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Let ABCD be a convex quadrilateral, and let M and N be the midpoints of sides ¯AD and ¯BC, respectively. Prove that MN(AB+CD)/2. When does equality occur?

Hint(s):

Let P be the midpoint of diagonal ¯BD. What does the triangle inequality tell you about triangle M N P?

 Sep 23, 2018
 #1
avatar+118703 
+1

 

 

ConsiderBDCandBPNPBN=DBCcommonangle¯BD¯BP=¯BC¯BN=2BPNBDCOne equal angle and leg lengths from it in the same ratio.So¯DC=2¯PN corresponding sides in similar triangles with a dilation factor of 2

 

 

 

Using the same logic with APDandMPD it can be shown that  

¯AB=2¯MP

 Sep 25, 2018
edited by Melody  Sep 25, 2018
 #2
avatar+118703 
+1

I have to continue on  a second post because it is not displaying properly.

 

Now consider the points MPN, these points either form a triangle or they are collinearIf they form a line then MP+PN=MNIf they from a triangle then use this fact:In any triangle the sum of any 2 side lengths must be longer than the third side.SoMP+PNMN2MP+2PN2MNAB+CD2MN2MNAB+CDMNAB+CD2

 

 

There can only be an equality if  P lies on the line MN in which case there is no triagle MPN and the the quadrilateral ABCD must be a trapezium (Australian definition, I think Americans call it a trapezoid) where  ABDC

 

 Sep 25, 2018
edited by Melody  Sep 25, 2018

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