Stay ahead of learning milestones! Enroll in a class over the summer!

G
Topic
First Poster
Last Poster
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.

WOOT early bird pricing is in effect, don’t miss out! If you took MathWOOT Level 2 last year, no worries, it is all new problems this year! Our Worldwide Online Olympiad Training program is for high school level competitors. AoPS designed these courses to help our top students get the deep focus they need to succeed in their specific competition goals. Check out the details at this link for all our WOOT programs in math, computer science, chemistry, and physics.

Looking for summer camps in math and language arts? Be sure to check out the video-based summer camps offered at the Virtual Campus that are 2- to 4-weeks in duration. There are middle and high school competition math camps as well as Math Beasts camps that review key topics coupled with fun explorations covering areas such as graph theory (Math Beasts Camp 6), cryptography (Math Beasts Camp 7-8), and topology (Math Beasts Camp 8-9)!

Be sure to mark your calendars for the following events:
[list][*]April 3rd (Webinar), 4pm PT/7:00pm ET, Learning with AoPS: Perspectives from a Parent, Math Camp Instructor, and University Professor
[*]April 8th (Math Jam), 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, 2025 MATHCOUNTS State Discussion
April 9th (Webinar), 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Learn about Video-based Summer Camps at the Virtual Campus
[*]April 10th (Math Jam), 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, 2025 MathILy and MathILy-Er Math Jam: Multibackwards Numbers
[*]April 22nd (Webinar), 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Competitive Programming at AoPS (USACO).[/list]
Our full course list for upcoming classes is below:
All classes run 7:30pm-8:45pm ET/4:30pm - 5:45pm PT unless otherwise noted.

Introductory: Grades 5-10

Prealgebra 1 Self-Paced

Prealgebra 1
Sunday, Apr 13 - Aug 10
Tuesday, May 13 - Aug 26
Thursday, May 29 - Sep 11
Sunday, Jun 15 - Oct 12
Monday, Jun 30 - Oct 20
Wednesday, Jul 16 - Oct 29

Prealgebra 2 Self-Paced

Prealgebra 2
Sunday, Apr 13 - Aug 10
Wednesday, May 7 - Aug 20
Monday, Jun 2 - Sep 22
Sunday, Jun 29 - Oct 26
Friday, Jul 25 - Nov 21

Introduction to Algebra A Self-Paced

Introduction to Algebra A
Monday, Apr 7 - Jul 28
Sunday, May 11 - Sep 14 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Wednesday, May 14 - Aug 27
Friday, May 30 - Sep 26
Monday, Jun 2 - Sep 22
Sunday, Jun 15 - Oct 12
Thursday, Jun 26 - Oct 9
Tuesday, Jul 15 - Oct 28

Introduction to Counting & Probability Self-Paced

Introduction to Counting & Probability
Wednesday, Apr 16 - Jul 2
Thursday, May 15 - Jul 31
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Wednesday, Jul 9 - Sep 24
Sunday, Jul 27 - Oct 19

Introduction to Number Theory
Thursday, Apr 17 - Jul 3
Friday, May 9 - Aug 1
Wednesday, May 21 - Aug 6
Monday, Jun 9 - Aug 25
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14
Tuesday, Jul 15 - Sep 30

Introduction to Algebra B Self-Paced

Introduction to Algebra B
Wednesday, Apr 16 - Jul 30
Tuesday, May 6 - Aug 19
Wednesday, Jun 4 - Sep 17
Sunday, Jun 22 - Oct 19
Friday, Jul 18 - Nov 14

Introduction to Geometry
Wednesday, Apr 23 - Oct 1
Sunday, May 11 - Nov 9
Tuesday, May 20 - Oct 28
Monday, Jun 16 - Dec 8
Friday, Jun 20 - Jan 9
Sunday, Jun 29 - Jan 11
Monday, Jul 14 - Jan 19

Intermediate: Grades 8-12

Intermediate Algebra
Monday, Apr 21 - Oct 13
Sunday, Jun 1 - Nov 23
Tuesday, Jun 10 - Nov 18
Wednesday, Jun 25 - Dec 10
Sunday, Jul 13 - Jan 18
Thursday, Jul 24 - Jan 22

Intermediate Counting & Probability
Wednesday, May 21 - Sep 17
Sunday, Jun 22 - Nov 2

Intermediate Number Theory
Friday, Apr 11 - Jun 27
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Wednesday, Jun 18 - Sep 3

Precalculus
Wednesday, Apr 9 - Sep 3
Friday, May 16 - Oct 24
Sunday, Jun 1 - Nov 9
Monday, Jun 30 - Dec 8

Advanced: Grades 9-12

Olympiad Geometry
Tuesday, Jun 10 - Aug 26

Calculus
Tuesday, May 27 - Nov 11
Wednesday, Jun 25 - Dec 17

Group Theory
Thursday, Jun 12 - Sep 11

Contest Preparation: Grades 6-12

MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Basics
Wednesday, Apr 16 - Jul 2
Friday, May 23 - Aug 15
Monday, Jun 2 - Aug 18
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)

MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Advanced
Friday, Apr 11 - Jun 27
Sunday, May 11 - Aug 10
Tuesday, May 27 - Aug 12
Wednesday, Jun 11 - Aug 27
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)

AMC 10 Problem Series
Friday, May 9 - Aug 1
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Tuesday, Jun 17 - Sep 2
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Monday, Jun 23 - Sep 15
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)

AMC 10 Final Fives
Sunday, May 11 - Jun 8
Tuesday, May 27 - Jun 17
Monday, Jun 30 - Jul 21

AMC 12 Problem Series
Tuesday, May 27 - Aug 12
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Wednesday, Aug 6 - Oct 22

AMC 12 Final Fives
Sunday, May 18 - Jun 15

F=ma Problem Series
Wednesday, Jun 11 - Aug 27

WOOT Programs
Visit the pages linked for full schedule details for each of these programs!


