Proof without Words: Viviani's Theorem with Vectors

Author(s): Hans Samelson

Source: Mathematics Magazine, Vol. 76, No. 3 (Jun., 2003), p. 225
Published by: Mathematical Association of America
Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/3219327 .
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VOL.76, NO. 3, JUNE2003 225

ProofWithoutWords:
Viviani'sTheoremwith Vectors

The sum of the distances from a point P in an equilateral to the three sides of the
triangle is independent of the position of P (and so equal to the altitude of the triangle.)
-
ll = 1A1 Iyl
a+, + y =0
a . + + y .8 = O
(r - r') + (s - ') + (t - t') = 0
r+ s + t r' + s' + t'

CA

a
b

-HANS SAMELSON
STANFORD, CA 94305

Let T be 3
ROBERT N. ANDERSEN
JUSTIN STUMPF
JULIE TILLER
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI 54702

And he (Hirumof Tyre)madea moltensea, ten cubitsfromthe one brimto the

other:it was roundall about,andits heightwas five cubits:and a line of thirty
cubitsdid compassit roundabout. 1 Kings7:23

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