Postulates, Theorems, and Constructions

Topic 1 Tools of Geometry Topic 2 Reasoning and Proof

Postulate 1-1 Law of Detachment
Through any two points there is exactly one line. (p. 5) If the hypothesis of a true conditional is true, then the
conclusion is true. In symbolic form:
Postulate 1-2 If p  q is true and p is true, then q is true. (p. 60)
If two distinct lines intersect, then they intersect in exactly
one point. (p. 5) Law of Syllogism
If p  q is true and q  r is true, then p  r is true. (p. 60)
Postulate 1-3
If two distinct planes intersect, then they intersect in exactly Properties of Congruence
one line. (p. 5) Reflexive Property

Postulate 1-4 AB  AB and ∠A ≅ ∠A

Through any three noncollinear points there is exactly one
Symmetric Property
plane.(p. 5)
If AB  CD , then CD  AB .
Postulate 1-5 If ∠A  ∠B, then ∠B  ∠A.
Ruler Postulate
Every point on a line can be paired with a real number. This Transitive Property
If AB  CD , and CD  EF , then AB  EF .
makes a one-to-one correspondence between the points on
the line and the real numbers. (p. 10)
If ∠A  ∠B, and ∠B  ∠C, then ∠A  ∠C.
If ∠B  ∠A, and ∠B  ∠C, then ∠A  ∠C. (p. 66)
Postulate 1-6
Segment Addition Postulate
If three points A, B, and C are collinear and B is between A Theorem 2-1
and C, then AB + BC = AC. (p. 10) Vertical Angles Theorem
Vertical angles are congruent. (p. 71)
• Proof on p. 73, Problem 1
Postulate 1-7
Protractor Postulate
Theorem 2-2
Consider OB and a point A on one side of OB . Every ray of Congruent Supplements Theorem
the If two angles are supplements of the same angle (or of
form OA can be paired one to one with a real number from congruent angles), then the two angles are congruent. (p. 72)
0 to 180. (p. 17) • Proof on p. 74, Problem 5

