A two-column proof is a compact way of showing the reasoning behind a mathematical proof. It consists of two columns with statements on the left-hand side and the reasoning or justification on the right. The reasons can be postulates, theorems, or other mathematical reasoning the reader is assumed to be able to follow without difficulty.
Statement | Reason |
3 | 3 |
3 | 3 |
3 | 3 |
3 | 3 |
3 | 3 |
To show how two-column proofs are used, prove the following statement. and M isIf AB is a segment between points A and B, the midpoint of that segment, then AB=2AM. In the first row, write the given information.
Statement | Reason |
M is the midpoint of AB | Given |
3 | 3 |
3 | 3 |
3 | 3 |
3 | 3 |
The length of a segment is the sum the lengths of the segments it contains. This is called the Segment Addition Postulate. Since M is a point on the segment, the length of AB can be expressed as AB=AM+MB. This is written in the next row.
Statement | Reason |
M is the midpoint of AB | Given |
AB=AM+MB | Segment Addition Postulate |
3 | 3 |
3 | 3 |
3 | 3 |
Point M is the midpoint of AB, which means that it divides the segment into two parts of equal length: MB=AM.
Statement | Reason |
M is the midpoint of AB | Given |
AB=AM+MB | Segment Addition Postulate |
MB=AM | Definition of a midpoint |
3 | 3 |
3 | 3 |
By substituting MB=AM into the expression AB=AM+MB, an equivalent expression of AB is obtained. This is called the Property of Equality.
Statement | Reason |
M is the midpoint of AB | Given |
AB=AM+MB | Segment Addition Postulate |
MB=AM | Definition of a midpoint |
AB=AM+AM | Property of Equality |
3 | 3 |
Lastly, the new expression can be simplified.
Statement | Reason |
M is the midpoint of AB | Given |
AB=AM+MB | Segment Addition Postulate |
MB=AM | Definition of midpoint |
AB=AM+AM | Property of Equality |
AB=2AM | Simplify |
It has now been shown that the length of AB is 2AM, and since this was the aim, the proof is now concluded.