8

Mathematics
Quarter 2, Week 9 – Module 16
Writing a Proof (both direct
and indirect) – M8GE-IIi-j-1
Mathematics – Grade 8
Quarter 2 – Module 16: Writes a Proof (both direct and indirect)

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work
of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency
or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for
profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment
of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from
their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim
ownership over them.

Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: RIGOR B. BUENO I – Mariroc HS

Editors: NERISSA A. MORTEGA, HT III – San Lorenzo NHS

EFLEDA C. DOLZ – MT I, TNHS
HILDA J. CARLET – T III, TNHS
DIOLETA B. BORAIS – EPS, Tabaco City

Reviewers: DIOLETA B. BORAIS – EPS, Tabaco City

LILLI ANN HERMOGENES – EPS, Ligao City
LLOYD BOTOR – EPS, RO V

Layout Artist: MARISOL B. BOSEO – TNHS

1
 Writing a Proof (Both Direct and Indirect)

I. Introduction:
From the previous module, you learned how to use
deductive and inductive method in reasoning. In this, module, you
will learn how to make a proof, both the direct and indirect.

II. Objective:
After studying this module, you should be able to write a proof
(both direct and indirect).

III. Vocabulary List:

Congruent Angles – angles with the same angle measures
Congruent Segments – segments with the same lengths
Midpoint – The point that divides a segment into two congruent
segments
Obtuse Angle – angle with measure of greater than 90o but less
than 180o
Perpendicular Lines – two intersecting lines that form 4 right
angles
Right Angle – angle with measure of exactly 90o
Segment Addition Postulate – If point B is on segment AC, then
𝐴𝐵 = 𝐵𝐶
Law of Excluded Middle – states that for any proposition, that
proposition is either true or its negation is true

Properties of Equality
Addition Property of Equality (APE)
For real numbers 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 and 𝑑, If 𝑎 = 𝑏 and 𝑐 = 𝑑, then
𝑎 + 𝑐 = 𝑏 + 𝑑.

Subtraction Property of Equality (SPE)

If 𝑎 = 𝑏 and 𝑐 = 𝑑, then 𝑎 – 𝑐 = 𝑏 – 𝑑.

Multiplication Property of Equality (MPE)

If 𝑎 = 𝑏 and 𝑐 = 𝑑, then 𝑎𝑐 = 𝑏𝑑.

Division Property of Equality (DPE)

𝑎 𝑏
If 𝑎 = 𝑏 and 𝑐 ≠ 0, then = 𝑑.
𝑐

Substitution Property of Equality

If 𝑎 = 𝑏 then “𝑎” may be replaced with “𝑏” at any time.

2
 Distributive Property
𝑎(𝑏 + 𝑐) = 𝑎𝑏 + 𝑎𝑐.

Reflexive Property
𝑎 = 𝑎 (Anything is equal to itself)

Symmetric Property
If 𝑎 = 𝑏, then 𝑏 = 𝑎.

Transitive Property
If 𝑎 = 𝑏 and 𝑏 = 𝑐, then 𝑎 = 𝑐.

IV. Pre-Test:
Read each item carefully and choose the letter of the best
answer.
1. What property is illustrated in: ∠𝐴 ≅ ∠𝐵, ∠𝐵 ≅ ∠𝐶, then
∠𝐴 ≅ ∠𝐶 ?
A. Reflexive Property C. Transitive Property
B. Symmetric Property D. Addition Property

2. The method of proof by contradiction is:

A. direct proof C. indirect proof
B. formal proof D. two column proof

3. Name the property which justifies the following conclusion.

Given: JB = 28
Conclusion: JB + 4 = 32
A. Addition property of equality
B. Multiplication property of equality
C. Reflexive Property
D. Transitive Property

4. What is the missing reason in the following proof?

Given: 𝑚∠1 = 𝑚∠3, 𝑚∠2 = 𝑚∠3
Prove: 𝑚∠1 = 𝑚∠2

Statement Reason
1. 𝑚∠1 = 𝑚∠3, 𝑚∠2 = 𝑚∠3 1. Given
2. m∠1 = m∠2 2. _______________

A. Reflexive Property
B. Symmetric Property
C. Distributive Property
D. Transitive Property

3
5. What is the correct missing statement in the given proof?
Given: 𝑚∠1 = 𝑚∠2, 𝑚∠2 = 𝑚∠3
Prove: 𝑚∠1 = 𝑚∠3

Statement Reason

1. 𝑚∠1 = 𝑚∠3, 𝑚∠2 = 𝑚∠3 1. Given

2. __________________ 2. Reflexive Property
3. m∠1 = m∠3 3. Subtraction Property
A. m∠1= m∠1
B. m∠2 = m∠2
C. m∠3 = m∠3
D. m∠2 = m∠3

B. Learning Activities:

Learning Activity #1

A Proof is a logical argument in which each statement

is supported or justified by given information, definitions, axioms,
postulates, theorems, and previously proven statements.

