In a parallelogram ABCD, E and F are the mid-points of sides AB and CD respectively (see Fig. 8.31). Show that the line segments AF and EC trisect the diagonal BD.

 

Solution:

Given that,

ABCD is a parallelogram. E and F are the mid-points of sides AB and CD respectively.

To show,

AF and EC trisect the diagonal BD.

Proof,

ABCD is a parallelogram

, AB || CD

also, AE || FC

Now,

AB = CD (Opposite sides of parallelogram ABCD)

⇒½ AB = ½ CD

⇒ AE = FC (E and F are midpoints of side AB and CD)

AECF is a parallelogram (AE and CF are parallel and equal to each other)

AF || EC (Opposite sides of a parallelogram)

Now,

In ΔDQC,

F is mid point of side DC and FP || CQ (as AF || EC).

P is the mid-point of DQ (Converse of mid-point theorem)

⇒ DP = PQ — (i)

Similarly,

In ΔAPB,

E is midpoint of side AB and EQ || AP (as AF || EC).

Q is the mid-point of PB (Converse of mid-point theorem)

⇒ PQ = QB — (ii)

From equations (i) and (i),

DP = PQ = BQ

Hence, the line segments AF and EC trisect the diagonal BD.

Hence Proved.