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k a April Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
Apr 2, 2025
Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner, what are your plans? At AoPS Online our schedule has new classes starting now through July, so be sure to keep your skills sharp and be prepared for the Fall school year! Check out the schedule of upcoming classes below.

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0 replies
jlacosta
Apr 2, 2025
0 replies
k i Adding contests to the Contest Collections
dcouchman   1
N Apr 5, 2023 by v_Enhance
Want to help AoPS remain a valuable Olympiad resource? Help us add contests to AoPS's Contest Collections.

Find instructions and a list of contests to add here: https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c40244h1064480_contests_to_add
1 reply
dcouchman
Sep 9, 2019
v_Enhance
Apr 5, 2023
k i Zero tolerance
ZetaX   49
N May 4, 2019 by NoDealsHere
Source: Use your common sense! (enough is enough)
Some users don't want to learn, some other simply ignore advises.
But please follow the following guideline:


To make it short: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!
If you don't have common sense, don't post.


More specifically:

For new threads:


a) Good, meaningful title:
The title has to say what the problem is about in best way possible.
If that title occured already, it's definitely bad. And contest names aren't good either.
That's in fact a requirement for being able to search old problems.

Examples:
Bad titles:
- "Hard"/"Medium"/"Easy" (if you find it so cool how hard/easy it is, tell it in the post and use a title that tells us the problem)
- "Number Theory" (hey guy, guess why this forum's named that way¿ and is it the only such problem on earth¿)
- "Fibonacci" (there are millions of Fibonacci problems out there, all posted and named the same...)
- "Chinese TST 2003" (does this say anything about the problem¿)
Good titles:
- "On divisors of a³+2b³+4c³-6abc"
- "Number of solutions to x²+y²=6z²"
- "Fibonacci numbers are never squares"


b) Use search function:
Before posting a "new" problem spend at least two, better five, minutes to look if this problem was posted before. If it was, don't repost it. If you have anything important to say on topic, post it in one of the older threads.
If the thread is locked cause of this, use search function.

Update (by Amir Hossein). The best way to search for two keywords in AoPS is to input
[code]+"first keyword" +"second keyword"[/code]
so that any post containing both strings "first word" and "second form".


c) Good problem statement:
Some recent really bad post was:
[quote]$lim_{n\to 1}^{+\infty}\frac{1}{n}-lnn$[/quote]
It contains no question and no answer.
If you do this, too, you are on the best way to get your thread deleted. Write everything clearly, define where your variables come from (and define the "natural" numbers if used). Additionally read your post at least twice before submitting. After you sent it, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.


For answers to already existing threads:


d) Of any interest and with content:
Don't post things that are more trivial than completely obvious. For example, if the question is to solve $x^{3}+y^{3}=z^{3}$, do not answer with "$x=y=z=0$ is a solution" only. Either you post any kind of proof or at least something unexpected (like "$x=1337, y=481, z=42$ is the smallest solution). Someone that does not see that $x=y=z=0$ is a solution of the above without your post is completely wrong here, this is an IMO-level forum.
Similar, posting "I have solved this problem" but not posting anything else is not welcome; it even looks that you just want to show off what a genius you are.

e) Well written and checked answers:
Like c) for new threads, check your solutions at least twice for mistakes. And after sending, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.



To repeat it: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!


Everything definitely out of range of common sense will be locked or deleted (exept for new users having less than about 42 posts, they are newbies and need/get some time to learn).

The above rules will be applied from next monday (5. march of 2007).
Feel free to discuss on this here.
49 replies
ZetaX
Feb 27, 2007
NoDealsHere
May 4, 2019
Nepal TST DAY 1 Problem 1
Bata325   6
N 23 minutes ago by Mathdreams
Source: Nepal TST 2025 p1
Consider a triangle $\triangle ABC$ and some point $X$ on $BC$. The perpendicular from $X$ to $AB$ intersects the circumcircle of $\triangle AXC$ at $P$ and the perpendicular from $X$ to $AC$ intersects the circumcircle of $\triangle AXB$ at $Q$. Show that the line $PQ$ does not depend on the choice of $X$.(Shining Sun, USA)
6 replies
Bata325
Yesterday at 1:21 PM
Mathdreams
23 minutes ago
NEPAL TST DAY 2 PROBLEM 2
Tony_stark0094   4
N 25 minutes ago by Mathdreams
Kritesh manages traffic on a $45 \times 45$ grid consisting of 2025 unit squares. Within each unit square is a car, facing either up, down, left, or right. If the square in front of a car in the direction it is facing is empty, it can choose to move forward. Each car wishes to exit the $45 \times 45$ grid.

