Please, please, i need some hint about, tetrahedron

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In summary, Commandino’s Theorem states that the four medians of a tetrahedron intersect at a single point, dividing each median in a 1:3 ratio with the longer segment being on the side of the vertex. There are multiple ways to prove this theorem, including using vector algebra and considering the properties of linear transformations. However, in order for a transformation to preserve ratios of distances, it must satisfy certain conditions.
  • #1
wowolala
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Commandino’s Theorem states that

The four medians of a tetrahedron
concur in a point that divides each of
them in the ratio 1:3, the longer
segment being on the side of the vertex
of the tetrahedron.


can someone put links below where about proof of this theorem

thx so much
 
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  • #2
wowolala said:
Commandino’s Theorem states that

The four medians of a tetrahedron
concur in a point that divides each of
them in the ratio 1:3, the longer
segment being on the side of the vertex
of the tetrahedron.


can someone put links below where about proof of this theorem

thx so much

Why not just prove it yourself. If you know anything about dihedral angles, or even general geometry, this should be a piece of cake.
 
  • #3
i think i would use vector algebra.
 
  • #4
heres another point of view. since linear transformations take medians to medians, and all tetrahedra are equivalent by linear transformations it suffices to prove it for a regular tetrahedron.

but since the medians of the base triangle meet at a point, and the three medians originating from the base arise by lifting one end of those medians the same distance, it follows at least that those three medians meet in a point directly above the center of the base. hence dropping a median from the top vertex passes through this same point.

it remains to see where the point is.
 
  • #5
mathwonk said:
since linear transformations take medians to medians, and all tetrahedra are equivalent by linear transformations it suffices to prove it for a regular tetrahedron.
Question: What condition should a linear transformation hold, in order to preserve ratios of distances? And does that condition will apply to a transformation which is custom-made to map a regular tetrahedron to a non-regular one (a "nice" transformation, since it won't scramble the vertices or something)?

At the bottom, degenerate case, I can imagine a transformation that always sets the Z coordinate to 0, mapping the regular tetrahedron to the X-Y plane and showing a perspective view of it. Obviously distance ratios are not preserved. Thus there must be a condition that a "nice" transformation satisfies.
 

Related to Please, please, i need some hint about, tetrahedron

1. What is a tetrahedron?

A tetrahedron is a three-dimensional shape with four triangular faces, six edges, and four vertices.

2. How do you calculate the volume of a tetrahedron?

The formula for calculating the volume of a tetrahedron is V = (a³√2)/12, where a is the length of one of the edges.

3. Can a tetrahedron have equal sides?

No, a tetrahedron cannot have equal sides. Each face must be a different size and shape.

4. What is the difference between a regular and irregular tetrahedron?

A regular tetrahedron has all equilateral triangles as its faces, while an irregular tetrahedron has different types of triangles as its faces.

5. How is a tetrahedron used in science?

Tetrahedrons are used in various scientific fields, such as chemistry, crystallography, and geometry. In chemistry, they are used to represent molecules and their atomic arrangement. In crystallography, they can help determine the symmetry of crystals. In geometry, they are used to study the properties of three-dimensional shapes.

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