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Problem 584

Divide a given line segment into parts proportional to given line segments.

Short Answer

Expert verified
To divide a given line segment AB into parts proportional to given line segments m, n, etc., follow these steps: 1. Draw a parallel line and mark points C, D, ... such that BC, CD, ... are equal to the line segments m, n, ... . 2. Connect the points C, D, ... to the point B, forming a series of similar triangles with bases on AB. 3. Use the property of similar triangles to find the lengths of the segments BP, PQ, and QE. 4. Verify that the sum of the segments BP, PQ, and QE is equal to the total length of AB. The lengths of the segments BP, PQ, and QE will be the proportional divisions of the given line segment AB.
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Step by step solution

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Step 1: Understand the problem and given information

We are given a line segment and some other line segments. Our task is to divide the given line segment into parts proportional to the given line segments. Let's denote the given line segment as AB, and the given line segments as m, n and so on.

Step 2: Create a parallel line.

Draw a line parallel to AB and mark points C, D, ... on this line such that line segments BC, CD, ... are equal to the lengths of the given line segments m, n, ... . ]Thus, we'll have a series of n continuous smaller line segments BC, CD, ... on the same line.

Step 3: Connect points to the end of the given line segment

Draw lines connecting the points C, D, ... to the point B. These lines will form a series of similar triangles with bases on the given line segment AB.

Step 4: Find the proportional points on AB using the property of similar triangles

Since the triangles are similar, the ratio of corresponding sides and heights will be the same. Let's denote the points on AB as P, Q, ... and E as the end of the given line segment AB. Now, using the property of similar triangles, we have the ratios: \(\frac{BP}{BC} = \frac{PQ}{CD} = \frac{QE}{DE}\) We can solve for the lengths of the segments BP, PQ, QE, which will be the proportional divisions of the given line segment AB.

Step 5: Check the divisions

Once we found the proportions, we can verify if the sum of the segments BP, PQ, and QE is equal to the total length of AB. If this condition is met, it means that we have successfully divided the given line segment into parts proportional to the given line segments. By following these steps, we are able to divide a given line segment into parts proportional to given line segments.

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