Vector Proofs: A Quadrilateral thing #2

  • Thread starter Thread starter forevergone
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Proofs Vector
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving that the diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other using vector analysis. The user establishes that AB = DC and AD = BC, and employs position vectors to find the midpoint OZ of vector AC. The steps outlined include determining AZ and ZC in relation to OZ, but the user struggles to complete the proof that AZ equals ZC. The key takeaway is the importance of correctly manipulating vector equations to demonstrate the properties of parallelograms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector notation and operations
  • Familiarity with properties of parallelograms
  • Knowledge of midpoint calculations in vector geometry
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving vectors
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of parallelograms in vector geometry
  • Learn about vector addition and subtraction techniques
  • Explore proofs involving midpoints and bisectors in geometry
  • Practice solving vector equations to reinforce understanding
USEFUL FOR

Students studying geometry, particularly those focusing on vector proofs, and educators seeking to enhance their teaching methods in vector analysis.

forevergone
Messages
49
Reaction score
0
I'm not sure if I should've started a new thread for this but..

I need some help trying to prove that the diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other..
I think I have an idea of how to solve this but I can't seem to put it together:

Given
AB = DC
AD = BC

Known
AB + BC = AC
BC + BD = BD
and so forth..

I'm trying to prove that BZ = ZD and AZ = ZC. Using position vectors, I determined that the midpoint of vector AC to be OA + OB/2 = OZ and that AZ = OA - OZ and ZC = OZ - OC. I had the train of thought in my mind on how to pursue this problem before but I lost it somehow after thinking too hard. I know these are the right steps that need to be considered to finish the problem, but in what steps do I need to do in order to finish this problem?

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/1889/46wf.th.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
where's the middle of a vector?
 
its a midpoint. Hence OA + OB/2 = OZ.

So far, my steps are:

1 - AZ = OA - OZ
2 - ZC = OZ - OC

sub into 1 -> AZ = OA - (OA + OB/2)
sub into 2 -> ZC = (OA + OB/2) - OC

but after this, I get lost in trying to prove how AZ = ZC.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
12K