Triangle Median Construction: Identifying the Line from Vertex to Midpoint

Triangle Medians with Vertex-to-Midpoint Construction

ABC is a triangle.

What is the median of the triangle?

AAABBBCCCEEEFFFDDD

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Step-by-step written solution

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1

Understand the problem

ABC is a triangle.

What is the median of the triangle?

AAABBBCCCEEEFFFDDD

2

Step-by-step solution

To solve the problem of identifying the median of triangle ABC \triangle ABC , we follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Understand the Definition - A median of a triangle is a line segment that extends from a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side.
  • Step 2: Identify Potential Medians - Examine segments from each vertex to the opposite side. The diagram labels these connections.
  • Step 3: Confirm the Median - Specifically check the segment EC in the context of the line segment from vertex E E to the side AC AC , and verify it reaches the midpoint of side AC AC .
  • Step 4: Verify Against Options - Given choices allow us to consider which point-to-point connection adheres to our criterion for a median. EC is given as one of the choices.

Observation shows: From point E E (assumed from the label and position) that line extends directly to point C C —a crucial diagonal opposite from considered midpoint indications, suggesting it cuts AC AC evenly, classifying it as a median.

Upon reviewing the given choices, we see that segment EC EC is listed. Confirming that EC EC indeed meets at C C , the midpoint of AC AC , validates that it is a true median.

Therefore, the correct median of ABC \triangle ABC is the segment EC EC .

3

Final Answer

EC

Key Points to Remember

Essential concepts to master this topic
  • Definition: A median connects a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side
  • Identification: Point E is midpoint of AB, so CE is the median from C
  • Verification: Check that E divides AB into two equal segments AE = EB ✓

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent errors
  • Confusing medians with other triangle segments
    Don't call any line from a vertex a median = wrong answer! A median must specifically go to the midpoint of the opposite side, not just any point. Always verify the endpoint is actually the midpoint by checking equal segments.

Practice Quiz

Test your knowledge with interactive questions

Is the straight line in the figure the height of the triangle?

FAQ

Everything you need to know about this question

How do I tell if a point is really the midpoint?

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The midpoint divides the side into two equal segments. Look for tick marks or measure to confirm that the distances from each endpoint to the midpoint are the same.

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 special point called the centroid.

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

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A median goes from a vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side. An altitude goes from a vertex perpendicular to the opposite side (forming a 90° angle).

Why is EC the correct answer and not ED or FE?

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Looking at the diagram, E is the midpoint of side AB, and the line EC connects vertex C to this midpoint. ED and FE don't connect a vertex to a midpoint of the opposite side.

How can I remember what a median is?

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Think "Middle-ian" - it goes to the middle (midpoint) of the opposite side! This helps you remember it's not just any line from a vertex.

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