Difference between revisions of "Butterfly Theorem"

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==Proof==
 
==Proof==
This simple proof uses projective geometry.
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This simple proof uses [[projective geometry]].
 +
 
 
First we note that <math>(AP, AB; AD, AQ) = (CP, CB; CD, CQ).</math>
 
First we note that <math>(AP, AB; AD, AQ) = (CP, CB; CD, CQ).</math>
 
Therefore,
 
Therefore,
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<math>\blacksquare</math>.
 
<math>\blacksquare</math>.
  
Link to another proof :  
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==Related Reading==
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http://agutie.homestead.com/FiLEs/GeometryButterfly.html
  
http://agutie.homestead.com/FiLEs/GeometryButterfly.html
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http://www.mathematik.uni-muenchen.de/~fritsch/butterfly.pdf
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==

Latest revision as of 11:32, 26 January 2015

Let $M$ be the midpoint of chord $PQ$ of a circle, through which two other chords $AB$ and $CD$ are drawn. $AD$ and $BC$ intersect chord $PQ$ at $X$ and $Y$, respectively. The Butterfly Theorem states that $M$ is the midpoint of $XY$.

528px-Butterfly theorem.svg.png

Proof

This simple proof uses projective geometry.

First we note that $(AP, AB; AD, AQ) = (CP, CB; CD, CQ).$ Therefore, \[\frac{(PX)(MQ)}{(PQ)(MX)} = \frac{(PM)(YQ)}{(PQ)(YM)}.\] Since $MQ = PM$, \[\frac{MX}{YM} = \frac{XP}{QY}.\] Moreover, \[\frac{MX + PX}{YM + QY} = 1,\] so $MX = YM,$ as desired. $\blacksquare$.

Related Reading

http://agutie.homestead.com/FiLEs/GeometryButterfly.html

http://www.mathematik.uni-muenchen.de/~fritsch/butterfly.pdf

See also

Midpoint