1.

5 쐽 Introduction to Geometric Proof 39

37. Draw a triangle with three acute angles. Construct angle 42. If m⬔TSV = 38°, m⬔USW = 40°, and m⬔TSW = 61°,
bisectors for each of the three angles. On the basis of the find m⬔USV.
appearance of your construction, what seems to be true?
38. Given: Acute ⬔1 and AB
Construct: Triangle ABC with ⬔A  ⬔1, ⬔B  ⬔1, T

and side AB U

S
V

1 W
A B
Exercises 42, 43
39. What seems to be true of two of the sides in the triangle
you constructed in Exercise 38? 43. If m⬔TSU = x + 2z, m⬔USV = x - z, and
!
40. Given: Straight ⬔ABC and BD m⬔VSW = 2x - z, find x if m⬔TSW = 60.
Construct: Bisectors of ⬔ABD and ⬔DBC Also, find z if m⬔USW = 3x - 6.
What type of angle is formed by the bisectors of the two 44. Refer to the circle with center P.
angles? a) Use a protractor to find m⬔ 1.
b) Use a protractor to find m⬔ 2.
D c) Compare results in parts (a) and (b).

R
A B C

41. Refer to the circle with center O. P

1
a) Use a protractor to find m ⬔B. S V
b) Use a protractor to find m ⬔D.
2
c) Compare results in parts (a) and (b).
T
B
45. On the hanging sign, the three angles (⬔ABD, ⬔ABC ,
and ⬔DBC) at vertex B !have the sum of measures 360°. If
O m⬔DBC = 90° and BA bisects the indicated reflex angle,
A C
find m⬔ ABC.

D D
B

1.5 Introduction to Geometric Proof

KEY CONCEPTS Proof Given Problem and Prove Sample Proofs
Algebraic Properties Statement

To believe certain geometric principles, it is necessary to have proof. This section in-
troduces some guidelines for proving geometric properties. Several examples are of-
fered to help you develop your own proofs. In the beginning, the form of proof will be
a two-column proof, with statements in the left column and reasons in the right column.
But where do the statements and reasons come from?
40 CHAPTER 1 쐽 LINE AND ANGLE RELATIONSHIPS

To deal with this question, you must ask “What” it is that is known (Given) and
“Why” the conclusion (Prove) should follow from this information. Completing the
Reminder
proof often requires deducing several related conclusions and thus several intermediate
Additional properties and “whys”. In correctly piecing together a proof, you will usually scratch out several con-
techniques of algebra are found in clusions and reorder them. Each conclusion must be justified by citing the Given (hy-
Appendix A. pothesis), a previously stated definition or postulate, or a theorem previously proved.
Selected properties from algebra are often used as reasons to justify statements. For
instance, we use the Addition Property of Equality to justify adding the same number
to each side of an equation. Reasons found in a proof often include the properties found
in Tables 1.5 and 1.6.

TABLE 1.5
Properties of Equality (a, b, and c are real numbers)

Addition Property of Equality: If a = b, then a + c = b + c.

Subtraction Property of Equality: If a = b, then a - c = b - c.
Multiplication Property of Equality: If a = b, then a # c = b # c.
a b
Division Property of Equality: If a = b and c Z 0, then = .
c c

As we discover in Example 1, some properties can be used interchangably.

EXAMPLE 1

Which property of equality justifies each conclusion?

a) If 2x - 3 = 7, then 2x = 10. b) If 2x = 10, then x = 5.

Solution
a) Addition Property of Equality; added 3 to each side of the equation.
b) Multiplication Property of Equality; multiplied each side of the equation by
1
2 . OR Division Property of Equality; divided each side of the equation by 2. 쮿

TABLE 1.6
Further Algebraic Properties of Equality (a, b, and c are real numbers)

Reflexive Property: a = a.
Symmetric Property: If a = b, then b = a.
Distributive Property: a(b + c) = a b + a c.
Substitution Property: If a = b, then a replaces b in any equation.
Transitive Property: If a = b and b = c, then a = c.

Before considering geometric proof, we study algebraic proof, in which each state-
ment in a sequence of steps is supported by the reason why we can make that statement
(claim). The first claim in the proof is the Given problem; and the sequence of steps
must conclude with a final statement representing the claim to be proved (called the
Prove statement).
 1.5 쐽 Introduction to Geometric Proof 41

Study Example 2. Then cover the reasons and provide the reason for each state-
Exs. 1–4
ment. With statements covered, find the statement corresponding to each reason.

