Simson Line

Sorry, this page requires a Java-compatible web browser.

Theorem

The feet of the perpendiculars to the sides of triangle ABC from point D on its circumcircle lie in a straight line, called the Simson line.

Line alive

Grab Q and slide it along AC, while triangle RQD remains similar to EAD. As Q travels AC, R travels EF, the Simson line (on which E,F,G are the feet of perpendiculars to AB,BC,CA).

Points O,P,A,B,C,D may be moved to vary the figure.

Bug warning. If Q is left in coincidence with A or B, you'll be stuck with an ambiguity if you try to select it again

Lemma

When Q travels a straight line, R travels a straight line.

Proof of lemma. Let D be the origin of the complex plane. Triangle RQD is similar to a fixed triangle EAD. Thus R = cQ for some complex constant c. The lemma follows from linearity.

Proof of theorem. Name the vertices A,B,C so that AC separates D and B. Let E and F be the feet of perpendiculars on AB and BC respectively.

If ∠DCB = π/2, then ∠BAD = π/2 (inscribed quadrilateral), E coincides with A, F coincides with C, and the feet of the three perpendiculars all lie on AC.

Otherwise, without loss of generality, assume ∠DCB < π/2 < ∠BAD. Then F lies on the triangle side of AC, while E lies on the opposite side. Since ∠DCB +∠BAD = π = ∠BAD +∠DAE (inscribed quadrilateral; supplementary angles), ∠DCB = ∠DAE and triangle FCD is similar to EAD (and RQD). As Q moves from A to C, taking R from E to F, R must cross AC at some point G, which is the foot of the third perpendicular.

Generalizations

In the limit as two of the points A,B,C,D approach each other, the theorem still holds, as may be seen from the demo.

If the condition that DE, DF and DG meet the three sides at right angles is relaxed to "meet the three sides at equal angles", the proof still goes through.


Modified June 19, 2007


This page uses JavaSketchpad, Copyright © 1990-2001 by KCP Technologies, Inc. Licensed only for non-commercial use.