of AB\overline{AB} given that ABC\triangle ABC has ACB=90\angle ACB = 90^\circ and AD=CDAD = CD, we can proceed as follows:

Step-by-Step Proof

  1. Identify Triangle Properties:

    • ABC\triangle ABC is a right triangle with ACB=90\angle ACB = 90^\circ.
    • Point DD is on side AB\overline{AB} such that AD=CDAD = CD.
  2. Triangles ACD\triangle ACD and BCD\triangle BCD:

    • Since AD=CDAD = CD, ACD\triangle ACD is isosceles with DAC=DCA\angle DAC = \angle DCA.
    • Let these angles each be xx^\circ. So, DAC=DCA=x\angle DAC = \angle DCA = x^\circ.
  3. Angle Calculation:

    • In ACD\triangle ACD, the sum of angles must be 180180^\circ. Therefore, DAC+DCA+ACD=x+x+90=180.\angle DAC + \angle DCA + \angle ACD = x^\circ + x^\circ + 90^\circ = 180^\circ.
    • Simplifying, 2x+90=1802x^\circ + 90^\circ = 180^\circ.
    • So, 2x=902x^\circ = 90^\circ and x=45x^\circ = 45^\circ. Thus, DAC=DCA=45\angle DAC = \angle DCA = 45^\circ.
  4. Consider Triangle BCD\triangle BCD:

    • Since ACB=90\angle ACB = 90^\circ, we have: BCD=90x=9045=45.\angle BCD = 90^\circ - x^\circ = 90^\circ - 45^\circ = 45^\circ.
    • Hence, BCD=45\angle BCD = 45^\circ.
  5. Identify Isosceles Triangles:

    • In BCD\triangle BCD, since DCB=45\angle DCB = 45^\circ and BCD=45\angle BCD = 45^\circ, BCD\triangle BCD is also isosceles with BD=CDBD = CD.
  6. Conclude DD is the Midpoint of AB\overline{AB}:

    • Since AD=CDAD = CD and BD=CDBD = CD, we have AD=BDAD = BD.
    • Therefore, DD is equidistant from AA and BB, which means DD is the midpoint of AB\overline{AB}.

Summary:

Since AD=BDAD = BD, point DD divides AB\overline{AB} into two equal parts. Hence, DD is the midpoint of AB\overline{AB}.

Would you like more details or have any questions? Here are some related problems:

  1. How would the proof change if ACB\angle ACB was not 9090^\circ?
  2. What properties of isosceles triangles are crucial in this proof?
  3. Can you prove that ACD\triangle ACD and BCD\triangle BCD are congruent?
  4. How would the coordinates of DD relate to AA and BB if ABC\triangle ABC was placed on a coordinate plane?
  5. What is the significance of ACB=90\angle ACB = 90^\circ in the proof?

Tip: Remember, identifying isosceles triangles can often simplify complex geometric proofs by providing equal angles and sides!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Isosceles Triangles
Right Triangles

Formulas

-

Theorems

Isosceles Triangle Theorem
Angle Sum Property of Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10