Question

Proove the mid point theorem.

Answer 1

This is the correct answer and explanation.

Answer 2

MidPoint Theorem Statement

The midpoint theorem states that “The line segment in a triangle joining the midpoint of two sides of the triangle is said to be parallel to its third side and is also half of the length of the third side.”

Mid- Point Theorem

MidPoint Theorem Proof

If midpoints of any of the sides of a triangle are adjoined by the line segment, then the line segment is said to be in parallel to all the remaining sides and also will measure about half of the remaining sides.

Consider the triangle ABC, as shown in the above figure,

Let E and D be the midpoints of the sides AC and AB. Then the line DE is said to be parallel to the side BC, whereas the side DE is half of the side BC; i.e.

DE∥BC

DE = (1/2 *  BC).

Now consider the below figure,

Mid- Point Theorem

Construction-  Extend the line segment DE and produce it to F such that, EF=DE.

In the triangle, ADE, and also  the triangle CFE

EC= AE —–   (given)

∠CEF = ∠AED {vertically opposite angles}

EF = DE { by construction}

hence,

△ CFE ≅  △ ADE {by SAS}

Therefore,

∠CFE = ∠ADE {by c.p.c.t.}

∠FCE= ∠DAE    {by c.p.c.t.}

and CF = AD {by c.p.c.t.}

The angles, ∠CFE and ∠ADE are the alternate interior angles. Assume  CF and AB as two lines which are intersected by the transversal DF.

In a similar way, ∠FCE and ∠DAE are the alternate interior angles.  Assume CF and AB are the two lines which are intersected by the transversal AC.

Therefore, CF ∥ AB

So, CF ∥ BD

and CF = BD  {since BD = AD, it is proved that CF = AD}

Thus, BDFC forms a parallelogram.

By the use of properties of a parallelogram, we can write

BC ∥ DF

and BC = DF

BC ∥ DE

and DE = (1/2 *  BC).

Hence, the midpoint theorem is  Proved