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 show that the quadrilateral ABCD is a parallelogram, we need to verify that either:

  1. Both pairs of opposite sides are parallel, or
  2. Both pairs of opposite sides are equal in length.

I'll use the second method here: showing that opposite sides are equal in length.

Step 1: Distance formula

The distance between two points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) is given by:

distance=(x2x1)2+(y2y1)2\text{distance} = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}

Step 2: Find the lengths of sides AB, BC, CD, and DA.

Length of AB:

The coordinates of A and B are (2,3)(-2, 3) and (6,1)(6, 1), respectively. Applying the distance formula:

AB=(6(2))2+(13)2=(6+2)2+(2)2=82+(2)2=64+4=68AB = \sqrt{(6 - (-2))^2 + (1 - 3)^2} = \sqrt{(6 + 2)^2 + (-2)^2} = \sqrt{8^2 + (-2)^2} = \sqrt{64 + 4} = \sqrt{68}

AB=688.25AB = \sqrt{68} \approx 8.25

Length of CD:

The coordinates of C and D are (5,2)(5, -2) and (3,0)(-3, 0), respectively. Applying the distance formula:

CD=(5(3))2+(20)2=(5+3)2+(2)2=82+(2)2=64+4=68CD = \sqrt{(5 - (-3))^2 + (-2 - 0)^2} = \sqrt{(5 + 3)^2 + (-2)^2} = \sqrt{8^2 + (-2)^2} = \sqrt{64 + 4} = \sqrt{68}

CD=688.25CD = \sqrt{68} \approx 8.25

So, AB=CDAB = CD.

Length of AD:

The coordinates of A and D are (2,3)(-2, 3) and (3,0)(-3, 0), respectively. Applying the distance formula:

AD=(3(2))2+(03)2=(3+2)2+(3)2=(1)2+(3)2=1+9=10AD = \sqrt{(-3 - (-2))^2 + (0 - 3)^2} = \sqrt{(-3 + 2)^2 + (-3)^2} = \sqrt{(-1)^2 + (-3)^2} = \sqrt{1 + 9} = \sqrt{10}

AD=103.16AD = \sqrt{10} \approx 3.16

Length of BC:

The coordinates of B and C are (6,1)(6, 1) and (5,2)(5, -2), respectively. Applying the distance formula:

BC=(56)2+(21)2=(1)2+(3)2=1+9=10BC = \sqrt{(5 - 6)^2 + (-2 - 1)^2} = \sqrt{(-1)^2 + (-3)^2} = \sqrt{1 + 9} = \sqrt{10}

BC=103.16BC = \sqrt{10} \approx 3.16

So, AD=BCAD = BC.

Step 3: Conclusion

Since opposite sides AB=CDAB = CD and AD=BCAD = BC, the quadrilateral ABCD is a parallelogram.


Would you like any further details or have questions? Here are some additional topics to explore:

  1. How do you prove a parallelogram is a rhombus?
  2. How can you calculate the area of parallelogram

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Coordinate Geometry
Distance Formula
Properties of Parallelograms

Formulas

Distance formula: distance = sqrt((x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2)

Theorems

Properties of Parallelograms: Opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal in length

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10