Postulate 1-8 Theorem 2-3

Angle Addition Postulate
If point B is in the interior of ∠AOC, then
m∠AOB + m∠BOC = m∠AOC. (p. 17)
Postulate 1-9
Linear Pair Postulate
If two angles form a linear pair, then they are
supplementary. (p. 23)
Midpoint Formula on a Number Line
ab
The coordinate of the midpoint M of AB is
2 right angle. (p. 72)
Congruent Complements Theorem
If two angles are complements of the same angle (or of
congruent angles), then the two angles are congruent. (p. 72)
• Proof on p. 75, Exercise 4
Theorem 2-4
All right angles are congruent. (p. 72)
• Proof on p. 78, Exercise 23
Theorem 2-5
. (p. 10) If two angles are congruent and supplementary, then each is a
• Proof on p. 76, Exercise 11
Topic 3 Parallel and Perpendicular Lines
Postulate 3-1
Same-Side Interior Angles Postulate
If a transversal intersects two parallel lines, then same-side
interior angles are supplementary. (p. 94)
Theorem 3-1
Alternate Interior Angles Theorem
If a transversal intersects two parallel lines, then alternate
interior angles are congruent. (p. 94)
• Proof on p. 96, Problem 3
Theorem 3-2
Corresponding Angles Theorem
If a transversal intersects two parallel lines, then
corresponding angles are congruent. (p. 95)
• Proof on p. 99, Exercise 16
Theorem 3-3
Alternate Exterior Angles Theorem
If a transversal intersects two parallel lines, then alternate
exterior angles are congruent. (p. 101)
• Proof on p. 75 of Student Companion, Got It 4
Theorem 3-4
Converse of the Corresponding Angles Theorem
If two lines and a transversal form corresponding angles
that are congruent, then the lines are parallel. (p. 101)
• Proof on p. 228, Exercise 15
Theorem 3-5
Converse of the Alternate Interior Angles Theorem
If two lines and a transversal form alternate interior angles that
are congruent, then the two lines are parallel. (p. 101)
Theorem 3-6
Converse of the Same-Side Interior Angles Postulate
If two lines and a transversal form same-side interior angles
that are supplementary, then the two lines are parallel. (p. 102)
• Proof on p. 82 of Student Companion, Got It 2
Theorem 3-7
Converse of the Alternate Exterior Angles Theorem
If two lines and a transversal form alternate exterior angles that
are congruent, then the two lines are parallel. (p. 102)
• Proof on p. 102, Problem 1
Theorem 3-8
If two lines are parallel to the same line, then they are parallel
to each other. (p. 107)
• Proof on p. 109, Exercise 2
Theorem 3-9
In a plane, if two lines are perpendicular to the same line, then
they are parallel to each other. (p. 107)
Theorem 3-10
Perpendicular Transversal Theorem
In a plane, if a line is perpendicular to one of two parallel lines,
then it is perpendicular to the other. (p. 108)
• Proof on p. 109, Exercise 6
Postulate 3-2
Parallel Postulate
Through a point not on a line, there is one and only one line
parallel to the given line. (p. 111)
Theorem 3-11
Triangle Angle-Sum Theorem
The sum of the measures of the angles of a triangle is
180. (p. 111)
• Proof on p. 112, Problem 1
Theorem 3-12
Triangle Exterior Angle Theorem
The measure of each exterior angle of a triangle equals the
sum of the measures of its two remote interior angles. (p. 112)
• Proof on p. 116, Exercise 20
Corollary
The measure of an exterior angle of a triangle is
greater than the measure of each of its remote interior
angles. (p. 229)
• Proof on p. 234, Exercise 26
Postulate 3-3
Perpendicular Postulate
Through a point not on a line, there is one and only one line
perpendicular to the given line. (p. 117)
Slopes of Parallel Lines
If two nonvertical lines are parallel, then their slopes are equal.
If the slopes of two distinct nonvertical lines are equal, then the
lines are parallel. Any two vertical lines or horizontal lines are
parallel. (p. 129)
Slopes of Perpendicular Lines
If two nonvertical lines are perpendicular, then the product of
their slopes is -1. If the slopes of two lines have a product of -1,
then the lines are perpendicular. Any horizontal line and
vertical line are perpendicular. (p. 129)
Spherical Geometry Parallel Postulate
Through a point not on a line, there is no line parallel to the
given line. (p. 135)
Spherical Geometry Triangle Angle-Sum
Theorem
In spherical geometry, the sum of the measures of the angles
of a triangle is always greater than 180. (p. 135)
Topic 4 Congruent Triangles Theorem 4-3
Isosceles Triangle Theorem
Theorem 4-1 If two sides of a triangle are congruent, then the angles
Third Angles Theorem
opposite those sides are congruent. (p. 168)
If the two angles of one triangle are congruent to two angles of
• Proof on p. 170, Problem 2
another triangle, then the third angles are congruent. (p. 148) Corollary
If a triangle is equilateral, then the triangle is
equiangular.(p. 169)

Theorem 4-4
Converse of the Isosceles Triangle Theorem
If two angles of a triangle are congruent, then the sides
opposite the angles are congruent. (p. 168)
• Proof on p. 172, Exercise 16
Corollary
If a triangle is equiangular, then the triangle is
equilateral.(p. 169)

Theorem 4-5
Postulate 4-1 If a line bisects the vertex angle of an isosceles triangle, then
Side-Side-Side (SSS) Postulate the line is also the perpendicular bisector of the base. (p. 169)
If the three sides of one triangle are congruent to the three • Proof on p. 172, Exercise 10
sides of another triangle, then the two triangles are congruent.
(p. 153) Theorem 4-6
Hypotenuse-Leg (HL) Theorem
Postulate 4-2 If the hypotenuse and a leg of one right triangle are congruent
Side-Angle-Side (SAS) Postulate to the hypotenuse and a leg of another right triangle, then the
If two sides and the included angle of one triangle are triangles are congruent. (p. 174)
congruent to two sides and the included angle of another
triangle, then the wo triangles are congruent. (p. 153)

