Year 10 Interactive Maths - Second Edition

Deductive Geometry

Axioms

An axiom is a statement that is simply accepted as being true.  We have accepted the following statements as facts:

aº = bº

bº = cº

aº + bº = 180º

A statement that is proved by a sequence of logical steps is called a theorem.

To prove a theorem we start by using one or more of the axioms in a particular situation to get some true statements.  We then have to apply logical reasoning to these statements to produce new statements that are true.  The proof ends when we arrive at the statement of the theorem.

Properties of Equality

The relation of equality has the following properties. We will use these properties in the proofs of some theorems.

1.  Transitive Property

If a = b and b = c, then a = c.

2.  Substitution Property

If a statement about a is true and a = b, then the statement formed by replacing a with b (throughout) is also true.

E.g. If the statement a + c = 180 is true and a is equal to b, then the statement b + c = 180 is also true.

Deductive Proofs of Theorems

To prove a theorem, draw a diagram.  Write related statements and give the reasons for each (i.e. state the axioms used).  Then use the transitive property and/or one of the other properties of equality.

Angle Sum of a Triangle

Theorem 1

Prove that the angle sum of a triangle is 180º.

Proof:

Further theorems can now be deduced by using this theorem together with the axioms.  This is how the body of knowledge is increased using the deductive method.

The Exterior Angle of a Triangle

Theorem 2

Prove that the exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of the interior opposite angles.

Proof:

Consider any triangle ABC in which the angles are aº, bº and cº.  Extend the line BC to the point D.

Hence the exterior angle of a triangle is equal to the sum of the interior opposite angles.

Applying Properties of Angles in Triangles

The theorems we have proved can be used to prove other theorems.  They can also be used to find the values of the pronumerals in a problem.

Example 3

Find the values of the pronumerals x and y in the following diagram.

Solution:

Key Terms

deductive geometry, axiom, theorem, equality, properties of equality, transitive property, substitution property, deductive proofs of theorems, angle sum of a triangle, exterior angle of a triangle