Apollonius' Theorem



Apollonius' theorem is proved by using co-ordinate geometry. Proof of this geometrical property is discussed with the help of step-by-step explanation along with a clear diagram.

Statement of the Theorem: If O be the mid-point of the side MN of the triangle LMN, then LM² + LN² = 2(LO² + MO²).

Apollonius theorem

Proof: Let us choose origin of rectangular Cartesian co-ordinates at O and x-axis along the side MN and OY as the y – axis . If MN = 2a then the co-ordinates of M and N are (- a, 0) and (a, 0) respectively. Referred to the chosen axes if the co-ordinates of L be (b, c) then

LO² = (b - 0)² + (C - 0)² , [Since, co- ordinates of O are (0, 0)]

      = b² + c²;

MO² = (- a - 0)² + (0 – 0)² = a²

LM² = (b + a) ² + (c – 0)² = (a + b)² + c²

And LN² = (b - a) ² + (c - 0) ² = (a - b)² + c²

Therefore, LM² + LN² = (a + b) ² + c² + (b - a)² + c²

                              = 2(a² + b²) + 2c²

                              = 2a² + 2(b² + c²)

                              = 2MO² + 2LO²

                              = 2(MO² + LO²).

                              = 2(LO² + MO²). Proved.



 Co-ordinate Geometry 







11 and 12 Grade Math 

From Apollonius' Theorem to HOME PPAGE


New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Ask a Question or Answer a Question.

Recent Articles

  1. 5th Grade Circle Worksheet | Free Worksheet with Answer |Practice Math

    Jul 11, 25 02:14 PM

    Radii of the circRadii, Chords, Diameters, Semi-circles
    In 5th Grade Circle Worksheet you will get different types of questions on parts of a circle, relation between radius and diameter, interior of a circle, exterior of a circle and construction of circl…

    Read More

  2. Construction of a Circle | Working Rules | Step-by-step Explanation |

    Jul 09, 25 01:29 AM

    Parts of a Circle
    Construction of a Circle when the length of its Radius is given. Working Rules | Step I: Open the compass such that its pointer be put on initial point (i.e. O) of ruler / scale and the pencil-end be…

    Read More

  3. Combination of Addition and Subtraction | Mixed Addition & Subtraction

    Jul 08, 25 02:32 PM

    Add and Sub
    We will discuss here about the combination of addition and subtraction. The rules which can be used to solve the sums involving addition (+) and subtraction (-) together are: I: First add

    Read More

  4. Addition & Subtraction Together |Combination of addition & subtraction

    Jul 08, 25 02:23 PM

    Addition and Subtraction Together Problem
    We will solve the different types of problems involving addition and subtraction together. To show the problem involving both addition and subtraction, we first group all the numbers with ‘+’ and…

    Read More

  5. 5th Grade Circle | Radius, Interior and Exterior of a Circle|Worksheet

    Jul 08, 25 09:55 AM

    Semi-circular Region
    A circle is the set of all those point in a plane whose distance from a fixed point remains constant. The fixed point is called the centre of the circle and the constant distance is known

    Read More