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Lesson 2 Reteach
Geometric Proof

The Proof Process

Step 1 List all given information.
Step 2 State what is to be proven.
Step 3 Create an argument by forming a chain of statements linking the given information to what you
are trying to prove.
Step 4 Justify each statement with a reason.
Step 5 State what it is you have proven.

Example 1
Use the figure to complete the two-column proof to show that
if m∠1 + m∠2 = 180 and m∠1 + m∠4 = 180, then m∠2 = m∠4.

Given: m∠1 + m∠2 = 180 and m∠1 + m∠4 = 180 1

Prove: m∠2 = m∠4 2 4
3
Statements Reasons
a. m∠1 + m∠2 = 180; m∠1 + m∠4 = 180 Given
b. m∠1 + m∠2 = m∠1 + m∠4 Substitution
c. m∠2 = m∠4 Subtraction Property
of Equality

Proofs can also be written as paragraph proofs which involve writing a paragraph to
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explain why a conjecture is true. Each statement of the proof must still be supported by a
definition, algebraic property, or theorem.

Exercises b
Use the figure to complete the reasons in the two-column a
proof to show that if lines b and c are parallel and cut by c
1 2
transversal a, then ∠1 is congruent to ∠3.
3
Statements Reasons
a. Lines b and c are parallel
and cut by transversal a
b. m∠1 = m∠2
c. m∠2 = m∠3
d. m∠1 = m∠3

Course 3 • Chapter 5 Triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem 75