Proof without words of a simple conjecture about any triangle
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Given the midpoint (or centroid) $D$ of any triangle $triangle ABC$, we build three squares on the three segments connecting $D$ with the three vertices. Then, we consider the centers $K,L,M$ of the three squares.
My conjecture is that
The area of the triangle $triangle KLM$ is equal to half of the area of the triangle $triangle ABC$.
This is for sure a well known result (well, if true!). In this case, sorry for the trivial problem!
However, It would be great to have suggestions for developing a proof without words of such simple claim (again, if true), i.e. avoiding trigonometry, etc. Thanks for your help!
EDIT: The conjecture can be easily extended to any regular polygon built on the described segments (e.g. equilateral triangles yield to $1/3$ of the $triangle ABC$ area, etc.).
EDIT (2): The (extended) conjecture appears to be true also by building the segments starting from the orthocenter (red, left), instead of the centroid (grey, right). The area of the final triangle $triangle KLM$ is however the same!
geometry euclidean-geometry triangle geometric-construction
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
Given the midpoint (or centroid) $D$ of any triangle $triangle ABC$, we build three squares on the three segments connecting $D$ with the three vertices. Then, we consider the centers $K,L,M$ of the three squares.
My conjecture is that
The area of the triangle $triangle KLM$ is equal to half of the area of the triangle $triangle ABC$.
This is for sure a well known result (well, if true!). In this case, sorry for the trivial problem!
However, It would be great to have suggestions for developing a proof without words of such simple claim (again, if true), i.e. avoiding trigonometry, etc. Thanks for your help!
EDIT: The conjecture can be easily extended to any regular polygon built on the described segments (e.g. equilateral triangles yield to $1/3$ of the $triangle ABC$ area, etc.).
EDIT (2): The (extended) conjecture appears to be true also by building the segments starting from the orthocenter (red, left), instead of the centroid (grey, right). The area of the final triangle $triangle KLM$ is however the same!
geometry euclidean-geometry triangle geometric-construction
Would you know a reference for the proof of this please? Thanks.
– NoChance
Nov 11 at 17:36
@NoChance Well, I am not fully sure that this claim is true. Therefore I have no clue of a proof. Maybe should I remove the tag "alternative-proof"? Sorry for confusion.
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:38
Thank you for your response, somehow I though there is a proof because of the wording "This is for sure a well known result". Very interesting idea.
– NoChance
Nov 11 at 17:40
A proof without words generally takes a known proof, and finds a geometric representation of what's happening. If you don't yet know that it's true, then finding a proof would be a better place to start than looking for a specific type of proof.
– Teepeemm
Nov 11 at 20:44
@Teepeemm Sure, I definitely agree. However, now greedoid provided a very nice and simple proof. So we can maybe focus on the proof without words! ; )
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:25
|
show 1 more comment
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
up vote
9
down vote
favorite
Given the midpoint (or centroid) $D$ of any triangle $triangle ABC$, we build three squares on the three segments connecting $D$ with the three vertices. Then, we consider the centers $K,L,M$ of the three squares.
My conjecture is that
The area of the triangle $triangle KLM$ is equal to half of the area of the triangle $triangle ABC$.
This is for sure a well known result (well, if true!). In this case, sorry for the trivial problem!
However, It would be great to have suggestions for developing a proof without words of such simple claim (again, if true), i.e. avoiding trigonometry, etc. Thanks for your help!
EDIT: The conjecture can be easily extended to any regular polygon built on the described segments (e.g. equilateral triangles yield to $1/3$ of the $triangle ABC$ area, etc.).
EDIT (2): The (extended) conjecture appears to be true also by building the segments starting from the orthocenter (red, left), instead of the centroid (grey, right). The area of the final triangle $triangle KLM$ is however the same!
geometry euclidean-geometry triangle geometric-construction
Given the midpoint (or centroid) $D$ of any triangle $triangle ABC$, we build three squares on the three segments connecting $D$ with the three vertices. Then, we consider the centers $K,L,M$ of the three squares.
My conjecture is that
The area of the triangle $triangle KLM$ is equal to half of the area of the triangle $triangle ABC$.
This is for sure a well known result (well, if true!). In this case, sorry for the trivial problem!
However, It would be great to have suggestions for developing a proof without words of such simple claim (again, if true), i.e. avoiding trigonometry, etc. Thanks for your help!
