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If diagonals AC and BD form right angles at point …

Mathematics Questions

Diagonals AC and BD form right angles at point M in parallelogram ABCD. Prove ABCD is a rhombus.

Short Answer

The analysis of parallelogram ABCD reveals that its diagonals bisect each other, leading to the conclusion that triangles ABC and BCD are isosceles with equal sides. Thus, all adjacent sides are equal, confirming that ABCD is a rhombus.

Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Understand the Parallelogram Properties

Begin by recognizing the characteristics of the parallelogram ABCD in the diagram. A key property is that the diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other, which means that segments AM and MC are equal, as are segments BM and MD. This fact sets the stage for further analysis of the triangles formed by the diagonals.

Step 2: Analyze the Triangles

Focus on triangle ABC, where BM acts as both an altitude (perpendicular to AC) and a median (since AM=MC). This dual role indicates that triangle ABC is isosceles, leading to the conclusion that sides AB and BC are equal. A similar analysis applies to triangle BCD, confirming that sides BC and CD are also equal.

Step 3: Conclude the Shape of Quadrilateral ABCD

Now, use the properties of parallelograms to establish the lengths of the sides. Note that opposite sides are equal:

  • AB = DC
  • BC = DA
These equalities, combined with the previous findings that all adjacent sides are equal (AB = BC = CD = DA), lead to the conclusion that ABCD is not just a parallelogram but specifically a rhombus.

Related Concepts

Diagonals

Segments that connect opposite corners of a polygon, which in a parallelogram bisect each other, making them equal in length at the intersection point

Altitude

A segment from a vertex of a triangle that is perpendicular to the line containing the opposite side, helping in the analysis of triangle properties

Isosceles

A type of triangle that has at least two sides of equal length, which affects its angles and properties.