Kritesh realizes that it may not always be possible for all the cars to leave the grid. Therefore, before the process begins, he will remove $k$ cars from the $45 \times 45$ grid in such a way that it becomes possible for all the remaining cars to eventually exit the grid.

What is the minimum value of $k$ that guarantees that Kritesh's job is possible?
4 replies
1 viewing
Tony_stark0094
Today at 8:37 AM
Mathdreams
25 minutes ago
Abelkonkurransen 2025 1a
Lil_flip38   1
N an hour ago by MathLuis
Source: abelkonkurransen
Peer and Solveig are playing a game with $n$ coins, all of which show $M$ on one side and $K$ on the opposite side. The coins are laid out in a row on the table. Peer and Solveig alternate taking turns. On his turn, Peer may turn over one or more coins, so long as he does not turn over two adjacent coins. On her turn, Solveig picks precisely two adjacent coins and turns them over. When the game begins, all the coins are showing $M$. Peer plays first, and he wins if all the coins show $K$ simultaneously at any time. Find all $n\geqslant 2$ for which Solveig can keep Peer from winning.
1 reply
Lil_flip38
Mar 20, 2025
MathLuis
an hour ago
cos k theta and cos(k + 1) theta are both rational
N.T.TUAN   12
N an hour ago by Ilikeminecraft
Source: USA Team Selection Test 2007
Let $ \theta$ be an angle in the interval $ (0,\pi/2)$. Given that $ \cos \theta$ is irrational, and that $ \cos k \theta$ and $ \cos[(k + 1)\theta ]$ are both rational for some positive integer $ k$, show that $ \theta = \pi/6$.
12 replies
N.T.TUAN
Dec 8, 2007
Ilikeminecraft
an hour ago
Problem 3 IMO 2005 (Day 1)
Valentin Vornicu   119
N an hour ago by MTA_2024
Let $x,y,z$ be three positive reals such that $xyz\geq 1$. Prove that
\[ \frac { x^5-x^2 }{x^5+y^2+z^2} + \frac {y^5-y^2}{x^2+y^5+z^2} + \frac {z^5-z^2}{x^2+y^2+z^5} \geq 0 . \]
Hojoo Lee, Korea
119 replies
Valentin Vornicu
Jul 13, 2005
MTA_2024
an hour ago
Rhombus EVAN
62861   71
N an hour ago by ihategeo_1969
Source: USA January TST for IMO 2017, Problem 2
Let $ABC$ be a triangle with altitude $\overline{AE}$. The $A$-excircle touches $\overline{BC}$ at $D$, and intersects the circumcircle at two points $F$ and $G$. Prove that one can select points $V$ and $N$ on lines $DG$ and $DF$ such that quadrilateral $EVAN$ is a rhombus.

Danielle Wang and Evan Chen
71 replies
62861
Feb 23, 2017
ihategeo_1969
an hour ago
A and B play a game
EthanWYX2009   3
N an hour ago by nitr4m
Source: 2025 TST 23
Let \( n \geq 2 \) be an integer. Two players, Alice and Bob, play the following game on the complete graph \( K_n \): They take turns to perform operations, where each operation consists of coloring one or two edges that have not been colored yet. The game terminates if at any point there exists a triangle whose three edges are all colored.

Prove that there exists a positive number \(\varepsilon\), Alice has a strategy such that, no matter how Bob colors the edges, the game terminates with the number of colored edges not exceeding
\[
\left( \frac{1}{4} - \varepsilon \right) n^2 + n.
\]
3 replies
EthanWYX2009
Mar 29, 2025
nitr4m
an hour ago
Problem 3
SlovEcience   1
N an hour ago by kokcio
Find all real numbers \( k \) such that the following inequality holds for all \( a, b, c \geq 0 \):

\[
ab + bc + ca \leq \frac{(a + b + c)^2}{3} + k \cdot \max \{ (a - b)^2, (b - c)^2, (c - a)^2 \} \leq a^2 + b^2 + c^2
\]
1 reply
SlovEcience
Apr 9, 2025
kokcio
an hour ago
Inequality with a,b,c
GeoMorocco   8
N an hour ago by GeoMorocco
Source: Morocco Training 2025
Let $   a,b,c   $ be positive real numbers such that : $   ab+bc+ca=3   $ . Prove that : $$\frac{a\sqrt{3+bc}}{b+c}+\frac{b\sqrt{3+ca}}{c+a}+\frac{c\sqrt{3+ab}}{a+b}\ge a+b+c $$
8 replies
GeoMorocco
Thursday at 9:51 PM
GeoMorocco
an hour ago
prove that any quadrilateral satisfying this inequality is a trapezoid
mqoi_KOLA   1
N an hour ago by vgtcross
Prove that any quadrilateral satisfying this inequality is a Trapezoid/trapzium $$
|r - p| < q + s < r + p
$$where $p,r$ are lengths of parallel sides and $q,s$ are other two sides.
1 reply
1 viewing
mqoi_KOLA
Today at 3:48 AM
vgtcross
an hour ago
Prove that there exists a convex 1990-gon
orl   13
N 2 hours ago by akliu
Source: IMO 1990, Day 2, Problem 6, IMO ShortList 1990, Problem 16 (NET 1)
Prove that there exists a convex 1990-gon with the following two properties :

