[Math] A line which bisects two sides of a triangle is parallel to the third.

geometry

The answers to this question
imply that a line which bisects two sides of a triangle must be parallel to the third side. Why is this true? There must be a simple proof.

More generally: Let D and E be points on $\overline{AB}$ and $\overline{CB}$, respectively, such that $AD:DB=CE:EB$. Then, $\overleftrightarrow{DE} \parallel \overline{AC}$. (Thanks @Isaac)

Bisectors of a Triangle

We could also look at the contrapositive. Suppose that $DF$ is not parallel to $AC$. Then
the triangles $DBF$ and $ABC$ won't be similar.

Contrapositive

Best Answer

This follows from the Intercept Theorem .

Let $DE$ be the line segment joining the midpoint $D$ of $AB$ and the midpoint $E$ of $BC$. Draw a line parallel to to $DE$ that passes through $A$. Extend the side $BC$ so that it intersects this line in the point $F$. By the intercept theorem, $$ {DB\over DA}={BE\over EF} $$

But $DB=DA$, so, $EF=BE=EC$. It follows that $F=C$, and, thus, $AC$ is parallel to $DE$.

(Of course, you could argue using similar triangles too. The intercept Theorem is equivalent to "the similar triangle business".)