MathWOOT Level 1
MathWOOT Level 2
ChemWOOT
CodeWOOT
PhysicsWOOT

Programming

Introduction to Programming with Python
Thursday, May 22 - Aug 7
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Tuesday, Jun 17 - Sep 2
Monday, Jun 30 - Sep 22

Intermediate Programming with Python
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Monday, Jun 30 - Sep 22

USACO Bronze Problem Series
Tuesday, May 13 - Jul 29
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 1

Physics

Introduction to Physics
Wednesday, May 21 - Aug 6
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14
Monday, Jun 23 - Sep 15

Physics 1: Mechanics
Thursday, May 22 - Oct 30
Monday, Jun 23 - Dec 15

Relativity
Sat & Sun, Apr 26 - Apr 27 (4:00 - 7:00 pm ET/1:00 - 4:00pm PT)
Mon, Tue, Wed & Thurs, Jun 23 - Jun 26 (meets every day of the week!)
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
Find all real functions withf(x^2 + yf(z)) = xf(x) + zf(y)
Rushil   31
N 8 minutes ago by Jakjjdm
Source: INMO 2005 Problem 6
Find all functions $f : \mathbb{R} \longrightarrow \mathbb{R}$ such that \[ f(x^2 + yf(z)) = xf(x) + zf(y) , \] for all $x, y, z \in \mathbb{R}$.
31 replies
Rushil
Aug 23, 2005
Jakjjdm
8 minutes ago
Ant wanna come to A
Rohit-2006   1
N 20 minutes ago by Rohit-2006
An insect starts from $A$ and in $10$ steps and has to reach $A$ again. But in between one of the s steps and can't go $A$. Find probability. For example $ABCDCDEDEA$ is valid but $ABCDEDEDEA$ is not valid.
1 reply
Rohit-2006
24 minutes ago
Rohit-2006
20 minutes ago
one cyclic formed by two cyclic
CrazyInMath   31
N 26 minutes ago by juckter
Source: EGMO 2025/3
Let $ABC$ be an acute triangle. Points $B, D, E$, and $C$ lie on a line in this order and satisfy $BD = DE = EC$. Let $M$ and $N$ be the midpoints of $AD$ and $AE$, respectively. Suppose triangle $ADE$ is acute, and let $H$ be its orthocentre. Points $P$ and $Q$ lie on lines $BM$ and $CN$, respectively, such that $D, H, M,$ and $P$ are concyclic and pairwise different, and $E, H, N,$ and $Q$ are concyclic and pairwise different. Prove that $P, Q, N,$ and $M$ are concyclic.
31 replies
1 viewing
CrazyInMath
Apr 13, 2025
juckter
26 minutes ago
Divisibility NT FE
CHESSR1DER   10
N 27 minutes ago by CHESSR1DER
Source: Own
Find all functions $f$ $N \rightarrow N$ such for any $a,b$:
$(a+b)|a^{f(b)} + b^{f(a)}$.
10 replies
CHESSR1DER
Yesterday at 7:07 PM
CHESSR1DER
27 minutes ago
Prove that x1=x2=....=x2025
Rohit-2006   8
N an hour ago by Project_Donkey_into_M4
Source: A mock
The real numbers $x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_{2025}$ satisfy,
$$x_1+x_2=2\bar{x_1}, x_2+x_3=2\bar{x_2},\cdots, x_{2025}+x_1=2\bar{x_{2025}}$$Where {$\bar{x_1},\cdots,\bar{x_{2025}}$} is a permutation of $x_1,x_2,\cdots,x_{2025}$. Prove that $x_1=x_2=\cdots=x_{2025}$
8 replies
Rohit-2006
Apr 9, 2025
Project_Donkey_into_M4
an hour ago
IMO 2011 Problem 4
Amir Hossein   92
N an hour ago by LobsterJuice
Let $n > 0$ be an integer. We are given a balance and $n$ weights of weight $2^0, 2^1, \cdots, 2^{n-1}$. We are to place each of the $n$ weights on the balance, one after another, in such a way that the right pan is never heavier than the left pan. At each step we choose one of the weights that has not yet been placed on the balance, and place it on either the left pan or the right pan, until all of the weights have been placed.
Determine the number of ways in which this can be done.

Proposed by Morteza Saghafian, Iran
92 replies
Amir Hossein
Jul 19, 2011
LobsterJuice
an hour ago
Squares in an Octagon
kred9   1
N an hour ago by crazydog
Source: 2025 Utah Math Olympiad #1
A regular octagon and all of its diagonals are drawn. Find, with proof, the number of squares that appear in the resulting diagram. (The side of each square must lie along one of the edges or diagonals of the octagon.)
1 reply
kred9
Apr 5, 2025
crazydog
an hour ago
quadratic with at least 1 roots
giangtruong13   1
N an hour ago by CM1910
Find $m$ to satisfy that the equation $x^2+mx-1=0$ has at least 1 roots $\leq -2$
1 reply
giangtruong13
3 hours ago
CM1910
an hour ago
sequence infinitely similar to central sequence
InterLoop   18
N an hour ago by X.Allaberdiyev
Source: EGMO 2025/2
An infinite increasing sequence $a_1 < a_2 < a_3 < \dots$ of positive integers is called central if for every positive integer $n$, the arithmetic mean of the first $a_n$ terms of the sequence is equal to $a_n$.

Show that there exists an infinite sequence $b_1$, $b_2$, $b_3$, $\dots$ of positive integers such that for every central sequence $a_1$, $a_2$, $a_3$, $\dots$, there are infinitely many positive integers $n$ with $a_n = b_n$.
18 replies
InterLoop
Apr 13, 2025
X.Allaberdiyev
an hour ago
all solutions of (p,n)
Sayan   11
N 2 hours ago by L13832
Source: ItaMO 2011, P5
Determine all solutions $(p,n)$ of the equation
\[n^3=p^2-p-1\]
where $p$ is a prime number and $n$ is an integer
11 replies
Sayan
Feb 14, 2012
L13832
2 hours ago
Number Theory Chain!
JetFire008   55
N 2 hours ago by Lil_flip38
I will post a question and someone has to answer it. Then they have to post a question and someone else will answer it and so on. We can only post questions related to Number Theory and each problem should be more difficult than the previous. Let's start!