a.) All angles are equal.
b.) The lengths of the 1990 sides are the numbers $ 1^2$, $ 2^2$, $ 3^2$, $ \cdots$, $ 1990^2$ in some order.
13 replies
orl
Nov 11, 2005
akliu
2 hours ago
cricket jumping in dominoes
YLG_123   2
N 2 hours ago by Bonime
Source: Brazil EGMO TST2 2023 #4
A cricket wants to move across a $2n \times 2n$ board that is entirely covered by dominoes, with no overlap. He jumps along the vertical lines of the board, always going from the midpoint of the vertical segment of a $1 \times 1$ square to another midpoint of the vertical segment, according to the rules:

$(i)$ When the domino is horizontal, the cricket jumps to the opposite vertical segment (such as from $P_2$ to $P_3$);

$(ii)$ When the domino is vertical downwards in relation to its position, the cricket jumps diagonally downwards (such as from $P_1$ to $P_2$);

$(iii)$ When the domino is vertically upwards relative to its position, the cricket jumps diagonally upwards (such as from $P_3$ to $P_4$).

The image illustrates a possible covering and path on the $4 \times 4$ board.
Considering that the starting point is on the first vertical line and the finishing point is on the last vertical line, prove that, regardless of the covering of the board and the height at which the cricket starts its path, the path ends at the same initial height.
2 replies
YLG_123
Jan 29, 2024
Bonime
2 hours ago
Inspired by Ruji2018252
sqing   3
N 2 hours ago by kokcio
Source: Own
Let $ a,b,c $ be reals such that $ a^2+b^2+c^2-2a-4b-4c=7. $ Prove that
$$ -4\leq 2a+b+2c\leq 20$$$$5-4\sqrt 3\leq a+b+c\leq 5+4\sqrt 3$$$$ 11-4\sqrt {14}\leq a+2b+3c\leq 11+4\sqrt {14}$$
3 replies
sqing
Apr 10, 2025
kokcio
2 hours ago
Combinatorics game
VicKmath7   3
N 2 hours ago by Topiary
Source: First JBMO TST of France 2020, Problem 1
Players A and B play a game. They are given a box with $n=>1$ candies. A starts first. On a move, if in the box there are $k$ candies, the player chooses positive integer $l$ so that $l<=k$ and $(l, k) =1$, and eats $l$ candies from the box. The player who eats the last candy wins. Who has winning strategy, in terms of $n$.
3 replies
VicKmath7
Mar 4, 2020
Topiary
2 hours ago
A projectional vision in IGO
Shayan-TayefehIR   15
N Mar 30, 2025 by mcmp
Source: IGO 2024 Advanced Level - Problem 3
In the triangle $\bigtriangleup ABC$ let $D$ be the foot of the altitude from $A$ to the side $BC$ and $I$, $I_A$, $I_C$ be the incenter, $A$-excenter, and $C$-excenter, respectively. Denote by $P\neq B$ and $Q\neq D$ the other intersection points of the circle $\bigtriangleup BDI_C$ with the lines $BI$ and $DI_A$, respectively. Prove that $AP=AQ$.

Proposed Michal Jan'ik - Czech Republic
15 replies
Shayan-TayefehIR
Nov 14, 2024
mcmp
Mar 30, 2025
A projectional vision in IGO
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: IGO 2024 Advanced Level - Problem 3
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Shayan-TayefehIR
104 posts
#1 • 2 Y
Y by Rounak_iitr, cubres
In the triangle $\bigtriangleup ABC$ let $D$ be the foot of the altitude from $A$ to the side $BC$ and $I$, $I_A$, $I_C$ be the incenter, $A$-excenter, and $C$-excenter, respectively. Denote by $P\neq B$ and $Q\neq D$ the other intersection points of the circle $\bigtriangleup BDI_C$ with the lines $BI$ and $DI_A$, respectively. Prove that $AP=AQ$.

