Centroid of a triangle — intersection of medians: For a uniform triangular lamina or area, the centre of gravity (centroid) lies at the point where all three medians intersect (the centroid). Is this statement true?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: True

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Finding the centroid of basic shapes underpins calculations of bending stresses, deflections, and resultant forces. The triangle’s centroid has a celebrated geometric property that simplifies many engineering analyses.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Homogeneous triangular area (uniform thickness and density if treated as a lamina).
  • Medians are the line segments from each vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side.


Concept / Approach:
The centroid of a triangle lies at the intersection of its three medians and divides each median in a 2:1 ratio (measured from the vertex). This location is independent of coordinate orientation and works for any triangle (acute, obtuse, right).


Step-by-Step Solution:
Draw all three medians; they are concurrent at a single point.Use coordinate geometry: with vertices (x1,y1), (x2,y2), (x3,y3), the centroid is at ( (x1 + x2 + x3)/3 , (y1 + y2 + y3)/3 ).This is precisely the intersection point of the medians.Therefore, the statement is true.


Verification / Alternative check:
Physical reasoning: uniform density implies balance occurs where equal triangular masses balance along the medians; experiments with a cardboard triangle and a plumb line confirm the same point.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • False: contradicts well-established geometry and engineering handbooks.


Common Pitfalls:

  • Confusing centroid (area) with circumcenter, incenter, or orthocenter; only the centroid is the intersection of medians and always lies inside the triangle.


Final Answer:
True

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