In triangle ABC, AD is a median, and M is the intersection of its medians. If AM = 12 cm, then AD = 24 cm.
This can be proven using the following properties of medians:
- A median divides a triangle into two triangles with equal areas.
- A median bisects the altitude from the vertex to the base.
- A median bisects the corresponding side length.
Using property 1, we can see that triangle AMD is equal in area to triangle BMC. This means that MD/BM = AM/BM.
Substituting in the given information, we get MD/BM = 12/BM.
Solving for BM, we get BM = 12 cm.
Now, using property 3, we have AM/DM = BM/AD.
Substituting in the given information and the value of BM, we get 12/BM = 12/AD.
Solving for AD, we get AD = 24 cm.