Proposed Michal Jan'ik - Czech Republic
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math_comb01
662 posts
#2 • 2 Y
Y by ehuseyinyigit, cubres
Sketch
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VicKmath7
1388 posts
#3 • 2 Y
Y by iamnotgentle, cubres
I didn't like it very much, because it's basically two not much related problems combined into one problem (or at least my solution makes it look like that). Anyway, we show that $AP=AI=AQ$, refer to the first image for $AQ=AI$ and to the second for $AP=AI$.
Attachments:
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by VicKmath7, Nov 14, 2024, 8:43 PM
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bin_sherlo
688 posts
#4 • 3 Y
Y by SomeonesPenguin, egxa, cubres
Part $I$: $AI=AQ$.
Proof of Part $I$: We have $I_AI.I_AA=I_AB.I_AC=I_AD.I_AQ$ hence $Q,A,I,D$ are concyclic. Also since $-1=(DC,DA;DI_A,DI)=(DC,DA;DQ,DI)$ and $\measuredangle ADC=90$, we observe that $\measuredangle QDA=\measuredangle ADI$ which implies $AQ=AI$.$\square$

Part $II$: $AI=AP$.
Proof of Part $II$: First we present a lemma.
Lemma: $ABC$ is a triangle with $AB=AC$ and altitude $AD$. Let $P$ be an arbitrary point on $BC$ where $I_1,I_2$ are the incenters of $\triangle PAB$ and $\triangle PAC$. Prove that $I_1,I_2,P,D$ are concyclic.
Proof: This is a special case of Serbia 2018 P1 and it can be proved by the method of moving points with rotations centered at $A$ and $D$.$\square$
Let $K\in BI$ with $AI=AK$ We will show that $\measuredangle I_CDK=\measuredangle I_CBK=90$. Let $C'$ be the reflection of $C$ over $D$. $CI\cap AD=F,BI_C\cap C'F=S$. By above lemma, since $S$ and $I$ are the incenters of triangles $\triangle AC'B$ and $\triangle ACB$ we see that $S,B,I,D$ are concyclic. Apply DDIT on quadrilateral $SI_CIK$ to get that $(\overline{DS},\overline{DI}),(\overline{DI_C},\overline{DK}),(\overline{DB},\overline{DF})$ is an involution. Note that $\measuredangle BDF=90=\measuredangle SDI$ hence this involution must be rotating $90$ degrees. Thus, $\measuredangle I_CDK=90$ as desired.$\blacksquare$
Attachments:
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by bin_sherlo, Nov 15, 2024, 8:59 AM
Reason: typo
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SomeonesPenguin
124 posts
#5 • 2 Y
Y by zzSpartan, cubres
This is also very easy using barycentric coordinates.

Claim: $AQ=AI$.

Proof: Notice that $AI_cBI$ is cyclic so by PoP we have \[I_aA\cdot I_aI=I_aB\cdot I_aI_c=I_aD\cdot I_aQ\]So $DIAQ$ is cyclic. Now note that $-1=(I_a,I;AI\cap BC,A)$ and $\angle ADC=90^\circ$, so $DA$ is the angle bisector of $\angle QDI$ so $AQ=AI$.

Now we use barycentric coordinates to show that $AP=AI$. Set $ \triangle ABC$ as the reference triangle.

\begin{align*}
    D&=(0:a^2+b^2-c^2:a^2+c^2-b^2)\\
    I_c&=(a:b:-c)
\end{align*}
The equation of the circle $(I_cBD)$ is \[-a^2yz-b^2zx-c^2xy+(x+y+c)(ux+vy+wz)=0\]Now since $B$ lies on this circle we get $v=0$. Plugging $D$ and canceling a factor of $a^2(a^2+c^2-b^2)$ gives $w=(a^2+b^2-c^2)/2$. Finally, plugging $I_c$ in the equation yields \[ua-wc=-abc\implies ua+wc=2wc-abc=c(a^2+b^2-c^2-ab)\]
Now let $P=(a:t:c)$. Plugging $P$ in the equation and canceling a factor of $c(a-b+c)$ gives \[t=\frac{a^2}{b+c}-c\]Therefore \[P=\left(\frac{b+c}{a+b+c},\frac{a^2-bc-c^2}{a(a+b+c)},\frac{bc+c^2}{a(a+b+c)}\right)\]So $\overrightarrow{AP}$ has displacement vector \[\left(\frac{-a}{a+b+c},\frac{a^2-bc-c^2}{a(a+b+c)},\frac{bc+c^2}{a(a+b+c)}\right)\]Finally, plugging this into the length formula gives

