Appendix 1: Proofs in Mathematics | A1.2

Question 6

Given that PQRS is a cyclic quadrilateral and also its diagonals bisect each other. What can you conclude about the quadrilateral?

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Solution

We will use properties of cyclic quadrilaterals and parallelograms.

Step 1 — Identify the shape from diagonals

We are given that diagonals bisect each other. This is a key property of parallelograms. So, PQRS must be a parallelogram. In a parallelogram, opposite angles are equal. Let's say P=R\angle P = \angle R. Also, Q=S\angle Q = \angle S.

Step 2 — Use the cyclic property

We are also given that PQRS is cyclic. In a cyclic quadrilateral, opposite angles sum to 180\mathbf{180^\circ}. So, P+R=180\angle P + \angle R = \mathbf{180^\circ}. From Step 1, we know P=R\angle P = \angle R. Let's substitute this into the equation. P+P=180\angle P + \angle P = 180^\circ 2P=1802 \angle P = 180^\circ P=1802\angle P = \frac{180^\circ}{2} P=90\angle P = 90^\circ Since P=R\angle P = \angle R, then R=90\angle R = \mathbf{90^\circ}. In a parallelogram, consecutive angles sum to 180\mathbf{180^\circ}. So, P+Q=180\angle P + \angle Q = \mathbf{180^\circ}. 90+Q=18090^\circ + \angle Q = 180^\circ Q=18090\angle Q = 180^\circ - 90^\circ Q=90\angle Q = 90^\circ Since Q=S\angle Q = \angle S, then S=90\angle S = \mathbf{90^\circ}. All angles of the quadrilateral are 90\mathbf{90^\circ}.

All angles of PQRS are 90\boxed{\text{All angles of PQRS are } 90^\circ}

Diagram 1

Step 3 — Conclude the quadrilateral type

PQRS is a parallelogram. All its interior angles are 90\mathbf{90^\circ}. A parallelogram with all angles 90\mathbf{90^\circ} is a rectangle. Therefore, PQRS is a rectangle.

Answer

The quadrilateral PQRS is a rectangle.

More questions in A1.2

Q1

Given that all women are mortal, and suppose that A is a woman, what can we conclude about A?

Q2

Given that the product of two rational numbers is rational, and suppose aa and bb are rationals, what can you conclude about abab?

Q3

Given that the decimal expansion of irrational numbers is non-terminating, non-recurring, and 17\sqrt{17} is irrational, what can we conclude about the decimal expansion of 17\sqrt{17}?

Q4

Given that y=x2+6y = x^2 + 6 and x=1x = -1, what can we conclude about the value of yy?

Q5

Given that ABCD is a parallelogram and B=80\angle B = 80^\circ. What can you conclude about the other angles of the parallelogram?

Q6

Given that PQRS is a cyclic quadrilateral and also its diagonals bisect each other. What can you conclude about the quadrilateral?

Q7

Given that p\sqrt{p} is irrational for all primes pp and also suppose that 3721 is a prime. Can you conclude that 3721\sqrt{3721} is an irrational number? Is your conclusion correct? Why or why not?

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