Math Problem Statement

Given the points A(-2, 3), B(6, 1), C(5,-2) and D(-3, 0), show that ABCD is a parallelogram.

Solution

To prove that the quadrilateral ABCD is a parallelogram, we need to show that the opposite sides are parallel. This can be done by proving that the slopes of opposite sides are equal.

Step 1: Find the slope of AB and CD.

The formula for the slope between two points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) is:

slope=y2y1x2x1\text{slope} = \frac{y_2 - y_1}{x_2 - x_1}

Slope of AB:

The coordinates of A and B are (2,3)(-2, 3) and (6,1)(6, 1), respectively.

slope of AB=136(2)=26+2=28=14\text{slope of AB} = \frac{1 - 3}{6 - (-2)} = \frac{-2}{6 + 2} = \frac{-2}{8} = -\frac{1}{4}

Slope of CD:

The coordinates of C and D are (5,2)(5, -2) and (3,0)(-3, 0), respectively.

slope of CD=0(2)35=28=14\text{slope of CD} = \frac{0 - (-2)}{-3 - 5} = \frac{2}{-8} = -\frac{1}{4}

Since the slopes of AB and CD are equal (1/4)(-1/4), the sides AB and CD are parallel.

Step 2: Find the slope of AD and BC.

Slope of AD:

The coordinates of A and D are (2,3)(-2, 3) and (3,0)(-3, 0), respectively.

slope of AD=033(2)=33+2=31=3\text{slope of AD} = \frac{0 - 3}{-3 - (-2)} = \frac{-3}{-3 + 2} = \frac{-3}{-1} = 3

Slope of BC:

The coordinates of B and C are (6,1)(6, 1) and (5,2)(5, -2), respectively.

slope of BC=2156=31=3\text{slope of BC} = \frac{-2 - 1}{5 - 6} = \frac{-3}{-1} = 3

Since the slopes of AD and BC are equal (3), the sides AD and BC are parallel.

Conclusion:

Since opposite sides AB and CD, as well as AD and BC, are parallel, quadrilateral ABCD is a parallelogram.


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

  1. How do you determine if a quadrilateral is a rectangle?
  2. How do you calculate the area of a parallelogram given four points?
  3. What are the properties of a parallelogram?
  4. How do you find the lengths of the sides of a parallelogram using coordinates?
  5. Can a parallelogram be inscribed in a circle?

Tip: When checking for parallel lines in coordinate geometry, always compare the slopes of opposite sides.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Coordinate Geometry
Parallelograms
Slopes of Lines

Formulas

Slope formula: slope = (y2 - y1) / (x2 - x1)

Theorems

If both pairs of opposite sides of a quadrilateral are parallel, then the quadrilateral is a parallelogram.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10