Prove that ABCD is a parallelogram

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that quadrilateral ABCD is a parallelogram using position vectors z_1, z_2, z_3, and z_4. It establishes that ABCD is a parallelogram if and only if the equation z_1 - z_2 - z_3 + z_4 = 0 holds true. The confusion arises from the notation of the vertices and the relationship between the vectors, specifically that z_1 - z_2 equals z_3 - z_4, leading to the conclusion that z_1 - z_2 - z_3 + z_4 = 0. The correct interpretation of the vectors is crucial for understanding the geometric properties of the figure.

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Homework Statement


Let [tex]z_1[/tex], [tex]z_2[/tex], [tex]z_3[/tex] and [tex]z_4[/tex] be te position vectors of the vertices of quadrilateral AMCD. Prove that ABCD is a parallelogram if and only if [tex]z_1-z_2-z_3+z_4=0[/tex].

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The Attempt at a Solution


The solution obviously uses the fact that collinear vectors of equal magnitude are equal, but I get [tex]z_1-z_2+z_3-z_4=0[/tex]. Am I missing something obvious or is it just notations issue with the vertices of the quadrilateral.
 
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[itex]z_1- z_2[/itex] is the side from "[itex]z_2[/itex]" to "[itex]z_1[/itex]" and [itex]z_3- z_4[/itex] is the side from "[itex]z_4[/itex]" to "[itex]z_3[/itex]". Since this is a parallelogram those sides are parallel and equal in length. In other words, the vectors are equal: [itex]z_1- z_2= z_3- z_4[/itex] whence [itex]z_1- z_2- z_3+ z_4= 0[/itex]
 


That is true only if you haven't numbered the vertics clockwise, but in the form of a 'z' (if you get what I mean). In my picture, [tex]z_1[/tex] is adjacent to [tex]z_2[/tex] and [tex]z_4[/tex], and [tex]z_2[/tex] is adjacent to [tex]z_1[/tex] and [tex]z_3[/tex], so in my case the vector [tex]z_1-z_2[/tex] is opposite to the vector [tex]z_3-z_4[/tex].
 

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