EDIT: The conjecture can be easily extended to any regular polygon built on the described segments (e.g. equilateral triangles yield to $1/3$ of the $triangle ABC$ area, etc.).
EDIT (2): The (extended) conjecture appears to be true also by building the segments starting from the orthocenter (red, left), instead of the centroid (grey, right). The area of the final triangle $triangle KLM$ is however the same!
geometry euclidean-geometry triangle geometric-construction
geometry euclidean-geometry triangle geometric-construction
edited Nov 12 at 16:01
asked Nov 11 at 17:31
user559615
Would you know a reference for the proof of this please? Thanks.
– NoChance
Nov 11 at 17:36
@NoChance Well, I am not fully sure that this claim is true. Therefore I have no clue of a proof. Maybe should I remove the tag "alternative-proof"? Sorry for confusion.
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:38
Thank you for your response, somehow I though there is a proof because of the wording "This is for sure a well known result". Very interesting idea.
– NoChance
Nov 11 at 17:40
A proof without words generally takes a known proof, and finds a geometric representation of what's happening. If you don't yet know that it's true, then finding a proof would be a better place to start than looking for a specific type of proof.
– Teepeemm
Nov 11 at 20:44
@Teepeemm Sure, I definitely agree. However, now greedoid provided a very nice and simple proof. So we can maybe focus on the proof without words! ; )
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:25
|
show 1 more comment
Would you know a reference for the proof of this please? Thanks.
– NoChance
Nov 11 at 17:36
@NoChance Well, I am not fully sure that this claim is true. Therefore I have no clue of a proof. Maybe should I remove the tag "alternative-proof"? Sorry for confusion.
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:38
Thank you for your response, somehow I though there is a proof because of the wording "This is for sure a well known result". Very interesting idea.
– NoChance
Nov 11 at 17:40
A proof without words generally takes a known proof, and finds a geometric representation of what's happening. If you don't yet know that it's true, then finding a proof would be a better place to start than looking for a specific type of proof.
– Teepeemm
Nov 11 at 20:44
@Teepeemm Sure, I definitely agree. However, now greedoid provided a very nice and simple proof. So we can maybe focus on the proof without words! ; )
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:25
Would you know a reference for the proof of this please? Thanks.
– NoChance
Nov 11 at 17:36
Would you know a reference for the proof of this please? Thanks.
– NoChance
Nov 11 at 17:36
@NoChance Well, I am not fully sure that this claim is true. Therefore I have no clue of a proof. Maybe should I remove the tag "alternative-proof"? Sorry for confusion.
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:38
@NoChance Well, I am not fully sure that this claim is true. Therefore I have no clue of a proof. Maybe should I remove the tag "alternative-proof"? Sorry for confusion.
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:38
Thank you for your response, somehow I though there is a proof because of the wording "This is for sure a well known result". Very interesting idea.
– NoChance
Nov 11 at 17:40
Thank you for your response, somehow I though there is a proof because of the wording "This is for sure a well known result". Very interesting idea.
– NoChance
Nov 11 at 17:40
A proof without words generally takes a known proof, and finds a geometric representation of what's happening. If you don't yet know that it's true, then finding a proof would be a better place to start than looking for a specific type of proof.
– Teepeemm
Nov 11 at 20:44
A proof without words generally takes a known proof, and finds a geometric representation of what's happening. If you don't yet know that it's true, then finding a proof would be a better place to start than looking for a specific type of proof.
– Teepeemm
Nov 11 at 20:44
@Teepeemm Sure, I definitely agree. However, now greedoid provided a very nice and simple proof. So we can maybe focus on the proof without words! ; )
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:25
@Teepeemm Sure, I definitely agree. However, now greedoid provided a very nice and simple proof. So we can maybe focus on the proof without words! ; )
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:25
|
show 1 more comment
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
Observe a spiral similarity with center at $D$ which takes $A$ to $K$. Then it takes $B$ to $M$ and $C$ to $L$. So this map takes triangle $ABC$ to triangle $KML$ which means that they are similary with dilatation coefficient $k=sqrt2over 2$ So the ratio of the areas is $k^2 =1/2$.
Thanks, greedoid for your always neat answers. I thought there could be some even easier solution, tangram/mosaic-like. But I am not sure. Thanks again however!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:45
Oh, sorry, I'm a bad reader (and writter). Anyway you should develop whole theory before you can play with ,,proofs without words''. You can not do anything just by the picture.
