2.

5 Proving Statements about

Segments and Angles
Essential Question How can you prove a mathematical statement?
A proof is a logical argument that uses deductive reasoning to show that a statement
is true.

Writing Reasons in a Proof

Work with a partner. Four steps of a proof are shown. Write the reasons for
each statement.

REASONING Given AC = AB + AB
A B C
ABSTRACTLY Prove AB = BC
To be proficient in math,
STATEMENTS REASONS
you need to know and
be able to use algebraic 1. AC = AB + AB 1. Given
properties.
2. AB + BC = AC 2.

3. AB + AB = AB + BC 3.

4. AB = BC 4.

Writing Steps in a Proof

Work with a partner. Six steps of a proof are shown. Complete the statements that
correspond to each reason.
Given m∠1 = m∠3 E D

Prove m∠EBA = m∠CBD C A

123

STATEMENTS REASONS

1. 1. Given

2. m∠EBA = m∠2 + m∠3 2. Angle Addition Postulate (Post.1.4)

3. m∠EBA = m∠2 + m∠1 3. Substitution Property of Equality

4. m∠EBA = 4. Commutative Property of Addition

5. m∠1 + m∠2 = 5. Angle Addition Postulate (Post.1.4)

6. 6. Transitive Property of Equality

Communicate Your Answer

3. How can you prove a mathematical statement?
4. Use the given information and the figure to write a proof for the statement.
—.
Given B is the midpoint of AC
—.
C is the midpoint of BD A B C D
Prove AB = CD

Section 2.5 Proving Statements about Segments and Angles 99

2.5 Lesson What You Will Learn
Write two-column proofs.
Name and prove properties of congruence.
Core Vocabul
Vocabulary
larry
proof, p. 100 Writing Two-Column Proofs
two-column proof, p. 100
A proof is a logical argument that uses deductive reasoning to show that a statement
theorem, p. 101
is true. There are several formats for proofs. A two-column proof has numbered
statements and corresponding reasons that show an argument in a logical order.
In a two-column proof, each statement in the left-hand column is either given
information or the result of applying a known property or fact to statements
already made. Each reason in the right-hand column is the explanation for the
corresponding statement.

Writing a Two-Column Proof

Write a two-column proof for the

situation in Example 4 from the
Section 2.4 lesson.
Given m∠l = m∠3
Prove m∠DBA = m∠EBC D E

1 2 3
C B A

STATEMENTS REASONS

1. m∠1 = m∠3 1. Given

2. m∠DBA = m∠3 + m∠2 2. Angle Addition Postulate (Post.1.4)

3. m∠DBA = m∠1 + m∠2 3. Substitution Property of Equality

4. m∠1 + m∠2 = m∠EBC 4. Angle Addition Postulate (Post.1.4)

5. m∠DBA = m∠EBC 5. Transitive Property of Equality

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

1. Six steps of a two-column proof are shown. Copy and complete the proof.
—.
Given T is the midpoint of SU S 7x T 3x + 20 U
Prove x = 5

STATEMENTS REASONS
—.
1. T is the midpoint of SU 1. ________________________________
— —
2. ST ≅ TU 2. Definition of midpoint

3. ST = TU 3. Definition of congruent segments

4. 7x = 3x + 20 4. ________________________________
5. ________________________ 5. Subtraction Property of Equality

6. x = 5 6. ________________________________

100 Chapter 2 Reasoning and Proofs

 Using Properties of Congruence
The reasons used in a proof can include definitions, properties, postulates, and
theorems. A theorem is a statement that can be proven. Once you have proven a
theorem, you can use the theorem as a reason in other proofs.

Theorems
Theorem 2.1 Properties of Segment Congruence
Segment congruence is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive.
Reflexive
— ≅ AB
For any segment AB, AB —.
Symmetric
— ≅ CD
If AB —, then CD
— ≅ AB
—.
Transitive
— ≅ CD
If AB — and CD
— ≅ EF
—, then AB
— ≅ EF
—.
Proofs Ex. 11, p. 103; Example 3, p. 101; Chapter Review 2.5 Example, p. 118

Theorem 2.2 Properties of Angle Congruence

Angle congruence is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive.
Reflexive For any angle A, ∠A ≅ ∠A.
Symmetric If ∠A ≅ ∠B, then ∠B ≅ ∠A.
Transitive If ∠A ≅ ∠B and ∠B ≅ ∠C, then ∠A ≅ ∠C.
Proofs Ex. 25, p. 118; 2.5 Concept Summary, p. 102; Ex. 12, p. 103

