Question

According to the Journal of Irreproducible Results, any obtuse angle is a right angle!
x
A
P
B
C
D
Here is their argument. Given the obtuse angle x, we make a quadrilateral ABCD
with ∠DAB = x, and ∠ABC = 90◦
, and AD = BC. Say the perpendicular bisector
to DC meets the perpendicular bisector to AB at P. Then P A = P B and P C =
P D. So the triangles P AD and P BC have equal sides and are congruent. Thus
∠P AD = ∠P BC. But P AB is isosceles, hence ∠P AB = ∠P BA. Subtracting, gives
x = ∠P AD − ∠P AB = ∠P BC − ∠P BA = 90◦
. This is a preposterous conclusion –
just where is the mistake in the “proof” and why does the argument break down there?

Answer 1

PAD is not necessarily congruent to PBC.
They have two sides congruent, but that is not enough.

Answer 2

PLEASE DO NOT POST PROBLEMS FROM THE PROMYS APPLICATION SET. YOU HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

Answer 3

Wasn't it posted 11 months before your objection Jonathan??