Remember:
A postulate is a statement that is accepted without proof.
A theorem is a statement accepted after it is proved
deductively.

In proving theorems, you have to follow these steps:

• Read and understand the theorem
• Label the hypothesis as given and the conclusion as Prove
• Draw the figure and label correctly
• Write the proof which consists of the statements and
reasons.
Proofs can be written in different ways:
1. Paragraph Form or Informal Proof – This is a type of proof
where you write a paragraph to explain why conjecture for a
given situation is true.
2. Two – Column Proof – This is a most commonly used form
by using tables with two columns: statement and reason.

4
 3. Flowchart Form – This type organizes a series of
statements in a logical order starting with the given
statements. Each statement together with its
justification is written in a box. Arrows are used to
show how each statement leads to another. It can
make one’s logic visible and help others follow the
reasoning.

~ For this module, you will use the two – column form in writing your
proofs.
Learning Activity #2
RECALL!!!
What property of equality is used to justify each statement?
1. If 5𝑥 = 125, then 𝑥 = 25
2. If 10 = 𝐴𝐵, then 𝐴𝐵 = 10
3. If 𝑎 = 35 and 𝑚∠𝑀 = 𝑎, then 𝑚∠𝑀 = 35
~ For number #1, you use the Division Property of Equality. You divide
both sides of the equation 5x = 125 by 5 to attain x = 25.
~ For number #2, it illustrates the Symmetric Property of Equality. Both
sides of the equation can be interchanged.
~ For number #3, it illustrates the Transitive Property of Equality.

Here are some of the examples of two-column proofs.

Example 1:
𝑥−20
Given: = 10
5

Prove: 𝑥 = 70

Statement Reason
𝑥−20
1. = 10 1. Given
5
2. 𝑥– 20 = 50 2. Multiplication Property of Equality
3. 𝑥 = 70 3. Addition Property of Equality

5
Example 2:

Prove that if ̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅ and 𝐶𝐷

𝐴𝐵 ≅ 𝐶𝐷 ̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝐸𝐹
̅̅̅̅ , then ̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 ≅ 𝐸𝐹

Statement Reason
1. ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐷 and
̅̅̅̅ 1. Given
𝐶𝐷 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐸𝐹
2. AB = CD and
2. Definition of congruent segments
CD = EF
3. AB = EF 3. Transitive property of equality
4. ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐸𝐹 4. Definition of congruent segments

Example 3:

Given: AB = CD
Prove: AC = BD

Statement Reason
1. AB = CD 1. Given
2. AC = AB + BC 2. Segment Addition Postulate
3. BD = BC + CD 3. Segment Addition Postulate
4. AB + BC = CD + BC 4. Addition Property of Equality
5. AC = BD 5. Substitution Property

Example 4:

Given: ∠A ≅ ∠B
Prove: ∠B ≅ ∠A

Statement Reason
1. ∠A ≅ ∠B 1. Given
2. 𝑚∠𝐴 = 𝑚∠𝐵 2. Definition of congruent angles
3. 𝑚∠𝐵 = 𝑚∠𝐴 3. Symmetric property of equality
4. ∠B ≅ ∠A 4. Definition of congruent angles

6
Learning Activity #3
An indirect proof is a method of reasoning usually written in a
paragraph form. The opposite of the statement to be proven is assumed
true until the assumption leads to a contradiction.
In an indirect proof, you start by making the temporary assumption
that the desired conclusion is false. By then showing that this assumption
leads to a logical impossibility, you prove the original statement true by
contradiction.

How to Write an Indirect Proof

1. Identify the statement you want to prove. Assume temporarily that

this statement is false by assuming that its opposite is true.
2. Reason logically until you reach a contradiction.
3. Point out that the desired conclusion must be true because the
contradiction proves the temporary assumption false.

Example 1:

Given:
Points D,G and E are collinear with G between D and E
Point F is on DE

Prove: 𝑚∠𝐷𝐺𝐶 ≠ 180

Proof:
Assume that 𝑚∠ 𝐷𝐺𝐶 = 180. It is given that points D, G and E
are collinear with G between D and E. Hence, ∠DGC and ∠FGE form
a linear pair, then they are supplementary. If follows that ∠DGF and
∠FGE are supplementary.
By definition of supplementary angles,

𝑚∠𝐷𝐺𝐹 + 𝑚∠𝐹𝐺𝐸 = 180.

By substitution, 180 + 𝑚∠𝐹𝐺𝐸 = 180. Solving the equation,

we have 𝑚∠𝐹𝐺𝐸 = 0.By the Angle Measurement Postulate, an angle
measures between 0 and 180. But since 𝑚∠𝐹𝐺𝐸 = 0, this means that
there is no angle formed. This implies that F is on segment DE. This
contradicts the given that F is not on segment DE. Therefore, the
assumption is false. So 𝑚∠𝐷𝐺𝐶 ≠ 180.

In ABE , if A is a right angle, then B cannot be obtuse.

