Proving isosceles using centroid and medians

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on proving that a triangle is isosceles by utilizing the properties of centroids and medians. The author employs Stewart's Theorem, noting that the centroid divides the median in a 2:1 ratio, specifically stating that $GC = \frac{2}{3}$ of the median from vertex C and $GB = \frac{2}{3}$ of the median from vertex B. The derived equation, $(b-c)^2 \left[ (b-c)^2-a^2 \right] =0$, indicates that the only valid solution under the triangle inequality is when $b=c$, confirming that sides AB and AC are equal.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of triangle properties, specifically centroids and medians.
  • Familiarity with Stewart's Theorem and its application in triangle geometry.
  • Basic algebraic manipulation and solving polynomial equations.
  • Knowledge of triangle inequalities and their implications.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Stewart's Theorem in various triangle configurations.
  • Learn about centroid properties in different types of triangles.
  • Explore synthetic proofs for triangle properties and isosceles triangles.
  • Utilize computational tools like Wolfram Alpha for verifying geometric computations.
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Mathematicians, geometry students, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of triangle properties and proofs involving centroids and medians.

slwarrior64
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I can definitely do this in the opposite direction, but
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Letting $AB=c$, $AC=b$ and noting that the usual property of the centroid tells us that $GC = \frac{2}{3}$ of the median from $C$ and $GB = \frac{2}{3}$ of the median from $B$ we can use Stewart's Theorem to write everything in terms of the three sides $a,b,c$. It is an involved equation requiring two squarings to get rid of all radicals. I used Wolfram Alpha to double check my computations. After simplifying everything I end up with

$(b-c)^2 \left[ (b-c)^2-a^2 \right] =0$.

The bracket fails the triangle inequality which only leaves $b=c$ or $AB=AC$. I can't see any synthetic proof.
 

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