EXAMPLE 2

GIVEN: 2(x - 3) + 4 = 10
PROVE: x = 6

PROOF
Statements Reasons
1. 2(x - 3) + 4 = 10 1. Given
2. 2x - 6 + 4 = 10 2. Distributive Property
3. 2x - 2 = 10 3. Substitution
4. 2x = 12 4. Addition Property of Equality
5. x=6 5. Division Property of Equality

NOTE 1: Alternatively, Step 5 could use the reason Multiplication Property of

Equality (multiply by 12 ). Division by 2 led to the same result.
NOTE 2: The fifth step is the final step because the Prove statement has been made
Exs. 5–7 and justified. 쮿

The Discover activity at the left suggests that a formal geometric proof also exists.
Discover The typical format for a problem requiring geometric proof is

In the diagram, the wooden trim GIVEN: ________ [Drawing]

pieces are mitered (cut at an PROVE: ________
angle) to be equal and to form a
right angle when placed together.
Consider this problem:
Use the properties of algebra to
explain why the measures of ⬔1 GIVEN: A-P-B on AB (Figure 1.54)
and ⬔2 are both 45°. What you
have done is an informal “proof.” PROVE: AP = AB - PB

First consider the Drawing (Figure 1.54), and relate it to any

A P B
additional information described by the Given. Then con-
2 Figure 1.54
1 sider the Prove statement. Do you understand the claim, and
does it seem reasonable? If it seems reasonable, the interme-
diate claims must be ordered and supported to form the contents of the proof. Because a
proof must begin with the Given and conclude with the Prove, the proof of the preced-
ing problem has this form:

PROOF

ANSWER
Statements Reasons
that m⬔1 = 45°. Then m⬔2 = 45° also.
1. A-P-B on AB 1. Given
2 m⬔1 = 90°, and, dividing by 2, we see
we see that m⬔1 + m⬔1 = 90°. Thus, 2. ? 2. ?
m⬔1 + m⬔2 = 90°. Because m⬔1 = m⬔2, . .
. .
. .
?. AP = AB - PB ?. ?
42 CHAPTER 1 쐽 LINE AND ANGLE RELATIONSHIPS

To construct the proof, you must glean from the Drawing and the Given that
AP + PB = AB
In turn, you deduce (through subtraction) that AP = AB - PB. The complete proof prob-
lem will have the appearance of Example 3, which follows the first of several “Strategy
for Proof” features used in this textbook.

STRATEGY FOR PROOF 왘 The First Line of Proof

General Rule: The first statement of the proof includes the “Given” information; also,
the first reason is Given.
Illustration: See the first line in the proof of Example 3.

EXAMPLE 3

GIVEN: A-P-B on AB (Figure 1.55)

A P B
PROVE: AP = AB - PB
Figure 1.55
PROOF
Statements Reasons
1. A-P-B on AB 1. Given
2. AP + PB = AB 2. Segment-Addition Postulate
3. AP = AB - PB 3. Subtraction Property of Equality

Exs. 8–10 쮿

Some of the properties of inequality that are used in Example 4 are found in
Table 1.7. While the properties are stated for the “greater than” relation ( ), they are
valid also for the “less than” relation ().

TABLE 1.7
Properties of Inequality (a, b, and c are real numbers)

Addition Property of Inequality: If a b, then a + c b + c.

Subtraction Property of Inequality: If a b, then a - c b - c.

SAMPLE PROOFS
Consider Figure 1.56 and this problem:
M N P Q
GIVEN: MN PQ
Figure 1.56
PROVE: MP NQ

To understand the situation, first study the Drawing (Figure 1.56) and the related Given.
Then read the Prove with reference to the drawing. Constructing the proof requires that
you begin with the Given and end with the Prove. What may be confusing here is that
the Given involves MN and PQ, whereas the Prove involves MP and NQ. However, this
is easily remedied through the addition of NP to each side of the inequality MN PQ;
see step 2 in the proof of Example 4.
 1.5 쐽 Introduction to Geometric Proof 43

EXAMPLE 4

M N P Q GIVEN: MN PQ (Figure 1.57)

Figure 1.57 PROVE: MP NQ

PROOF
Statements Reasons
1. MN PQ 1. Given
2. MN + NP NP + PQ 2. Addition Property of Inequality
3. But MN + NP = MP and 3. Segment-Addition Postulate
NP + PQ = NQ
4. MP NQ 4. Substitution

NOTE: The final reason may come as a surprise. However, the Substitution Axiom
of Equality allows you to replace a quantity with its equal in any statement—
including an inequality! See Appendix A.3 for more information. 쮿

STRATEGY FOR PROOF 왘 The last statement of the proof

General Rule: The final statement of the proof is the “Prove” statement.
Illustration: See the last statement in the proof of Example 5.

