Prove that the diagonals of rectangle LMNO are congruent. write a paragraph proof, but be sure to include a reason for each of your statements.

their is P in the middle where LN and MO intersect

1 answer

To prove that the diagonals of rectangle LMNO are congruent, we begin by noting that in rectangle LMNO, points L, M, N, and O are the vertices of the rectangle, with P being the intersection of diagonals LN and MO. By the definition of a rectangle, we know that opposite sides are equal and parallel: \( LM = NO \) and \( LN = MO \) (Reason: Definition of a rectangle). Since P is the midpoint of both diagonals in rectangle LMNO, we can conclude that \( LP = PN \) and \( MP = PO \) (Reason: Diagonals of a rectangle bisect each other). Therefore, we can apply the congruence of triangles: triangles LPM and NPO are congruent by the Side-Side-Side (SSS) postulate, as \( LP = PN \), \( MP = PO \), and in both triangles, \( PM \) is common (Reason: SSS Congruence Postulate). Since corresponding parts of congruent triangles are congruent, we have \( LM = NO \) and \( LN = MO \). Therefore, we conclude that the diagonals \( LN \) and \( MO \) are congruent (Reason: Corresponding parts of congruent triangles are congruent). Thus, diagonals \( LN \) and \( MO \) in rectangle LMNO are congruent.