Key idea: Mid-point theorem applied to quadrilaterals
**Result**: The figure formed by joining the mid-points of the sides of any quadrilateral (in order) is a **parallelogram**.
**Proof sketch**: Let ABCD be any quadrilateral. Let P, Q, R, S be midpoints of AB, BC, CD, DA respectively. Draw diagonal AC.
- In ΔABC: PQ ∥ AC and PQ = (1/2)AC (mid-point theorem).
- In ΔACD: SR ∥ AC and SR = (1/2)AC (mid-point theorem).
- So PQ ∥ SR and PQ = SR. One pair equal AND parallel → PQRS is a parallelogram. ∎
If ABCD is a rectangle, PQRS becomes a rhombus. If ABCD is a rhombus, PQRS becomes a rectangle. Surprising and elegant.