Prove Diagonals of Parallelograms Bisect w/ Vector Method

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In summary, the vector equation \vec{OA} + \vec{OC} = \vec{OB} + \vec{BD} gives a vector that is on AC and BD. Additionally, the only vector that is both on AC and BD is \vec{0}. Therefore, O is the midpoint of AC. From there, it is easy to prove that O is the midpoint of DB.
  • #1
kanki
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I'm stucked here...
How to prove that the diagonals of parallelogram bisect each other using vector method?
Let's say for ABCD which is parallelogram, AB//DC, AD//BC, O is the point of intersection of the diagonals.
Can i straight away apply that [itex]\overrightarrow{AO}=\frac{1}{2}\overrightarrow{AB}+\frac{1}{2}\overrightarrow{BC}[/itex]
 
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  • #2
Say you have a parallelogram ABCD, AB // CD, and AD // BC. O is the intersection of AC and BD.
You have:
[itex]\vec{OA} = \vec{OB} + \vec{BA} = \vec{OD} + \vec{DA}[/itex]
[itex]\vec{OC} = \vec{OB} + \vec{BC} = \vec{OD} + \vec{DC}[/itex]
[itex]\vec{OA} + \vec{OC} = 2\vec{OB} + \vec{BA} + \vec{BC}[/itex]
[itex] = 2\vec{OB} + \vec{BD}[/itex]
[itex]\vec{OA} + \vec{OC}[/itex] will give you a vector which is on AC.
[itex]2\vec{OB} + \vec{BD}[/itex] will give you a vector which is on BD.
The only vector that's both on AC and BD is [itex]\vec{0}[/itex].
So [itex]\vec{OA} + \vec{OC} = \vec{0} \Leftrightarrow[/itex] O is the midpoint of AC.
From there, you can easily prove O is the midpoint of DB.
Hope someone will come up with another shorter proof.
To use: [itex]\vec{AO} = \frac{1}{2}(\vec{AB} + \vec{BC})[/itex], just state that O is the midpoint of AC, and [itex]\vec{AC} = \vec{AB} + \vec{BC} \Leftrightarrow \frac{1}{2} \vec{AC} = \frac{1}{2} (\vec{AB} + \vec{BC}) \Leftrightarrow \vec{AO} = \frac{1}{2}(\vec{AB} + \vec{BC})[/itex]
Viet Dao,
 
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  • #3
Probably, a little shorter than VietDao has, but similar.
[tex]\vec{AO}+\vec{OB}=\vec{AB}[/tex]
[tex]\vec{AO}+\vec{OD}=\vec{AD}[/tex]
[tex]2\vec{AO}+\vec{OB}+\vec{OD}=\vec{AC}[/tex]
[tex]\vec{OB}+\vec{OD}=\vec{AC}-2\vec{AO}[/tex]
Thus [tex]\vec{OB}+\vec{OD}=\vec{0}[/tex] (for the reason, which explaned VietDao)
For me it also doesn't looks as simpliest way.
 
  • #4
But, aren't we have to assume that magnitude of OB and OD is not the same? And so AO is not half of AC.
So how to prove that OB + OD = AC - 2AO = 0?
 
  • #5
OB and OD are on the same line (they are parallel) (i believe it's given in definition of diagonal).
 
  • #6
kanki said:
But, aren't we have to assume that magnitude of OB and OD is not the same? And so AO is not half of AC.
So how to prove that OB + OD = AC - 2AO = 0?
Assume only that the two segments of each diagonal are parallel, not equal

[tex] \vec{AC} = \vec{AB} + \vec{BC} = \vec{AO} + \vec{OC} = (1 + \alpha)\vec{AO} [/tex]

[tex] \vec{BD} = \vec{BC} + \vec{CD} = \vec{BC} - \vec{AB} = \vec{BO} + \vec{OD} = (1 + \beta)\vec{OD} [/tex]

Add the above

[tex] 2\vec{BC} = 2\vec{AD} = (1 + \alpha)\vec{AO} + (1 + \beta)\vec{OD} = \vec{AO} + \vec{OD} + \alpha\vec{AO} + \beta\vec{OD} = \vec{AD} + \alpha\vec{AO} + \beta\vec{OD} [/tex]

[tex] \vec{AD} = \alpha\vec{AO} + \beta\vec{OD} = \alpha(\vec{AD} - \vec{OD}) + \beta\vec{OD} = \alpha\vec{AD} + (\beta - \alpha)\vec{OD} [/tex]

Since [tex] \vec{AD} [/tex] and [tex] \vec{OD} [/tex] are not parallel, the only possible combination of coefficients on the right hand side is [tex] \alpha = \beta = 1 [/tex]

[tex] \vec{OC} = \alpha\vec{AO} = \vec{AO} [/tex]

[tex] \vec{BO} = \beta\vec{OD} = \vec{OD} [/tex]
 

1. What is the Vector Method?

The Vector Method is a mathematical approach to solving problems related to vectors, which are quantities that have both magnitude and direction. It involves using vector operations such as addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication to analyze and solve problems.

2. How do you use the Vector Method to prove that diagonals of parallelograms bisect?

To prove that diagonals of parallelograms bisect using the Vector Method, you need to set up a coordinate system and assign vectors to the sides of the parallelogram. Then, use vector addition and subtraction to show that the diagonals are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, therefore bisecting each other.

3. Can you provide an example of proving diagonals of parallelograms bisect with the Vector Method?

Sure, let's say we have a parallelogram with coordinates A(0,0), B(2,4), C(6,2), and D(4,-2). We can assign vectors AB, BC, CD, and DA as (2,4), (4,-2), (2,-4), and (-4,2) respectively. By using vector addition and subtraction, we can show that the diagonals AC and BD are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction, proving that they bisect each other.

4. Are there any limitations to using the Vector Method to prove the bisecting of parallelogram diagonals?

Yes, the Vector Method may not be the most efficient approach for proving the bisecting of parallelogram diagonals in some cases. It may require a lot of calculations and may not be as straightforward as other methods such as using coordinate geometry or properties of parallelograms.

5. How is the Vector Method useful in proving properties of geometric shapes?

The Vector Method can be useful in proving properties of geometric shapes because it allows for a more visual and intuitive understanding of the underlying concepts. It also provides a systematic approach to solving problems using vector operations, which can be applied to various geometric shapes and properties.

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