EXAMPLE 5

Study this proof, noting the order of the statements and reasons.
!
T GIVEN: ST bisects ⬔RSU
R U !
SV bisects ⬔USW (Figure 1.58)
PROVE: m⬔RST + m⬔VSW = m⬔TSV
V

S W PROOF
Figure 1.58 Statements Reasons
!
1. ST bisects ⬔RSU 1. Given
2. m⬔RST = m⬔TSU 2. If an angle is bisected, then the
measures of the resulting angles
! are equal.
3. SV bisects ⬔USW 3. Same as reason 1
4. m⬔VSW = m⬔USV 4. Same as reason 2
5. m⬔RST + m⬔VSW = 5. Addition Property of Equality
m⬔TSU + m⬔USV (use the equations from statements
2 and 4)
6. m⬔TSU + m⬔USV = m⬔TSV 6. Angle-Addition Postulate
7. m⬔RST + m⬔VSW = m⬔TSV 7. Substitution

Exs. 11, 12 쮿
44 CHAPTER 1 쐽 LINE AND ANGLE RELATIONSHIPS

Exercises 1.5
In Exercises 1 to 6, which property justifies the conclusion of In Exercises 23 and 24, fill in the missing reasons for the
the statement? algebraic proof.

1. If 2x = 12, then x = 6. 23. Given: 3(x - 5) = 21

2. If x + x = 12, then 2x = 12. Prove: x = 12
3. If x + 5 = 12, then x = 7.
4. If x - 5 = 12, then x = 17. PROOF
5. If 5x = 3, then x = 15. Statements Reasons
6. If 3x - 2 = 13, then 3x = 15. 1. 3(x - 5) = 21 1. ?
2. 3x - 15 = 21 2. ?
In Exercises 7 to 10, state the property or definition that
3. 3x = 36 3. ?
justifies the conclusion (the “then” clause).
4. x = 12 4. ?
7. Given that ⬔s 1 and 2 are
R
supplementary, then 24. Given: 2x + 9 = 3
m⬔1 + m⬔2 = 180°. Prove: x = -3
8. Given that m⬔3 + m⬔4 = 180°, T

then ⬔s 3 and 4 are S

PROOF
supplementary.
! Statements Reasons
9. Given ⬔RSV and ST as shown, V
then m⬔RST + m⬔TSV = 1. 2x + 9 = 3 1. ?
m⬔RSV. 2. 2x = -6 2. ?
Exercises 9, 10
10. Given that
! m⬔RST = m⬔TSV, 3. x = -3 3. ?
then ST bisects ⬔RSV.
In Exercises 25 and 26, fill in the missing statements for the
In Exercises 11 to 22, use the Given information to draw a algebraic proof.
conclusion based on the stated property or definition.
25. Given: 2(x + 3) - 7 = 11
Prove: x=6
A M B

Exercises 11, 12 PROOF

11. Given: A-M-B; Segment-Addition Postulate Statements Reasons
12. Given: M is the midpoint of AB; definition of midpoint
1. ? 1. Given
13. Given: m⬔1 = m⬔2; definition 2. ? 2. Distributive Property
of angle bisector 3. ? 3. Substitution (Addition)
! D
14. Given: EG bisects ⬔DEF; 4. ? 4. Addition Property of
definition of angle G
Equality
bisector
1 5. ? 5. Division Property
15. Given: ⬔s 1 and 2 are 2
of Equality
complementary; definition E F
of complementary
Exercises 13–16 x
angles 26. Given: +3=9
5
16. Given: m⬔1 + m⬔2 = 90°; definition of Prove: x = 30
complementary angles
17. Given: 2x - 3 = 7; Addition Property of Equality PROOF
18. Given: 3x = 21; Division Property of Equality Statements Reasons
19. Given: 7x + 5 - 3 = 30; Substitution Property of Equality
1
1. ? 1. Given
20. Given: 2 = 0.5 and 0.5 = 50%; Transitive Property of 2. ? 2. Subtraction Property
Equality
of Equality
21. Given: 3(2x - 1) = 27; Distributive Property 3. ? 3. Multiplication Property
x
22. Given: 5 = -4; Multiplication Property of Equality of Equality