Chapter 08 Quadrilaterals

8.1 Properties of a Parallelogram

You have already studied quadrilaterals and their types in Class VIII. A quadrilateral has four sides, four angles and four vertices. A parallelogram is a quadrilateral in which both pairs of opposite sides are parallel. Let us perform an activity.

Cut out a parallelogram from a sheet of paper and cut it along a diagonal (see Fig. 8.1). You obtain two triangles. What can you say about these triangles?

Place one triangle over the other. Turn one around, if necessary. What do you observe?

Observe that the two triangles are congruent to each other.

Fig. 8.1

Repeat this activity with some more parallelograms. Each time you will observe that each diagonal divides the parallelogram into two congruent triangles. Let us now prove this result.

Theorem 8.1 : A diagonal of a parallelogram divides it into two congruent triangles.

Proof : Let ABCD be a parallelogram and AC be a diagonal (see Fig. 8.2). Observe that the diagonal AC divides parallelogram ABCD into two triangles, namely, ABC and CDA. We need to prove that these triangles are congruent.

Fig. 8.2

In ABC and CDA, note that BC||AD and AC is a transversal.

So, BCA=DAC (Pair of alternate angles)

Also, AB|DC and AC is a transversal.

So, BAC=DCA (Pair of alternate angles)

and AC=CA(Common)

So, ΔABCCDA(ASA rule)

or, diagonal AC divides parallelogram ABCD into two congruent triangles ABC and CDA.

Now, measure the opposite sides of parallelogram ABCD. What do you observe?

You will find that AB=DC and AD=BC.

This is another property of a parallelogram stated below:

Theorem 8.2 : In a parallelogram, opposite sides are equal.

You have already proved that a diagonal divides the parallelogram into two congruent triangles; so what can you say about the corresponding parts say, the corresponding sides? They are equal.

So, AB=DC and AD=BC

Now what is the converse of this result? You already know that whatever is given in a theorem, the same is to be proved in the converse and whatever is proved in the theorem it is given in the converse. Thus, Theorem 8.2 can be stated as given below :

If a quadrilateral is a parallelogram, then each pair of its opposite sides is equal. So its converse is :

Theorem 8.3 : If each pair of opposite sides of a quadrilateral is equal, then it is a parallelogram.

Can you reason out why?

Let sides AB and CD of the quadrilateral ABCD be equal and also AD=BC (see Fig. 8.3). Draw diagonal AC.

Fig. 8.3

Clearly, ABCCDA(Why?)

So, BAC=DCA

and BCA=DAC(Why?)

Can you now say that ABCD is a parallelogram? Why?

You have just seen that in a parallelogram each pair of opposite sides is equal and conversely if each pair of opposite sides of a quadrilateral is equal, then it is a parallelogram. Can we conclude the same result for the pairs of opposite angles?

Draw a parallelogram and measure its angles. What do you observe?

Each pair of opposite angles is equal.

Repeat this with some more parallelograms. We arrive at yet another result as given below.

Theorem 8.4 : In a parallelogram, opposite angles are equal.

Now, is the converse of this result also true? Yes. Using the angle sum property of a quadrilateral and the results of parallel lines intersected by a transversal, we can see that the converse is also true. So, we have the following theorem :

Theorem 8.5 : If in a quadrilateral, each pair of opposite angles is equal, then it is a parallelogram.

There is yet another property of a parallelogram. Let us study the same. Draw a parallelogram ABCD and draw both its diagonals intersecting at the point O (see Fig. 8.4).

Fig. 8.4

Measure the lengths of OA,OB,OC and OD.

What do you observe? You will observe that

OA=OC and OB=OD

or, O is the mid-point of both the diagonals.

Repeat this activity with some more parallelograms.

Each time you will find that O is the mid-point of both the diagonals.

So, we have the following theorem :

Theorem 8.6 : The diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other.

Now, what would happen, if in a quadrilateral the diagonals bisect each other? Will it be aparallelogram? Indeed this is true.

This result is the converse of the result of Theorem 8.6. It is given below:

Theorem 8.7 : If the diagonals of a quadrilateral bisect each other, then it is a parallelogram.

You can reason out this result as follows:

Note that in Fig. 8.5, it is given that OA=OC and OB=OD.

