Maxwell Theorem via the Center of Gravity
Michel Cabart
30 April, 2008
Below we offer a proof of Maxwell's theorem that is based on the notion of barycenter. Maxwell's theorem states the following fact:
Given ΔABC and a point G, the sides of ΔMNP are parallel to the cevians in ΔABC through G. Then the cevians in ΔMNP parallel to the sides of ΔABC are concurrent.
Below, the vector joining point A to B will be written in bold, so that, for example,
In ΔABC with A', B', C' on sides opposite the vertices A, B, and C, the fact that the cevians AA', BB', CC' concur in point G is equivalent to either of the two conditions:
There is a triple of real numbers | |
(1) | aGA + bGB + cGC = 0 |
There is a triple of real numbers | |
(2) |
A' = Z(B, b; C, c) B' = Z(A, a; C, c) C' = Z(A, a; B, b), |
where Z(X, x; Y, y) denotes the barycenter of two material points X and Y with masses x at X and y at Y.
Let's suppose lines AA', BB' and CC' intersect.
Step 1: NP, PM, MN are parallel to GA, GB, GC means there exists x, y, z such that
Step 2: MM', NN', PP' are parallel to BC, AC, AB meaning there is
MM' = m(GC - GB) = (m/c)MN + (m/b)MP
so that
M' = Z(N, 1/c; P, 1/b) = Z(N, b; C, c)
by multiplying by bc. Similarly,
N' = Z(M, a; P, c) and
P' = Z(M, a; N, b).
This proves the theorem thanks to (2).

Barycenter and Barycentric Coordinates
- 3D Quadrilateral - a Coffin Problem
- Barycentric Coordinates
- Barycentric Coordinates: a Tool
- Barycentric Coordinates and Geometric Probability
- Ceva's Theorem
- Determinants, Area, and Barycentric Coordinates
- Maxwell Theorem via the Center of Gravity
- Bimedians in a Quadrilateral
- Simultaneous Generalization of the Theorems of Ceva and Menelaus
- Three glasses puzzle
- Van Obel Theorem and Barycentric Coordinates
- 1961 IMO, Problem 4. An exercise in barycentric coordinates
- Centroids in Polygon
- Center of Gravity and Motion of Material Points
- Isotomic Reciprocity
- An Affine Property of Barycenter
- Problem in Direct Similarity
- Circles in Barycentric Coordinates
- Barycenter of Cevian Triangle
- Concurrent Chords in a Circle, Equally Inclined

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