To prove that opposite sides of a parallelogram are congruent, we can utilize a two-column proof format:
Two-Column Proof
| Statement | Reason | |-------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 1. Let quadrilateral ABCD be a parallelogram where AB || CD and AD || BC. | Definition of a parallelogram. | | 2. Line AB is parallel to line CD. | Given (AB || CD). | | 3. Line AD is parallel to line BC. | Given (AD || BC). | | 4. Angle A is equal to angle C (∠A = ∠C). | Alternate interior angles are congruent (AB || CD). | | 5. Angle B is equal to angle D (∠B = ∠D). | Alternate interior angles are congruent (AD || BC). | | 6. △ABD is similar to △CDB. | AA criterion for similarity (∠A ≅ ∠C and ∠B ≅ ∠D). | | 7. AB/BD = AD/CD. | Corresponding sides of similar triangles are proportional. | | 8. Since AD is a transversal, AD = BC (if we consider BD independent). | Properties of parallel lines and the definition of congruence. | | 9. Thus, AB = CD and AD = BC. | If two sides are equal (from proportion), then they are congruent. |
Conclusion:
The proof demonstrates that opposite sides of a parallelogram are congruent: AB is congruent to CD and AD is congruent to BC. Thus, all properties held true, confirming the congruence of opposite sides of a parallelogram.