Fig. 8.5

So,AOBCOD (Why?) 

Therefore, ABO=CDO(Why?)

From this, we get AB||CD

Similarly, BC||AD

Therefore ABCD is a parallelogram.

Let us now take some examples.

Example 1 : Show that each angle of a rectangle is a right angle.

Solution : Let us recall what a rectangle is.

A rectangle is a parallelogram in which one angle is a right angle.

Let ABCD be a rectangle in which A=90.

We have to show that B=C=D=90

We have, AD||BC and AB is a transversal (see Fig. 8.6).

Fig. 8.6

So, A+B=180 (Interior angles on the same side of the transversal)

But, A=90

So, B=180A=18090=90

Now, C=A and D=B

(Opposite angles of the parallellogram)

So,C=90 and D=90

Therefore, each of the angles of a rectangle is a right angle.

Example 2 : Show that the diagonals of a rhombus are perpendicular to each other.

Solution : Consider the rhombus ABCD (see Fig. 8.7).

Fig. 8.7

You know that AB=BC=CD=DA (Why?)

Now, in AOD and COD,

OA=OC( Diagonals of a parallelogram bisect each other)

OD=OD(Common)

AD=CD(Given)

Therefore, ΔAODΔCOD(SSS congruence rule)

This gives, AOD=COD (CPCT)

But, AOD+COD=180 (Linear pair)

So, 2AOD=180

or, AOD=90

So, the diagonals of a rhombus are perpendicular to each other.

Example 3 : ABC is an isosceles triangle in which AB=AC. AD bisects exterior angle PAC and CD|AB (see Fig. 8.8). Show that

(i) DAC=BCA and

(ii) ABCD is a parallelogram.

Fig. 8.8

Solution : (i) ABC is isosceles in which AB=AC (Given)

So, ABC=ACB (Angles opposite to equal sides)

Also, PAC=ABC+ACB(Exterior angle of a triangle)

or, PAC=2ACB(1)

Now, AD bisects PAC.

So, PAC=2DAC(2)

Therefore,

2DAC=2ACB[ From (1) and (2)]  or, DAC=ACB

(ii) Now, these equal angles form a pair of alternate angles when line segments BC and AD are intersected by a transversal AC.

So, BC||AD

Also, BA||CD (Given)

Now, both pairs of opposite sides of quadrilateral ABCD are parallel.

So, ABCD is a parallelogram.

Example 4 : Two parallel lines l and m are intersected by a transversal p (see Fig. 8.9). Show that the quadrilateral formed by the bisectors of interior angles is a rectangle.

Fig. 8.9

Solution : It is given that PS ||QR and transversal p intersects them at points A and C respectively.

The bisectors of PAC and ACQ intersect at B and bisectors of ACR and SAC intersect at D.

We are to show that quadrilateral ABCD is a rectangle.

Now, PAC=ACR

(Alternate angles as l||m and p is a transversal)

So, 12PAC=12ACR

i.e., BAC=ACD

These form a pair of alternate angles for lines AB and DC with AC as transversal and they are equal also.

So,AB||DC

Similarly,BC||AD (Considering ACB and CAD )

Therefore, quadrilateral ABCD is a parallelogram.

Also,PAC+CAS=180 (Linear pair) 

So, 12PAC+12CAS=12×180=90

or, BAC+CAD=90

or,BAD=90

So, ABCD is a parallelogram in which one angle is 90. Therefore, ABCD is a rectangle.

Example 5 : Show that the bisectors of angles of a parallelogram form a rectangle.

Solution : Let P,Q,R and S be the points of intersection of the bisectors of A and B,B and C,C and D, and D and A respectively of parallelogram ABCD (see Fig. 8.10).

Fig. 8.10

In ASD, what do you observe?

Since DS bisects D and AS bisects A, therefore,

DAS+ADS=12A+12D=12(A+D)=12×180(A and D are interior angles on the same side of the transversal=90)

Also, DAS+ADS+DSA=180 (Angle sum property of a triangle)

or,90+DSA=180

or,DSA=90

So,PSR=90( Being vertically opposite to DSA)

Similarly, it can be shown that APB=90 or SPQ=90 (as it was shown for DSA). Similarly, PQR=90 and SRQ=90.