\begin{align*}
    (a+b+c)^2\cdot AP^2&=-(a^2-bc-c^2)(bc+c^2)+b^2(bc+c^2)+c^2(a^2-bc-c^2)\\
    &=-a^2bc+2b^2c^2+b^3c+c^3b
\end{align*}
The displacement vector of $\overrightarrow{AI}$ is \[\left(\frac{-b-c}{a+b+c},\frac{b}{a+b+c},\frac{c}{a+b+c}\right)\]So by the distance formula \[(a+b+c)^2\cdot AI^2=-a^2bc+2b^2c^2+b^3c+c^3b\]And this concludes the proof. $\blacksquare$
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egxa
186 posts
#6 • 2 Y
Y by bin_sherlo, cubres
Another way for $AI=AP$ is in complex plane $P=a^2+b^2+\frac{b^2c}{a}+bc+ba$
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by egxa, Nov 15, 2024, 8:37 AM
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X.Allaberdiyev
102 posts
#7 • 2 Y
Y by AylyGayypow009, cubres
One can easily prove that $AIDQ$ is cyclic by PoP. Next, harmonic bundles imply that $AD$ bisects $QDI$. Then, $AQ=AI$. Then, $\angle QAI=\angle IDI_a=2\angle QDB=2\angle QPB$. Hence, $A$ is the center of $(QPI)$. So, we are done.
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by X.Allaberdiyev, Nov 17, 2024, 2:52 AM
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NumberzAndStuff
43 posts
#8 • 1 Y
Y by cubres
Alternative synthetic proof of $AQ = AI$:
As said above, by $POP$ we have $AIDQ$ cyclic and want to show $\angle IDA = \angle ADQ$.
Note that $\angle ADQ = \angle I_ADC$.
Now consider the homothety centered at $A$ which sends the incircle to the A-excircle. This sends $BC$ to a parallel line $B'C'$, also tangent to the excircle and $D \rightarrow D'$ on that line. Because the excircle is tangent to $BC$ and the new parallel line, $I_A$ mus lie on the perpendicular bisector of $DD'$. Thus we have:
\[ \angle I_ADD' = \angle I_AD'D \implies \angle I_ADC = \angle I_AD'C' \]However we have $\angle I_AD'C' = \angle IDC$ because of the homothety. This now implies:
\[ \angle I_ADC = \angle IDC \implies \angle IDA = \angle ADQ \]
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TestX01
332 posts
#9 • 2 Y
Y by GeoKing, cubres
Lemma: $AQ=AI$
Proof: We first claim that $QAID$ is cyclic. This follows because $AIBI_C$ is cyclic by Fact 5, and radical axis theorem on $(AIBI_C), (BDI_C)$ from point $I_A$ finishes.

Now, we claim that $AD$ bisects $QDI$, which would suffice by Fact 5. By Appolonian circles, it suffices to show $(DQ\cap CI, I; DA\cap CI, C)=-1$. Yet projecting through $D$ onto $AI$, we see that this follows from $(I_A, I; A, AD\cap CI)=-1$ which is well-known (or follows from $IBI_A$ right and $BI$ bisecting $\angle ABC$).

Now, note that we wish to show $\angle AIP=\angle IPA$, yet the left hand side is clearly $\angle AI_CB$ by Fact 5. Now, consider forced overlaid inversion at $A$. If $D'$ is the antipode of $A$ in $(ABC)$, and $(I_BCD')\cap (ACI_A)$ is $P'$. Now forced overlaid inversion at $C$. We note that the perpendicular at $C$ to $BC$ intersects $AB$ at $D''$, and $D''I_A\cap BI_B=P''$, it remains to show $BC$ is the bisector of $\angle P''CI_A$. However, as $\angle BCD''$ is right, by Appolonian circles, it suffices to show that $(D'', BC\cap I_AD''; P'', I_A)=-1$. Yet
\[(D'', BC\cap I_AD''; P'', I_A)\overset{B}{=}(A, C; BI\cap AC, BI_A\cap AC)=-1\]from right angles and bisector.

