Subject Code Mathematics 4

Module Code 7.0 (Triangle Similarity)

Lesson Code 7.4.1 (The Angle Bisector Proportionality Theorem
Part 1)
Time Limit 30 minutes

By the end of this lesson, the student will have been able to illustrate the Angle Bisector Proportionality
Theorem and apply the theorem in solving an unknown side of a triangle.

The Angle Bisector Proportionality Theorem (Time allotment: 20 minutes)

Consider the figure below.

Figure 1

At first glance, what may come to mind is a pair of congruent triangles, that is, 4ACD ∼ = 4BCD
(by ASA Postulate). Since congruent triangles are similar triangles, one proportion we can come up
with is

AC AD
= (1)
BC BD

We can also look at Figure 1 as a single triangle 4ACB, whose angle ∠C is bisected by CD. Moreover,
the angle bisector CD is perpendicular to AB.

Now, refer to Figure 2. If we have 4ABC whose ∠C is still bisected by CD only that CD is no longer
perpendicular to the opposite side AB, will we still get the proportion mentioned above?

Figure 2

Mathematics 4 Page 1 of 6
 AC
What’s interesting here is that we will still get the proportion, BC = AD
BD (Eq. 1). How is it possible?
Through the Angle Bisector Proportionality Theorem. But before we discuss the theorem in its entirety,
let’s do the derivation of Eq. 1 using Figure 2 as our reference triangle.

Extend side BC thru the direction of point C (Figure 3).

Figure 3

−
→
Draw a line through A that is parallel to CD and label the intersection of that line with BC as point E
(Figure 4).

Figure 4

Snipping some parts for a clearer picture, we have our final figure (Figure 5).

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 Figure 5

Based on Figure 5, we have the following proportion:

EC AD
= (2)
CB DB
(What theorem is applied here?)

Now, we have isosceles triangle 4EAC (Why is ∠E ∼

= ∠CAE?), with EC = AC. Substituting AC for EC
in Eq. 2, we get the desired proportion
AC AD
=
BC BD

This result is generalized as the following theorem.

The Angle Bisector Proportionality Theorem

An angle bisector in a triangle separates the opposite side into segments that have the same ratio
as the two other sides.

In Figure 2, the angle bisector CD divides the opposite side AB into AD and DB. Thus, the following
proportions we can come up with are

AC AD AC CB
= =
CB DB AD DB

How is the proportion on the right related to the one on the left?

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To easily remember the segment-parts involved in these proportions, let us have a simpler labelling of
these parts.

Let BC = a, AC = b, BD = m, and DA = n.

The proportions we can come up with are

a m
=
b n
and

a b
=
m n

Let’s practice! (Non-graded, Time allotment: 10 minutes)

Given Figure 6 on the right.

Which of the following proportions is correct?

DA AB
1. =
DE EB
BA AD
2. =
ED BE
BA EA
3. =
BE ED
DA DE
4. =
AB EB
DB AE Figure 6
5. =
DA EB
BE BA
6. =
ED AD
DA EA
7. =
DE EB
BE AD
8. =
BA ED
BA AE
9. =
BD ED
ED EB
10. =
AD AB

Mathematics 4 Page 4 of 6
References

Albarico, J.M. (2013). THINK Framework. Based on Ramos, E.G. and Apolinario, N. (n.d.). Science
LINKS. Quezon City: Rex Bookstore Inc.
Hohenwarter, M., Borcherds, M., Ancsin, G., Bencze, B., Blossier, M., Éliás, J., . . . Tomaschko, M.
(2018, October). GeoGebra 5.0.507.0. (http://www.geogebra.org)
Moise, E. E., & Downs, F. L., Jr. (1991). Geometry. Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.

Prepared by: Jose Ariel S. Serrato Reviewed by: Crisostomo V. Bato

Position: Special Science Teacher III Position: Special Science Teacher II
Campus: PSHS-WVC Campus: PSHS-CLC

c 2020 Philippine Science High School System. All rights reserved. This document may contain proprietary
information and may only be released to third parties with approval of management. Document is uncontrolled
unless otherwise marked; uncontrolled documents are not subject to update notification.

Mathematics 4 Page 5 of 6
Answer Key

Let’s practice!

1. Correct

2. Incorrect

3. Incorrect

4. Correct

5. Incorrect

6. Correct

7. Incorrect

8. Incorrect

9. Incorrect

10. Correct

Mathematics 4 Page 6 of 6