Elementary Geometry for College Students (5th Edition)

Published by Brooks Cole
ISBN 10: 1439047901
ISBN 13: 978-1-43904-790-3

Chapter 4 - Section 4.4 - The Trapezoid - Exercises - Page 210: 31

Answer

To simplify this process, we simply have to show that the triangle created by the second transversal is similar to the one created by the first transversal. If this is true, then the given statement will be true as well: 1. Each line is a transversal that intersects the parallel lines. 2. Thus, because corresponding angles are congruent, these two triangles have congruent base angles. 3. These two triangles also share an angle where the lines intersect. By the identity property, this angle is congruent to itself. 4. By AAA, this means that the two triangles are similar. Since the two triangles are similar, this concludes our proof. After all, since similar triangles have constant proportions, this means that the lines will always intersect congruent segments on the transversal.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.