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Can someone tell me the steps to solve this problem?

Prove by vector method that the point of intersection of diagonals of trapezium lies on the line passing through the midpoint of parallel sides.

I assumed the ratio of division of diagonals at intersection point as $a:1$ and $b:1$ and wrote the position vectors of the intersection point in terms of $a$ and $b$.But i'm getting too many variables.Any easier way out?

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enter image description here $$\vec{OM}=\frac 12 (\vec{OB}+\vec{OC}); \vec{ON}=\frac12(\vec{OA}+\vec{OD})$$ $\vec{OB}=k\vec{OA}$ and $\vec{OC}=k_1\vec{OD}$ $$\triangle BOC \sim \triangle AOD \Rightarrow \frac{OB}{OA}=\frac{OC}{OD}.$$ Then $k=k_1$.

Now $$\vec{OM}=\frac 12 (\vec{OB}+\vec{OC})=\frac12(k\vec{OA}+k\vec{OD})=$$ $$=k\frac12(\vec{OA}+\vec{OD})=k\vec{ON}$$ $\vec{OM}=k\vec{ON} \Rightarrow O,M,N -$ point on a straight line.

Roman83
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  • You must've misread the question: the specified intersection point is that of the trapezium's diagonals—not its non-parallel sides. Here's an answer to the question though. – ryang Mar 17 '21 at 07:06