Thus, we have $AP=AI=AQ$, as desired.
.
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sami1618
886 posts
#10 • 2 Y
Y by GeoKing, cubres
Claim: $AP = AI$ (The tricky part)
Proof: Let $BB'$ be a diameter of the circumcircle of $\triangle BDI_C$. Notice $BPB'I_C$ is a rectangle. Let $AI$ meet $B'P$ at $I'$. Then $AB'I'I_C$ is cyclic with diameter $I'I_C$. Also, since $\angle B'DB = 90^\circ = \angle ADB$, the points $B'$, $A$, and $D$ are collinear. As $AI_C \perp II'$ and
\[
\angle AI'I_C = \angle AB'I_C = \angle DB'I_C = 180^\circ - \angle CBI_C = \angle ABI_C = \angle AII_C,
\]it follows that $AI = AI'$. Since $\angle IPI' = 90^\circ$, the claim follows.
Claim: $AQ = AI$ (The projective part)
Proof: Let $AI$ meet $BC$ at $K$. As $\angle IBI_A = 90^\circ$ and $\angle ABI = \angle IBK$, it follows that $(AK; II_A)$ is harmonic. But as $\angle ADK = 90^\circ$, we must have $\angle IDK = \angle KDI_A$, or equivalently $\angle IDA = \angle ADQ$. Since $AIBI_C$ is cyclic,
\[
I_AA \cdot I_AI = I_AI_C \cdot I_AB = I_AQ \cdot I_AD,
\]thus $AIDQ$ is cyclic. Since $\angle IDA = \angle ADQ$, we have that $A$ is the midpoint of arc $\widehat{IQ}$, finishing the claim.
Attachments:
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by sami1618, Dec 13, 2024, 5:16 PM
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Batsuh
152 posts
#11 • 2 Y
Y by sami1618, cubres
We will show that $AP = AI = AQ$. The proof will be split into two parts.
Part 1: $AQ = AI$.
[asy]
size(13cm);
import geometry;

draw(unitcircle, blue+white);

pair A = dir(130);
pair B = dir(210);
pair C = dir(330);
draw(A -- B -- C -- cycle);
pair I = incenter(A,B,C);
pair I_A = intersectionpoint(line(A,I),perpendicular(B,line(B,I)));
pair I_C = intersectionpoint(line(C,I),line(B,I_A));
pair D = intersectionpoint(line(B,C),perpendicular(A,line(B,C)));

transform reflect = reflect(perpendicular(circumcenter(I_C,B,D),line(I_A,D)));
pair Q = reflect * D;



dot("$A$", A, dir(A));
dot("$B$", B, dir(B));
dot("$C$", C, dir(C));
dot("$I_A$", I_A, dir(I_A));
dot("$I_C$", I_C, dir(I_C));
dot("$D$", D, S);
dot("$I$", I, dir(I));
dot("$Q$", Q, dir(Q));

draw(circumcircle(I_C,B,D), red);
draw(A -- I_A -- I_C -- C);
draw(I_A -- Q);
draw(circumcircle(A,I,D), red);
draw(I -- D -- A);

markangle(I,D,A, grey);
markangle(A,D,Q, grey);
[/asy]
By PoP, we have $I_AD \cdot I_AQ = I_AB \cdot I_AI_C = I_AI \cdot I_AA$ so $Q$, $A$, $I$ and $D$ are cyclic. On the other hand, we have $-1 = (A, AI \cap BC; I, I_A)$ so $DC$ bisects the angle $\angle I_ADI$. Thus $DA$ bisects the angle $\angle IDQ$, so $AI = AQ$.

Part 2: $AP = AI$.
Let $I_B$ be the $B$-excenter. Let $K$ be the reflection of $I$ across $A$, and redefine $P$ to be the foot from $K$ to $BI_B$. Since $AI = AK$, we have $AI = AP$, so it suffices to show that $I_CPDB$ is cyclic
[asy]size(13cm);
import geometry;



pair A = dir(130);
pair B = dir(210);
pair C = dir(330);

pair I = incenter(A,B,C);
pair I_A = intersectionpoint(line(A,I),perpendicular(B,line(B,I)));
pair I_C = intersectionpoint(line(C,I),line(B,I_A));
pair D = intersectionpoint(line(B,C),perpendicular(A,line(B,C)));
pair I_B = intersectionpoint(line(I_C,A),line(I_A,C));
pair K = reflect(line(I_C,A)) * I;
pair P = intersectionpoint(line(B,I),perpendicular(K,line(B,I)));

filldraw(I_C -- I_B -- P -- cycle, orange+white+white+white);
filldraw(I_C -- C -- D -- cycle, orange+white+white+white);


draw(unitcircle, blue+white);


dot("$A$", A, dir(A));
dot("$B$", B, dir(B));
dot("$C$", C, dir(C));
dot("$I_A$", I_A, dir(I_A));
dot("$I_C$", I_C, dir(I_C));
dot("$D$", D, S);
dot("$I$", I, dir(I));
dot("$I_B$", I_B, dir(I_B));
dot("$K$", K, dir(K));
dot("$P$", P, dir(P));

draw(A -- B -- C -- cycle);
draw(K -- I_A -- I_C -- C);
draw(D -- A);
draw(circumcircle(I_A,I_B,I_C), blue);
draw(I_C -- I_B -- I_A);
draw(B -- I_B);
draw(A -- P -- K);
draw(I_B -- K);
markrightangle(K,P,I);
draw(circumcircle(I_C,B,D), red+dashed);


