Triangle Height and Median: Identifying Reference Sides in Geometric Construction

Triangle Properties with Concurrent Lines

ABC is a triangle.

To which of its sides are the height and the median drawn?

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Step-by-step video solution

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00:00 Determine which side both the height and the median are drawn to
00:03 Mark all the intersection points and vertices with letters
00:19 CD is perpendicular according to the given data
00:27 CE bisects AB according to the given data
00:30 This is the solution

Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

ABC is a triangle.

To which of its sides are the height and the median drawn?

AAABBBCCCXX

2

Step-by-step solution

To determine which side has both the height and median, let's examine the geometric definitions and their implications in a triangle:

  • A height (altitude) is a perpendicular line from a vertex to the opposite side, possibly extending outside the triangle if it's obtuse.
  • A median connects a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side.

Both a median and height coincide on the same side only under specific symmetrical conditions, such as when the triangle is isosceles (with that side as the base) or when the altitude divides it symmetrically.

In the given problem, since the components align such that both structures exist on the 'base' of symmetry (where the perpendicular bisects and equalizes), hence an educated assumption goes to the side 'AB'.

Thus, the side upon which both the height and the median are drawn is AB \text{AB} .

3

Final Answer

AB

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: Heights are perpendicular lines from vertex to opposite side
  • Technique: Both height and median from same vertex share reference side AB
  • Check: Right angle marks confirm perpendicular height, midpoint confirms median ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing which side the height and median reference
    Don't look at where the lines end up = wrong identification! Students often think the lines are "drawn to" where they intersect rather than understanding they reference the opposite side. Always identify the vertex first, then the opposite side is your reference.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Is DE side in one of the triangles?
AAABBBCCCDDDEEE

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

What does it mean that lines are 'drawn to' a side?

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When we say a height or median is 'drawn to' a side, we mean that line references or relates to that specific side. The height goes from a vertex perpendicular to the opposite side, and the median goes from a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side.

How can I tell which vertex the height and median come from?

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Look for the starting point of both lines! In this diagram, both the height and median start from the same vertex and reference the same opposite side. The vertex where they originate determines which side they 'belong to'.

Why do the height and median sometimes coincide on the same side?

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This happens in special triangles like isosceles triangles! When a triangle has symmetry, the height from the apex (top vertex) to the base is also the median because it hits the midpoint of the base.

What are those small square and circle marks in the diagram?

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The small square shows a right angle, confirming this is a height (perpendicular line). The marks on the side show equal segments, indicating the midpoint for the median. These visual cues help identify the geometric constructions!

Could the answer be a different side?

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No! Both lines clearly originate from the same vertex and reference the same opposite side. In triangle ABC, if both constructions start from vertex C, then they both reference side AB, making AB the correct answer.

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