SOLUTION: I am very confused about proofs (two column, to be exact). I am in 9th grade Geometry. We are writing proofs using theorems, postulates, and definitions. My question is, how do

Algebra ->  Geometry-proofs -> SOLUTION: I am very confused about proofs (two column, to be exact). I am in 9th grade Geometry. We are writing proofs using theorems, postulates, and definitions. My question is, how do       Log On


   

Question 157353: I am very confused about proofs (two column, to be exact). I am in 9th grade Geometry. We are writing proofs using theorems, postulates, and definitions. My question is, how do you know what to write for each step? How do you even know what the next step is?
example:
Statement
RT=5, RS=5, I have to prove that line segment RS is congruent to line segment TS
How on earth do I do this?
Found 2 solutions by Fombitz, amalm06:
Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Sometimes the problems are so obvious you may think they want something more.
1.RT=5 Given statement
2.RS=5 Given statement
or 5=RS Restate (re-arrange) no.2.
RT=5=RS Two things equal to the same thing are equal to each other.
RT=RS Cut out the middle to simplify.

Answer by amalm06(224) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If RT=RS, then R is the midpoint of line segment TS. The sum is always greater than its parts, so RS cannot be congruent to TS when all the points are collinear.
However, if RTS is an equilateral triangle, with R as the vertex, then segment RT=RS=ST, by definition.