Naming Properties of Congruence

Name the property that the statement illustrates.

a. If ∠T ≅ ∠V and ∠V ≅ ∠R, then ∠T ≅ ∠R.
— ≅ YZ
b. If JL —, then YZ
— ≅ JL
—.
SOLUTION
a. Transitive Property of Angle Congruence
b. Symmetric Property of Segment Congruence

In this lesson, most of the proofs involve showing that congruence and equality are
STUDY TIP equivalent. You may find that what you are asked to prove seems to be obviously
When writing a proof, true. It is important to practice writing these proofs to help you prepare for writing
organize your reasoning more-complicated proofs in later chapters.
by copying or drawing a
diagram for the situation Proving a Symmetric Property of Congruence
described. Then identify
the Given and Prove Write a two-column proof for the Symmetric Property of Segment Congruence.
statements. — ≅ NP
Given LM —
Prove — ≅ LM
NP — L M N P

STATEMENTS REASONS

1. — ≅ NP
LM — 1. Given

2. LM = NP 2. Definition of congruent segments

3. NP = LM 3. Symmetric Property of Equality

— —
4. NP ≅ LM 4. Definition of congruent segments

Section 2.5 Proving Statements about Segments and Angles 101

 Writing a Two-Column Proof
—, prove
Prove this property of midpoints: If you know that M is the midpoint of AB
that AB is two times AM and AM is one-half AB.
Given —.
M is the midpoint of AB
A M B
Prove AB = 2AM, AM = —12 AB

STATEMENTS REASONS
—.
1. M is the midpoint of AB 1. Given
— —
2. AM ≅ MB 2. Definition of midpoint

3. AM = MB 3. Definition of congruent segments

4. AM + MB = AB 4. Segment Addition Postulate (Post. 1.2)

5. AM + AM = AB 5. Substitution Property of Equality

6. 2AM = AB 6. Distributive Property

1
7. AM = —2 AB 7. Division Property of Equality

Monitoring Progress Help in English and Spanish at BigIdeasMath.com

Name the property that the statement illustrates.

— —
2. GH ≅ GH 3. If ∠K ≅ ∠P, then ∠P ≅ ∠K.
4. Look back at Example 4. What would be different if you were proving that
⋅
AB = 2 MB and that MB = —12 AB instead?

Concept Summary
Writing a Two-Column Proof
In a proof, you make one statement at a time until you reach the conclusion.
Because you make statements based on facts, you are using deductive reasoning.
Usually the first statement-and-reason pair you write is given information.
1 2
Proof of the Symmetric Property of Angle Congruence
Copy or draw diagrams and label given
Given ∠1 ≅ ∠2 information to help develop proofs. Do not
Prove ∠2 ≅ ∠1 mark or label the information in the Prove
statement on the diagram.
STATEMENTS REASONS
statements 1. ∠1 ≅ ∠2 1. Given
based on definitions,
facts that you 2. m∠1 = m∠2 2. Definition of congruent angles postulates, or
know or on proven theorems
conclusions 3. m∠2 = m∠1 3. Symmetric Property of Equality that allow you
from deductive to state the
4. ∠2 ≅ ∠1 4. Definition of congruent angles corresponding
reasoning
statement
The number of Remember to give a reason
statements will vary. for the last statement.

102 Chapter 2 Reasoning and Proofs

 2.5 Exercises Dynamic Solutions available at BigIdeasMath.com

Vocabulary and Core Concept Check

1. WRITING How is a theorem different from a postulate?

2. COMPLETE THE SENTENCE In a two-column proof, each ______ is on the left and each _____ is on
the right.

Monitoring Progress and Modeling with Mathematics

In Exercises 3 and 4, copy and complete the proof. (See Example 1.)
3. Given PQ = RS STATEMENTS REASONS
Prove PR = QS 1. PQ = RS 1. ___________________________
2. PQ + QR = RS + QR 2. ___________________________
P Q R S
3. ___________________ 3. Segment Addition Postulate (Post. 1.2)
4. RS + QR = QS 4. Segment Addition Postulate (Post. 1.2)
5. PR = QS 5. ___________________________