[/asy]
By a quick angle chase, we see that $\triangle KPI_B \sim ADC$, so $$\frac{PI_B}{DC} = \frac{KI_B}{AC} = \frac{I_CI_B}{I_CC}$$Combining this with the fact that $\angle I_CI_BP = \angle I_CCD$, we see that $\triangle I_CI_BP \sim \triangle I_CCD$. Thus, $\angle I_CDB = \angle IPB$ so the conclusion follows.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by Batsuh, Dec 18, 2024, 12:30 PM
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ezpotd
1252 posts
#12 • 2 Y
Y by sami1618, cubres
We first show $AQ = AI$.
Since $BI_C, DQ, AI$ concur at $I_A$, and $(DQBI_C), (BI_CAI)$ are cyclic, we can conclude $(DQAI)$ is cyclic by radical axis. Then $AQ = DI\frac{AI_A}{DI_A}$ by $\triangle I_ADI \sim \triangle I_AAQ$. Letting $EI_A$ be the reflection of $DI_A$ over the perpendicular from $I_A$ to $AD$, it suffices to prove $EI_A \parallel DI$, as this will give $\triangle EI_AA \sim \triangle DIA$ and then $\frac{DI}{DI_A} = \frac{DI}{EI_A} = \frac{AI}{AI_A}$, as desired. Since $\angle AEI_A = \angle EDI_A$, it suffices to prove $\angle EDI_A = \angle ADI$, or equivalently $\angle IDC = \angle I_ADC$, but this is obvious from the angle bisector and right angle harmonic lemma.

To show $AP = AI$, we show that $P$ is the reflection of $I$ over the Iran point that is the intersection of the $A$ midline and $BI$. We can identify this Iran point in barycentrics as $(\frac 12,  \frac{a - c}{2a}, \frac{c}{2a})$. The incenter is given as $(\frac{a}{a + b + c}, \frac{b}{a + b + c}, \frac{c}{a + b+  c})$. The desired reflection is then given as $(\frac{b + c}{a + b + c}, \frac{a^2 - bc- c^2}{(a(a + b+ c)} , \frac{bc + c^2}{a(a + b + c)})$, or $(b + c : \frac{a^2 - bc - c^2}{a} : \frac{bc + c^2}{a})$. Next, we compute the coefficients of the circle $(BDI_C)$, clearly $v = 0$. Then plugging in the coordinates of $I_c$ gives $-a^2bc -b^2ac + c^2ab = (b + a - c)(ua - vc)$, or $-abc = ua - wc$. Plugging in the coordinates of $D$ (which are $(0:S_{AC}:S_{AB})$) gives $a^2S_AS_AS_BS_C = (a^2S_A)(wS_AS_B)$, or $w = S_C$. Going back, $u = \frac{cS_C - abc}{a}$.

Plugging in the coordinates of the reflection into the circle, we desire to prove $(a^2 - bc - c^2)(bc + c^2) + b^2(b +c)\frac{c(b + c)}{a} + c^2 (b + c)(\frac{a^2 -bc - c^2}{a}) = (a + b + c)(\frac{cS_C -abc}{a}(b + c) + cS_C \frac{(b + c)}{a})$. Combining terms and dividing by $c\frac{b + c}{a}$, we desire $(a^2 -bc-c^2)a + b^2(b + c) + c(a^2 - bc -c^2) = (a + b + c)(a^2 + b^2 - c^2 - ab)$. The left side can be expanded as $a^3 - abc - ac^2 + b^3 + b^2c + a^2c -bc^2 - c^3$. The right side can be expanded as $a^3 + ab^2 - ac^2 -a^2b + a^2b + b^3 -bc^2 - ab^2 + a^2c +b^2c -c^3 -abc = a^3 -abc - ac^2 + b^3 + b^2c + a^2c -bc^2 - c^3$, so we are done.
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Math_legendno12
15 posts
#13 • 2 Y
Y by cubres, sami1618
Another way to get AP=AI after you have AQ=AI is to notice A is meant to be the center of (PQI)
So our goal is equivalent to $<QAI=2<QPI$

