Online Course Discussion Forum

How to prove the converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem

 
 
WeiDan的头像
How to prove the converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem
WeiDan - 2021年07月24日 Saturday 14:13
 

This question appeared on my homework and I have no idea how to start. Help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 
WangDr. Kevin的头像
Re: How to prove the converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem
WangDr. Kevin - 2021年07月26日 Monday 00:35
 

Let's phrase the converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem as follows:

In $\triangle ABC$, let $D$ be a point on side $\overline{BC}$ such that $\dfrac{BD}{DC}=\dfrac{AB}{AC}$.  Prove that $\overline{AD}$ bisects $\angle BAC$.

To prove this result, you may consider the "phantom point" method.  Construct the angle bisector $\overline{AD'}$ of $\angle BAC$, where $D'$ is on $\overline{BC}$.  Then try to prove that $D'$ and $D$ are in fact the same point.