Theorem 1: Angles opposite to equal sides of an isosceles triangle are equal
Fig 1 - Isosceles triangle
Proof: Consider an isosceles triangle shown in fig 1 where .
We need to prove that the angles opposite to the sides and are equal, that is,
We first draw a bisector of and name it as .
Now in and we have,
(Given)
(By construction)
(Common to both)
Thus, (By SAS congruence criterion)
So, (By CPCT)
Hence proved.
Theorem 2: The sides opposite to equal angles of a triangle are equal.
Proof: In a triangle shown in fig 1, base angles are equal and we need to prove that or is an isosceles triangle.
Construct a bisector which meets the side at right angles.
Now in and we have,
(By construction)
(Common side)
(By construction)
Thus, (By ASA congruence criterion)
So, (By CPCT)
Or is isosceles.