4. Given ∠1 is a complement of ∠2. STATEMENTS REASONS

∠2 ≅ ∠3
1. ∠1 is a complement of ∠2. 1. Given
Prove ∠1 is a complement of ∠3.
2. ∠2 ≅ ∠3 2. ___________________________
3. m∠1 + m∠2 = 90° 3. ___________________________
4. m∠2 = m∠3 4. Definition of congruent angles
1 2
5. ______________________ 5. Substitution Property of Equality
3
6. ∠1 is a complement of ∠3. 6. ___________________________

In Exercises 5–10, name the property that the statement PROOF In Exercises 13 and 14, write a two-column
illustrates. (See Example 2.) proof. (See Example 4.)
— — — — — —
5. If PQ ≅ ST and ST ≅ UV , then PQ ≅ UV . 13. Given ∠GFH ≅ ∠GHF
Prove ∠EFG and ∠GHF are supplementary.
6. ∠F ≅ ∠F
G
7. If ∠G ≅ ∠H, then ∠H ≅ ∠G. E
— —
8. DE ≅ DE
F H

9. If XY
— — —
— ≅ UV , then UV ≅ XY . — —
14. Given AB ≅ FG , A
⃖$$⃗ — and DG
BF bisects AC —.
D
10. If ∠L ≅ ∠M and ∠M ≅ ∠N, then ∠L ≅ ∠N. — ≅ DF
Prove BC —
PROOF In Exercises 11 and 12, write a two-column B
proof for the property. (See Example 3.) F

11. Reflexive Property of Segment Congruence (Thm. 2.1)

C
12. Transitive Property of Angle Congruence (Thm. 2.2) G

Section 2.5 Proving Statements about Segments and Angles 103

 — —
15. ERROR ANALYSIS In the diagram, MN ≅ LQ 19. WRITING Explain why you do not use inductive
— —
and LQ ≅ PN . Describe and correct the error in reasoning when writing a proof.
the reasoning.
20. HOW DO YOU SEE IT? Use the figure to write Given
— ≅ LQ —
✗ Because MN
— —
and LQ ≅ PN , then
— —
MN ≅ PN by the
L M and Prove statements for each conclusion.
J
Reflexive Property K
of Segment Q P N N
Congruence (Thm. 2.1).
M L

16. MODELING WITH MATHEMATICS The distance from a. The acute angles of a right triangle
the restaurant to the shoe store is the same as the are complementary.
distance from the café to the florist. The distance from b. A segment connecting the midpoints of two sides
the shoe store to the movie theater is the same as the of a triangle is half as long as the third side.
distance from the movie theater to the cafe, and from
the florist to the dry cleaners.
21. REASONING Fold two corners of a piece of paper
so their edges match, as shown.
1 1 2
SHOE STORE
Flowers a. What do you notice 2
about the angle formed
DRY CLEANERS

restaurant shoe movie café florist dry at the top of the page by
store theater cleaners the folds?

Use the steps below to prove that the distance from b. Write a two-column
the restaurant to the movie theater is the same as the proof to show that the
distance from the café to the dry cleaners. angle measure is always
the same no matter how
a. State what is given and what is to be proven for you make the folds.
the situation.
b. Write a two-column proof. 22. THOUGHT PROVOKING The distance from Springfield
to Lakewood City is equal to the distance from
17. REASONING In the sculpture Springfield to Bettsville. Janisburg is 50 miles farther
shown, ∠1 ≅ ∠2 and 3 from Springfield than Bettsville. Moon Valley is
∠2 ≅ ∠3. Classify the 50 miles farther from Springfield than Lakewood
triangle and justify 1 2 City is. Use line segments to draw a diagram that
your answer. represents this situation.

— —
18. MAKING AN ARGUMENT In the figure, SR ≅ CB and 23. MATHEMATICAL CONNECTIONS Solve for x using the
— —
AC ≅ QR . Your friend claims that, because of this, given information. Justify each step.
— ≅ AC
CB — by the Transitive — ≅ PQ
—, RS
— ≅ PQ
—
A Q Given QR
Property of Segment
Congruence (Thm. 2.1). P S
Is your friend correct? C B S R 10 ] 3x
Q 2x + 5 R
Explain your reasoning.

Maintaining Mathematical Proficiency Reviewing what you learned in previous grades and lessons

Use the figure. (Section 1.6)

24. ∠1 is a complement of ∠4, 25. ∠3 is a supplement of ∠2,
1 2
and m∠1 = 33°. Find m∠4. and m∠2 = 147°. Find m∠3.
3 4
26. Name a pair of vertical angles.

104 Chapter 2 Reasoning and Proofs