PROOF

Draw h
1
from E perpendicular to AD, and h
2
from D perpendicular to AE.
Draw BE and CD.
Area ADE
Area BDE
=
1
2
AD.h
1
1
2
DB.h
1
=
AD
DB
Area ADE
Area CED
=
1
2
AE.h
2
1
2
EC.h
2
=
AE
EC
but Area BDE = Area CED (equal base and height)

Area ADE
Area BDE
=
Area ADE
Area CED

AD
DB
=
AE
EC
Similarly, we use the same method to show that:
AD
AB
=
AE
AC
and
AB
BD
=
AC
CE
Converse: proportion theorem
If a line divides two sides of a triangle in the same proportion, then the line is parallel
to the third side.
(Reason: line divides sides in prop.)
Worked example 3: Proportion theorem
QUESTION
In TQP, SR QP, SQ = 12 cm and
RP = 15 cm. If TR =
x
3
, TP = x and
TS = y, determine the values of x and y,
giving reasons.
T
S
Q
R
P
x
3
x
3
12 cm
15 cm
x
y
331 Chapter 8. Euclidean geometry