So, PQRS is a quadrilateral in which all angles are right angles.

Can we conclude that it is a rectangle? Let us examine. We have shown that PSR=PQR=90 and SPQ=SRQ=90. So both pairs of opposite angles are equal.

Therefore, PQRS is a parallelogram in which one angle (in fact all angles) is 90 and so, PQRS is a rectangle.

EXERCISE 8.1

1. If the diagonals of a parallelogram are equal, then show that it is a rectangle.

Show Answer

Solution

Let ABCD be a parallelogram. To show that ABCD is a rectangle, we have to prove that one of its interior angles is 90.

In ABC and DCB,

AB=DC (Opposite sides of a parallelogram are equal)

BC=BC( Common)

AC=DB (Given)

ABCDCB (By SSS Congruence rule)

ABC=DCB

It is known that the sum of the measures of angles on the same side of transversal is 180.

ABC+DCB=180(AB||CD)ABC+ABC=1802ABC=180ABC=90

Since ABCD is a parallelogram and one of its interior angles is 90,ABCD is a rectangle.

2. Show that the diagonals of a square are equal and bisect each other at right angles.

Show Answer

Solution

Let ABCD be a square. Let the diagonals AC and BD intersect each other at a point O. To prove that the diagonals of a square are equal and bisect each other at right angles, we have to prove AC=BD,OA=OC,OB=OD, and AOB=90.

In ABC and DCB,

AB=DC (Sides of a square are equal to each other)

ABC=DCB(. All interior angles are of 90 )

BC=CB (Common side)

ABCDCB (By SAS congruency)

AC=DB(ByCPCT)

Hence, the diagonals of a square are equal in length.

In AOB and COD, AOB=COD (Vertically opposite angles)

ABO=CDO (Alternate interior angles)

AB=CD (Sides of a square are always equal)

AOBCOD (By AAS congruence rule)

AO=CO and OB=OD (By CPCT)

Hence, the diagonals of a square bisect each other.

In AOB and COB,

As we had proved that diagonals bisect each other, therefore,

AO=CO

AB=CB (Sides of a square are equal)

BO=BO (Common)

AOBCOB (By SSS congruency)

AOB=COOB(ByCPCT)

However, AOB^+COB=180 (Linear pair)

AOB=1802

AOB=90

Hence, the diagonals of a square bisect each other at right angles.

3. Diagonal AC of a parallelogram ABCD bisects A (see Fig. 8.11). Show that

(i) it bisects C also,

(ii) ABCD is a rhombus.

Fig. 8.11

Show Answer

Solution

(i) ABCD is a parallelogram.

DAC=BCA (Alternate interior angles) ..

And, BAC=DCA (Alternate interior angles) … (2) However, it is given that AC bisects A.

DAC=BAC

From equations (1), (2), and (3), we obtain

Math input error.

DCA =BCA

Hence, AC bisects C.

(ii)From equation (4), we obtain

DAC=DCA

DA=DC (Side opposite to equal angles are equal)

However, DA=BC and AB=CD (Opposite sides of a parallelogram)

AB=BC=CD=DA Hence, ABCD

is a rhombus.

4. ABCD is a rectangle in which diagonal AC bisects A as well as C. Show that:

(i) ABCD is a square

(ii) diagonal BD bisects B as well as D.

Show Answer

Solution

(i) It is given that ABCD is a rectangle.

A=C

12A=12CDAC=DCA(AC bisects A and C)

CD=DA (Sides opposite to equal angles are also equal)

However, DA=BC and AB=CD (Opposite sides of a rectangle are equal)

AB=BC=CD=DA

ABCD is a rectangle and all of its sides are equal.

Hence, ABCD is a square.

(ii) Let us join BD.

In BCD,

BC=CD (Sides of a square are equal to each other)

CDB=CBD (Angles opposite to equal sides are equal)

However, ́CDB=ABD (Alternate interior angles for AB|CD )

CBD=ABD

BD bisects B.

Also, CCBD=ADB (Alternate interior angles for BC|AD )

CDB=AABD

BD bisects b.

