How Do You Prove Equidistance in This Isosceles Right Triangle Geometry Problem?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter anemone
  • Start date
  • Tags
    2017
In summary, POTW #271 discusses proving equidistance in an isosceles right triangle. Equidistance is defined as two or more points being the same distance from a given point or line. An isosceles right triangle is a triangle with two equal sides and a 90 degree angle. Proving equidistance in this triangle is important because it helps us understand and solve geometric problems involving the hypotenuse. This can be done using the Pythagorean Theorem, which states that the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.
  • #1
anemone
Gold Member
MHB
POTW Director
3,883
115
Here is this week's POTW:

-----

On the sides $AC$ and $BC$ of an isosceles right-angled triangle $ABC$, points $D$ and $E$ are chosen such that $|CD|=|CE|$. The perpendiculars from $C$ and $D$ on $AE$ intersect the hypotenuse $AB$ at $L$ and $K$ respectively. Prove that $|LK|=|LB|$.

-----

Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Congratulations to Opalg for his correct solution, which you can find below::)

[TIKZ][scale=0.5]
\coordinate [label=left: $A$] (A) at (0,10) ;
\coordinate [label=below: $B$] (B) at (10,0) ;
\coordinate [label=below: $C$] (C) at (0,0) ;
\coordinate [label=above left: $D$] (D) at (0,4) ;
\coordinate [label=below: $E$] (E) at (4,0) ;
\coordinate [label=above right: $K$] (K) at (4.29,5.71) ;
\coordinate [label=above right: $L$] (L) at (7.14,2.86) ;
\coordinate [label=below: $P$] (P) at (-10,0) ;
\draw [very thick](C) -- (A) -- (B) -- cycle ;
\draw (B) -- (P) -- (K) ;
\draw (A) -- (E) ;
\draw (C) -- (L) ;
[/TIKZ]

Extend the lines $KD$ and $BC$ so that they meet at $P$. Since $KP$ is perpendicular to $AE$, and $PC$ is perpendicular to $AC$, it follows that the angles $KPC$ and $EAC$ are equal. Thus the right-angled triangles $EAC$ and $DPC$ have the same angles. But $|CE| = |CD|$, so those two triangles are in fact congruent. Therefore $|PC| = |CB|$, so that $C$ is the midpoint of $PB$.

The lines $CL$ and $PK$ are parallel, which means that the triangles $CLB$ and $PKB$ are similar. Since $C$ is the midpoint of $PB$, it follows that $L$ is the midpoint of $KB$. Thus $|LK| = |LB|$.
 

Related to How Do You Prove Equidistance in This Isosceles Right Triangle Geometry Problem?

1. What is POTW #271 about?

POTW #271 is about proving equidistance in an isosceles right triangle.

2. How is equidistance defined?

Equidistance means that two or more points are the same distance from a given point or line.

3. What is an isosceles right triangle?

An isosceles right triangle is a triangle with two equal sides and a 90 degree angle.

4. Why is equidistance important in this triangle?

In an isosceles right triangle, the two equal sides are also the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle). Proving equidistance in this triangle helps us understand and solve geometric problems involving the hypotenuse.

5. How can equidistance in an isosceles right triangle be proven?

Equidistance in an isosceles right triangle can be proven using the Pythagorean Theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.

Similar threads

  • Math POTW for Secondary and High School Students
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Math POTW for Secondary and High School Students
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Math POTW for Secondary and High School Students
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Math POTW for Secondary and High School Students
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Math POTW for Secondary and High School Students
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Math POTW for Secondary and High School Students
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Math POTW for Secondary and High School Students
Replies
1
Views
974
  • Math POTW for Secondary and High School Students
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Math POTW for Secondary and High School Students
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Math POTW for Secondary and High School Students
Replies
1
Views
1K
Back
Top