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In ΔABC, DE ∥ BC with D on AB and E on AC. If AB = 15 cm, AC = 20 cm and AE = 12 cm, find DB.

Class 10Triangles (Similarity)Geometry — Similarity
  • A9 cm
  • B6 cm
  • C7.5 cm
  • D5 cm

Step-by-Step Solution

BPT in the form gives , so cm and cm. 9 cm is , the other part of the same side — read the question again; 7.5 cm assumes is the midpoint of , which BPT never requires; 5 cm is just 20 − 15.
Answer: B) 6 cm

Key idea: Pythagoras Theorem (and its converse)

**Theorem**: In a right triangle with legs a, and hypotenuse .

**Proof using similar triangles**:
In Δ right-angled at , drop perpendicular from to meeting it at .
- Δ ~ Δ: shared ∠A, both right-angled).
- Δ ~ Δ: shared ∠, both right-angled).
From Δ ~ Δ.
From Δ ~ Δ.
Add: .
So . ∎

**Converse**: if in a triangle, then the triangle is right-angled at the vertex opposite .

**Pythagorean triples**: integer triples (a, , c) with . Examples: (3, 4, 5), (5, 12, 13), (8, 15, 17), (7, 24, 25).

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