Sides AB and AC and median AD of a triangle ABC are respectively proportional to sides PQ and PR and median PM of another triangle PQR. Show that ΔABC ~ ΔPQR.
Two triangles ΔABC and ΔPQR in which AD and PM are medians such that;
AB/PQ = AC/PR = AD/PM
We have to prove, ΔABC ~ ΔPQR
Let us construct first: Produce AD to E so that AD = DE. Join CE, Similarly produce PM to N such that PM = MN, also Join RN.
In ΔABD and ΔCDE, we have
AD = DE [By Construction.]
BD = DC [Since, AP is the median]
and, ∠ADB = ∠CDE [Vertically opposite angles]
∴ ΔABD ≅ ΔCDE [SAS criterion of congruence]
⇒ AB = CE [By CPCT] …………………..(i)
Also, in ΔPQM and ΔMNR,
PM = MN [By Construction.]
QM = MR [Since, PM is the median]
and, ∠PMQ = ∠NMR [Vertically opposite angles]
∴ ΔPQM = ΔMNR [SAS criterion of congruence]
⇒ PQ = RN [CPCT] ……………………(ii)
Now, AB/PQ = AC/PR = AD/PM
From equation (i) and (ii),
⇒CE/RN = AC/PR = AD/PM
⇒ CE/RN = AC/PR = 2AD/2PM
⇒ CE/RN = AC/PR = AE/PN [Since 2AD = AE and 2PM = PN]
∴ ΔACE ~ ΔPRN [SSS similarity criterion]
Therefore, ∠2 = ∠4
Similarly, ∠1 = ∠3
∴ ∠1 + ∠2 = ∠3 + ∠4
⇒ ∠A = ∠P ……………….(iii)
Now, in ΔABC and ΔPQR, we have
AB/PQ = AC/PR (Already given)
From equation (iii),
∠A = ∠P
∴ ΔABC ~ ΔPQR [ SAS similarity criterion]