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Trapezoid median (midline, midsegment)

Abstract:: An interactive applet and associated web page that demonstrate the median line of a trapezoid (line linking midpoints of non-parallel sides). The applet shows a trapezoid with all vertices draggable. As you drag any vertex, the figure changes to remain trapezoid, and the median line id continually repositioned to remain correct. It can be seen visually that the median remains parallel to the bases and a formula shows that its length is the average of the bases. Applet can be enlarged to full screen size for use with a classroom projector. This resource is a component of the Math Open Reference Interactive Geometry textbook project at http://www.mathopenref.com.

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Triangle midsegment

Abstract:: An interactive applet and associated web page that demonstrates the midsegment (midline) of a triangle. A triangle is shown that the user can reshape by dragging any vertex. As it is being dragged, the midline changes accordingly. From this can be seen that the midsegment is always parallel to the base and half it's length. Applet can be enlarged to full screen size for use with a classroom projector. This resource is a component of the Math Open Reference Interactive Geometry textbook project at http://www.mathopenref.com.