Proving the Converse of the Intersecting Chords Theorem: Inside the Circle Case

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the converse of the Intersecting Chords Theorem, specifically for cases where the intersection point lies inside the circle. The key assertion is that if the ratios of segments \(\frac{AB}{BC} = \frac{DE}{EF}\) hold, then triangles ABC and DEF are similar, defined as equiangular triangles. Participants clarify that equal angles must be established for similarity, and mention that the proof is trivial when specific conditions are met, such as sharing an angle between the sides. Ultimately, the proof hinges on the relationship between the segments and the angles formed at the intersection.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of triangle similarity and equiangular definitions
  • Familiarity with the Intersecting Chords Theorem
  • Knowledge of geometric ratios and their implications
  • Basic principles of cyclic quadrilaterals and concyclic points
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  • Explore proofs of triangle similarity criteria
  • Investigate properties of cyclic quadrilaterals
  • Learn about angle subtended by arcs in circles
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Mathematicians, geometry students, and educators seeking to deepen their understanding of triangle similarity and the Intersecting Chords Theorem.

disregardthat
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Hi, do anyone know a proof of this converse:

"If, A,B,C,D,E and F are points in the plane and \frac{AB}{BC}=\frac{DE}{EF}, then triangles ABC and DEF are similar."
 
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What is your definition of similar?
 
Oh, with similar I mean that the triangles are equiangular.

With \angle ABC = \angle DEF and \angle ABC = \angle DEF
 
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Jarle said:
Oh, with similar I mean that the triangles are equiangular.

With \angle ABC = \angle DEF and \angle ABC = \angle DEF
Do you mean /_ABC = /_ DEF and /_BCA = /_EFD ? (You repeated yourself.)
 
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Yes, I meant the last thing you said. (Getting late.)
 
Jarle said:
Hi, do anyone know a proof of this converse:

"If, A,B,C,D,E and F are points in the plane and \frac{AB}{BC}=\frac{DE}{EF}, then triangles ABC and DEF are similar."
No one knows a proof, because such a proof doesn’t exist.

PS
But in the case AB:BC:CA = DE:EF:FD, proof is trivial
 
Forgot to mention that they share the angle between the sides AB and BC, and DE and EF.

Oh, and the expression should not look like that either...

It's \frac{AB}{DE}=\frac{EF}{BC}

EDIT: Anyway, I have proven it now...
 
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Jarle said:
Forgot to mention that they share an angle.
Still not enough for similarity... :smile:

If you forget as well to mention that equal angles are /_ABC and /_ DEF, proof is trivial.
If other angles, proof doesn't exist.
 
There has been to many faults here. I will sum it up and see what I find out!
 
  • #10
Jarle said:
Forgot to mention that they share the angle between the sides AB and BC, and DE and EF.
Oh, and the expression should not look like that either...

It's \frac{AB}{DE}=\frac{EF}{BC}

EDIT: Anyway, I have proven it now...
After your editions (bolded) proof is not possible

It must be

\frac{AB}{DE}=\frac{BC}{EF}

OR

\frac{AB}{BC}=\frac{DE}{EF}
 
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  • #11
Ok, I have summed it up now. I am trying to prove the converse of the intersecting chords theorem, in the case where the point of intersection is inside the circle...

We have that the line segments AB and CD meet at X. So the opposite angles at X are equal. We translate the triangles to the triangle with sides XAD, XCB and with AB and DC joined. Now the angle at X is a, and \frac{XA}{XC}=\frac{XD}{XB}. This is a sufficient condition for the triangles XAC and XDB to be similar, as corresponding sides have the same ratio, and the included angle is equal. Thus is the angle XDB equal to the angle XAC, and by the converse of the angles subtended by the same arc theorem, ACBD are concyclic points, so AB and CD are chords in a circle. Does this look ok to you? The other cases of the converse goes something in the same way.
 
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