– greedoid
Nov 11 at 17:50
True. I see your point. Say, I thought it should have been not too difficult to prove this (e.g. with trigonometry), but I was looking for a more visual approach. But, true: first one has to have a proof! Therefore, thanks again for yours!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 18:26
1
I've just realized that the conjecture can be extended by building any regular polygon on these segments (with equilateral triangles, the centers define a triangle of area $1/3$ of the initial triangle, with hexagons, the areas coincide and so on). I think your proof can be nicely generalized!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:51
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
The two triangles share a centroid. The small triangle vertices are one half of each square's diagonal while the larger triangle has the length of a side. The triangles are similar since lengths are proportional by a factor of sqrt(2) which we square for an area comparison of 2:1 in favor of the larger one.
1
Perhaps as a visual you can show the construction of the squares, show a copy of each side as it contracts in length and rotates into position along the diagonal to the shared centroid. Then connect the vertices to show the small triangle. I believe this would have the desired effect except for deriving the factor of sqrt(2) which would require a visual proof of this case of the pythagorean theorem. I imagine there are several of those available for such a popular theorem.
– Nathan
Nov 11 at 23:16
Thanks Nathan. And welcome on MSE!
– user559615
Nov 12 at 4:31
Thanks for the interesting challenge and welcome. It just popped up on my Google feed!
– Nathan
Nov 13 at 18:46
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
This could be an idea for a "proof without words":
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
In the special case where $triangle ABC$ is right and isosceles, it seems true almost visually that, in triangles $KLM$ and $ABC$, base$$KM=BC$$and altitude$$BA=2BE$$making$$triangle ABC=2triangle KLM$$
On the other hand, if we build the squares on the sides of $triangle ABC$, as in the figure below, the reverse appears to happen:$$triangle KLM=2triangle ABC$$since base$$KL=AC$$and altitude$$BM=2BE$$
OP's conjecture seems, as some are suggesting, a particular result of a larger general theory?
The above figures suggest perhaps the further question, whether a "proof without words" is ever really possible; it seems words are implicitly present in any train of thought, and a proposition that was truly self-evident would not be a proof strictly speaking but rather a basis or element of a proof.
add a comment |
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
Observe a spiral similarity with center at $D$ which takes $A$ to $K$. Then it takes $B$ to $M$ and $C$ to $L$. So this map takes triangle $ABC$ to triangle $KML$ which means that they are similary with dilatation coefficient $k=sqrt2over 2$ So the ratio of the areas is $k^2 =1/2$.
Thanks, greedoid for your always neat answers. I thought there could be some even easier solution, tangram/mosaic-like. But I am not sure. Thanks again however!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:45
Oh, sorry, I'm a bad reader (and writter). Anyway you should develop whole theory before you can play with ,,proofs without words''. You can not do anything just by the picture.
– greedoid
Nov 11 at 17:50
True. I see your point. Say, I thought it should have been not too difficult to prove this (e.g. with trigonometry), but I was looking for a more visual approach. But, true: first one has to have a proof! Therefore, thanks again for yours!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 18:26
1
I've just realized that the conjecture can be extended by building any regular polygon on these segments (with equilateral triangles, the centers define a triangle of area $1/3$ of the initial triangle, with hexagons, the areas coincide and so on). I think your proof can be nicely generalized!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:51
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
Observe a spiral similarity with center at $D$ which takes $A$ to $K$. Then it takes $B$ to $M$ and $C$ to $L$. So this map takes triangle $ABC$ to triangle $KML$ which means that they are similary with dilatation coefficient $k=sqrt2over 2$ So the ratio of the areas is $k^2 =1/2$.
Thanks, greedoid for your always neat answers. I thought there could be some even easier solution, tangram/mosaic-like. But I am not sure. Thanks again however!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:45
Oh, sorry, I'm a bad reader (and writter). Anyway you should develop whole theory before you can play with ,,proofs without words''. You can not do anything just by the picture.
