Math Problem Statement

回答

In the diagram above, P and Q are the midpoints of YZ and XZ respectively. Show that 4 × Area(ΔPQZ) = Area(ΔXYZ).

Solution

The problem states that in the given diagram, PP and QQ are the midpoints of YZYZ and XZXZ respectively. You are asked to show that:

4×Area(PQZ)=Area(XYZ)4 \times \text{Area}(\triangle PQZ) = \text{Area}(\triangle XYZ)

Let's go through the steps to prove this statement.

Step 1: Understand the Geometry

  1. Midpoints: Since PP and QQ are midpoints:

    • PP divides YZYZ into two equal parts.
    • QQ divides XZXZ into two equal parts.
  2. Triangles:

    • PQZ\triangle PQZ is a smaller triangle formed within XYZ\triangle XYZ.

Step 2: Relationship Between the Areas of Similar Triangles

When two triangles are similar, the ratio of their areas is the square of the ratio of their corresponding sides.

  • PQZ\triangle PQZ and XYZ\triangle XYZ are not necessarily similar, but PQZ\triangle PQZ is formed by joining midpoints of XYZ\triangle XYZ.

Step 3: 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 as long.

  • In XYZ\triangle XYZ, the line PQPQ (joining midpoints PP and QQ) is parallel to XYXY and half its length.

Step 4: Calculate Area Ratios

  • Because PQXYPQ \parallel XY and PQ=12XYPQ = \frac{1}{2} XY, the height of PQZ\triangle PQZ with respect to the base PQPQ is also half the height of XYZ\triangle XYZ with respect to the base XYXY.

  • Therefore, the area of PQZ\triangle PQZ is 14\frac{1}{4} of the area of XYZ\triangle XYZ because both the base and height are halved.

Step 5: Conclude the Proof

Since the area of PQZ\triangle PQZ is 14\frac{1}{4} of the area of XYZ\triangle XYZ:

4×Area(PQZ)=Area(XYZ)4 \times \text{Area}(\triangle PQZ) = \text{Area}(\triangle XYZ)

This completes the proof.

Do you want more details on any of these steps or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. What is the Midpoint Theorem and how is it used in geometry?
  2. How does the area ratio change if PP and QQ are not midpoints?
  3. Can you derive the area formula for a triangle given its vertices in coordinate geometry?
  4. How would the proof change if the triangle was not isosceles?
  5. How can you generalize this proof to any triangle and any internal point dividing the sides proportionally?

Tip: Always check if smaller triangles within a larger triangle share proportional relationships, as this often simplifies area calculations.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Triangle Areas
Similarity and Proportionality

Formulas

Area of a triangle
Midpoint Theorem

Theorems

Midpoint Theorem
Triangle Area Proportionality

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12