Question 1
55 replies
JetFire008
Apr 7, 2025
Lil_flip38
2 hours ago
Turbo's en route to visit each cell of the board
Lukaluce   15
N 2 hours ago by X.Allaberdiyev
Source: EGMO 2025 P5
Let $n > 1$ be an integer. In a configuration of an $n \times n$ board, each of the $n^2$ cells contains an arrow, either pointing up, down, left, or right. Given a starting configuration, Turbo the snail starts in one of the cells of the board and travels from cell to cell. In each move, Turbo moves one square unit in the direction indicated by the arrow in her cell (possibly leaving the board). After each move, the arrows in all of the cells rotate $90^{\circ}$ counterclockwise. We call a cell good if, starting from that cell, Turbo visits each cell of the board exactly once, without leaving the board, and returns to her initial cell at the end. Determine, in terms of $n$, the maximum number of good cells over all possible starting configurations.

Proposed by Melek Güngör, Turkey
15 replies
Lukaluce
Yesterday at 11:01 AM
X.Allaberdiyev
2 hours ago
IMO Shortlist 2014 N5
hajimbrak   57
N 2 hours ago by SimplisticFormulas
Find all triples $(p, x, y)$ consisting of a prime number $p$ and two positive integers $x$ and $y$ such that $x^{p -1} + y$ and $x + y^ {p -1}$ are both powers of $p$.

Proposed by Belgium
57 replies
hajimbrak
Jul 11, 2015
SimplisticFormulas
2 hours ago
function Z to Z..
Jackson0423   2
N 2 hours ago by Rasul_Gasimli
Let \( f : \mathbb{Z} \to \mathbb{Z} \) be a function satisfying
\[
f(f(x)) = x^2 - 6x + 6
\quad \text{for all} \quad x \in \mathbb{Z}.
\]Given that
\[
f(i) < f(i+1) \quad \text{for} \quad i = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
\]find the value of
\[
f(0) + f(1) + f(2) + \cdots + f(6).
\]
2 replies
Jackson0423
Yesterday at 2:49 PM
Rasul_Gasimli
2 hours ago
Right-angled triangle if circumcentre is on circle
liberator   76
N Apr 6, 2025 by numbertheory97
Source: IMO 2013 Problem 3
Let the excircle of triangle $ABC$ opposite the vertex $A$ be tangent to the side $BC$ at the point $A_1$. Define the points $B_1$ on $CA$ and $C_1$ on $AB$ analogously, using the excircles opposite $B$ and $C$, respectively. Suppose that the circumcentre of triangle $A_1B_1C_1$ lies on the circumcircle of triangle $ABC$. Prove that triangle $ABC$ is right-angled.

Proposed by Alexander A. Polyansky, Russia
76 replies
liberator
Jan 4, 2016
numbertheory97
Apr 6, 2025
Right-angled triangle if circumcentre is on circle
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: IMO 2013 Problem 3
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
liberator
95 posts
#1 • 9 Y
Y by Davi-8191, anantmudgal09, HWenslawski, megarnie, son7, Adventure10, Funcshun840, PikaPika999, Rounak_iitr
Let the excircle of triangle $ABC$ opposite the vertex $A$ be tangent to the side $BC$ at the point $A_1$. Define the points $B_1$ on $CA$ and $C_1$ on $AB$ analogously, using the excircles opposite $B$ and $C$, respectively. Suppose that the circumcentre of triangle $A_1B_1C_1$ lies on the circumcircle of triangle $ABC$. Prove that triangle $ABC$ is right-angled.

Proposed by Alexander A. Polyansky, Russia
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
huynguyen
535 posts
#2 • 6 Y
Y by mamavuabo, quangminhltv99, Tawan, son7, Adventure10, PikaPika999
Proving a geometry problem with "if, suppose" is not my strength, but let I try this hard and nice problem. :)
The center of $(A_1B_1C_1)$ lies on $(O)$, which means it lies outside triangle $A_1B_1C_1$.It implies that this triangle is obtuse, and WLOG, assumethag $\widehat{C_1A_1B_1}>90$.
Let $(I)$ be the incircle of triangle $ABC$, and its tangent points on $AB,AC$ are $F,E$ respectively.
Note that $CC_1,BB_1$ cut each other at the Nagel point, so $BC_1=AF=AE=B_1C,BA_1=AB_1,A_1C=AC_1$.
It means if we let $S$ be the midpoint of arc $BAC$,then $S$ is indeed the spiral similarity mapping $B\rightarrow C,C_1\rightarrow B_1$, which means $SC_1=SB_1,SC=SB$.Combining with the constraint, it follows that $S$ is actually the center of $(A_1B_1C_1)$.
Let $I_a,I_b,I_c$ be respectively the centers of $A$-excircle, $B$-excircle and $C$-excircle.
Note that $I_aA_1,I_bB_1,I_cC_1$ are concurrent at a point $U$.
Also note that $U$ is a intersection of $(BC_1A_1)$ and $(CB_1A_1)$.
According to that, by angle chasing, we get:
$\widehat{BUC}=\widehat{BUA_1}+\widehat{CUA_1}=360-\widehat{BAC}-\widehat{C_1A_1B_1}=
180-\frac{\widehat{C_1SB_1}}{2}$.
Combining with $SC_1=SB_1$, we conclude that $S$ is also the center of $(BUC)$.
Now by symmetry, $C_1U=BA_1=AB_1,B_1U=CA_1=AC_1$.Hence $AC_1B_1U$ is a parallelogram.But note that $\widehat{AC_1U}=90$ so it is actually a rectangle, and the conclusion follows.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by huynguyen, Jan 5, 2016, 5:46 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
liberator
95 posts
#4 • 11 Y
Y by quangminhltv99, rkm0959, A_Math_Lover, HolyMath, Aryan-23, mijail, son7, Adventure10, antimonio, endless_abyss, MS_asdfgzxcvb
[asy]
unitsize(2.5cm);
void b() {
pointpen=black; pathpen=rgb(0.4,0.6,0.8); pointfontpen=fontsize(10); pen dd=linetype("4 8");
/* Define the excenter */
pair excenter(pair A=(0,0), pair B=(0,0), pair C=(0,0)) { 
    return extension(A,bisectorpoint(C,A,B),B,rotate(90,B)*bisectorpoint(A,B,C));
}
/* Draw points */
pair A=D("A",dir(115),N),
B=D("B",(-1,0),W),
C=D("C",(1,0),E),
I=D(incenter(A,B,C)),
Ia=D("I_a",excenter(A,B,C),S),
Ib=D("I_b",excenter(B,C,A),E),
Ic=D("I_c",excenter(C,A,B),W), 
A1=D("A_1",foot(Ia,B,C),SSW),
B1=D("B_1",foot(Ib,C,A),E),
C1=D("C_1",foot(Ic,A,B),N),
Ma=D("M_a",midpoint(Ib--Ic),N),
Mb=D("M_b",midpoint(Ic--Ia),SW),
Mc=D("M_c",midpoint(Ia--Ib),SE),
V=D("V",circumcenter(Ia,Ib,Ic),SE);
/* Draw paths */
D(unitcircle,heavyblue);
D(circumcircle(B,C,V),linetype("2 2")+rgb(0.6,0,1));
D(circumcircle(B,C1,V),linetype("2 2")+rgb(0.6,0,1));
D(A--B--C--cycle);
D(Ia--Ib--Ic--cycle,gray(0.3)+linewidth(1));
D(A1--B1--C1--cycle);
D(I--Ia,dd+red); D(I--Ib,dd+red); D(I--Ic,dd+red);
D(V--Ia,dd+heavygreen); D(V--Ib,dd+heavygreen); D(V--Ic,dd+heavygreen);
}
b(); pathflag=false; b();
[/asy]
Let the excenters opposite $A,B,C$ be $I_a,I_b,I_c$. Let the midpoint of $\overline{I_bI_c}$ be $M_a$, which lies on $(ABC)$, the nine-point circle of $\triangle I_aI_bI_c$; analogously define $M_b,M_c$.

