How Can You Prove That Triangle BMP and CMQ Are Congruent in this Diagram?

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In summary, by using the given information and the AAS condition of the triangle theorem, it can be proven that BP = CQ in the diagram where AM is a medium of triangle ABC and perpendicular lines drawn from B and C to AM meet at P and Q respectively.
  • #1
Styx
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In the diagram, AM is a medium of triangle ABC. Perpendicular lines drawn from B and C to AM (or its extension) meet AM at P and Q respectively.

Prove that BP = CQ


So far I have concluded that:

BM = CM
Angle BPM = angle CQM
Triangle ABM = ACM

I am not sure what else I can do in order to prove that the triangles BMP and CMQ are congruent which would prove that BP = CQ
 

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  • #2
Since the lines are drawn perpendicular to AM, you have RIGHT triangles. Further, since M is a "median" (note spelling) BM and CM are congruent.
 
  • #3
Consider Triangles BMP and CMQ
You know

BM = CM (given hypothesis)

angle BPM = angle CQM as they are both at right angles to AM or its extension

180 degrees - angle AMC = angle AMB, angle AMB + angle QMB = 180 degrees
Therefore, angle AMC = angle AMB

Triangle BMP and CMQ are congruent by the AAS condition of the triangle theorm.

Therefore, BP = CQ
 
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1. What does it mean for two triangles to be congruent?

Two triangles are congruent if they have the exact same size and shape, meaning all corresponding sides and angles are equal.

2. How can I prove that two triangles are congruent?

There are several ways to prove that two triangles are congruent, including using the Side-Side-Side (SSS), Side-Angle-Side (SAS), Angle-Side-Angle (ASA), and Hypotenuse-Leg (HL) congruence criteria. These criteria involve comparing the lengths of sides and measures of angles to determine if they are equal.

3. Can two triangles be congruent even if they have different orientations?

Yes, two triangles can be congruent even if they have different orientations. As long as all corresponding sides and angles are equal, the triangles are considered congruent.

4. What is the difference between congruent and similar triangles?

Congruent triangles have the exact same size and shape, while similar triangles have the same shape but different sizes. In similar triangles, corresponding angles are equal, but corresponding sides are proportional.

5. Why is it important to understand triangle congruence?

Understanding triangle congruence is important in geometry and other fields of science because it allows us to determine when two shapes are identical, and to use this knowledge to solve various mathematical and real-world problems. It also helps in visualizing and understanding geometric transformations and patterns.

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