Parallel and perpendicular lines are key players in geometry. They form the backbone of many geometric proofs and constructions, helping us understand how lines relate to each other in space.
Proving lines parallel or perpendicular involves using specific theorems and properties. These proofs are essential for solving complex geometric problems and are often applied in real-world situations, from architecture to engineering.
Proving Lines Parallel
Methods of proving parallel lines
- Corresponding angles congruent angles in the same relative position when a transversal intersects two lines ($\angle 1$ and $\angle 5$, $\angle 2$ and $\angle 6$)
- If corresponding angles are congruent, the lines are parallel
- Alternate interior angles angles formed on opposite sides of the transversal and inside the two lines ($\angle 3$ and $\angle 6$, $\angle 4$ and $\angle 5$)
- If alternate interior angles are congruent, the lines are parallel
- Same-side interior angles angles formed on the same side of the transversal and inside the two lines ($\angle 3$ and $\angle 5$, $\angle 4$ and $\angle 6$)
- If same-side interior angles are supplementary (add up to 180°), the lines are parallel
Proving Lines Perpendicular
Proofs for perpendicular lines
- Converse of corresponding angles theorem if two lines are parallel, then corresponding angles formed by a transversal are congruent
- Converse of alternate interior angles theorem if two lines are parallel, then alternate interior angles formed by a transversal are congruent
- Converse of same-side interior angles theorem if two lines are parallel, then same-side interior angles formed by a transversal are supplementary
- Properties of perpendicular lines two lines are perpendicular if and only if they intersect to form four right angles (90° angles)
- If two lines are perpendicular, then any line perpendicular to one of the lines is parallel to the other line
Applications of parallel and perpendicular theorems
- Identify the given information and the lines to be proved parallel or perpendicular
- Choose an appropriate theorem or property to apply based on the given information
- Use the chosen theorem or property to prove the lines parallel or perpendicular
- Example: If $\angle 1$ and $\angle 5$ are congruent, prove that the lines are parallel using the corresponding angles theorem
Construction of parallel vs perpendicular lines
- Constructing parallel lines given a line and a point not on the line, use a compass and straightedge to construct a line parallel to the given line through the given point
- Draw a transversal through the point
- Construct congruent corresponding angles
- Connect the point to the intersection of the transversal and the original line
- Constructing perpendicular lines given a line and a point (either on or off the line), use a compass and straightedge to construct a line perpendicular to the given line through the given point
- For a point on the line:
- Construct congruent circles centered at the point
- Connect the intersections of the circles to create a perpendicular bisector
- For a point not on the line:
- Construct a circle centered at the point that intersects the line at two points
- Follow the steps for a point on the line using one of the intersection points