E and F are respectively the mid-points of the non-parallel sides AD and BC of a trapezium ABCD. Prove that EF || AB and EF = ½ (AB + CD).
Given $A B C D$ is a trapezium in which $A B \| C D$. Also, $E$ and $F$ are respectively the mid-points of sides $A D$ and $B C$.
Construction Join $B E$ and produce it to meet $C D$ produced at $G$, also draw $B D$ which intersects $E F$ at $O$.
To prove $E F \| A B$ and $E F=\frac{1}{2}(A B+C D)$.
Proof In $\Delta G C B, E$ and $F$ are respectively the mid-points of $B G$ and $B C$, then by mid-point theorem.
$E F \| G C$
But $G C \| A B$ or $C D \| A B$ [given]
$\therefore$ $E F \| A B$
In $\triangle A D B, A B \| E O$ and $E$ is the mid-point of $A D$.
Therefore by converse of mid-point theorem, $O$ is mid-point of $B D$.
Also, $E O=\frac{1}{2} A B$ $\ldots(i)$
In $\triangle B D C, O F \| C D$ and $O$ is the mid-point of $B D$.]
$\therefore$ $O F=\frac{1}{2} C D$ [by converse of mid-point theorem] (ii)
On adding Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
$E O+O F=\frac{1}{2} A B+\frac{1}{2} C D$
$\Longrightarrow$ $E F=\frac{1}{2}(A B+C D)$ Hence proved.