To determine the missing reason in the proof that consecutive interior angles are supplementary, let's analyze the statements provided:
- m∠A + m∠C = 180° - This statement is correct because it says that the angles create a linear pair, which are supplementary.
- m∠A = m∠E - This is likely based on a given or established relationship where angles A and E are congruent (which could be from the Corresponding Angles Postulate).
- m∠E + m∠C = 180° - This is reached by substitution; since m∠A = m∠E, they can be substituted into the first statement about supplementary angles.
- ∠E and ∠C are supplementary - This statement concludes that angles E and C add up to 180°, confirming that they are supplementary.
Given the context, the missing reason for step 3 (which states the relationship of m∠E and m∠C being 180°) would relate to the equality established in step 2 and the initial hypothesis of angles A and C (step 1).
The logical connection would be best explained by the Transitive Property of Equality, which states that if two angles are both equal to a third angle, then they are equal to each other. Therefore, if m∠A = m∠E and m∠A + m∠C = 180°, then through substitution, it leads to m∠E + m∠C = 180°.
Hence, the missing reason in the proof is:
C. Transitive Property of Equality.