$M_aB=M_aC$ and $BC_1=s-a=B_1C$, so $\triangle M_aBC_1\cong\triangle M_aCB_1$ (SAS), thus $M_a$ is equidistant from $B_1,C_1$, with analogous results for $M_b,M_c$. It follows that the circumcentre of $\triangle A_1B_1C_1$ is one of $M_a,M_b,M_c$; WLOG, suppose it is $M_a$.

By isogonal conjugacy, $I_aA_1,I_bB_1I_cC_1$ concur at the Bevan point $V$ of $\triangle ABC$. $M_aM_b$ is the common perpendicular bisector of $\overline{C_1A_1}$ and $\overline{I_cC}$, so $C_1A_1\parallel I_cC$. $(A_1C_1M_b)$ is the circle on diameter $\overline{VB}$, so by Reim's theorem, $V \in (I_bI_cBC)$.

Hence $\angle I_cI_aI_b=\tfrac{1}{2}\angle I_cVI_b=45^{\circ}\implies\angle CAB=180^{\circ}-2\angle I_cI_aI_b=90^{\circ}$, as required.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
rterte
209 posts
#5 • 5 Y
Y by rkm0959, son7, sayheykid, Adventure10, Mango247
Fairly easy for a #3. Anyway, here is my solution
[asy]
 /* Geogebra to Asymptote conversion, documentation at artofproblemsolving.com/Wiki, go to User:Azjps/geogebra */
import graph; size(4.22cm); 
real labelscalefactor = 0.5; /* changes label-to-point distance */
pen dps = linewidth(0.7) + fontsize(10); defaultpen(dps); /* default pen style */ 
pen dotstyle = black; /* point style */ 
real xmin = 2.24, xmax = 6.46, ymin = -0.88, ymax = 3.1;  /* image dimensions */

