In an isosceles triangle ABC, with AB = AC, the bisectors of ∠B and ∠C intersect each other at O. Join A to O. Show that:

 (i) OB = OC (ii) AO bisects ∠A

Solution:

Given:

AB = AC and

the bisectors of ∠B and ∠C intersect each other at O

(i) Since ABC is an isosceles with AB = AC,

∠B = ∠C

½ ∠B = ½ ∠C

⇒ ∠OBC = ∠OCB (Angle bisectors)

∴ OB = OC (Side opposite to the equal angles are equal.)

(ii) In ΔAOB and ΔAOC,

AB = AC (Given in the question)

AO = AO (Common arm)

OB = OC (As Proved Already)

So, ΔAOB ≅ ΔAOC by SSS congruence condition.

BAO = CAO (by CPCT)

Thus, AO bisects ∠A.