Two lines are respectively perpendicular to two parallel lines. Show that they are parallel to each other.

Let us draw the figure as below –



It is given to us that there are two parallel lines. Let us assume l and m are two parallel lines, i.e., l || m.


Also, it is given that two lines are perpendicular to the parallel lines. Let us assume n and p are the two perpendicular lines.


n l, n m, p l, and p m


Let us assume the angles as 1, 2, …, 16 as shown in the figure.


To show that n and p are parallel to each other, i.e., to prove n || p.


We know that l || m, n l, and n m.


1 = 2 = 3 = 4 = 90°, and 9 = 10 = 11 = 12 = 90°


1 = 9 = 90°, 2 = 10 = 90° (Corresponding angles)


Similarly, 4 = 10 = 90°, 3 = 9 = 90° (Alternate interior angles)


Again, l || m, p l, and p m.


5 = 6 = 7 = 8 = 90°, and 13 = 14 = 15 = 16 = 90°


We have 3 = 90° and 8 = 90°


3 + 8 = 90° + 90° = 180°


Thus, we can say that the sum of the two interior angles is supplementary.


We know, if a transversal intersects two lines, such that each pair of interior angles on the same side of the transversal is supplementary, then the two lines are parallel to each other.


Thus, n || p.


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