 /* draw figures */
draw((3.5,-0.32)--(3.5,2.62)); 
draw((3.5,-0.32)--(5.3,-0.32)); 
draw((3.5,2.62)--(5.3,-0.32)); 
draw(circle((4.4,1.15), 1.723629890666787)); 
draw((3.5,1.9736298906667877)--(4.102372300006038,1.6361252433234716)); 
draw((4.102372300006038,1.6361252433234716)--(4.653629890666787,-0.32)); 
draw((4.653629890666787,-0.32)--(3.5,1.9736298906667877)); 
draw((2.93,0.25)--(4.653629890666787,-0.32)); 
draw((2.93,0.25)--(3.5,1.9736298906667877)); 
draw((2.93,0.25)--(4.4,1.15)); 
draw((2.93,0.25)--(3.5,-0.32)); 
draw((2.93,0.25)--(5.3,-0.32)); 
draw((2.93,0.25)--(3.5,2.62)); 
draw((2.93,0.25)--(2.93,-0.32)); 
draw((2.93,-0.32)--(3.5,-0.32)); 
draw((2.93,0.25)--(3.5,0.25)); 
 /* dots and labels */
dot((3.5,-0.32),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$A$", (3.22,-0.62), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((3.5,2.62),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$B$", (3.22,2.78), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((5.3,-0.32),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$C$", (5.42,-0.62), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((4.4,1.15),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$O$", (4.48,1.26), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((4.102372300006038,1.6361252433234716),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$A_1$", (4.18,1.76), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((4.653629890666787,-0.32),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$B_1$", (4.58,-0.78), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((3.5,1.9736298906667877),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$C_1$", (3.08,1.84), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((2.93,0.25),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$I$", (2.78,-0.08), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((3.5,0.25),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$H$", (3.58,0.36), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((2.93,-0.32),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$F$", (2.76,-0.64), NE * labelscalefactor); 
clip((xmin,ymin)--(xmin,ymax)--(xmax,ymax)--(xmax,ymin)--cycle); 
 /* end of picture */
[/asy]
Let $I$ be the circumcenter of $A_1B_1C_1$. By the assumption, $I$ lies on $(O)$, WLOG, assume $I$ is on the arc $BC$ that contains $A$. We have $IB_1=IC_1$ and $CB_1=BC_1=p-a$ (set $BC=a,CA=b,AB=c,p=\frac{a+b+c}{2}$) Since $\angle{ABI}=\angle{ACI}$ hence $IB_1C=IC_1B$ (s.a.s), thus $IB=IC$, meaning $I$ is the midpoint of the arc $BC$ that contains $A$ of $(O)$. Using Stewart's theorem for $IBC$ w.r.t $IB_1$, we have \[ IC^2\cdot BA_1+IB^2\cdot CA_1=BC(IA_1^2+BA_1\cdot CA_1) \]or $(BA_1+CA_1)IB^2=BC(IA-1^2+BA-1\cdot CA_1)$ (since $IB=IC$). Notice that $BA_1+CA_1=BC$, we have \[ IB^2-IA_1^2=\frac{a^2-(b-c)^2}{4}\quad (1) \]Let $H,F$ be the perpendicular projection of $I$ on $AB$ and $AC$. We have $IBH=ICF$, thus $AF=AH$, which gives us $BH=CF=\frac{b+c}{2}$. On the other hand \begin{align*}
IB^2-IC_1^2&=HB^2-HC_1^2\\
&=\left(\frac{b+c}{2}\right)^2-\left(\frac{b+c}{2}-\frac{b+c-a}{2}\right)^2\quad (2)
\end{align*}Since $IA_1=IC_1$, from $(1)$ and $(2)$, we have \begin{align*} 
\frac{a^2-(b-c)^2}{4}&=\left(\frac{b+c}{2}\right)^2-\left(\frac{b+c}{2}-\frac{b+c-a}{2}\right)^2\\
\Leftrightarrow a^2&=b^2+c^2
\end{align*}Done.
You can have a look at here
This post has been edited 5 times. Last edited by rterte, Mar 4, 2016, 12:35 PM
Reason: "me" to "my". I blame typo
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
rkm0959
1721 posts
#7 • 7 Y
Y by quangminhltv99, rterte, Tawan, Davi-8191, son7, Adventure10, Mango247
Set $\omega$ as the circumcircle of $\triangle ABC$, $\omega'$ as the circumcircle of $\triangle A_1B_1C_1$.
As the circumcircle of $\triangle A_1B_1C_1$ is outside $\triangle ABC$, or outside $\triangle A_1B_1C_1$, one of the angles is obtuse.
WLOG $\angle B_1A_1C_1 > 90$. We will show $\angle A = 90$.
Set $M_a$ as the midpoint of arc $BAC$ on $\omega$. Set $I_b$ as the $B$-excenter.

First, I claim that $M_a$ must be the center of $\omega'$.
Trivially $M_aB=M_aC$, $\angle C_1BM_a=\angle B_1CM_a$ and $BC_1=B_1C$, so $\triangle M_aBC_1 \equiv \triangle M_aCB_1$.
Now this gives $M_aB_1=M_aC_1$. Meanwhile, the center of $\omega'$ clearly lies on arc $BAC$.
Also, there are two intersections between $\omega$ and the perpendicular bisector of $B_1C_1$.
However, only one of the two lies on arc $BAC$. This forces $M_a$ to be the center of $\omega'$.

Let us consider the intersections of $\omega'$ and the $B$-excircle.
Since $AM_a$ is the external angle bisector of $A$, we have $A, M_a, I_b$ colinear.
Now note that $B$-excircle is symmetric wrt $\overline{AM_aI_b}$.
One intersection of $\omega'$ and the $B$-excircle is $B_1$, so the other must be $B_1$ reflected over $AI_b$.
This point is the tangency point of $BA$ and the $B$-excircle. Call this point $B'_1$.
By symmetry, note that the $A'_1$ lies on $\omega'$, where $A'_1$ is $A_1$ reflected over the midpoint of $BC$.

We are ready to finish. By Power of a Point with point $B$ and circle $\omega'$, we have $$BC_1 \cdot  BB'_1 = BA'_1 \cdot BA_1 \implies s(s-a)=(s-b)(s-c) \implies a^2=b^2+c^2$$so $\angle BAC= 90$ as desired.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by rkm0959, Feb 26, 2016, 3:16 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
PROF65
2016 posts
#8 • 2 Y
Y by Tawan, Adventure10
Slightly different!
Let $ M_1,M_2 $ and $M_3$ the midpoints of the sides $I_bI_c,I_aI_c, I_aI_b $ resp. of the excentral triangle $ I_aI_bI_c$ which are in the same time the midpoints of the arcs $\overarc{BAC},\overarc{ABC},\overarc{BCA}$ of the circumcircle of $ABC$
it's known $BC_1=B_1C$ then the similarity that send $B\to C_1,C\to  B_1$ is rotation with center ,the second intersection of $\cal{C}$$ (ABC)$ and $ \cal{C}$$(AB_1C_1)$ but the center is on $\cal{C} (ABC)$ and on the bisector of $BC$ that it 's $M_1$ so $M_1B_1=M_1C_1 $ similarly we get $M_2A_1=M_2C_1,M_3B_1=M_3A_1$ hence ,since the center of the circumcircle of $A_1B_1C_1  $ is on the circumcircle of $ABC$ ,the bisectors of the sides of $A_1B_1C_1$ meet at $ M_1,M_2 $ or $M_3$ WLG suppose it 's $M_1$ then $M_1M_2 \perp A_1C_1$ but $M_1M_2\parallel I_aI_b$ thus $  A_1C_1\perp I_aI_b$ similarly $  A_1B_1\perp I_aI_c  \implies \widehat{(A_1C1,A1B_1)}=\widehat{(I_aI_b,I_aI_c)}=\frac{1}{2}\widehat{(AC,AB)}$ thus $\widehat {(AB,AC)}=\widehat{(M_1B,M_1C)}=\widehat{(M_1C_1,M_1B_1)}=2\widehat{(A_1C_1,A_1B_1)}=\widehat{(AC,AB)}$ so $\widehat {(AB,AC)}=\frac{\pi}{2}$.
R.HAS
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
anantmudgal09
1979 posts
#9 • 3 Y
Y by Tawan, Adventure10, Mango247
Not hard for an IMO 3