– greedoid
Nov 11 at 17:50
True. I see your point. Say, I thought it should have been not too difficult to prove this (e.g. with trigonometry), but I was looking for a more visual approach. But, true: first one has to have a proof! Therefore, thanks again for yours!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 18:26
1
I've just realized that the conjecture can be extended by building any regular polygon on these segments (with equilateral triangles, the centers define a triangle of area $1/3$ of the initial triangle, with hexagons, the areas coincide and so on). I think your proof can be nicely generalized!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:51
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
Observe a spiral similarity with center at $D$ which takes $A$ to $K$. Then it takes $B$ to $M$ and $C$ to $L$. So this map takes triangle $ABC$ to triangle $KML$ which means that they are similary with dilatation coefficient $k=sqrt2over 2$ So the ratio of the areas is $k^2 =1/2$.
Observe a spiral similarity with center at $D$ which takes $A$ to $K$. Then it takes $B$ to $M$ and $C$ to $L$. So this map takes triangle $ABC$ to triangle $KML$ which means that they are similary with dilatation coefficient $k=sqrt2over 2$ So the ratio of the areas is $k^2 =1/2$.
answered Nov 11 at 17:40
greedoid
36.4k114592
36.4k114592
Thanks, greedoid for your always neat answers. I thought there could be some even easier solution, tangram/mosaic-like. But I am not sure. Thanks again however!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:45
Oh, sorry, I'm a bad reader (and writter). Anyway you should develop whole theory before you can play with ,,proofs without words''. You can not do anything just by the picture.
– greedoid
Nov 11 at 17:50
True. I see your point. Say, I thought it should have been not too difficult to prove this (e.g. with trigonometry), but I was looking for a more visual approach. But, true: first one has to have a proof! Therefore, thanks again for yours!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 18:26
1
I've just realized that the conjecture can be extended by building any regular polygon on these segments (with equilateral triangles, the centers define a triangle of area $1/3$ of the initial triangle, with hexagons, the areas coincide and so on). I think your proof can be nicely generalized!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:51
add a comment |
Thanks, greedoid for your always neat answers. I thought there could be some even easier solution, tangram/mosaic-like. But I am not sure. Thanks again however!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:45
Oh, sorry, I'm a bad reader (and writter). Anyway you should develop whole theory before you can play with ,,proofs without words''. You can not do anything just by the picture.
– greedoid
Nov 11 at 17:50
True. I see your point. Say, I thought it should have been not too difficult to prove this (e.g. with trigonometry), but I was looking for a more visual approach. But, true: first one has to have a proof! Therefore, thanks again for yours!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 18:26
1
I've just realized that the conjecture can be extended by building any regular polygon on these segments (with equilateral triangles, the centers define a triangle of area $1/3$ of the initial triangle, with hexagons, the areas coincide and so on). I think your proof can be nicely generalized!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:51
Thanks, greedoid for your always neat answers. I thought there could be some even easier solution, tangram/mosaic-like. But I am not sure. Thanks again however!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:45
Thanks, greedoid for your always neat answers. I thought there could be some even easier solution, tangram/mosaic-like. But I am not sure. Thanks again however!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:45
Oh, sorry, I'm a bad reader (and writter). Anyway you should develop whole theory before you can play with ,,proofs without words''. You can not do anything just by the picture.
– greedoid
Nov 11 at 17:50
Oh, sorry, I'm a bad reader (and writter). Anyway you should develop whole theory before you can play with ,,proofs without words''. You can not do anything just by the picture.
– greedoid
Nov 11 at 17:50
True. I see your point. Say, I thought it should have been not too difficult to prove this (e.g. with trigonometry), but I was looking for a more visual approach. But, true: first one has to have a proof! Therefore, thanks again for yours!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 18:26
True. I see your point. Say, I thought it should have been not too difficult to prove this (e.g. with trigonometry), but I was looking for a more visual approach. But, true: first one has to have a proof! Therefore, thanks again for yours!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 18:26
1
1
I've just realized that the conjecture can be extended by building any regular polygon on these segments (with equilateral triangles, the centers define a triangle of area $1/3$ of the initial triangle, with hexagons, the areas coincide and so on). I think your proof can be nicely generalized!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:51
I've just realized that the conjecture can be extended by building any regular polygon on these segments (with equilateral triangles, the centers define a triangle of area $1/3$ of the initial triangle, with hexagons, the areas coincide and so on). I think your proof can be nicely generalized!
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:51
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
The two triangles share a centroid. The small triangle vertices are one half of each square's diagonal while the larger triangle has the length of a side. The triangles are similar since lengths are proportional by a factor of sqrt(2) which we square for an area comparison of 2:1 in favor of the larger one.
