Prove that the points A ( – 5, 4), B ( – 1, – 2) and C (5, 2) are the vertices of an isosceles right angled triangle. Find the co-ordinates of D so that ABCD is a square.
Prove that the points A ( – 5, 4), B ( – 1, – 2) and C (5, 2) are the vertices of an isosceles right angled triangle. Find the co-ordinates of D so that ABCD is a square.

Given points are A(-5,4), B(-1,-2) and C(5,2) are given.

Since these are vertices of an isosceles triangle ABC then AB = BC.

By distance formula, d(AB) = √[(x2-x1)2+(y2-y1)2]

Here x1 = -5, y1 = 4

x2 = -1, y2 = -2

d(AB) = √[(-1-(-5))2+(-2-4)2]

d(AB) = √[(4)2+(6)2]

d(AB) = √(16+36)

d(AB) = √52 …(i)

By distance formula, d(BC) = √[(x2-x1)2+(y2-y1)2]

Here x1 = -1, y1 = -2

x2 = 5, y2 = 2

d(BC) = √[(5-(-1))2+(2-(-2))2]

d(BC) = √[(6)2+(4)2]

d(BC) = √(36+16)

d(BC) = √52 …(ii)

From (i) and (ii) AB = BC

So given points are the vertices of isosceles triangle.

By distance formula, d(AC) = √[(x2-x1)2+(y2-y1)2]

Here x1 = -5, y1 = 4

x2 = 5, y2 = 2

d(AC) = √[(5-(-5))2+(2-4)2]

d(AC) = √[(10)2+(-2)2]

d(AC) = √(100+4)

d(AC) = √104 ….(iii)

Apply Pythagoras theorem to triangle ABC

AB2+BC2 = (√52)2+(√52)2

= 52+52

= 104 ….(iv)

AC2 = (√104)2 = 104…(v)

From (iv) and (v) we got

AB2+BC2 = AC2

So Pythagoras theorem is satisfied.

So the triangle is an isosceles right angled triangle.

Hence proved.

If ABCD is a square, let the diagonals meet at O.

Diagonals of a square bisect each other. So, O is the midpoint of AC and BD.

Consider A-O-C

x= -5, y1 = 4

x= 5, y2 = 2

By midpoint formula, x = (x1+x2)/2

x = (-5+5)/2 = 0/2 = 0

By midpoint formula, y = (y1+y2)/2

y = (4+2)/2 = 6/2 = 3

So co-ordinate of O is (0,3).

Consider B-O-D

Let co-ordinate of D be (x2,y2)

x1 = -1, y1 = -2

x = 0, y = 3

By midpoint formula, x = (x1+x2)/2

0 = (-1+x2)/2

-1+x2 = 0

x2 = 1

By midpoint formula, y = (x1+x2)/2

3 = (-2+y2)/2

6 = -2+y2

y2 = 6+2 = 8

Hence the co-ordinates of the point D are (1,8).