1 of 2

Example:

If ∠A and ∠B are acute angles such that tan A = tan B

then prove ∠A = ∠B.

Proof:

Consider ΔAMN and ΔBPQ in which ∠M = ∠P = 90º,

∠A and ∠B are acute.

tan A = tan B

[Given]

A

M

N

B

P

Q

MN

AM

tan A =

PQ

BP

tan B =

=

MN

AM

PQ

BP

...(i)

=

MN

PQ

AM

BP

2 of 2

ΔAMN ~ ΔBPQ

…(i)

=

MN

PQ

AM

BP

Example:

If ∠A and ∠B are acute angles such that tan A = tan B

then prove ∠A = ∠B.

Proof:

A

M

N

B

P

Q

=

MN

PQ

AM

BP

∠M

[From (i)]

=

∠P

[Each 90º]

In ΔAMN and ΔBPQ,

[By SAS similarity criterion]

[Corresponding angles of

similar triangles]

∠A

=

∠B