Postulate 4-3
Angle-Side-Angle (ASA) Postulate
If two angles and the included side of one triangle are
congruent to two angles and the included side of another
triangle, then the two triangles are congruent. (p. 158)

Theorem 4-2
Angle-Angle-Side (AAS) Theorem
If two angles and a nonincluded side of one triangle are
congruent to two angles and the corresponding nonincluded
side of another triangle, then the triangles are congruent. (p.
158)
• Proof on p. 162, Exercise 15
Topic 5 Relationships Within Triangles
Midpoint Formula in the Coordinate Plane
Given AB where A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2), the coordinates of the
 x  x y  y2 
midpoint of AB are M 1 2, 1  . (p. 192)
 2 2 
The Distance Formula
The distance between two points A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2) is

d  x2  x1    y2  y1 
2 2
. (p. 192)

Theorem 5-1
Triangle Midsegment Theorem
If a segment joins the midpoints of two sides of a triangle, then
the segment is parallel to the third side and is half as long.
(p. 201) Theorem 5-7
• Proof on p. 309, Problem 2 Concurrency of Angle Bisectors Theorem
The bisectors of the angles of a triangle are concurrent at a
Theorem 5-2 point equidistant from the sides of the triangle. (p. 215)
Perpendicular Bisector Theorem • Proof on p. 218, Exercise 11
If a point is on the perpendicular bisector of a segment, then it
is equidistant from the endpoints of the segment. (p. 206) Theorem 5-8
• Proof on p. 208, Problem 2 Concurrency of Medians Theorem
The medians of a triangle are concurrent at a point that is two-
Theorem 5-3 thirds the distance from each vertex to the midpoint of the
Converse of the Perpendicular Bisector Theorem opposite side. (p. 220)
If a point is equidistant from the endpoints of a segment, then it • Proof on p. 311, Exercise 23
is on the perpendicular bisector of the segment. (p. 206)
• Proof on p. 212, Exercise 26 Theorem 5-9
Concurrency of Altitudes Theorem
Theorem 5-4 The lines that contain the altitudes of a triangle are concurrent.
Angle Bisector Theorem (p. 220)
If a point is on the bisector of an angle, then the point is • Proof on p. 311, Exercise 24
equidistant from the sides of the angle. (p. 207)
• Proof on p. 212, Exercise 27 Comparison Property of Inequality
If a = b + c and c > 0, then a > b. (p. 229)
Theorem 5-5
Converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem Theorem 5-10
If a point in the interior of an angle is equidistant from the sides If two sides of a triangle are not congruent, then the larger
of the angle, then the point is on the angle bisector. (p. 207) angle lies opposite the longer side. (p. 229)

Theorem 5-11
If two angles of a triangle are not congruent, then the longer
side lies opposite the larger angle. (p. 230)

Theorem 5-6
Concurrency of Perpendicular Bisectors Theorem
The perpendicular bisectors of the sides of a triangle are
concurrent at a point equidistant from the vertices. (p. 214)
Theorem 5-12
Triangle Inequality Theorem Theorem 5-14
The sum of the lengths of any two sides of a triangle is greater Converse of the Hinge Theorem (SSS Inequality)
than the length of the third side. (p. 230) If two sides of one triangle are congruent to two sides of
• Proof on p. 231, Problem 4 another triangle and the third sides are not congruent, then the
larger included angle is opposite the longer third side. (p. 235)
Theorem 5-13
The Hinge Theorem (SAS Inequality Theorem)
If two sides of one triangle are congruent to two sides of
another triangle and the included angles are not congruent,
then the longer third side is opposite the larger included angle.
(p. 235)
Topic 6 Polygons and Quadrilaterals Theorem 6-9
If an angle of a quadrilateral is supplementary to both of its
Theorem 6-1 consecutive angles, then the quadrilateral is a parallelogram.
Polygon Angle-Sum Theorem
(p. 261)
The sum of the measures of the angles of an n-gon
• Proof on p. 268, Exercise 17
is (n - 2)180. (p. 249)
Theorem 6-10
If both pairs of opposite angles of a quadrilateral are
congruent, then the quadrilateral is a parallelogram. (p. 261)
• Proof on p. 263, Problem 2

