Bisectors, Medians,

and Altitudes
• Identify and use perpendicular bisectors and angle bisectors in triangles.
• Identify and use medians and altitudes in triangles.

Vocabulary can you balance a paper

triangle on a pencil point?
• perpendicular bisector
• concurrent lines Acrobats and jugglers often balance objects while
• point of concurrency performing their acts. These skilled artists need
• circumcenter to find the center of gravity for each object or
• incenter body position in order to keep balanced. The
• median center of gravity for any triangle can be found by
• centroid drawing the medians of a triangle and locating
• altitude the point where they intersect.
• orthocenter

PERPENDICULAR BISECTORS AND ANGLE BISECTORS The first

construction you made in the Geometry Activity on pages 236 and 237 was the
perpendicular bisector of a side of a triangle. A perpendicular bisector of a side of
a triangle is a line, segment, or ray that passes through the midpoint of the side and
is perpendicular to that side. Perpendicular bisectors of segments have some special
properties.

Theorems Points on Perpendicular Bisectors

5.1 Any point on the perpendicular bisector of a
segment is equidistant from the endpoints of
A
the segment.
Study Tip
wB
Example: If Aw'C
wwD and ww bisects w
AB CDw, then
Common AC 5 AD and BC 5 BD.
Misconception C D
B
Note that Theorem 5.2 5.2 Any point equidistant from the endpoints of a
states the point is on the segment lies on the perpendicular bisector of
perpendicular bisector. It the segment.
does not say that any line
containing that point is a Example: If AC 5 AD, then A lies on the perpendicular bisector of CwD
w.
perpendicular bisector. If BC 5 BD, then B lies on the perpendicular bisector of w
CDw.

You will prove Theorems 5.1 and 5.2 in Exercises 10 and 31, respectively.

Recall that a locus is the set of all points that satisfy a given condition.
A perpendicular bisector can be described as the locus of points in a plane
equidistant from the endpoints of a given segment.

Since a triangle has three sides, there are three perpendicular bisectors in a triangle.
The perpendicular bisectors of a triangle intersect at a common point. When three
or more lines intersect at a common point, the lines are called concurrent lines,
and their point of intersection is called the point of concurrency . The point of
concurrency of the perpendicular bisectors of a triangle is called the circumcenter .
238 Chapter 5 Relationships in Triangles
Michael S. Yamashita/CORBIS
 Theorem 5.3
Circumcenter Theorem The circumcenter B
of a triangle is equidistant from the
vertices of the triangle.
J
Example: If J is the circumcenter of nABC, circumcenter
then AJ 5 BJ 5 CJ. C
A

Proof Theorem 5.3 B

,
Given: ,, m, and n are perpendicular bisectors
wB
of A w, A
wC
w, and B
wC
w, respectively. n
A J
Prove: AJ 5 BJ 5 CJ
Paragraph Proof: m
C
Since J lies on the perpendicular bisector of ww, it is equidistant from A and B.
AB
By the definition of equidistant, AJ 5 BJ. The perpendicular bisector of BwCw also
contains J. Thus, BJ 5 CJ. By the Transitive Property of Equality, AJ 5 CJ. Thus,
AJ 5 BJ 5 CJ.

Another special line, segment, or ray in triangles is an angle bisector.

Example 1 Use Angle Bisectors Q

wX
Given: Pw bisects /QPR,
wY
X w'P wQ
w, and X
wZw'w
PRw. Y
wY
Prove: X w>X wZ
w X
Proof: P Z R
Statements Reasons
ww
1. P wY
X bisects /QPR, Xw'w
PQw, and 1. Given
wZ
X w'P wR
w.
2. /YPX > /ZPX 2. Definition of angle bisector
3. /PYX and /PZX are right angles. 3. Definition of perpendicular
4. /PYX > /PZX 4. Right angles are congruent.
5. w
PXw>w w
PX 5. Reflexive Property
6. nPYX > nPZX 6. AAS
wY
7. X w>w w
XZ 7. CPCTC
Study Tip
In Example 1, XY and XZ are lengths representing the distance from X to each
Locus
An angle bisector can be
side of /QPR. This is a proof of Theorem 5.4.
described as the locus of
points in a plane Theorems Points on Angle Bisectors
equidistant from the sides
of an angle. Since the 5.4 Any point on the angle bisector is B
sides of the angle are equidistant from the sides of the angle.
contained in intersecting
lines, the locus of points in 5.5 Any point equidistant from the sides of
a plane equidistant from an angle lies on the angle bisector.
two intersecting lines is A C
the angle bisector of the
vertical angles formed by
the lines. You will prove Theorem 5.5 in Exercise 32.

www.geometryonline.com/extra_examples Lesson 5-1 Bisectors, Medians, and Altitudes 239

 As with perpendicular bisectors, there are three angle bisectors in any triangle.
The angle bisectors of a triangle are concurrent, and their point of concurrency is
called the incenter of a triangle.

