British Flag Theorem - Proof

Proof

Drop perpendicular lines from the point P to the sides of the rectangle, meeting sides AB, BC, CD, and AD in points w, x, y and z respectively, as shown in the figure; these four points wxyz form the vertices of an orthodiagonal quadrilateral. By applying the Pythagorean theorem to the right triangle AwP, and observing that wP = Az, it follows that

and by a similar argument the squared lengths of the distances from P to the other three corners can be calculated as

  • and

Therefore:

Read more about this topic:  British Flag Theorem

Famous quotes containing the word proof:

    The chief contribution of Protestantism to human thought is its massive proof that God is a bore.
    —H.L. (Henry Lewis)

    There are some persons in this world, who, unable to give better proof of being wise, take a strange delight in showing what they think they have sagaciously read in mankind by uncharitable suspicions of them.
    Herman Melville (1819–1891)

    If some books are deemed most baneful and their sale forbid, how, then, with deadlier facts, not dreams of doting men? Those whom books will hurt will not be proof against events. Events, not books, should be forbid.
    Herman Melville (1819–1891)