SOLUTION: write an indirect proof for the following statements: 1. a scalene triangle cannot have 2 congruent angles. 2. an isosceles triangle cannot have a base angle that is a right angl

Algebra.Com
Question 548848: write an indirect proof for the following statements:
1. a scalene triangle cannot have 2 congruent angles.
2. an isosceles triangle cannot have a base angle that is a right angle.

Answer by Edwin McCravy(20054)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!

1. a scalene triangle cannot have 2 congruent angles.
For contradiction, assume that a scalene triangle 
(a triangle has no sides congruent and has two congruent angles.

If two angles of a triangle are congruent, the sides opposite these angles are congruent.

That contradicts the assumption that it has no sides congruent.


2. an isosceles triangle cannot have a base angle that is a right angle.
For contradiction, assume that isosceles triangle ABC has congruent legs
AB and AC, and base angle A that is a right angle.

The base angles A and B of an isosceles triangle are congruent.

Therefore base angles A and B are both right angles.

The base BC is perpendicular to the legs AB and AC

Two lines perpendicular to the same line are parallel.

AB and AC do not intersect because parallel lines do not intersect.

That contradicts the fact that we have a triangle ABC at all.

Edwin




RELATED QUESTIONS

Are the following statements true or false, please help! 1.A scalene triangle is never (answered by mszlmb)
Write an indirect proof that two obtuse angles cannot for a linear pair. (answered by Edwin McCravy)
Question:How can I write a formal proof of the theorem. "If the base angles of a... (answered by venugopalramana,AnlytcPhil)
if an altitude is drawn inside a scalene triangle which of the following is formed a. (answered by Edwin McCravy)
how can you write an indirect proof that two obtuse angles cannot form a linear... (answered by richard1234)
I can't figure out the correct reason in this proof for #4. Can you help me? Here it... (answered by PaulAllen65270)
I am working on an isosceles proof. I have a triangle ABC with A being the top of the... (answered by scott8148)
A triangle has 2 angles that each measure 45°. Which of the following best describes this (answered by unlockmath,hheuler)