Math Problem Statement

Take three types of triangles (Acute, Obtuse and Right angled triangles) now mark mid point of any two sides. Join these midpoint and prove that the line so formed is parallel to third side.| Hint: See Pair of corresponding angles are equal)

Solution

To prove that the line joining the midpoints of two sides of a triangle is parallel to the third side, we will apply the Midpoint Theorem. The Midpoint Theorem states that:

"The line segment joining the midpoints of two sides of a triangle is parallel to the third side and is half its length."

Given:

  • A triangle with three sides.
  • We mark the midpoints of any two sides.
  • The line joining these midpoints needs to be proven parallel to the third side.

Let’s break it down into the three types of triangles: Acute, Obtuse, and Right-angled triangles.

1. For an Acute Triangle:

Step 1: Setup

  • Consider triangle ABCABC.
  • Let DD be the midpoint of side ABAB, and EE be the midpoint of side ACAC.
  • We need to prove that line DEDE is parallel to side BCBC.

Step 2: Apply the Midpoint Theorem

  • According to the Midpoint Theorem, the line segment joining two midpoints of any two sides of a triangle is parallel to the third side.
  • Thus, the line DEDE is parallel to side BCBC and DE=12BCDE = \frac{1}{2} BC.

Step 3: Corresponding Angles

  • The corresponding angles formed by the transversal ABAB cutting the parallel lines DEDE and BCBC are equal.

Thus, in an acute triangle, the line joining the midpoints of two sides is parallel to the third side.

2. For an Obtuse Triangle:

Step 1: Setup

  • Consider an obtuse triangle PQRPQR, where angle QPRQPR is obtuse.
  • Let MM be the midpoint of side PQPQ, and NN be the midpoint of side PRPR.
  • We need to prove that the line MNMN is parallel to side QRQR.

Step 2: Apply the Midpoint Theorem

  • By the Midpoint Theorem, the line joining the midpoints MM and NN is parallel to the third side QRQR.
  • Thus, MNQRMN \parallel QR and MN=12QRMN = \frac{1}{2} QR.

Step 3: Corresponding Angles

  • The transversal PQPQ cuts the parallel lines MNMN and QRQR, and the corresponding angles formed are equal.

Thus, in an obtuse triangle, the line joining the midpoints of two sides is parallel to the third side.

3. For a Right-angled Triangle:

Step 1: Setup

  • Consider a right-angled triangle XYZXYZ with the right angle at XX.
  • Let PP be the midpoint of side XYXY, and QQ be the midpoint of side XZXZ.
  • We need to prove that line PQPQ is parallel to side YZYZ.

Step 2: Apply the Midpoint Theorem

  • By the Midpoint Theorem, the line joining the midpoints PP and QQ is parallel to the third side YZYZ.
  • Thus, PQYZPQ \parallel YZ and PQ=12YZPQ = \frac{1}{2} YZ.

Step 3: Corresponding Angles

  • The transversal XYXY cuts the parallel lines PQPQ and YZYZ, and the corresponding angles formed are equal.

Thus, in a right-angled triangle, the line joining the midpoints of two sides is parallel to the third side.


Conclusion:

For all three types of triangles (Acute, Obtuse, and Right-angled), the line joining the midpoints of two sides is parallel to the third side. This is a direct application of the Midpoint Theorem, and

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Triangles
Parallel Lines

Formulas

Midpoint Theorem

Theorems

Midpoint Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10