Indeed, we see that if $M,N,P$ are the midpoints of arcs $BC,CA,AB$ respectively and $I_a,I_b,I_c$ are the corresponding excentres then,
A rotation about $M$ sends $B_1C$ to $C_1B$ and thus, points $A,M,B_1,C_1$ are concyclic. Similarly for the other two vertices. This gives that in fact $M$ lies on the perpendicular bisector of $B_1C_1$ and so one of since the circumcentre of $A_1B_1C_1$ lies on the circumcircle of triangle $ABC$, then it must actually be one of $M,N,P$. Let it be $M$ say. We prove that $\angle A=90^{\circ}$

Indeed, we notice that $MN$ is the perpendicular bisector of $A_1C_1$ and $MP$ of $A_1B_1$. Since, $MN \parallel I_aI_b$, $A_1C_1 \perp I_aI_b$ and similarly $A_1B_1 \perp I_aI_c$.

Now, this means that $\angle B_1A_1C_1=180^{\circ}-(90^{\circ}+\frac{\angle A}{2})$ and so $\angle B_1MC_1=180^{\circ}-\angle A=\angle B_1AC_1=\angle A$ and so, $\angle A=90^{\circ}$

Lol, IMO 3 :D
QED
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by anantmudgal09, Apr 21, 2016, 8:56 PM
Reason: Typoes
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
mathcool2009
352 posts
#10 • 6 Y
Y by Kayak, e_plus_pi, Gems98, Ruy, son7, Adventure10
Terrible Solution (complex bash)
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Aiscrim
409 posts
#12 • 3 Y
Y by son7, Adventure10, Mango247
Let $X,Y,Z$ be the intersection points of $(AB_1C_1),(BC_1A_1),(CA_1B_1)$ with $(ABC)$. As $X$ is the center of the spiral similarity that takes $\overrightarrow{C_1B}$ to $\overrightarrow{B_1C}$ and $BC_1=CB_1$, we get that $XB=TC$ and $XB_1=XC_1$. Therefore, $X$ lies on the perpendicular bisector of $B_1C_1$. The analogous relations are true for $Y$ and $Z$.

As the circumcenter of $(A_1B_1C_1)$ is both on the perpendicular bisectors of $A_1B_1,B_1C_1,C_1A_1$ and on $(ABC)$, it has to be one of the points $X,Y,Z$. Suppose wlog that it is $X$. In this case, $XY$ is the perpendicular bisector of $C_1A_1$ and $XZ$ is the perpendicular bisector of $A_1B_1$ so $\widehat{YAZ}=\widehat{YXZ}=\dfrac{\widehat{C_1XB_1}}{2}=\dfrac{\hat{A}}{2}$. We are now done:
$$\hat{A}=\widehat{BAC}=\widehat{YAB}+\widehat{YAZ}+\widehat{ZAC}=\left ( \hat{A}+\dfrac{\hat{B}}{2}-90^\circ \right ) +\dfrac{\hat{A}}{2}+\left (  \hat{A}+\dfrac{\hat{C}}{2}-90^\circ \right )  $$which implies $\hat{A}=90^\circ$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
62861
3564 posts
#13 • 5 Y
Y by HolyMath, KST2003, son7, Adventure10, Mango247
Solution
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
H.HAFEZI2000
328 posts
#14 • 2 Y
Y by son7, Adventure10
will use a mixture of angle chasing and complex numbers (which is my favorite :) ). first of all according to the problem $\triangle A_1B_1C_1$ has an angle which more than 90 and let $\angle A$ be the largest of all thereupon we can easily see that $B_1C_1$ would the largest side so $\angle B_1A_1C_1$ is the one which is more than 90. afterward we claim the mid point of arc $BAC$ (we call $N$ is the center of $\odot A_1B_1C_1$. initially it's well-known that $N$ is the miquel point of $BCB_1C_1$ and $\overline{NB_1}=\overline{NC_1}$, with the fact center of $\odot A_1B_1C_1$ is on the circumcircle of $\triangle ABC$ the cliam will be proved.
as mentioned before $N$ is the miquel point of $BCB_1C_1$ which implies $AB_1C_1N$ is concyclic and $\angle B_1NC_1=\angle A \implies
$ $\angle B_1A_1C_1=180-\frac{A}{2}$ and this the beginning of complex. I just explain it briefly and would go into details. take $\odot ABC$ the unit circle.
we put $A=a^2, B=b^2$ and $C=c^2$ and then we can calculate $A_1=\frac {c^2+b^2+\sum ab-(\frac{(cb)(a+b+c)}{a})}{2}$
and then we have that $180- \angle AIB=\angle B_1A_1C_1 \implies \frac{\frac{a^2-I}{a^2-b^2}}{\frac{a_1-b_1}{a_1-c_1}}$ has to be real
$\frac{\frac{a^2-I}{a^2-b^2}}{\frac{a_1-b_1}{a_1-c_1}}=\frac{\frac{(a+b)(a+c)}{a^2-b^2}}{\frac{(b^2-a^2)(1-\frac{c(\sum a)}{ab}}{(c^2-a^2)(1+\frac{b(\sum a)}{ac}}}$ is real and I think the rest is straightforward to give us $b^2=c^2$
This post has been edited 4 times. Last edited by H.HAFEZI2000, Aug 31, 2018, 1:24 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
math_pi_rate
1218 posts
#15 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Restate the problem in terms of the excentral triangle as follows-
Restated problem wrote:
Let $O$ be the circumcenter and $\triangle DEF$ be the orthic triangle of $\triangle ABC$. Let $AO \cap EF = A_1$. Define $B_1$ and $C_1$ analogously. Suppose that the circumcenter of $\triangle A_1B_1C_1$ lie on $\odot DEF$. Show that $\triangle DEF$ is right-angled.

