Geometry proof Mid point theorem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a geometric relationship involving the midpoints of a triangle and the areas of certain related figures. Participants explore the Midpoint Theorem and its implications for the area of quadrilaterals and triangles formed within triangle ABC.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a geometric configuration involving triangle ABC, its midpoints P and Q, and a point R, seeking to prove that the area of quadrilateral ABCR is 8 times the area of triangle APQ.
  • Another participant suggests that segments PQ, PS, and QS divide triangle ABC into four congruent triangles, implying that the area of triangle APQ is one-fourth of triangle ABC.
  • There is a discussion about proving that triangle ABC is congruent to triangle ARC, with one participant proposing two methods: showing ABCR is a parallelogram or establishing a relationship between segments BQ and QR.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for clarity in stating that triangle ABC equals half the area of quadrilateral ABRC, while another points out that the operation of multiplying a quadrilateral by a number is not defined.
  • Several participants engage in proving congruences using criteria such as ASA and SAS, leading to the conclusion that the area of ABCR is indeed 8 times the area of triangle APQ.
  • There are corrections regarding the phrasing of area relationships, with participants clarifying that the area of ABCR is 8 times the area of triangle PQR rather than equating them directly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the relationships between the areas of the triangles and quadrilaterals discussed, but there are nuances in how to express these relationships and the methods used to prove them. Some disagreements arise regarding the definitions and operations involving areas of quadrilaterals.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and operations related to areas of quadrilaterals and the implications of congruence in their proofs. There are also references to prior knowledge from their course that may influence the proof methods discussed.

mathlearn
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Hi,I have been stuck on this problem

The midpoints of the sides AB and AC of the triangle ABC are P and Q respectively. BQ produced
and the straight line through A drawn parallel to PQ meet at R. Draw a figure with this information
marked on it and prove that, area of ABCR = 8 x area of APQ.

I drew a figure with all the information included,

View attachment 5790

and I am having trouble saying that ABCR = 8 x area of APQ. & I think it has got something to do with The Midpoint theorem.Try your best to explain your answer

Many thanks:)
 

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mathlearn said:
and I am having trouble saying that ABCR = 8 x area of APQ.
You just said it! (Smile)

If we denote the middle of $BC$ by $S$, it is easy to prove that segments $PQ$, $PS$ and $QS$ divide $\triangle ABC$ is into four equal (i.e., congruent) triangles. Thus, the area of $\triangle APQ$ is $1/4$ of the area of $\triangle ABC$. Another fact that is needed is that $\triangle ABC=\triangle ARC$.
 
Many Thanks,
I see that the $$\triangle APQ \equiv \triangle PBS \equiv \triangle APQ \equiv \triangle QSC $$ triangles are congruent to each other by (SSS)

and I updated my picture

View attachment 5791

Can you help me to say that $$\triangle ABC=\triangle ARC$$ and to continue the proof.

I Think there are two ways of accomplishing it but not sure of them. The first one would be , ABCR is a parallelogram and $$\triangle ABC = \frac{1}{2} ABRC$$

and the other way not sure whether it's correct; it would be to say BQ=QR somehow.

Can you help me to proceed.

Many Thanks :)
 

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mathlearn said:
Can you help me to say that $$\triangle ABC=\triangle ARC$$ and to continue the proof.
This should say, "Can you help me prove that $$\triangle ABC=\triangle ARC$$..."

mathlearn said:
I Think there are two ways of accomplishing it but not sure of them. The first one would be , ABCR is a parallelogram and $$\triangle ABC = \frac{1}{2} ABRC$$
ABCR is definitely a parallelogram, the question is just how to show it. It may depend on the facts that have already been proved in your course.

It is not good to say $$\triangle ABC = \frac{1}{2} ABRC$$ because the operation of multiplying a quadrangle by a number is not defined.

mathlearn said:
and the other way not sure whether it's correct; it would be to say BQ=QR somehow.
This is also true, but requires a proof.

One way is to note that $\angle BCA=\angle CAR$ as alternate angles at parallel lines and $\angle BQC=\angle RQA$ as vertical angles. Therefore, $\triangle AQR=\triangle CQB$ by ASA (the equal sides are $AQ$ and $CQ$). In particular, $AR=BC$. Then $\triangle ABC=\triangle CRA$ by SAS (the equal angles are $\angle BCA$ and $\angle CAR$).
 
Many Thanks :) for your clear explanation,

So now $$\triangle ABC \equiv \triangle CRA$$ Under (SAS);

Now it is obvious that ABCR = 8 x area of APQ;

How should I say that ,

Can you help me to proceed.

Many Thanks :)
 
mathlearn said:
Now it is obvious that ABCR = 8 x area of APQ;

How should I say that
You just said that. It would be more correct to say that the area of $ABCR$ is 8 times the area of $APQ$.

I am not sure what you need help with.
 
Many Thanks :)

Now I think the problem should ended by finally writing "ABCR = 8 x area of $$\triangle$$PQR " after saying $$\triangle ABC≡ \triangle CRA under (SAS)$$ & thanks for your very clear explanation on the problem.

Many Thanks:)
 
mathlearn said:
Now I think the problem should ended by finally writing "ABCR = 8 x area of $$\triangle$$PQR "
Once again, the area of $ABCR$. A quadrangle can't equal a number.
 
Hi,

$$ \therefore area of ABCR = 8 times the area of \triangle PQR $$

So that's It problem solved.

Many Thanks for your detailed and clear explanations (Smile);
 
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  • #10
Proof :
ABCR = 2ABR∆ (Diagonal bisect the area of a parallelogram)
ABR∆ = 2ABQ∆ ( Base BQ is half from BR and height is same for both triangles)
ABQ = 2APQ∆ ( Base AP is half from AB and height is same for both triangles)
∴ ABCR = 2ABR∆ = 2 * 2ABQ∆
ABCR = 4ABQ∆ = 4 * 2APQ∆
ABCR = 8APQ∆
 

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