Finding the Median in Triangle ABC: Geometric Construction Problem

Triangle Medians with Midpoint Identification

What is the median of triangle ABC?

AAABBBDDDCCCEEEFFF

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

What is the median of triangle ABC?

AAABBBDDDCCCEEEFFF

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine the median of triangle ABC, we must identify a segment connecting a vertex of the triangle to the midpoint of the opposite side.

Examining the diagram, point F appears to be located on side AC. Given the configuration, point F divides side AC into two equal segments, which makes F the midpoint of AC.

Therefore, segment CF connects vertex C to the midpoint F of side AC. This characteristic aligns with the definition of a median in a triangle.

Hence, the median of triangle ABC is CF CF .

3

Final Answer

CF

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: A median connects a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side
  • Technique: Identify the midpoint by equal segment markings or visual symmetry
  • Check: Verify the segment goes from vertex to midpoint of opposite side ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing medians with altitudes or angle bisectors
    Don't identify any line from a vertex as a median = wrong geometric element! Altitudes are perpendicular to sides, angle bisectors split angles equally. Always confirm the line connects a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side.

Practice Quiz

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Can a triangle have a right angle?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I identify the midpoint on a triangle diagram?

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Look for equal segment markings (like small perpendicular lines) or visual symmetry. In this diagram, point F appears to divide side AC into two equal parts, making it the midpoint.

What's the difference between a median and an altitude?

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A median connects a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side, while an altitude is perpendicular to the opposite side. Medians focus on midpoints, altitudes focus on right angles.

Can a triangle have more than one median?

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Yes! Every triangle has exactly three medians - one from each vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side. They all meet at a point called the centroid.

Why is CF the correct answer and not CE?

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CF connects vertex C to point F (the midpoint of side AC), which matches the median definition. CE connects vertex C to point E, but E is not the midpoint of any side of triangle ABC.

How can I remember what a median is?

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Think "middle" - a median goes to the middle point (midpoint) of the opposite side. The word "median" contains "med" which relates to "middle"!

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