7
 Example 2:
Given: ABE
∠A is a right angle

Prove: ∠B cannot be obtuse

Proof:

Statements Reasons

1. ∠B is obtuse 1. Law of Excluded Middle

2. Definition of Obtuse
2. 𝑚∠𝐵 > 90
Angles
3. ABE
3. Given
∠A is a right angle

4. 𝑚∠𝐴 = 90 4. Definition of right angle

5. The sum of the interior
5. 𝑚∠𝐴 + 𝑚∠𝐵 + 𝑚∠𝐴 = 180 angles of a triangle is
180o.
6. Addition Property of
6. 𝑚∠𝐴 + 𝑚∠𝐵 = 90 + 90
Inequality

7. 𝑚∠𝐴 + 𝑚∠𝐵 = 180 7. Addition

8. ∠B cannot be obtuse 8. Contradiction Postulate

C. Practice Exercises:

Practice Task 1:
Complete the two-column proof for each of the following.

Given: 2𝑥 + 1 = 17
Prove: 𝑥 = 9

Statement Reason

1. 2𝑥 − 1 = 17 1. _____________
2. Addition Property of
2. _____________ Equality

3. 𝑥 = 9 3. _______________

8
 Practice Task 2:
Given: ∠A is an angle
Prove: ∠A ≅ ∠A

Proof:

Statement Reason

1. ∠A is an angle 1. _______________
2. 𝑚∠𝐴 = 𝑚∠𝐴 2. _______________
3. A ≅ A 3. _______________

Practice Task 3:

Given: ∠A ≅ ∠B and ∠B ≅ ∠C
Prove: ∠A ≅ ∠C

Proof:

Statement Reason
1. _______________ 1. Given

2. 𝑚∠𝐴 = 𝑚∠𝐵 2. _______________

𝑚∠𝐵 = 𝑚∠𝐶

3. ______________ 3. Transitive property of equality

4. ∠A ≅ ∠C 4. __________________

C. Post Test:
Make a two – column proof for the following.
1. Given: 3y − 7 = 23
Prove: 𝑦 = 10

Statement Reason

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

9
 2. Make a proof using the two-column form.

Given: ∠1 and ∠2 are right angles

Prove: ∠1 ≅ ∠2

Statement Reason
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.

E. Assignment:

Walking down the hallway of the mall, you notice the music
store is halfway between the food court and the shoe store. The shoe
store is halfway between the music store and the bookstore. Prove that
the distance between the entrances of the food court and the music store
is the same as the distance between the entrances of the shoe store and
bookstore.

Answer Key
Pre – Test
1. C
2. C
3. A
4. D
5. B

Practical Task 1:

Given: 2𝑥 + 1 = 17
Prove: 𝑥 = 9

Proof:

Statement Reason
1. 2𝑥 − 1 = 17 1. Given
2. 2𝑥 = 18 2. Addition Property of Equality
3.Multiplication Property of
3. 𝑥 = 9
Equality

10
Practice Task 2:

Given: ∠A is an angle
Prove: ∠A ≅ ∠A

Proof:

Statement Reason
1. ∠A is an angle 1. Given
2. 𝑚∠𝐴 = 𝑚∠𝐴 2. Reflexive Property of Equality
3. A ≅ A 3. Definition of Congruent Angles

Practice Task 3:

Given: ∠A ≅ ∠B and ∠B ≅ ∠C
Prove : ∠A ≅ ∠C

Proof:

Statement Reason
1. ∠A ≅ ∠B and
1. Given
∠B ≅ ∠C
2. 𝑚∠𝐴 = 𝑚∠𝐵
2. Definition of Congruent Angles
𝑚∠𝐵 = 𝑚∠𝐶
3. 𝑚 ∠𝐴 = 𝑚 ∠𝐶 3. Transitive Property of Equality
4. ∠A ≅ ∠C 4. Definition of Congruent Angles

Post – Test:
1. Given: 3y − 7 = 23
Prove: y = 10

Proof:

Statement Reason
1. 3y – 7 = 23 1. Given
2. 3y = 30 2. Addition Property of Equality
3. y = 10 3. Division Property of Equality

11
 2. Given: ∠1 and ∠2 are right angles
Prove: ∠1 ≅ ∠2

Proof:

Statement Reason
1. ∠1 and ∠2 are right angles 1. Given
2. 𝑚∠1 = 90°, 𝑚∠2 = 90° 2. Definition of Right Angles
3. 𝑚∠1 = 𝑚∠2 3. Substitution Property
4. ∠1 ≅ ∠2 4. Definition of Congruent Angles

Assignment:
Let:
F - Food court
M - Music store
S - Shoe store
B - Book store

Statement Reasons
1. FM = MS Definition of Midpoint
2. MS = SB Definition of Midpoint
3. FM = SB Transitive Property of Equality

References:
• Mathematics 8 Learner’s Module, pp 333-337
• Grade 8 Mathematics Teacher’s Guide, pp. 361 - 367
• Daily Lesson Plan, pp 129-160
• National Training of Trainers on Critical Content in Mathematics 8
Material

12