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Plane geometry solved examples

Example 18a - proof of bisector theorem

Print example 18a bisector - triangle
Proof the bisector theorem.
Draw ex. 18a

Set the bisector line  DA  to horizontal position and extend the triangle  ABC  in the opposite direction to get triangle  AFE.

Because  AD || BE  (parallel lines). The triangles  ADC ⁓ BCE  are similar

and
CD/DB=CA/AE

Because AE = AB we get the general form of the angle bisector theorem.

CD/DB=CA/AB

Example 18b - triangle bisector

Print example 18b - triangle
The sides of a triangle are equal to  x, x + 2 and x + 4,  it is also known that the smallest angle is equal to α and the largest angle is 2α. Find the lengths of the triangle sides.

Realise that the triangles ACB and triangle CBD are similar triangles based on three equal angles.

Draw angles ex. 18a
Angles of triangle ACB are   α, 2α, β
Angles of triangle CDB are   α, 2α, β
So, both triangles are similar: ACB ⁓ CDB and we have
DB / BC (sides facing   α   angles) equal to
BC / AB (sides facing   2α   angles) That is:
y/x=x/(x+4)
(2)

Solving equations (1) and (2) for x and y we get the quadratic equation:    x2 − 6x − 16 = 0

The solution of this equation is x = 8 (other solution x =-2 is irrelevant) and the sides of the triangle are 8, 10 and 12.

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