Theorem 5.6
Incenter Theorem The incenter of a triangle A
is equidistant from each side of the triangle. R
P E
Example: If K is the incenter of nABC, F K
incenter
then KP 5 KQ 5 KR.
B D C
Q

You will prove Theorem 5.6 in Exercise 33.

Study Tip
Medians as
Bisectors MEDIANS AND ALTITUDES A median is a segment whose endpoints are a
Because the median vertex of a triangle and the midpoint of the side opposite the vertex. Every triangle
contains the midpoint, it has three medians.
is also a bisector of the
side of the triangle. The medians of a triangle also intersect at a common point. The point of concurrency
for the medians of a triangle is called a centroid. The centroid is the point of balance
for any triangle.

Theorem 5.7
Centroid Theorem The centroid of a triangle B
is located two thirds of the distance from a
vertex to the midpoint of the side opposite
D E
the vertex on a median. L
centroid
2
Example: If L is the centroid of nABC‚ AL = }} AE,
3
2 2 A F C
BL = }} BF, and CL = }} CD.
3 3

Example 2 Segment Measures

ALGEBRA Points S, T, and U are the midpoints E
wE
of Dw, E
wF
w, and D
wFw, respectively. Find x, y, and z.
• Find x.
y
Study Tip DT 5 DA 1 AT Segment Addition Postulate S
2x 2 5
T
4z
Eliminating 5 6 1 (2x 25) Substitution A
Fractions 6
4.6
You could also multiply 5 2x 1 1 Simplify. 2.9
2
the equation DA 5 }}DT D U F
3 2
by 3 to eliminate the DA 5 }} DT Centroid Theorem
3
denominator.
2
6 5 }} [2x 1 1] DA 5 6, DT 5 2x 1 1
3
18 5 4x 1 2 Multiply each side by 3 and simplify.

16 5 4x Subtract 2 from each side.

45x Divide each side by 4.

240 Chapter 5 Relationships in Triangles

 • Find y.
2
EA 5 }}EU Centroid Theorem
3
2
y 5 }}(y 1 2.9) EA 5 y, EU 5 y 1 2.9
3
3y 5 2y 1 5.8 Multiply each side by 3 and simplify.

y 5 5.8 Subtract 2y from each side.

• Find z.
2
FA 5 }}FS Centroid Theorem
3
2
4.6 5 }}(4.6 1 4z) FA 5 4.6, FS 5 4.6 + 4z
3
13.8 5 9.2 1 8z Multiply each side by 3 and simplify.

4.6 5 8z Subtract 9.2 from each side.

0.575 5 z Divide each side by 8.

B
An altitude of a triangle is a segment from a T
vertex to the line containing the opposite side and
S orthocenter
perpendicular to the line containing that side. Every
M
triangle has three altitudes. The intersection point of
the altitudes of a triangle is called the orthocenter . A U C

Finding the orthocenter If the vertices of a triangle are located on a coordinate plane, you can use a system
can be used to help you
of equations to find the coordinates of the orthocenter.
construct your own
nine-point circle. Visit
www.geometry
online.com/webquest Example 3 Use a System of Equations to Find a Point
to continue work on COORDINATE GEOMETRY The vertices of y
your WebQuest project.
nJKL are J(1, 3), K(2, 21), and L(21, 0). Find J (1, 3)
the coordinates of the orthocenter of nJKL.
wL
• Find an equation of the altitude from J to K w.
1 L(21, 0) O x
wL
The slope of K w is 2}}, so the slope of the altitude K (2, 21)
3
is 3.
(y 2 y1) 5 m(x 2 x1) Point-slope form
(y 2 3) 5 3(x 2 1) x1 5 1, y1 5 3, m = 3

y 2 3 5 3x 2 3 Distributive Property

y 5 3x Add 3 to each side.