Theorem 6-11
If the diagonals of a quadrilateral bisect each other, then the
quadrilateral is a parallelogram. (p. 262)
Corollary • Proof on p. 264, Problem 3
The measure of each angle of a regular n-gon is
 n  2 180 .(p. 250)
Theorem 6-12
If one pair of opposite sides of a quadrilateral is both congruent
n and parallel, then the quadrilateral is a parallelogram. (p. 262)
• Proof on p. 254, Exercise 16 • Proof on p. 268, Exercise 16

Theorem 6-2 Theorem 6-13

Polygon Exterior Angle-Sum Theorem If a parallelogram is a rhombus, then its diagonals are
The sum of the measures of the exterior angles of a polygon, perpendicular. (p. 269)
one at each vertex, is 360. (p. 250) • Proof on p. 310, Exercise 17
• Proof on p. 253, Exercise 9
Theorem 6-14
Theorem 6-3 If a parallelogram is a rhombus, then each diagonal bisects a
If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram, then its opposite sides are pair of opposite angles. (p. 270)
congruent. (p. 256) • Proof on p. 272, Exercise 10

Theorem 6-15
If a parallelogram is a rectangle, then its diagonals are
congruent.(p. 270)
• Proof on p. 273, Exercise 13

Theorem 6-16
If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram with perpendicular
diagonals, then the quadrilateral is a rhombus. (p. 275)
• Proof on p. 276, Problem 1
Theorem 6-4
If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram, then its consecutive angles Theorem 6-17
are supplementary. (p. 256) If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram with a diagonal that bisects
• Proof on p. 260, Exercise 21 a pair of opposite angles, then the quadrilateral is a rhombus.
(p. 275)
Theorem 6-5 • Proof on p. 280, Exercise 16
If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram, then its opposite angles
are congruent. (p. 256) Theorem 6-18
• Proof on p. 257, Problem 2 If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram with congruent diagonals,
then the quadrilateral is a rectangle. (p. 276)
Theorem 6-6 • Proof on p. 280, Exercise 17
If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram, then its diagonals bisect
each other. (p. 256) Theorem 6-19
• Proof on p. 259, Exercise 11 If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram with perpendicular,
congruent diagonals, then the quadrilateral is a square. (p.276)
Theorem 6-7 • Proof on p. 277, Problem 2
If three (or more) parallel lines cut off congruent segments on
one transversal, then they cut off congruent segments on every Theorem 6-20
transversal. (p. 256) If a quadrilateral is an isosceles trapezoid, then each pair of
• Proof on p. 260, Exercise 23 base angles is congruent. (p. 282)
• Proof on p. 286, Exercise 1
Theorem 6-8
If both pairs of opposite sides of a quadrilateral are congruent, Theorem 6-21
then the quadrilateral is a parallelogram. (p. 261) If a quadrilateral is an isosceles trapezoid, then its diagonals
• Proof on p. 263, Problem 1 are congruent. (p. 282)
• Proof on p. 286, Exercise 16
Theorem 6-22
Trapezoid Midsegment Theorem Theorem 9-2
If a quadrilateral is a trapezoid, then Side-Side-Side Similarity (SSS ~) Theorem
(1) the midsegment is parallel to the bases, and If the corresponding sides of two triangles are proportional,
(2) the length of the midsegment is half the sum of the lengths then the triangles are similar. (p. 393)
of the bases. (p. 282) • Proof on p. 397, Exercise 22
• Proofs on p. 265 of Student Companion, Got It 2
Theorem 6-23 Theorem 9-3
If a quadrilateral is a kite, then its diagonals are perpendicular. The altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle divides the
(p. 283) triangle into two triangles that are similar to the original triangle
and to each other. (p. 398)
• Proof on p. 400, Problem 1

Corollary 1
The length of the altitude to the hypotenuse of a right
triangle is the geometric mean of the lengths of the
segments of the hypotenuse. (p. 399)
• Proof on p. 404, Exercise 30

