Exploration
Construct any triangle. Construct an angle bisector in the triangle and draw the segment along the angle bisector from the vertex to the intersection with the opposite side.
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Click here for a GSP Sketch to explore these ratios.
TO PROVE
The bisector of an angle of a triangle divides the opposite side into segments that are proportional to the adjacent sides.
That is, for any triangle ABC, the bisector of the angle at C divides the opposite side into segments of length x and y such that
Hint ![]()
Extension
Prove that the bisector of an exterior angle of a triangle divides the opposite side externally into segments that are proportional to the adjacent sides.
That is, the external bisector of the angle at C externally divides the side AB at M such that
Hint: Draw AE parallel to CD.
Extension
Given a set of triangles all having the same base AB. What is the locus of the vertex C in the ratio of the sides adjacent to C is 1? Proof?
Extension
Given a set of triangles all having the same base AB. What is the locus of the vertex C in the ratio of the sides adjacent to C is not equal to 1? Proof?
Build a GSP sketch to draw this locus. Click here to see a GSP animation.
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