But this is just by angle chasing as
$<QPI=<QPB=<QDB=<CDI_A$
$=(1/2)  <IDI_A$, which is from the fact $CD$ is the internal angle bisector of $<IDI_A$ (from the projective stuff in the first part of the other solutions)
$=(1/2)  <QAI$ as $QAID$ cyclic
Which is as desired.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by Math_legendno12, Feb 11, 2025, 3:01 AM
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Retemoeg
55 posts
#14 • 2 Y
Y by cubres, sami1618
Synthetic:
Claim 1. AP = AI
Redefine P as the point on BI satisfying AP = AI. Let Q, R, J be the orthogonal projection from P to AB, BC, I to AD. (Ic) touches BC at G, (I) touches BC at T.
With a simple angle chase: <PAR = <AIJ. Then, PA = AI, <ARP = <IJA = 90. Thus, triangles APR and IAJ are congruent, so AR = IJ = DT
Now, BQ = BR = BA - AR = BA - DT = BA - BT + BD = BA - (AB + BC - CA)/2 + BD = (AB - BC + CA)/2 + BD = BG + BD = DG.
Let S be the midpoint of PIc. It is well known that triangle QSG is isoceles at S. Thus by symmetry one can point out that SD = SB = IcP/2, thus IcDP = 90.
Then, P lies on (IBD), and we are done.
Claim 2. AQ = AI
Let AI intersect BC at L. Note that BIAIc is cyclic, so by power of a point: ID.IQ = IaB.IaIc = IaI.IaA. Thus quadrilateral QAID is cyclic.
Note that: LI/LIa = AI/AIa, but <ADL = 90 so we can conclude that DA is external bisector of <IDIa, thus DA is internal bisector of <IDIc
Then, A is midpoint of minor arc IQ in (AQDI). Thus AQ = AI and we are done.
From the above claim, we now have that AP = AI = AQ, so AP = AQ, as desired.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Retemoeg, Feb 12, 2025, 5:49 PM
Reason: typo
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mathuz
1512 posts
#15
Y by
Denote the circumcircle of $BDI_C$ by $w$. Let $X$ be the second intersection point of $AD$ and $w$. Then $BI_CXP$ forms a rectangle.
As $A$ is a given point inside this rectangle, we can determine its angles relative to $X$, $I_C$, $B$; however, we don't know yet the exact values of $\angle APX$ and $\angle APB$.

One way to find these angles is by applying Ceva's trigonometric theorem.

However, we prefer a different approach: $A$ has the isogonal conjugate w.r.t. $BI_CXP$. This follows from the fact that the projections of $A$ onto $BP$, $PX$, $I_CX$, $BI_C$ lie on a circle (since $\angle AXP = \angle ABP$). From this, we get $\angle I_CAB+\angle XAP = 180^{\circ}$ and $\angle XAP = 90^{\circ} + \frac{\angle A}{2}$. Thus, $\angle XPA = \frac{\angle C}{2}$ which shows that $\triangle AIP$ -- isosceles (namely, $AI=AP$).

$AI=AQ$ part can be done in the same way as above solution ($AIDQ$ is cyclic and $DA$ is the bisector of $\angle QDI$).

Combining both, we obtain $AI=AQ=AP$.
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mcmp
53 posts
#16 • 1 Y
Y by ohiorizzler1434
Solved with ohiorizzler1434 in 13 minutes.

We construct $I_b$ as the $B$-excentre of $\triangle ABC$. I claim that $AQ=AI=AP$.

Step 1: $AQ=AI$.
First notice by PoP spamming that $AI_a\cdot II_a=BI_a\cdot I_cI_a=QI_a\cdot DI_a$, thus $AIDQ$ cyclic. But then notice that if $T=\overline{AI}\cap\overline{BC}$, then $(AT;II_a)=-1$, so $(\overline{DA},\overline{DT};\overline{DI},\overline{DI_a})=-1$. But then as $\overline{AD}\perp\overline{DT}$, $\overline{DT}=\overline{BDC}$ is the angle bisector of $\angle IDI_a$, therefore $\overline{AD}$ is the bisector of $\angle QDI$. Since $ADQI$ cyclic this forces $AQ=AI$.

Step 2: $A$ is the circumcentre of $\triangle QPI$
This time, recall that $QPDBI_c$ is cyclic. Therefore:
\begin{align*}
2\measuredangle QPI&=2\measuredangle QPB\\
&=2\measuredangle QDB\\
&=2\measuredangle I_aDT\\
&=\measuredangle I_aDI\\
&=\measuredangle QDI\\
&=\measuredangle QAI
\end{align*}where the second last line follows from $ADQI$ cyclic. Therefore by the inscribed angle theorem $A$ circumcentre of $QPI$. This finishes everything.
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