Corollary 2
The altitude to the hypotenuse of a right triangle
separates the hypotenuse so that the length of each
leg of the triangle is the geometric mean of the length
of the hypotenuse and the length of the segment of
the hypotenuse adjacent to the leg. (p. 399)
Topic 8 Transformational Geometry • Proof on p. 404, Exercise 31
Theorem 8-1
The composition of two or more rigid transformations is a rigid Theorem 9-4
transformation. (p. 344) Triangle Proportionality Theorem
If a line is parallel to one side of a triangle and intersects the
Theorem 8-2 other two sides, then it divides those sides proportionally.
Reflections Across Parallel Lines (p. 408)
A composition of reflections across two parallel lines is a • Proof on p. 410, Problem 2
translation. (p. 344)
Converse
Theorem 8-3 If a line divides two sides of a triangle proportionally,
Reflections Across Intersecting Lines then it is parallel to the third side. (p. 412)
A composition of reflections across two intersecting lines is a • Proof on p. 412, Exercise 1
rotation. (p. 345)
Corollary
If three parallel lines intersect two transversals, then
Topic 9 Similarity the segments intercepted on the transversals are
Postulate 9-1 proportional. (p. 408)
Angle-Angle Similarity (AA ~) Postulate • Proof on p. 413, Exercise 18
If two angles of one triangle are congruent to two angles of
another triangle, then the triangles are similar. (p. 392) Theorem 9-5
Triangle-Angle-Bisector Theorem
Theorem 9-1 If a ray bisects an angle of a triangle, then it divides the
Side-Angle-Side Similarity (SAS ~) Theorem opposite side into two segments that are proportional to the
If an angle of one triangle is congruent to an angle of a other two sides of the triangle. (p. 409)
second triangle, and the sides that include the two angles are • Proof on p. 413, Exercise 20
proportional, then the triangles are similar. (p. 392)
• Proof on p. 397, Exercise 21
Topic 10 Right Triangles and Trigonometry
Theorem 10-1
Pythagorean Theorem
If a triangle is a right triangle, then the sum of the squares of
the lengths of the legs is equal to the square of the length of
the hypotenuse. a2 + b2 = c2 (p. 423)
• Proof on p. 424, Problem 1

Theorem 10-2
Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem
If the sum of the squares of the lengths of two sides of a
triangle is equal to the square of the length of the third side,
then the triangle is a right triangle. (p. 423)
• Proof on p. 429, Exercise 27

Theorem 10-3
If the square of the length of the longest side of a triangle is
greater than the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other
two sides, then the triangle is obtuse. (p. 424)
• Proof on p. 429, Exercise 28

Theorem 10-4 Topic 11 Circle Measurement

If the square of the length of the longest side of a triangle is
less than the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two Postulate 11-1
sides, then the triangle is acute. (p. 424) Arc Addition Postulate
• Proof on p. 429, Exercise 29 The measure of the arc formed by two adjacent arcs is the sum
of the measures of the two arcs.
Theorem 10-5 mABC  mAB  mBC (p. 454)
45  45  90 Triangle Theorem
In a 45  45  90 triangle, both legs are congruent and Topic 12 Theorems About Circles
the length of the hypotenuse is 2 times the length of a leg. Theorem 12-1
If a line is tangent to a circle, then the line is perpendicular to
hypotenuse = 2 leg (p. 430) the radius at the point of tangency. (p. 486)

Theorem 10-6
30  60  90 Triangle Theorem
In a 30  60  90 triangle, the length of the hypotenuse is
twice the length of the shorter leg. The length of the longer leg
is 3 times the length of the shorter leg.
hypotenuse = 2 shorter leg
longer leg = 3 shorter leg (p. 430)

Theorem 12-2
If a line in the plane of a circle is perpendicular to a radius at its
endpoint on the circle, then the line is tangent to the
circle. (p. 487)
• Proof on p. 491, Exercise 19
Theorem 12-3
If two segments are tangent to a circle from a point outside the
circle, then the two segments are congruent. (p. 487)
• Proof on p. 490, Exercise 12

Theorem 12-4
Within a circle or in congruent circles, congruent central angles
have congruent arcs. (p. 492)
• Proof on p. 497, Exercise 7

