Math Problem Statement

If a line intersects sides AB and AC of a triangle ABC at D and E respectively and is parallel to BC, prove that AD/AB = AE/AC.

Solution

This problem is about proving the relationship between the segments in a triangle when a line intersects the sides and is parallel to the third side. Here's a breakdown of the proof:

Problem:

Given a triangle ABC\triangle ABC, a line intersects sides ABAB and ACAC at points DD and EE respectively, and this line is parallel to side BCBC. We need to prove that: ADAB=AEAC\frac{AD}{AB} = \frac{AE}{AC} This is related to the Basic Proportionality Theorem (also called Thales' Theorem).

Solution:

  1. Given: The line DEBCDE \parallel BC, and it intersects ABAB at DD and ACAC at EE.

  2. By the Basic Proportionality Theorem (Theorem 6.1 as mentioned): Since DEBCDE \parallel BC, it follows that: ADDB=AEEC\frac{AD}{DB} = \frac{AE}{EC}

  3. Rearrange this equation to express it differently: DBAD=ECAE\frac{DB}{AD} = \frac{EC}{AE}

  4. Adding 1 on both sides: DBAD+1=ECAE+1\frac{DB}{AD} + 1 = \frac{EC}{AE} + 1 This simplifies to: ABAD=ACAE\frac{AB}{AD} = \frac{AC}{AE} (since AB=AD+DBAB = AD + DB and AC=AE+ECAC = AE + EC).

  5. Taking the reciprocal on both sides gives the desired result: ADAB=AEAC\frac{AD}{AB} = \frac{AE}{AC} This completes the proof.

This is a direct application of the Basic Proportionality Theorem, where the line parallel to one side of a triangle divides the other two sides in the same ratio.


Would you like a more detailed explanation of any step?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How is the Basic Proportionality Theorem applied in different triangle configurations?
  2. Can this theorem be extended to other polygons or non-Euclidean geometry?
  3. What happens if the line is not parallel to side BCBC?
  4. How can this theorem help in solving real-life geometric problems?
  5. How would the proof change if instead of proving ADAB=AEAC\frac{AD}{AB} = \frac{AE}{AC}, we had to find the length of one segment given others?

Tip:

The Basic Proportionality Theorem is fundamental for many geometric constructions and proofs, especially in coordinate geometry and similarity theorems.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Triangles
Parallel Lines
Proportionality

Formulas

AD/DB = AE/EC
AD/AB = AE/AC

Theorems

Basic Proportionality Theorem (Thales' Theorem)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10