1
Perhaps as a visual you can show the construction of the squares, show a copy of each side as it contracts in length and rotates into position along the diagonal to the shared centroid. Then connect the vertices to show the small triangle. I believe this would have the desired effect except for deriving the factor of sqrt(2) which would require a visual proof of this case of the pythagorean theorem. I imagine there are several of those available for such a popular theorem.
– Nathan
Nov 11 at 23:16
Thanks Nathan. And welcome on MSE!
– user559615
Nov 12 at 4:31
Thanks for the interesting challenge and welcome. It just popped up on my Google feed!
– Nathan
Nov 13 at 18:46
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
The two triangles share a centroid. The small triangle vertices are one half of each square's diagonal while the larger triangle has the length of a side. The triangles are similar since lengths are proportional by a factor of sqrt(2) which we square for an area comparison of 2:1 in favor of the larger one.
1
Perhaps as a visual you can show the construction of the squares, show a copy of each side as it contracts in length and rotates into position along the diagonal to the shared centroid. Then connect the vertices to show the small triangle. I believe this would have the desired effect except for deriving the factor of sqrt(2) which would require a visual proof of this case of the pythagorean theorem. I imagine there are several of those available for such a popular theorem.
– Nathan
Nov 11 at 23:16
Thanks Nathan. And welcome on MSE!
– user559615
Nov 12 at 4:31
Thanks for the interesting challenge and welcome. It just popped up on my Google feed!
– Nathan
Nov 13 at 18:46
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
The two triangles share a centroid. The small triangle vertices are one half of each square's diagonal while the larger triangle has the length of a side. The triangles are similar since lengths are proportional by a factor of sqrt(2) which we square for an area comparison of 2:1 in favor of the larger one.
The two triangles share a centroid. The small triangle vertices are one half of each square's diagonal while the larger triangle has the length of a side. The triangles are similar since lengths are proportional by a factor of sqrt(2) which we square for an area comparison of 2:1 in favor of the larger one.
answered Nov 11 at 23:07
Nathan
11
11
1
Perhaps as a visual you can show the construction of the squares, show a copy of each side as it contracts in length and rotates into position along the diagonal to the shared centroid. Then connect the vertices to show the small triangle. I believe this would have the desired effect except for deriving the factor of sqrt(2) which would require a visual proof of this case of the pythagorean theorem. I imagine there are several of those available for such a popular theorem.
– Nathan
Nov 11 at 23:16
Thanks Nathan. And welcome on MSE!
– user559615
Nov 12 at 4:31
Thanks for the interesting challenge and welcome. It just popped up on my Google feed!
– Nathan
Nov 13 at 18:46
add a comment |
1
Perhaps as a visual you can show the construction of the squares, show a copy of each side as it contracts in length and rotates into position along the diagonal to the shared centroid. Then connect the vertices to show the small triangle. I believe this would have the desired effect except for deriving the factor of sqrt(2) which would require a visual proof of this case of the pythagorean theorem. I imagine there are several of those available for such a popular theorem.
– Nathan
Nov 11 at 23:16
Thanks Nathan. And welcome on MSE!
– user559615
Nov 12 at 4:31
Thanks for the interesting challenge and welcome. It just popped up on my Google feed!
– Nathan
Nov 13 at 18:46
1
1
Perhaps as a visual you can show the construction of the squares, show a copy of each side as it contracts in length and rotates into position along the diagonal to the shared centroid. Then connect the vertices to show the small triangle. I believe this would have the desired effect except for deriving the factor of sqrt(2) which would require a visual proof of this case of the pythagorean theorem. I imagine there are several of those available for such a popular theorem.
– Nathan
Nov 11 at 23:16
Perhaps as a visual you can show the construction of the squares, show a copy of each side as it contracts in length and rotates into position along the diagonal to the shared centroid. Then connect the vertices to show the small triangle. I believe this would have the desired effect except for deriving the factor of sqrt(2) which would require a visual proof of this case of the pythagorean theorem. I imagine there are several of those available for such a popular theorem.
– Nathan
Nov 11 at 23:16
Thanks Nathan. And welcome on MSE!
– user559615
Nov 12 at 4:31
Thanks Nathan. And welcome on MSE!
– user559615
Nov 12 at 4:31
Thanks for the interesting challenge and welcome. It just popped up on my Google feed!
– Nathan
Nov 13 at 18:46
Thanks for the interesting challenge and welcome. It just popped up on my Google feed!