5. In parallelogram ABCD, two points P and Q are taken on diagonal BD such that DP=BQ (see Fig. 8.12). Show that:

(i) APDCQB

(ii) AP=CQ

(iii) AQBCPD

(iv) AQ=CP

(v) APCQ is a parallelogram

Fig. 8.12

Show Answer

Solution

(i) In APD and CQB,

ADP=CBQ (Alternate interior angles for BC||AD )

AD=CB (Opposite sides of parallelogram ABCD)

DP=BQ (Given)

APDCQB (Using SAS congruence rule) ii)

As we had observed that APDCQB,(

AP=CQ(CPCT)

(iii) In AQB and CPD,

ABQ=CDP (Alternate interior angles for AB||CD )

AB=CD (Opposite sides of parallelogram ABCD)

BQ=DP (Given)

AQBCPD (Using SAS congruence rule) iv)

As we had observed that AQBCPD, (

AQ=CP(CPCT)

(v) From the result obtained in (ii) and (iv),

AQ=CP and AP=CQ

Since opposite sides in quadrilateral APCQ are equal to each other, APCQ is a parallelogram.

6. ABCD is a parallelogram and AP and CQ are perpendiculars from vertices A and C on diagonal BD (see Fig. 8.13). Show that

(i) APBCQD

(ii) AP=CQ

Fig. 8.13

Show Answer

Solution

(i) In APB and CQD,

APB=CQD(. Each .90)

AB=CD (Opposite sides of parallelogram ABCD)ABP

= CDQ (Alternate interior angles for AB||CD )

APBCQD (By AAS congruency)

(ii) By using the above result

APBCQD, we obtain AP=CQ(ByCPCT)

7. ABCD is a trapezium in which AB||CD and AD=BC (see Fig. 8.14). Show that

(i) A=B

(ii) C=D

(iii) ABCBAD

(iv) diagonal AC= diagonal BD

[Hint: Extend AB and draw a line through C parallel to DA intersecting AB produced at E.]

Fig. 8.14

Show Answer

Solution

Let us extend AB. Then, draw a line through C, which is parallel to AD, intersecting AE at point E. It is clear that AECD is a parallelogram.

(i) AD=CE (Opposite sides of parallelogram AECD)

However, AD=BC (Given)

Therefore, BC=CE

CEB=/CBE (Angle opposite to equal sides are also equal)

Consider parallel lines AD and CE. AE is the transversal line for them.

A+CEB=180 (Angles on the same side of transversal)

A+CBE=180 (Using the relation CEB=CBE ) (1)

However, B^+CBE=180 (Linear pair angles) (2)

From equations (1) and (2), we obtain A

=B

(ii) AB||CD

A+D=180 (Angles on the same side of the transversal)

Also, Cc+B=180 (Angles on the same side of the transversal)

A+DC+B

However, A`=B [Using the result obtained in (i) ]C= D

(iii) In ABC and BAD,

AB=BA( Common side)

BC=AD (Given)

B=A (Proved before)

ABCBAD (SAS congruence rule) (iv) We had observed that, ABCBAD

AC=BD(ByCPCT)

8.2 The Mid-point Theorem

You have studied many properties of a triangle as well as a quadrilateral. Now let us study yet another result which is related to the mid-point of sides of a triangle. Perform the following activity.

Draw a triangle and mark the mid-points E and F of two sides of the triangle. Join the points E and F (see Fig. 8.15).

Fig. 8.15

Measure EF and BC. Measure AEF and ABC.

What do you observe? You will find that :

EF=12BC and AEF=ABC

so, EF||BC

Repeat this activity with some more triangles.

So, you arrive at the following theorem:

Theorem 8.8 : The line segment joining the mid-points of two sides of a triangle is parallel to the third side.

You can prove this theorem using the following clue:

Observe Fig 8.16 in which E and F are mid-points of AB and AC respectively and CD||BA.

Fig. 8.16

(ASAनियम)ΔAEFCDF

So, EF=DF and BE=AE=DC( Why? )

Therefore, BCDE is a parallelogram. (Why?)

This gives EF||BC.

In this case, also note that EF=12ED=12BC.

Can you state the converse of Theorem 8.8? Is the converse true?

