M11

Triangle Proportionality Theorem

Triangle Proportionality Theorem
If a line parallel to one side of a triangle
intersects the other two sides,
then it divides the two sides proportionally.

Q T
If TU QS, R
then RT RU
=
TQ US
U
S

or TQ US or RQ RS
= =
RT RU RT RU

Q
5 15
T
R
find UR
S 7
U
15 UR
=
5 7
5UR = 15(7)
5UR = 105
5 5
UR = 21

rr
EX: Find YX .
U 3V YX UV
18 =
18 XW VW
­3
=1
5 YX 3
W =
16 15
Y X 16
15YX = 16(3)
15YX = 48
15 15
48 16 1
YX = = = 3 = 3.2
15 5 5

rr
Q T 24 Find RQ
R
RQ = QT + RT
32
U
S 8 QT 8 1
=
24 32 4
4QT = 24(1)
4QT = 24
4 4
QT = 6
RQ = QT + RT
RQ = 6 + 24
RQ = 30

rr