Art of Problem Solving

Butterfly Theorem: Difference between revisions

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Link to a good proof :  
Link to another good proof :  


http://agutie.homestead.com/FiLEs/GeometryButterfly.html
http://agutie.homestead.com/FiLEs/GeometryButterfly.html

Revision as of 17:31, 31 May 2011

Let $M$ be the midpoint of chord $PQ$ of a circle, through which two other chords $AB$ and $CD$ are drawn. $AD$ and $BC$ intersect chord $PQ$ at $X$ and $Y$, respectively. The Butterfly Theorem states that $M$ is the midpoint of $XY$.

Proof

This simple proof uses projective geometry. First we note that $(AP, AB; AD, AQ) = (CP, CB; CD, CQ).$ Therefore, \[\frac{(PX)(MQ)}{(PQ)(MX)} = \frac{(PM)(YQ)}{(PQ)(YM)}.\] Since $MQ = PM$, \[\frac{MX}{YM} = \frac{XP}{QY}.\] Moreover, \[\frac{MX + PX}{YM + QY} = 1,\] so $MX = YM,$ as desired. $\blacksquare$.

Link to another good proof :

http://agutie.homestead.com/FiLEs/GeometryButterfly.html

See also

Midpoint