=. Chap 1_Proving Elementary Theorer midpoint of AC = m( s) ometry 67 midpoint of BC = N(2, s) 273 Computing the slopes of AB and MN gives Maan Mn = b-a It follows that AB || MN. To compute the distances of MN and AB, we have AB = la—by =a-b + n= f2—2) 282% 22)" 2 Thus, the segment joining the midpoints of two opposite sides of a triangle is half as long as the third side, Example 1.10.5. Prove that the line segment joining the midpoints of the nonparallel sides of a trapezoid is parallel to the bases and equal to half their sum. Proof. Place the quadrilateral with 3 of its 4 vertices on the coordinate axes and label the vertices as indicated in Fig. 1.10.5. ‘Computing the midpoints ‘of BD and AC gives yy the following: midpoint of BD = om Bia +b, 0) A(0, 0) 2a+b :) 2, s|.3 Fig. 1.10.5 2°72, midpoint of AC = n(a 3) Then to compute the lengths of the sides AB, MN and CD, we have: AB= (a+b) =a+b cD=a + MN« a) _matb 2 2 4 This gives CO+AB=MN. Thus, the Tine segment joining the midpoints of the 2 of AB, les of a trapezoid is equal to half their sum.’ Computing the slopes nonparllel sides 0 we have: MN, and CD, CD=MN=AB=o ai ‘Thus, the line segment joining the midpoints of the nonparalel sides of ¢ trapez0\¢ 1S parallel to the bases. bus bisect each other and are Example 1.10.6. Prove that the diagonals of @ rhom perpendicular.