Math Problem Statement

The diagonals of a quadrilateral ABCD intersect each other at the point O such that AO/BO = CO/DO. Show that ABCD is a trapezium.

Solution

This question asks to show that a quadrilateral ABCDABCD is a trapezium, given the condition:

AOBO=CODO\frac{AO}{BO} = \frac{CO}{DO}

where the diagonals ACAC and BDBD intersect at point OO.

Step-by-Step Solution:

We need to prove that ABCDABCD is a trapezium, which means one pair of opposite sides must be parallel (in this case, either ABDCAB \parallel DC or ADBCAD \parallel BC).

Step 1: Use the Converse of the Basic Proportionality Theorem (BPT)

The condition AOBO=CODO\frac{AO}{BO} = \frac{CO}{DO} implies that the diagonals divide each other proportionally at point OO.

The Converse of the Basic Proportionality Theorem states:

If a line divides two sides of a triangle in the same ratio, then that line is parallel to the third side.

Here, let’s apply this to two triangles:

  • Consider ABD\triangle ABD.
  • The condition AOBO=CODO\frac{AO}{BO} = \frac{CO}{DO} tells us that the line passing through OO, which is the diagonal ACAC, divides the sides ABAB and BDBD proportionally.

By the Converse of BPT, this means that ABDCAB \parallel DC.

Step 2: Conclude That ABCDABCD is a Trapezium

Since ABDCAB \parallel DC, it follows that the quadrilateral ABCDABCD is a trapezium by definition (one pair of opposite sides, ABAB and DCDC, are parallel).

Conclusion:

We have used the Converse of the Basic Proportionality Theorem to show that ABDCAB \parallel DC. Therefore, ABCDABCD is a trapezium.

Would you like any clarification on this method? Here are some questions to explore further:

  1. Can you apply the Basic Proportionality Theorem to any other quadrilateral?
  2. How would you prove that a different pair of sides is parallel in a similar problem?
  3. What happens if AOBOCODO\frac{AO}{BO} \neq \frac{CO}{DO}? Would it still be a trapezium?
  4. How does the converse of BPT differ from the direct BPT application?
  5. Can you use this theorem in other geometric shapes like parallelograms or rectangles?

Tip:

Whenever you see that diagonals or lines divide sides of triangles or quadrilaterals in the same ratio, think about using BPT or its converse to check for parallel lines!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Quadrilaterals
Trapezium

Formulas

Proportionality in triangles

Theorems

Converse of the Basic Proportionality Theorem (BPT)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10