3
• Next, find an equation of the altitude from K to JwL
w. The slope of JwL
w is }}, so the
2
2
slope of the altitude to JwL
w is 2}}.
3
(y 2 y1) 5 m(x 2 x1) Point-slope form
2
(y 1 1) 5 2}} (x 2 2) x1 5 2, y1 5 21, m 5 2}32}
3
2 4
y 1 1 5 2}} x 1 }} Distributive Property
3 3
2 1
y 5 2}} x 1 }} Subtract 1 from each side.
3 3
(continued on the next page)
Lesson 5-1 Bisectors, Medians, and Altitudes 241
Study Tip • Then, solve a system of equations to find the point of intersection of
the altitudes.
Graphing 1
Calculator Find x. Replace x with }} in one of the
11
Once you have two 2 1
y 5 2}} x 1 }} Equation of altitude from K equations to find the y-coordinate.
equations, you can graph 3 3
the two lines and use the
Intersect option on the
2
3
1
3x 5 2}} x 1 }}
3
Substitution, y = 3x
1
y 5 3 }} 1 11 2 1
x = }}
11
Calc menu to determine 3
9x 5 22x 1 1 Multiply each side by 3. y 5 }} Multiply.
where the two lines meet. 11
11x 5 1 Add 2x to each side.
1
x 5 }} Divide each side by 11.
11
1 3
The coordinates of the orthocenter of nJKL are }}, }} . 1 11 11 2

You can also use systems of equations to find the coordinates of the circumcenter
and the centroid of a triangle graphed on a coordinate plane.

Special Segments in Triangles

Name Type Point of Concurrency
perpendicular bisector line, segment, or ray circumcenter
angle bisector line, segment, or ray incenter
median segment centroid
altitude segment orthocenter

Concept Check 1. Compare and contrast a perpendicular bisector and a median of a triangle.

2. OPEN ENDED Draw a triangle in which the circumcenter lies outside

the triangle.

3. Find a counterexample to the statement An altitude and an angle bisector of a

triangle are never the same segment.

Guided Practice 4. COORDINATE GEOMETRY The vertices of nABC are A(23, 3), B(3, 2), and
C(1, 24). Find the coordinates of the circumcenter.

5. PROOF Write a two-column proof. X

wY
Given: X w>w w
XZ
Yw
w wN
M and Z w are medians. M N
Prove: YM>w
ww Zw
N
Z Y

Application 6. ALGEBRA Lines ,, m, and n are perpendicular Q

bisectors of nPQR and meet at T. If TQ 5 2x, ,
PT 5 3y 2 1, and TR 5 8, find x, y, and z. m
2x

n T 8
3y 2 1
P R
z14 7

242 Chapter 5 Relationships in Triangles

Practice and Apply
COORDINATE GEOMETRY The vertices of nDEF are D(4, 0), E(22, 4), and F(0, 6).
Find the coordinates of the points of concurrency of nDEF.
For See
Exercises Examples 7. centroid 8. orthocenter 9. circumcenter
10–12, 1
31–33
13–16, 2
21–26
10. PROOF Write a paragraph proof of Theorem 5.1. C
7–9, 3 wD
Given: C w is the perpendicular bisector of ww.
AB E B
27–30
wD
E is a point on Cw.
Extra Practice D
See page 763.
Prove: EB 5 EA
A

PROOF Write a two-column proof.

11. Given: nUVW is isosceles with vertex angle UVW. U
w
YwV is the bisector of /UVW.
Y V
Prove: w
YwV is a median.
W

12. Given: w w is a median of nEGH.

GL E I
wJM
w is a median of nIJK.
nEGH > nIJK L M
Prove: w L > wJw
Gw M
H K
G J

wS
13. ALGEBRA Find x and m/2 if M w is an altitude of R M
nMNQ, m/1 5 3x 1 11, and m/2 5 7x 1 9. Q
2 1

14. ALGEBRA If M wSw is a median of nMNQ, S

QS 5 3a 2 14, SN 5 2a 1 1, and m/MSQ 5 7a 1 1, N
Exercises 13 and 14
wS
find the value of a. Is Mw also an altitude of nMNQ?
Explain.

15. ALGEBRA If W wPw is a median and an angle bisector, H

AP 5 3y 1 11, PH 5 7y 2 5, m/HWP 5 x 1 12,
m/PAW 5 3x 2 2, and m/HWA 5 4x 2 16, find x X P
and y. Is w
WPw also an altitude? Explain.
Q A
16. ALGEBRA If W wP
w is a perpendicular bisector, W
Exercises 15 and 16
m/WHA 5 8q 1 17, m/HWP 5 10 1 q,
AP 5 6r 1 4, and PH 5 22 1 3r, find r, q, and
m/HWP.

State whether each sentence is always, sometimes, or never true.

