Postulate vs. Theorem Postulate (axiom): A statement that is accepted as true without proof. Theorem: An important statement that must be proved before it can be accepted.
Reading postulates and theorems
Theorems
Theorem 1.3.1 The midpoint of a line segment is unique.
Theorem 1.6.1 If two lines are perpendicular, then they meet to form right angles.
Theorem 1.7.6 If the exterior sides of two adjacent angles form a straight line, then these angles are supplementary.
Theorem 2.1.2 If two parallel lines are cut by a transversal, then the pairs of alternate interior angles are congruent.
Evaluation
1. How many endpoints does a line segment have?
2. How many midpoints does a line segment have?
3-5. How many distinct lines can be drawn through a. point b. both points A and B at the same time? c. all points A, B, and C?