SOLUTION: Proof that the diagonals of a parallelogram bisect eachother

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Question 513348: Proof that the diagonals of a parallelogram bisect eachother
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
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Theorem If ABCD is a parallelogram, then prove that the diagonals of ABCD bisect each other.





Proof

Let the two diagonals be AC and BD and O be the intersection point.

We have to prove that O is the midpoint of AC and also the midpoint of BD.

Hence, AO=OC and BO=OD

We will prove using congruent triangles concept.

Consider two Triangles ABO and COD.

1. +angle+OAB+=+angle+CAB+=+angle+ACD+=+angle+OCD ....( Line AC is a transversal of the parallel lines AB and CD, hence alternate angles).

2. angle+ODC+=+angle+BDC+=+angle+DBA+=+angle+OBA ....(Line BD is a transversal of the parallel lines AB and CD, hence alternate angles).

3. angle+DOC+=+angle+AOB ....(Opposite angles when two lines intersect each other area equal)

From conditions 1,2 and 3

Triangle ABO is similar to triangle CDO (By Angle -Angle similar property)

Since Triangles are similar, Hence ratio of sides are equal from similar triangles property.

%28DC%2FAB%29=%28DO%2FOB%29=%28CO%2FOA%29 .........(4)

From theorem that Opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal,

DC=AB ..........(5)

From equation (4) and (5)

%28DC%2FAB%29=%28DO%2FOB%29=%28CO%2FOA%29=1

DO%2FOB+=+1

DO+=+OB

Similarly, CO=OA

Hence, We conclude that AO = CO and BO = DO.

QED

John

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