In a convex quadrilateral ABCD, ∠A<90∘, ∠B<90∘ and AB>CD. Points P and Q are on the segments BC and AD respectively. Suppose the triangles APD and BQC are similar. Prove that AB is parallel to CD.
Solution
Let the lines BC and AD intersect at M. The conditions ∠A<90∘, ∠B<90∘ and AB>CD imply that C lies between MB and D lies between MA. Given the triangles APD and BQC are similar, we have ∠BCQ=∠ADP so that ∠MCQ=∠MDP. From this, we see that the triangles MCQ and MDP are similar. Thus MC/MD=MQ/MP. Using the given condition that the triangles APD and BQC are similar, we have ∠PAD=∠QBC so that ∠PAM=∠QBM. It follows that the triangles PAM and QBM are similar. Thus MQ/MP=MB/MA. Therefore, MB/MA=MC/MD. This implies that AB is parallel to CD.
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