My solution: Let $\triangle M_AM_BM_C$ be the medial triangle of $\triangle ABC$. Note that $\measuredangle OM_AD = \measuredangle OB_1D = \measuredangle OC_1D = 90^{\circ} \Rightarrow M_A,D,B_1,C_1,O$ lie on a circle. All other such results hold cyclically.

Also, $M_A$ lies on $\odot (DEF)$, as it is the nine point circle of $\triangle ABC$. So $M_A$ is the center of the spiral similarity that takes $B_1F$ to $C_1E$ $\Rightarrow \triangle M_AC_1B_1 \sim \triangle M_AEF \Rightarrow$ As $M_AE = M_AF$, we get that $M_AC_1 = M_AB_1$. All other such results hold cyclically. As the circumcenter of $\triangle A_1B_1C_1$ lies on $\odot (M_AM_BM_C)$, WLOG we can assume that $M_A$ is the circumcenter of $\triangle A_1B_1C_1$.

Thus, $M_AM_B$ is the perpendicular bisector of $\overline{A_1C_1}$. But $M_AM_B \perp CF$ $\Rightarrow A_1C_1 \parallel CF$ $\Rightarrow \measuredangle OCF = \measuredangle OC_1A_1 = \measuredangle OEA_1 = \measuredangle OEF$ $\Rightarrow O$ lies on $\odot (BCEF)$. Hence, $\measuredangle EDF = \measuredangle C_1DB_1 = \measuredangle C_1OB_1 = \measuredangle COB = \measuredangle CEB = 90^{\circ}$. $\blacksquare$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
v_Enhance
6872 posts
#16 • 11 Y
Y by RAMUGAUSS, srijonrick, v4913, centslordm, suvamkonar, son7, hakN, PNT, Adventure10, Mango247, Funcshun840
We ignore for now the given condition and prove the following important lemma.

Lemma: Let $(AB_1C_1)$ meet $(ABC)$ again at $X$. From $BC_1 = B_1C$ follows $XC_1 = XB_1$, and $X$ is the midpoint of major arc $\widehat{BC}$.

Proof. This follows from the fact that we have a spiral similarity $\triangle XBC_1 \sim \triangle XCB_1$ which must actually be a spiral congruence since $BC_1 = B_1C$. $\blacksquare$

We define the arc midpoints $Y$ and $Z$ similarly, which lie on the perpendicular bisectors of $\overline{A_1 C_1}$, $\overline{A_1 B_1}$.



[asy] pair A = dir(110); pair B = dir(180); pair C = dir(0); pair X = dir(90); pair Y = dir(235); pair Z = dir(325);

pair A_1 = foot(Y+Z-X, B, C); pair B_1 = foot(Z+X-Y, C, A); pair C_1 = foot(X+Y-Z, A, B);

draw(unitcircle, grey); draw(C_1--X--B_1, red); draw(A--B--C--cycle, grey); draw(A_1--B_1--C_1--cycle, heavycyan); draw(Y--X--Z, orange); draw(circumcircle(X, B_1, C_1), dotted+grey); draw(X--A_1, red+dashed);

dot("$A$", A, dir(A)); dot("$B$", B, dir(B)); dot("$C$", C, dir(C)); dot("$X$", X, dir(X)); dot("$Y$", Y, dir(Y)); dot("$Z$", Z, dir(Z)); dot("$A_1$", A_1, dir(270)); dot("$B_1$", B_1, dir(B_1)); dot("$C_1$", C_1, dir(C_1));

/* TSQ Source:

A = dir 110 B = dir 180 C = dir 0 X = dir 90 Y = dir 235 Z = dir 325

A_1 = foot Y+Z-X B C R270 B_1 = foot Z+X-Y C A C_1 = foot X+Y-Z A B

unitcircle 0.1 grey / grey C_1--X--B_1 red A--B--C--cycle grey A_1--B_1--C_1--cycle 0.1 cyan / heavycyan Y--X--Z orange circumcircle X B_1 C_1 dotted grey X--A_1 red dashed

*/ [/asy]



We now turn to the problem condition which asserts the circumcenter $W$ of $\triangle A_1B_1C_1$ lies on $(ABC)$.

Claim: We may assume WLOG that $W = X$.

Proof. This is just configuration issues since we already knew that the arc midpoints both lie on $(ABC)$ and the relevant perpendicular bisectors. Suppose (WLOG) that $\angle B_1 A_1 C_1 > 90^{\circ}$ (since $W$ lies $(ABC)$ and hence outside $\triangle ABC$, hence outside $\triangle A_1 B_1 C_1$). Then $A$ and $X$ lie on the same side of line $\overline{B_1 C_1}$, and since $W$ is supposed to lie both on $(ABC)$ and the perpendicular bisector of $\overline{B_1C_1}$ it follows $W = X$. $\blacksquare$

Consequently, $\overline{XY}$ and $\overline{XZ}$ are exactly the perpendicular bisectors of $\overline{A_1 C_1}$, $\overline{A_1 B_1}$. The rest is angle chase, the fastest one is \begin{align*} 	\angle A &= \angle C_1 X B_1 	= \angle C_1 X A_1 + \angle A_1 X B_1 	= 2 \angle YXA_1 + 2 \angle A_1 X Z \\ 	&= 2 \angle YXZ =  180^{\circ} - \angle A \end{align*}which solves the problem.

Remark: Angle chasing is also possible even without the points $Y$ and $Z$, though it takes much longer. Introduce the Bevan point $V$ and use the fact that $VA_1B_1C$ is cyclic (with diameter $\overline{VC}$) and similarly $VA_1C_1B$ is cyclic; a calculation then gives $\angle CVB = 180^{\circ} - \frac{1}{2} \angle A$. Thus $V$ lies on the circle with diameter $\overline{I_b I_c}$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Blast_S1
356 posts
#17 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
WLOG let $\angle A$ be the largest angle in $\triangle ABC$, and define $K_A$ as the midpoint of $\widehat{BAC}$ on $(ABC)$. Furthermore, let $K_B$ and $M$ be the midpoints of $\widehat{ABC}$ and $\overline{A_1C_1}$ respectively.
Lemma: Suppose the circumcenter $K$ of $\triangle A_1B_1C_1$ lies on $(ABC)$, then $K=K_A$.