You will see that converse of the above theorem is also true which is stated as below:

Theorem 8.9 : The line drawn through the mid-point of one side of a triangle, parallel to another side bisects the third side.

In Fig 8.17, observe that E is the mid-point of AB, line l is passsing through E and is parallel to BC and CM||BA.

Prove that AF=CF by using the congruence of AEF and CDF.

Fig. 8.17

Example 6 : In ABC,D,E and F are respectively the mid-points of sides AB,BC and CA (see Fig. 8.18). Show that ABC is divided into four congruent triangles by joining D,E and F.

Fig. 8.18

Solution : As D and E are mid-points of sides AB and BC of the triangle ABC, by Theorem 8.8 ,

Similarly, DF||BC and EF||AB

Therefore ADEF, BDFE and DFCE are all parallelograms.

Now DE is a diagonal of the parallelogram BDFE,

therefore, ΔBDEΔFED

Similarly ΔDAFFED

and ΔEFCFED

So, all the four triangles are congruent.

Example 7 : l,m and n are three parallel lines intersected by transversals p and q such that l,m and n cut off equal intercepts AB and BC on p (see Fig. 8.19). Show that l,m and n cut off equal intercepts DE and EF on q also.

Fig. 8.19

Solution : We are given that AB=BC and have to prove that DE=EF.

Let us join A to F intersecting m at G.

The trapezium ACFD is divided into two triangles;

namely ACF and AFD.

In ACF, it is given that B is the mid-point of AC(AB=BC)

and BG||CF( since m||n).

So, G is the mid-point of AF (by using Theorem 8.9)

Now, in AFD, we can apply the same argument as G is the mid-point of AF, GE||AD and so by Theorem 8.9,E is the mid-point of DF,

i.e.,DE=EF.

In other words, l,m and n cut off equal intercepts on q also.

EXERCISE 8.2

1. ABCD is a quadrilateral in which P,Q,R and S are mid-points of the sides AB,BC,CD and DA (see Fig 8.20). AC is a diagonal. Show that :

(i) SR||AC and SR=12AC

(ii) PQ=SR

(iii) PQRS is a parallelogram.

Fig. 8.20

Show Answer

Solution

(i) In ADC,S and R are the mid-points of sides AD and CD respectively. In a triangle, the line segment joining the mid-points of any two sides of the triangle is parallel to the third side and is half of it.

SR||AC and SR=12AC.

(ii) In ABC,P and Q are mid-points of sides AB and BC respectively. Therefore, by using mid-point theorem,

PQ||AC and PQ=12AC

Using equations (1) and (2), we obtain

PQ||SR and PQ=SR (3)

PQ=SR (iii) From equation (3), we obtained

Clearly, one pair of opposite sides of quadrilateral PQRS is parallel and equal.

2. ABCD is a rhombus and P,Q,R and S are the mid-points of the sides AB,BC,CD and DA respectively. Show that the quadrilateral PQRS is a rectangle.

Show Answer

Solution

b e

PQ||AC and PQ=212<

In ADC, In ABC,P and Q are the mid-points of sides AB and BC respectively.

AC (Using mid-point theorem) … (1)

R and S are the mid-points of CD and AD respectively. RS||AC and RS=12AC (Using mid-point theorem)

From equations (1) and (2), we obtain

PQ||RS and PQ=RS

Since in quadrilateral PQRS, one pair of opposite sides is equal and parallel to each other, it is a parallelogram.

Let the diagonals of rhombus ABCD intersect each other at point O.

In quadrilateral OMQN,

MQ||ON(PQ||AC)QN

I| OM ( QR || BD)

Therefore, OMQN is a parallelogram.

MQN=NOM

LPQR=NOM

However, NOM=90 (Diagonals of a rhombus are perpendicular to each other) PQR=90

Clearly, PQRS is a parallelogram having one of its interior angles as 90.

Hence, PQRS is a rectangle.

3. ABCD is a rectangle and P,Q,R and S are mid-points of the sides AB,BC,CD and DA respectively. Show that the quadrilateral PQRS is a rhombus.

Show Answer

Solution

Let us join AC and BD.

