Math Problem Statement

In the figure below, points D, E, and F are the midpoints of the sides of triangle ABC. Given DF = 34, AC = 48, and BC = 78, find the lengths of DE, AB, and BE.

Solution

To solve this problem, let's analyze the given information step by step.

Given:

  • Points DD, EE, and FF are midpoints of the sides of ABC\triangle ABC.
  • DF=34DF = 34, AC=48AC = 48, and BC=78BC = 78.

Using Midpoint Theorem:

  1. Midsegment Theorem: The segment joining the midpoints of two sides of a triangle is parallel to the third side and half its length.
    • DFDF is parallel to ABAB and DF=12ABDF = \frac{1}{2} \cdot AB.
    • DEDE is parallel to BCBC and DE=12BCDE = \frac{1}{2} \cdot BC.
    • EFEF is parallel to ACAC and EF=12ACEF = \frac{1}{2} \cdot AC.

Calculations:

  1. Finding ABAB: Since DF=34DF = 34 and DF=12ABDF = \frac{1}{2} \cdot AB, AB=2DF=234=68.AB = 2 \cdot DF = 2 \cdot 34 = 68.

  2. Finding DEDE: Since DE=12BCDE = \frac{1}{2} \cdot BC and BC=78BC = 78, DE=1278=39.DE = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 78 = 39.

  3. Finding BEBE: Since BEBE is half of BCBC because EE is the midpoint of BCBC, BE=12BC=1278=39.BE = \frac{1}{2} \cdot BC = \frac{1}{2} \cdot 78 = 39.

Final Answers:

  • DE=39DE = 39,
  • AB=68AB = 68,
  • BE=39BE = 39.

Would you like a detailed explanation of the midsegment theorem or any other part? Here are some related questions for further exploration:

  1. How does the Midpoint Theorem simplify solving triangle problems?
  2. What happens when all midsegments of a triangle are drawn?
  3. Could these midsegments form another triangle within ABC\triangle ABC?
  4. What are the proportional relationships between the original triangle and the inner triangle?
  5. How could these calculations apply in a coordinate geometry context?

Tip: Always check midpoint and parallel segment relationships for similar triangles when using the Midpoint Theorem!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Triangle Geometry
Midpoint Theorem
Proportions in Geometry

Formulas

Midsegment length = 1/2 × length of the parallel side
Length of a side = 2 × corresponding midsegment length

Theorems

Midpoint Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10