Proof of Parallelogram ABCD: Midpoint X & Y Show Area $\frac{1}{4}$

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    Parallelogram Proof
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that the area of triangle ABX is one-fourth the area of parallelogram ABCD, utilizing the midpoints X and Y of sides AD and BC respectively. The scope includes geometric proofs, congruence, and properties of triangles and parallelograms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting the proof by showing that triangles DBC and DBA are congruent using the SAS criterion, citing common side DB, equal sides DC and AB, and alternate angles.
  • Another participant proposes constructing segment XY and questions the relationship between triangles ABX and XYB.
  • A different approach is mentioned involving drawing a perpendicular from X to AB and using similar triangles to demonstrate that its length is half that of the perpendicular from D to AB, leading to the area conclusion.
  • There is a suggestion that triangles ABX and XYB are congruent, with a request for proof using SSS, SAS, or AAS criteria.
  • One participant expresses interest in the implications of joining the midpoints X and Y, noting that AX equals XD and BY equals YC, and questions whether AB equals XY or DC equals XY can be established using the midpoint theorem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches and methods for the proof, indicating that there is no consensus on a single method or conclusion at this stage.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about congruence and properties of triangles and parallelograms, but these assumptions remain unresolved and depend on the definitions and theorems referenced by participants.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in geometric proofs, properties of parallelograms, and methods of establishing congruence in triangles may find this discussion beneficial.

mathlearn
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ABCD is a parallelogram . X is the midpoint of AD & Y is the midpoint of BC. Show that the area of $\triangle {ABX}$ is $\frac{1}{4}$ the area of ABCD

View attachment 6102

Can you help me with this proof ? were should i start ? I think It should be by proving

$\triangle{DBC} \cong \triangle{DBA} $ using SAS as DB is a common side DC= AB as ABCD is a parallelogram, $\angle {BDC} = \angle{DBA} $ alternate angles

And I can also predict that the use of midpoint theorem here

Many Thanks :)
 

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Mathematics news on Phys.org
Start by constructing segment XY. What can be said about triangles ABX and XYB?
 
Another way: Draw the perpendicular to AB from X. Show, using "similar triangles", that its length is half the length of the perpendicular to AB from D. The result follows immediately from the formulas for the areas of triangle and parallelogram.
 
greg1313 said:
Start by constructing segment XY. What can be said about triangles ABX and XYB?

They are congruent! But how can they be proved using $SSS$ or $SAS$ or $AAS$

View attachment 6104

Many Thanks :)
 

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I'd use SSS.
 
I wonder what are the uses of joing the two midpoints of the sides x & y.

It helps to state that,

AX=XD
& BY=YC

And can AB=XY be or DC=XY be said using the midpoint theorem?

Many Thanks :)
 

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