Proof Reasoning
A free Geometry lesson from the “Coordinate Geometry and Proof” unit, with a worked example and practice problems including step-by-step solutions.
A proof explains why a conclusion must be true. Each statement needs a reason, such as a definition, a theorem, a given fact, or an algebraic property.
What you'll learn
- Connect statements to reasons
- Use definitions and theorems
- Build short geometry arguments
Worked example
Problem. If two angles are vertical, why are they congruent?
- Identify the relationship in the diagram.
- Vertical angles are opposite angles formed by intersecting lines.
- Use the vertical angles theorem.
Answer: Vertical angles are congruent.
Practice problems
1. A fact provided in the problem can be justified by...
Choices: Given · Guessing · Drawing only · No reason
Show solution
- Warm-up: First identify exactly what the question is asking: A fact provided in the problem can be justified by...
- Compare each answer choice with the calculation or rule, and eliminate choices that do not satisfy the condition.
- Given facts are allowed starting points.
- Verify the selected choice by checking that it satisfies the original prompt and that the other choices fail the same test.
Answer: Given
2. Which reason supports vertical angles being equal?
Choices: Vertical angles theorem · Pythagorean theorem · Area formula · Midpoint formula
Show solution
- Warm-up: First identify exactly what the question is asking: Which reason supports vertical angles being equal?
- Use the relevant geometric relationship first, then set up an equation from the angle measures or side relationships.
- The theorem states vertical angles are congruent.
- Verify the selected choice by checking that it satisfies the original prompt and that the other choices fail the same test.
Answer: Vertical angles theorem
3. If two segments have equal length, they are...
Choices: Congruent · Parallel · Supplementary · Complementary
Show solution
- Core Practice: First identify exactly what the question is asking: If two segments have equal length, they are...
- Compare each answer choice with the calculation or rule, and eliminate choices that do not satisfy the condition.
- Congruent segments have equal length.
- Verify the selected choice by checking that it satisfies the original prompt and that the other choices fail the same test.
Answer: Congruent
4. A midpoint divides a segment into...
Choices: Two congruent segments · Two right angles · Two parallel lines · Two circles
Show solution
- Core Practice: First identify exactly what the question is asking: A midpoint divides a segment into...
- Compare each answer choice with the calculation or rule, and eliminate choices that do not satisfy the condition.
- That is the definition of midpoint.
- Verify the selected choice by checking that it satisfies the original prompt and that the other choices fail the same test.
Answer: Two congruent segments
5. If x = y and y = z, then x = z by the...
Choices: Transitive property · Reflexive property · Angle sum theorem · Area formula
Show solution
- Challenge: First identify exactly what the question is asking: If x = y and y = z, then x = z by the...
- Use inverse operations to isolate the unknown, and keep both sides balanced at every step.
- Equality passes through a shared equal value.
- Verify the selected choice by checking that it satisfies the original prompt and that the other choices fail the same test.
Answer: Transitive property
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