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roblem 11 - Attempted Problem: A straight line \( \ell \) divides a triangle \( \Delta \) into two congruent triangles. Select all the statements that must be true. Triangle \( \Delta \) has two equal sides. Triangle \( \Delta \) has two equal angles. The line \( \ell \) is perpendicular to a side of \( \Delta \). The line \( \ell \) passes through a midpoint of one side of \( \Delta \). .

Ask by Dawson Cox. in the United States
Feb 26,2025

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Answer

The line \( \ell \) must pass through the midpoint of one side of triangle \( \Delta \).

Solution

To analyze the problem, we need to understand the implications of a straight line \( \ell \) dividing a triangle \( \Delta \) into two congruent triangles. ### Known Conditions: 1. The line \( \ell \) divides triangle \( \Delta \) into two congruent triangles. 2. Congruent triangles have equal corresponding sides and angles. ### Analyzing Each Statement: 1. **Triangle \( \Delta \) has two equal sides.** - This statement is **not necessarily true**. A triangle can be scalene (no equal sides) and still be divided into two congruent triangles by a line. For example, if the line divides the triangle into two equal areas without requiring equal sides, this statement does not hold. 2. **Triangle \( \Delta \) has two equal angles.** - This statement is also **not necessarily true**. Similar to the first statement, a triangle can have different angles and still be divided into two congruent triangles. The congruence of the resulting triangles does not imply that the original triangle has equal angles. 3. **The line \( \ell \) is perpendicular to a side of \( \Delta \).** - This statement is **not necessarily true**. The line can divide the triangle into two congruent triangles without being perpendicular to any side. For instance, a line can bisect the area of a triangle without being perpendicular. 4. **The line \( \ell \) passes through a midpoint of one side of \( \Delta \).** - This statement is **true**. For a line to divide a triangle into two congruent triangles, it must pass through the midpoint of one of the sides. This ensures that the areas of the two resulting triangles are equal. ### Conclusion: The only statement that must be true is: - **The line \( \ell \) passes through a midpoint of one side of \( \Delta \).** The other statements do not necessarily hold true in all cases.

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The Deep Dive

To solve this problem, let's first understand congruent triangles: they are triangles with the same shape and size. The key to dividing a triangle into two congruent triangles is that the dividing line must either bisect an angle or a side. Hence, if line \( \ell \) divides triangle \( \Delta \) into two congruent triangles, it does not necessarily imply that triangle \( \Delta \) has two equal sides or angles—triangles can be congruent without these conditions being met. However, if the line \( \ell \) passes through the midpoint of one side of \( \Delta \), it will create two triangles that are congruent, so this statement must be true. The line being perpendicular to one side is not a requirement for congruency either. Therefore, the statement that "the line \( \ell \) passes through a midpoint of one side of \( \Delta \)" is the only necessary condition. When discussing congruence and bisectors, it's fun to think about how triangles can be manipulated in different ways. For instance, if you cut a pizza (which is circular, I know, but bear with me) right down the middle, you create two equal sections—similarly, in triangles, if you find the right spot to bisect, you'll always splinter off congruent pieces! So embrace your inner triangle artist! It’s also intriguing to explore real-world applications of these concepts! Engineers use principles of congruence and symmetry in design to ensure structural integrity. Think about bridge design: supporting beams might create congruent triangles to distribute weight evenly. Understanding how lines and angles interact leads to stability in all sorts of constructions, from homes to skyscrapers. Now that's some solid engineering!

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