# Joining the midpoints of the consecutive sides of a quadrilateral

1. Aug 17, 2008

### lamerali

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Use Cartesian vectors in two-space to prove that the line segments joining midpoints of the consecutive sides of a quadrilateral form a parallelogram.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

the only thing I can think of is; the only way joining the midpoints of the consecutive sides of a quadrilateral will form a parallelogram is if the quadrilateral IS a parallelogram in the first place....I'm pretty sure this is not the correct answer so any guidance is greatly appreciated...THANKS!

lamerali
Calculus and vectors

2. Aug 17, 2008

### Defennder

The best approach is to draw the picture, including the mid-point line segments. Denote one side of the parallelogram by $$\mathbf{a}$$ the other by $$\mathbf{b}$$. Then express the purportedly parallel line segments in terms of a and b.

3. Aug 17, 2008

### dynamicsolo

This is a theorem from Euclidean geometry. If the proposition is given to you for a general quadrilateral, there is no requirement for it to have its opposite sides be parallel. So you're not allowed to argue starting from a parallelogram. (The proposition is surprising because it doesn't seem like it ought to be true, yet it is!)

For setting up the problem, you're allowed to make life easier for yourself by placing one of the vertices of the quadrilateral at the origin (0,0) and lay one of its sides along, say, the x-axis, so a second vertex is (a, 0). From there, the other two vertices will just be at some other two points on the plane, (b,c) and (d,e). Now find the coordinates of the midpoints of the four sides and calculate the components of the vectors linking midpoints of consecutive sides. What do you notice about the components of the vectors on opposite sides of the new quadrilateral they form?

4. Aug 17, 2008