The GSP sketch alongside proves that our previous findings are not unique to when P is inside the triangle. When P is outside the triangle, we obtain some exterior proportions but the two products (AF)(BD)(CE) and (BF)(CD)(AE) are still equal. |
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The ratio of the the areas of triangle ABC to triangle DEF will always be greater than or equal to 4. The ratio will be exactly equal to 4 when the segment joining E and F is parallel to the base BC and F bisects AB and E bisects AC. This will mean that CF, AD and BE are medians and P is the orthocenter. Let us prove this theorem RTP: area triangle DEF = 1/4 area triangle ABC Proof: Since F bisects AB and E bisects AC... 1) FE // BC 2) FE = half the length of BC and therefore FE = BD = DC Also remember that triangles with equal bases lying between parallel lines have equal areas. therefore area DEF = area BDF = area CDE Also perpendicular distance from A to FE is equal to perpendicular distance from D to FE. therefore area DEF = area AFE therefore area DEF = 1/4 area ABC Q.E.D. |
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