SOLUTION: I really dont get how to do proofs and such. We just started on them in Geometry but our teacher completely lost me. The homework seems like it is written in a foreign language to

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Geometry-proofs -> SOLUTION: I really dont get how to do proofs and such. We just started on them in Geometry but our teacher completely lost me. The homework seems like it is written in a foreign language to       Log On

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Question 223861: I really dont get how to do proofs and such. We just started on them in Geometry but our teacher completely lost me. The homework seems like it is written in a foreign language to me.
The problem is:
Suppose point T is the midpoint of RS and point W is the midpoint of RT. If XY = (supposed to be about equal to) RT and TS has a length of z, write the length of the segment in terms of z for RT.
Answer by MLipsky(9) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
At least you're trying. That's the most important thing.

With a problem like this, your only hope of getting it is to draw pictures. PLEASE IGNORE ALL NUMBERS.
"Suppose point T is the midpoint of RS"
number_line%28600%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+R=-8%2C+S=8%2C+T=0%29

" . . . and point W is the midpoint of RT"
number_line%28600%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+R=-8%2C+S=8%2C+T=0%2C+W=-4%29

"If XY is equivalent to RT "
number_line%28600%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+X=-8%2C+Y=0%29

"and TS has a length of z"
number_line%28600%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+S=8%2C+T=0%29

"write the length of the segment in terms of z for RT."
number_line%28600%2C+-10%2C+10%2C+R=-8%2C+T=0%29

The numbers make it harder to see, but I hope you can tell that XY is equivalent to TS. So, in terms of z, XY equals 1z. It seems complicated, because of the way it's written, but it's not complicated. If they want some written proof, I suppose you could say that since T is the midpoint, then RT is equivalent to TS. And XY is equivalent to RT (given). Therefore, XY must be equivalent to TS.

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