– Nathan
Nov 13 at 18:46
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
This could be an idea for a "proof without words":
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
This could be an idea for a "proof without words":
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
This could be an idea for a "proof without words":
This could be an idea for a "proof without words":
edited Nov 12 at 14:16
answered Nov 12 at 9:45
user559615
add a comment |
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
In the special case where $triangle ABC$ is right and isosceles, it seems true almost visually that, in triangles $KLM$ and $ABC$, base$$KM=BC$$and altitude$$BA=2BE$$making$$triangle ABC=2triangle KLM$$
On the other hand, if we build the squares on the sides of $triangle ABC$, as in the figure below, the reverse appears to happen:$$triangle KLM=2triangle ABC$$since base$$KL=AC$$and altitude$$BM=2BE$$
OP's conjecture seems, as some are suggesting, a particular result of a larger general theory?
The above figures suggest perhaps the further question, whether a "proof without words" is ever really possible; it seems words are implicitly present in any train of thought, and a proposition that was truly self-evident would not be a proof strictly speaking but rather a basis or element of a proof.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
In the special case where $triangle ABC$ is right and isosceles, it seems true almost visually that, in triangles $KLM$ and $ABC$, base$$KM=BC$$and altitude$$BA=2BE$$making$$triangle ABC=2triangle KLM$$
On the other hand, if we build the squares on the sides of $triangle ABC$, as in the figure below, the reverse appears to happen:$$triangle KLM=2triangle ABC$$since base$$KL=AC$$and altitude$$BM=2BE$$
OP's conjecture seems, as some are suggesting, a particular result of a larger general theory?
The above figures suggest perhaps the further question, whether a "proof without words" is ever really possible; it seems words are implicitly present in any train of thought, and a proposition that was truly self-evident would not be a proof strictly speaking but rather a basis or element of a proof.
add a comment |
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
In the special case where $triangle ABC$ is right and isosceles, it seems true almost visually that, in triangles $KLM$ and $ABC$, base$$KM=BC$$and altitude$$BA=2BE$$making$$triangle ABC=2triangle KLM$$
On the other hand, if we build the squares on the sides of $triangle ABC$, as in the figure below, the reverse appears to happen:$$triangle KLM=2triangle ABC$$since base$$KL=AC$$and altitude$$BM=2BE$$
OP's conjecture seems, as some are suggesting, a particular result of a larger general theory?
The above figures suggest perhaps the further question, whether a "proof without words" is ever really possible; it seems words are implicitly present in any train of thought, and a proposition that was truly self-evident would not be a proof strictly speaking but rather a basis or element of a proof.
In the special case where $triangle ABC$ is right and isosceles, it seems true almost visually that, in triangles $KLM$ and $ABC$, base$$KM=BC$$and altitude$$BA=2BE$$making$$triangle ABC=2triangle KLM$$
On the other hand, if we build the squares on the sides of $triangle ABC$, as in the figure below, the reverse appears to happen:$$triangle KLM=2triangle ABC$$since base$$KL=AC$$and altitude$$BM=2BE$$
OP's conjecture seems, as some are suggesting, a particular result of a larger general theory?
The above figures suggest perhaps the further question, whether a "proof without words" is ever really possible; it seems words are implicitly present in any train of thought, and a proposition that was truly self-evident would not be a proof strictly speaking but rather a basis or element of a proof.
answered Nov 14 at 8:24
Edward Porcella
1,4011411
1,4011411
add a comment |
add a comment |
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Would you know a reference for the proof of this please? Thanks.
– NoChance
Nov 11 at 17:36
@NoChance Well, I am not fully sure that this claim is true. Therefore I have no clue of a proof. Maybe should I remove the tag "alternative-proof"? Sorry for confusion.
– user559615
Nov 11 at 17:38
Thank you for your response, somehow I though there is a proof because of the wording "This is for sure a well known result". Very interesting idea.
– NoChance
Nov 11 at 17:40
A proof without words generally takes a known proof, and finds a geometric representation of what's happening. If you don't yet know that it's true, then finding a proof would be a better place to start than looking for a specific type of proof.
– Teepeemm
Nov 11 at 20:44
@Teepeemm Sure, I definitely agree. However, now greedoid provided a very nice and simple proof. So we can maybe focus on the proof without words! ; )
– user559615
Nov 11 at 21:25