Using the segment addition postulate, which is true? A B C D -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 AB + BC = AD AB + BC = CD BC + CD = AD BC + CD = BD Mark this and return Save and Ex
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is BC + CD = BD.
Explanation:
The segment addition postulate states that if a point lies between two other points on a line segment, then the sum of the two smaller segments equals the entire segment. To verify which equation holds, the distances between the points on the number line must be calculated.
Given positions:
- A is at -3
- B is at -1
- C is at 2
- D is at 8
Distances:
- AB = B – A = (-1) – (-3) = 2
- BC = C – B = 2 – (-1) = 3
- CD = D – C = 8 – 2 = 6
- AD = D – A = 8 – (-3) = 11
- BD = D – B = 8 – (-1) = 9
Now, testing each equation:
- AB + BC = AD → 2 + 3 ≠ 11
- AB + BC = CD → 2 + 3 ≠ 6
- BC + CD = AD → 3 + 6 ≠ 11
- BC + CD = BD → 3 + 6 = 9 ✅
This confirms the statement BC + CD = BD is true.
The concept behind this relies on the fundamental understanding that distances along a number line can be combined when sequentially ordered points form a continuous segment. The postulate ensures accurate segment measurement, making it an essential principle in geometric reasoning and mathematical proofs.
