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3 votes
I don't understand how to prove that this is an isosceles triangle.​

I don't understand how to prove that this is an isosceles triangle.​-example-1

2 Answers

5 votes

Check the picture below.

so, two tangents to the same circle, whenever they meet outside the circle, they'll be congruent, namely, AB = AX and CB = CY and DX = DY.

well, we know AB = BC, and we know that AB = AX and CB = CY, therefore

AB = BC = AX = CY = 10.

an isosceles needs twin sides, well, we know DX = DY, and we know that AX = 10 then the triangle's side AD = AX + DX = 10 + DX.

the triangle's side of CD = CY + DY = 10 + DY.

but but but, we know DX and DY are tangents to a common circle meeting outside, so they're equal, so whatever length DX and DY are, is the same, so

10 + DY = 10 + DX

meaning the triangle's sides AX = CD, and for an isosceles, is all you need, twin sides.

I don't understand how to prove that this is an isosceles triangle.​-example-1
User Benvorth
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6.5k points
3 votes
An isosceles has 2 equal sides so you can draw your triangle like this...

I don't understand how to prove that this is an isosceles triangle.​-example-1
User Andrewgazelka
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5.4k points