17. The three medians of a triangle intersect at a point in the interior of the triangle.
18. The three altitudes of a triangle intersect at a vertex of the triangle.
19. The three angle bisectors of a triangle intersect at a point in the exterior of
the triangle.
20. The three perpendicular bisectors of a triangle intersect at a point in the
exterior of the triangle.
Lesson 5-1 Bisectors, Medians, and Altitudes 243
 21. ALGEBRA Find x if w
PSw is a 22. ALGEBRA Find x if ww is an
AD
median of nPQR. altitude of nABC.
P C
x17
(4x 2 6)˚
D
A
(15x 1 42)˚ 2x 2 15
Q 10x 2 7 S 5x 1 3 R
B

ALGEBRA For Exercises 23–26, use the following information. Q

In nPQR, ZQ 5 3a 2 11, ZP 5 a 1 5, PY 5 2c 2 1, YR 5 4c 2 11, Z X
m/PRZ 5 4b 2 17, m/ZRQ 5 3b 2 4, m/QYR 5 7b 1 6, and P
m/PXR 5 2a 1 10.
23. w
PXw is an altitude of nPQR. Find a. Y
wZ
24. If R w is an angle bisector, find m/PRZ.
R
wY
25. Find PR if Q w is a median.
@#$ is a perpendicular bisector of P
26. If QY wR
w, find b.

COORDINATE GEOMETRY For Exercises 27–30, use the following information.

R(3, 3), S(21, 6), and T(1, 8) are the vertices of nRST, and ww is a median.
RX
27. What are the coordinates of X?
28. Find RX.
29. Determine the slope of @#$
RX .
30. Is w
RXw an altitude of nRST? Explain.

PROOF Write a two-column proof for each theorem.

31. Theorem 5.2 C
ww
Given: C A>C wwB
wD
A w>B wDw
Orienteering Prove: C and D are on the perpendicular A B
E
The International wB
bisector of Aw.
D
Orienteering Federation 32. Theorem 5.5
World Cup consists of a
series of nine races held 33. Theorem 5.6
throughout the world, in
which the runners compete
for points based on their 34. ORIENTEERING Orienteering is a competitive Grand
completion times. sport, originating in Sweden, that tests the skills Tower
Source: www.orienteering.org Entrance
of map reading and cross-country running.
Competitors race through an unknown area to
d
s Roa

find various checkpoints using only a compass

and topographical map. On an amateur course,
Stearn

clues were given to locate the first flag.

• The flag is as far from the Grand Tower as it
is from the park entrance. Amesbury Road
• If you run from Stearns Road to the flag or
from Amesbury Road to the flag, you would
run the same distance.
Describe how to find the first flag.
244 Chapter 5 Relationships in Triangles
Getty Images
 STATISTICS For Exercises 35–38, use the following information.
The mean of a set of data is an average value of the data. Suppose nABC has vertices
A(16, 8), B(2, 4), and C(–6, 12).
35. Find the mean of the x-coordinates of the vertices.
36. Find the mean of the y-coordinates of the vertices.
37. Graph nABC and its medians.
38. Make a conjecture about the centroid and the means of the coordinates of
the vertices.

39. CRITICAL THINKING Draw any nXYZ with median X wNw and altitude ww.
XO
Recall that the area of a triangle is one-half the product of the measures of the
base and the altitude. What conclusion can you make about the relationship
between the areas of nXYN and nXZN?

40. WRITING IN MATH Answer the question that was posed at the beginning of
the lesson.
How can you balance a paper triangle on a pencil point?
Include the following in your answer:
• which special point is the center of gravity, and
• a construction showing how to find this point.
F
Standardized 41. In nFGH, which type of segment is w
FJw?
Test Practice A angle bisector B perpendicular bisector
G
C median D altitude
J
y H
42. ALGEBRA If xy Þ 0 and 3x 5 0.3y, then }} 5 ? .
x
A 0.1 B 1.0 C 3.0 D 10.0

Maintain Your Skills

Mixed Review Position and label each triangle on the coordinate plane. (Lesson 4-7)
43. equilateral nABC with base AwBw n units long
44. isosceles nDEF with congruent sides 2a units long and base a units long
45. right nGHI with hypotenuse G wwI, HI is three times GH, and GH is x units long

For Exercises 46–49, refer to the figure at the right. (Lesson 4-6)
R
46. If /9 > /10, name two congruent segments. N 9
2
1 5
47. If w
NwL>wSwL, name two congruent angles. 6
M 11 S
48. If w
LT >
w ww, name two congruent angles.
LS 7
49. If /1 > /4, name two congruent segments. 4 8
3 10
L T
50. INTERIOR DESIGN Stacey is installing a curtain rod on the wall above the
window. To ensure that the rod is parallel to the ceiling, she measures and
marks 6 inches below the ceiling in several places. If she installs the rod at
these markings centered over the window, how does she know the curtain
rod will be parallel to the ceiling? (Lesson 3-6)

Getting Ready for BASIC SKILL Replace each with , or . to make each sentence true.
the Next Lesson 3
51. }}
5
}} 52. 2.7
5
}} 53. 24.25 2}}
19
54. 2}}
18
2}}
19
8 16 3 4 25 27

www.geometryonline.com/self_check_quiz Lesson 5-1 Bisectors, Medians, and Altitudes 245