Converse
Within a circle or in congruent circles, congruent arcs
have congruent central angles. (p. 492)
• Proof on p. 498, Exercise 24

Theorem 12-5
Within a circle or in congruent circles, congruent central angles Theorem 12-10
have congruent chords. (p. 492) In a circle, the perpendicular bisector of a chord contains the
• Proof on p. 497, Exercise 8 center of the circle. (p. 494)
• Proof on p. 497, Exercise 11
Converse
Within a circle or in congruent circles, congruent
chords have congruent central angles. (p. 492)
Theorem 12-11
Inscribed Angle Theorem
• Proof on p. 498, Exercise 25
The measure of an inscribed angle is half the measure of its
intercepted arc. (p. 499)
Theorem 12-6 • Proof on p. 502, Exercises 9 and 10
Within a circle or in congruent circles, congruent chords have
congruent arcs. (p. 493) Corollary 1
• Proof on p. 497, Exercise 9 Two inscribed angles that intercept the same arc are
congruent. (p. 499)
Converse • Proof on p. 503, Exercise 14
Within a circle or in congruent circles, congruent arcs
have congruent chords. (p. 493) Corollary 2
• Proof on p. 498, Exercise 26 An angle inscribed in a semicircle is a right angle. (p.499)
• Proof on p. 503, Exercise 15
Theorem 12-7
Within a circle or in congruent circles, chords equidistant from Corollary 3
the center (or centers) are congruent. (p. 493) The opposite angles of a quadrilateral inscribed in a
circle are supplementary. (p. 499)
• Proof on p. 503, Exercise 16

Theorem 12-12
The measure of an angle formed by a tangent and a chord is
half the measure of the intercepted arc. (p. 500)
• Proof on p. 503, Exercise 17

Theorem 12-13
The measure of an angle formed by two lines that intersect
inside a circle is half the sum of the measures of the
intercepted arcs. (p. 505)

Converse
Within a circle or in congruent circles, congruent
chords are equidistant from the center (or centers). (p.
493)
• Proof on p. 498, Exercise 27

Theorem 12-8
In a circle, if a diameter is perpendicular to a chord, it bisects
the chord and its arc. (p. 493)
• Proof on p. 497, Exercise 10 Theorem 12-14
The measure of an angle formed by two lines that intersect
Theorem 12-9 outside a circle is half the difference of the measures of the
In a circle, if a diameter bisects a chord (that is not a diameter), intercepted arcs. (p. 505)
it is perpendicular to the chord. (p. 493) • Proofs on p. 510, Exercises 24 and 25
Theorem 12-15 Constructions
For a given point and circle, the product of the lengths of the
two segments from the point to the circle is constant along any
Construction 1
Congruent Segments
line through the point and circle. (p. 506)
Construct a segment congruent to a given segment. (p. 27)
• Proofs on p. 509, Exercises 13 and 14
Construction 2
Topic 13 Area Congruent Angles
Postulate 13-1 Construct an angle congruent to a given angle. (p. 28)
Area Addition Postulate
The area of a region is the sum of the areas of its Construction 3
nonoverlapping parts. (p. 521) Segment Bisector
Construct the bisector of a segment. (p. 28)
Theorem 13-1
Area of a Triangle Given SAS Construction 4
The area of a triangle is half the product of the lengths of two Perpendicular Bisector
sides and the sine of the included angle. Construct the perpendicular bisector of a segment. (p. 29)
1
Area of ABC  bc  Sin A (p. 546) Construction 5
2 Angle Bisector
Construct the bisector of an angle. (p. 30)

Construction 6
Parallel Through a Point Not on a Line
Construct the line parallel to a given line and through a given
point that is not on the line. (p. 118)

Construction 7
Quadrilateral With Parallel Sides
Construct a quadrilateral with one pair of parallel sides of
lengths
a and b. (p. 118)

Construction 8
Perpendicular Through a Point on a Line
Construct the perpendicular to a given line at a given point on
the
line. (p. 119)

Construction 9
Perpendicular Through a Point Not on a Line
Construct the perpendicular to a given line through a given
point not on the line. (p. 120)