In ABC,

P and Q are the mid-points of AB and BC respectively. PQ||AC and 12PQ=AC( Mid-point theorem ) Similarly in

ADC,

12

SR||AC and SR=AC (Mid-point theorem) … (2)

Clearly, PQ||SR and PQ=SR

Since in quadrilateral PQRS, one pair of opposite sides is equal and parallel to each other, it is a parallelogram.

PS||QR and PS=QR (Opposite sides of parallelogram) (3)

In BCD,Q and R are the mid-points of side BC and CD respectively.

QR||BD and QR=12BD (Mid-point theorem) …

However, the diagonals of a rectangle are equal. /

AC=BD(5)

By using equation (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5), we obtain PQ

=QR=SR=PS Therefore, PQRS is a rhombus.

4. ABCD is a trapezium in which AB||DC,BD is a diagonal and E is the mid-point of AD. A line is drawn through E parallel to AB intersecting BC at F (see Fig. 8.21). Show that F is the mid-point of BC.

Fig. 8.21

Show Answer

Solution

Let EF intersect DB at G.

By converse of mid-point theorem, we know that a line drawn through the mid-point of any side of a triangle and parallel to another side, bisects the third side.

In ABD,

EF||AB and E is the mid-point of AD.

Therefore, G will be the mid-point of DB.

As EF||AB and AB||CD,

EF||CD (Two lines parallel to the same line are parallel to each other)

In BCD,GF||CD and G is the mid-point of line BD. Therefore, by using converse of mid-point theorem, F is the mid-point of BC.

5. In a parallelogram ABCD,E and F are the mid-points of sides AB and CD respectively (see Fig. 8.22). Show that the line segments AF and EC trisect the diagonal BD.

Fig. 8.22

Show Answer

Solution

ABCD is a parallelogram.

AB|CD

And hence, AE I| FC

Again, AB=CD (Opposite sides of parallelogram ABCD)

AB12CD

AE=FC(E and F are mid-points of side AB and CD)

In quadrilateral AECF, one pair of opposite sides (AE and CF ) is parallel and equal to each other. Therefore, AECF is a parallelogram. AF|| EC (Opposite sides of a parallelogram)

In DQC,F is the mid-point of side DC and FP||CQ (as AF||EC ). Therefore, by using the converse of mid-point theorem, it can be said that P is the mid-point of

DQ.

DP=PQ(1)

Similarly, in APB,E is the mid-point of side AB and EQ||AP (as AF||EC ).

Therefore, by using the converse of mid-point theorem, it can be said that Q is the mid-point of PB.

PQ=QB(2)

From equations (1) and (2), DP

=PQ=BQ

Hence, the line segments AF and EC trisect the diagonal BD.

6. ABC is a triangle right angled at C. A line through the mid-point M of hypotenuse AB and parallel to BC intersects AC at D. Show that

(i) D is the mid-point of AC

(ii) MDAC

(iii) CM=MA=12AB

Show Answer

Solution

(i) In ABC,

It is given that M is the mid-point of AB and MD||BC.

Therefore, D is the mid-point of AC. (Converse of mid-point theorem)

(ii) As DM || CB and AC is a transversal line for them, therefore,

MDC+DCB=180 (Co-interior angles)

MDC+90=180

MDC=90

MDAC

(iii) Join MC.

In AMD and CMD, AD=CD ( D is the mid-point of side AC ) ADM=CDM (Each 90)

DM=DM (Common)

AMDCMD (By SAS

Therefore, AM=CM (By CPCT)

congruence rule)

However, AM=AB12 (M is the mid-point of .AB)

Therefore, it fan be said that

CM=AM=12AB

8.3 Summary

In this chapter, you have studied the following points :

1. A diagonal of a parallelogram divides it into two congruent triangles.

2. In a parallelogram,

(i) opposite sides are equal

(ii) opposite angles are equal

(iii) diagonals bisect each other

3. Diagonals of a rectangle bisect each other and are equal and vice-versa.

4. Diagonals of a rhombus bisect each other at right angles and vice-versa.

5. Diagonals of a square bisect each other at right angles and are equal, and vice-versa.

6. The line-segment joining the mid-points of any two sides of a triangle is parallel to the third side and is half of it.

7. A line through the mid-point of a side of a triangle parallel to another side bisects the third side.