Proof: Already done with basically all the solutions above.
[asy]
size(9cm);
defaultpen(fontsize(9pt));
pair A=(32.5,53.3), B=(0,0), C=(120,0), D=(80,0), E=(100.8,11.7), F=(11.7,19.2), K=(60,60), L=(28.8,-51.2), M=(45.9,9.6);
dot(M);
draw(A--B--C--cycle, linewidth(0.5));
draw(circle((60,0),60), linewidth(0.5));
draw(F--K--B, linewidth(0.5));
draw(E--K--C, linewidth(0.5));
draw(E--F, linewidth(0.4)+grey);
draw(F--D, linewidth(0.4)+grey);
draw(circumcircle(D,E,F), linewidth(0.8)+dashed);
draw(F--L--A, linewidth(0.5));
draw(D--L--C, linewidth(0.5));
real xmin=-100, ymin=-110, xmax=200, ymax=80;
clip((xmin,ymin)--(xmin,ymax)--(xmax,ymax)--(xmax,ymin)--cycle);
draw(K--L, linewidth(0.7)+dotted);
dot("$A$", A, (0,1));
dot("$B$", B, (-1,0));
dot("$C$", C, (1,0));
dot("$A_1$", D, (0.5,-1));
dot("$B_1$", E, (0,-1));
dot("$C_1$", F, (-0.5,0));
dot("$K_A$", K, (0,1));
dot("$K_B$", L, (-0.5,-1));
[/asy]
Using the above lemma, the condition we are trying to prove is equivalent to showing that $K_B$, $M$, and $K_A$ are collinear. We will proceed with barycentric coordinates wrt $\triangle ABC$ (and using the standard notation).

It is well known that $A_1=(0:s-b:s-c)$ and $C_1=(s-a:s-b:0)$, which have coordinate sums of $c$ and $a$ respectively, so
$$M=(a(s-a):(a+c)(s-b):c(s-c)).$$Now, since $K_A$ lies on the exterior bisector of angle $A$, $K_A$ must be in the form of $(t:-b:c)$ for some value $t$. Intersecting this with $(ABC)$ gives us
$$a^2bc-b^2ct+c^2bt=0\implies t=\frac{a^2}{b-c},$$or $K_A=(a^2:b(c-b):c(b-c))$ (and $K_B=(a(c-a):b^2:c(a-c))$ by symmetry). Finally, the desired collinearity occurs iff
$$
0=ac\cdot\text{det}\left(
\begin{array}{ccc}
a & b(c-b) & b-c \\
c-a & b^2 & a-c \\ 
s-a & (a+c)(s-c) & s-c
\end{array}\right),
$$which can be shown to be equivalent to $b^2+c^2=a^2$ with a few minutes of omitted expansion and row/column operations.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Blast_S1, Dec 9, 2018, 8:02 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Generic_Username
1088 posts
#18 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
[asy]
import geometry;
size(8cm,0);
defaultpen(fontsize(9pt));
pair B = (-25,0), C = (25,0), N = (0,25), A = (-7,24);
triangle t = triangle(A,B,C);
drawline(t);
circle c1 = excircle(t.BC);
circle c2 = excircle(t.AC);
circle c3 = excircle(t.AB);
clipdraw(c1,bp+green);
clipdraw(c2,bp+green);
clipdraw(c3,bp+green);
dot("$B$", B, (-1,0));
dot("$C$", C, (1,0));
dot("$N_A$", N, (0,1));
dot("$A$", A, (0,1));
draw(circumcircle(A,B,C));
draw(box((-60,-20), (60,50)), invisible);
draw(extouch(t));
dot("$A_1$",extouch(t).A);
dot("$B_1$",extouch(t).B);
dot("$C_1$",extouch(t).C);
point V = circumcenter(excenter(t.AB),excenter(t.BC),excenter(t.CA));
dot("$V$", V);
point NN = (0,25);
line l = perpendicular(NN, line(V,NN));
point VV = reflect(l)*V;
dot("$V'$", VV);
point BB = (-25,0);
point CC = (25,0);
point BBB = reflect(l)*BB;
dot("$B'$", BBB);
draw(circumcircle(BB,CC,V));
dot("$I_C$",excenter(t.AB));
dot("$I_B$",excenter(t.AC));
[/asy]
Let $V$ be the circumcenter of $\triangle ABC$ and $N_A$ be the midpoint of major arc $BC$ in $\odot(ABC)$. Then as $\triangle N_AC_1B\cong \triangle N_AB_1C$ by SAS, it follows that $N_AC_1=N_AB_1$ and so $N_A$ must be the circumcenter of $\triangle A_1B_1C_1$ (it lies on $\odot (ABC)$ and on the perpendicular bisector of $B_1C_1$).

Now since $A_1B_1C_1$ is the pedal triangle of $V$ WRT $\triangle ABC$ (isogonal lines in $I_AI_BI_C$,) we are motivated to reflect $V$ over $N_A$ to $V'$. Then from homothety at $V$, $V'$ is the circumcenter of the triangle formed by reflecting $V$ across the sidelines of $\triangle ABC$, and so by a well known lemma, $V,V'$ are isogonal conjugates WRT $\triangle ABC$.

So if $B'$ is the reflection of $B$ across $AN_A$, $\angle V'BA=\angle VBC$. But using the fact that $V',V$ are actually reflections across $AN_A$ ($\angle AN_AV=90^{\circ}$ since $N_A$ is the midpoint of $I_BI_C$), we get
\[\angle VBC=\angle V'BA=\angle VB'A=\angle VB'C\]so $B'BVC$ is cyclic. This means $V$ lies on the circle with diameter $I_BI_C$, so $\angle C_1VB_1=\angle I_CVI_B=90^{\circ}$. Now $AC_1VB_1$ has three right angles so it must be a rectangle, done.
Z K Y
G
H
=
a