Prove that an equilateral triangle can be constructed on any given line segment.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) In the statement above,a line segment of any length is given,say $AB$ [see Fig. $(i)$].
Here,you need to do some construction. Using Euclid's Postulate $3$,you can draw a circle with point $A$ as the centre and $AB$ as the radius [see Fig. $(ii)$]. Similarly,draw another circle with point $B$ as the centre and $BA$ as the radius. The two circles meet at a point,say $C$. Now,draw the line segments $AC$ and $BC$ to form $\Delta ABC$ [see Fig. $(iii)$].
So,you have to prove that this triangle is equilateral,i.e.,$AB = AC = BC$.
Now,$AB = AC$,since they are the radii of the same circle $(1)$.
Similarly,$AB = BC$ (Radii of the same circle) $(2)$.
From these two facts,and Euclid's axiom that things which are equal to the same thing are equal to one another,you can conclude that $AB = BC = AC$.
So,$\Delta ABC$ is an equilateral triangle.
Note that here Euclid has assumed,without mentioning anywhere,that the two circles drawn with centres $A$ and $B$ will meet each other at a point.

Explore More

Similar Questions

How would you rewrite Euclid's fifth postulate so that it would be easier to understand?

If $A$,$B$ and $C$ are three points on a line,and $B$ lies between $A$ and $C$ (see figure),then prove that $AB + BC = AC$.

Give a definition for perpendicular lines. Are there other terms that need to be defined first? What are they,and how might you define them?

Difficult
View Solution

Consider two 'postulates' given below:
$(i)$ Given any two distinct points $A$ and $B$,there exists a third point $C$ which is in between $A$ and $B$.
$(ii)$ There exist at least three points that are not on the same line.
Do these postulates contain any undefined terms? Are these postulates consistent? Do they follow from Euclid's postulates? Explain.

In the figure,if $AC = BD$,then prove that $AB = CD$.

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo