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k a May Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
May 1, 2025
May is an exciting month! National MATHCOUNTS is the second week of May in Washington D.C. and our Founder, Richard Rusczyk will be presenting a seminar, Preparing Strong Math Students for College and Careers, on May 11th.

Are you interested in working towards MATHCOUNTS and don’t know where to start? We have you covered! If you have taken Prealgebra, then you are ready for MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Basics. Already aiming for State or National MATHCOUNTS and harder AMC 8 problems? Then our MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Advanced course is for you.

Summer camps are starting next month at the Virtual Campus in math and language arts that are 2 - to 4 - weeks in duration. Spaces are still available - don’t miss your chance to have an enriching summer experience. 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)!

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[*]May 21st, 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Mathcamp 2025 Qualifying Quiz Part 2 Math Jam, Problems 5 and 6, Canada/USA Mathcamp staff will discuss solutions to Problems 5 and 6 of the 2025 Mathcamp Qualifying Quiz![/list]
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0 replies
jlacosta
May 1, 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
Looking for someone to work with
midacer   1
N 13 minutes ago by wipid98
I’m looking for a motivated study partner (or small group) to collaborate on college-level competition math problems, particularly from contests like the Putnam, IMO Shortlist, IMC, and similar. My goal is to improve problem-solving skills, explore advanced topics (e.g., combinatorics, NT, analysis), and prepare for upcoming competitions. I’m new to contests but have a strong general math background(CPGE in Morocco). If interested, reply here or DM me to discuss
1 reply
midacer
an hour ago
wipid98
13 minutes ago
USAMO 1983 Problem 2 - Roots of Quintic
Binomial-theorem   33
N an hour ago by SomeonecoolLovesMaths
Source: USAMO 1983 Problem 2
Prove that the roots of\[x^5 + ax^4 + bx^3 + cx^2 + dx + e = 0\] cannot all be real if $2a^2 < 5b$.
33 replies
Binomial-theorem
Aug 16, 2011
SomeonecoolLovesMaths
an hour ago
Isogonal Conjugates of Nagel and Gergonne Point
SerdarBozdag   4
N 2 hours ago by zuat.e
Source: http://math.fau.edu/yiu/Oldwebsites/Geometry2013Fall/Geometry2013Chapter12.pdf
Proposition 12.1.
(a) The isogonal conjugate of the Gergonne point is the insimilicenter of
the circumcircle and the incircle.
(b) The isogonal conjugate of the Nagel point is the exsimilicenter of the circumcircle and
the incircle.
Note: I need synthetic solution.
4 replies
SerdarBozdag
Apr 17, 2021
zuat.e
2 hours ago
Compact powers of 2
NO_SQUARES   1
N 2 hours ago by Isolemma
Source: 239 MO 2025 8-9 p3 = 10-11 p2
Let's call a power of two compact if it can be represented as the sum of no more than $10^9$ not necessarily distinct factorials of positive integer numbers. Prove that the set of compact powers of two is finite.
1 reply
NO_SQUARES
May 5, 2025
Isolemma
2 hours ago
Cute NT Problem
M11100111001Y1R   4
N 2 hours ago by RANDOM__USER
Source: Iran TST 2025 Test 4 Problem 1
A number \( n \) is called lucky if it has at least two distinct prime divisors and can be written in the form:
\[
n = p_1^{\alpha_1} + \cdots + p_k^{\alpha_k}
\]where \( p_1, \dots, p_k \) are distinct prime numbers that divide \( n \). (Note: it is possible that \( n \) has other prime divisors not among \( p_1, \dots, p_k \).) Prove that for every prime number \( p \), there exists a lucky number \( n \) such that \( p \mid n \).
4 replies
M11100111001Y1R
Today at 7:20 AM
RANDOM__USER
2 hours ago
USAMO 2003 Problem 4
MithsApprentice   72
N 2 hours ago by endless_abyss
Let $ABC$ be a triangle. A circle passing through $A$ and $B$ intersects segments $AC$ and $BC$ at $D$ and $E$, respectively. Lines $AB$ and $DE$ intersect at $F$, while lines $BD$ and $CF$ intersect at $M$. Prove that $MF = MC$ if and only if $MB\cdot MD = MC^2$.
72 replies
MithsApprentice
Sep 27, 2005
endless_abyss
2 hours ago
Easy but unusual junior ineq
Maths_VC   1
N 2 hours ago by blug
Source: Serbia JBMO TST 2025, Problem 2
Real numbers $x, y$ $\ge$ $0$ satisfy $1$ $\le$ $x^2 + y^2$ $\le$ $5$. Determine the minimal and the maximal value of the expression $2x + y$
1 reply
Maths_VC
3 hours ago
blug
2 hours ago
Bosnia and Herzegovina JBMO TST 2009 Problem 1
gobathegreat   1
N 2 hours ago by FishkoBiH
Source: Bosnia and Herzegovina Junior Balkan Mathematical Olympiad TST 2009
Lengths of sides of triangle $ABC$ are positive integers, and smallest side is equal to $2$. Determine the area of triangle $P$ if $v_c = v_a + v_b$, where $v_a$, $v_b$ and $v_c$ are lengths of altitudes in triangle $ABC$ from vertices $A$, $B$ and $C$, respectively.
1 reply
gobathegreat
Sep 17, 2018
FishkoBiH
2 hours ago
USAMO 2001 Problem 2
MithsApprentice   53
N 2 hours ago by lksb
Let $ABC$ be a triangle and let $\omega$ be its incircle. Denote by $D_1$ and $E_1$ the points where $\omega$ is tangent to sides $BC$ and $AC$, respectively. Denote by $D_2$ and $E_2$ the points on sides $BC$ and $AC$, respectively, such that $CD_2=BD_1$ and $CE_2=AE_1$, and denote by $P$ the point of intersection of segments $AD_2$ and $BE_2$. Circle $\omega$ intersects segment $AD_2$ at two points, the closer of which to the vertex $A$ is denoted by $Q$. Prove that $AQ=D_2P$.
53 replies
1 viewing
MithsApprentice
Sep 30, 2005
lksb
2 hours ago
A=b
k2c901_1   89
N 3 hours ago by reni_wee
Source: Taiwan 1st TST 2006, 1st day, problem 3
Let $a$, $b$ be positive integers such that $b^n+n$ is a multiple of $a^n+n$ for all positive integers $n$. Prove that $a=b$.

Proposed by Mohsen Jamali, Iran
89 replies
k2c901_1
Mar 29, 2006
reni_wee
3 hours ago
Strange angle condition and concyclic points
lminsl   129
N 3 hours ago by Aiden-1089
Source: IMO 2019 Problem 2
In triangle $ABC$, point $A_1$ lies on side $BC$ and point $B_1$ lies on side $AC$. Let $P$ and $Q$ be points on segments $AA_1$ and $BB_1$, respectively, such that $PQ$ is parallel to $AB$. Let $P_1$ be a point on line $PB_1$, such that $B_1$ lies strictly between $P$ and $P_1$, and $\angle PP_1C=\angle BAC$. Similarly, let $Q_1$ be the point on line $QA_1$, such that $A_1$ lies strictly between $Q$ and $Q_1$, and $\angle CQ_1Q=\angle CBA$.

Prove that points $P,Q,P_1$, and $Q_1$ are concyclic.

Proposed by Anton Trygub, Ukraine
129 replies
1 viewing
lminsl
Jul 16, 2019
Aiden-1089
3 hours ago
Simple inequality
sqing   12
N 3 hours ago by Rayvhs
Source: MEMO 2018 T1
Let $a,b$ and $c$ be positive real numbers satisfying $abc=1.$ Prove that$$\frac{a^2-b^2}{a+bc}+\frac{b^2-c^2}{b+ca}+\frac{c^2-a^2}{c+ab}\leq a+b+c-3.$$
12 replies
sqing
Sep 2, 2018
Rayvhs
3 hours ago
Random concyclicity in a square config
Maths_VC   2
N 3 hours ago by Maths_VC
Source: Serbia JBMO TST 2025, Problem 1
Let $M$ be a random point on the smaller arc $AB$ of the circumcircle of square $ABCD$, and let $N$ be the intersection point of segments $AC$ and $DM$. The feet of the tangents from point $D$ to the circumcircle of the triangle $OMN$ are $P$ and $Q$ , where $O$ is the center of the square. Prove that points $A$, $C$, $P$ and $Q$ lie on a single circle.
2 replies
Maths_VC
3 hours ago
Maths_VC
3 hours ago
Serbian selection contest for the IMO 2025 - P3
OgnjenTesic   3
N 3 hours ago by atdaotlohbh
Source: Serbian selection contest for the IMO 2025
Find all functions $f : \mathbb{Z} \to \mathbb{Z}$ such that:
- $f$ is strictly increasing,
- there exists $M \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $f(x+1) - f(x) < M$ for all $x \in \mathbb{N}$,
- for every $x \in \mathbb{Z}$, there exists $y \in \mathbb{Z}$ such that
\[
            f(y) = \frac{f(x) + f(x + 2024)}{2}.
        \]Proposed by Pavle Martinović
3 replies
OgnjenTesic
May 22, 2025
atdaotlohbh
3 hours ago
Find all possible values of BT/BM
va2010   53
N Apr 25, 2025 by ja.
Source: 2015 ISL G4
Let $ABC$ be an acute triangle and let $M$ be the midpoint of $AC$. A circle $\omega$ passing through $B$ and $M$ meets the sides $AB$ and $BC$ at points $P$ and $Q$ respectively. Let $T$ be the point such that $BPTQ$ is a parallelogram. Suppose that $T$ lies on the circumcircle of $ABC$. Determine all possible values of $\frac{BT}{BM}$.
53 replies
va2010
Jul 7, 2016
ja.
Apr 25, 2025
Find all possible values of BT/BM
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: 2015 ISL G4
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bjump
1035 posts
#48
Y by
DottedCaculator wrote:
[asy]
unitsize(1cm);
pair A, B, C, M, P, Q, T;
A=(2,2.5sqrt(5));
B=(0,0);
C=(8,0);
M=(B+C)/2;
pair X;
X=(1,0);
P=intersectionpoints(A--B,circumcircle(A,M,X))[1];
Q=intersectionpoints(A--C,circumcircle(A,M,X))[1];
T=P+Q-A;
draw(A--B--C--A--P--T--Q--A);
draw(circumcircle(A,M,X));
draw(circumcircle(A,B,C));
label("$B$", A, N);
label("$A$", B, SW);
label("$C$", C, SE);
label("$M$", M, S);
label("$P$", P, W);
label("$Q$", Q, E);
label("$T$", T, S);
label("$X$", X, NE);
[/asy]

bashy bary
less bashy
best solution

How do you learn to make diagrams like this also this got liked by tapir orz orz orz
Z K Y
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fuzimiao2013
3311 posts
#50 • 2 Y
Y by Mango247, Mango247
oh, great, here we go again. i am now thoroughly convinced that in this white wasteland of geometry, bary is just problem suicide - your last resort, unless it's not.

We use barycentric coordinates.

Preliminaries:
Let $ABC$ be the reference triangle, and $P = (p, 1-p, 0), Q = (0, 1-q, q)$. The circle through $B, M$ is characterized by \begin{align*}-a^2yz-b^2zx-c^2xy+(x+y+z)(ux+wz) &= 0,\\ u+w &= \frac{b^2}{2}.\end{align*}So after plugging in $P$ and $Q$ and heavily simplifying, \begin{align*}c^2p &= c^2-u \\ a^2q &= a^2-w.\end{align*}
Actual Problem:
By distance formula, we can now proceed:
\begin{align*}\frac{BT^2}{BM^2} &= \frac{a^2p-wp+a^2q-wq+c^2p-up+c^2q-uq-b^2pq}{\frac 12\left(a^2+c^2-\frac{b^2}{2}\right)} \\
&= \frac{(a^2-w+c^2-u)(p+q)+a^2q-a^2pq-a^2q^2+c^2p-c^2p^2-c^2pq}{\frac 12\left(a^2+c^2-\frac{b^2}{2}\right)} \\
&= \frac{\left(a^2+c^2-\frac{b^2}{2}\right)(p+q)+(a^2q+c^2p)(1-p-q)}{\frac 12\left(a^2+c^2-\frac{b^2}{2}\right)} \\
&= \frac{\left(a^2+c^2-\frac{b^2}{2}\right)(p+q)+\left(a^2+c^2-\frac{b^2}{2}\right)(1-p-q)}{\frac 12\left(a^2+c^2-\frac{b^2}{2}\right)} \\
&= \frac{\left(a^2+c^2-\frac{b^2}{2}\right)}{\frac 12 \left(a^2+c^2-\frac{b^2}{2}\right)} = 2.
\end{align*}Since length is positive, the only possible value is $\sqrt 2$, done. $\square$
Z K Y
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Knty2006
50 posts
#51
Y by
G #1/100

Let the midpoint of $BT$ be $N$, Let $PQ$ intersect $AC$ at $D$ and the Miquel point of $APQC$ be $R$

Claim: $DRNM$ cyclic

Proof: Due to the definition of a Miquel point,
$APRD$ cyclic, $QCDR$ cyclic
So, $R$ is the center of the spiral similarity sending $QC$ to $PA$, which means that it is the center of the spiral similarity sending $NM$ to $PA$

Hence, our claim must be true.

Claim: $MB$ tangent to $MNRT$

Proof: $$\angle BMR=\angle BPR$$$$=180-\angle APR$$$$=\angle MDR$$
Hence, our claim must be true.

Using the tangency, we have
$MB^2=(NB)(BT)=\frac{1}{2} BT^2$

So, $$\frac{BT}{MB}=\sqrt{2}$$
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Taco12
1757 posts
#52 • 1 Y
Y by Mango247
Solved with a hint from Evan Chen's solution.

Let $X$ be the second intersect of $\omega$. Set $T=(p,q,r)$. The parallelogram condition yields $P=(p:q+r:0)$ and $Q=(0:p+q:r)$. Then, we have $$b^2=qc^2+rc^2+a^2p+a^2q.$$By distance formula, we get $BT^2=a^2r+c^2p$, which gives us $BT^2=2BM^2$, so $\sqrt2$ is the only value.
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john0512
4191 posts
#53
Y by
We will use barycentric coordinates. Let $$T=(r,s,t)$$for which $r+s+t=1.$ Then, from the parallelogram, $$P=(r,s+t,0),Q=(0,r+s,t).$$Consider the equation of $(BQMP)$. By putting in $B$, $v=0$. By putting in $P$, we have $u=c^2(1-r)$. By plugging in $Q$, we have $w=a^2(1-t).$ Therefore, the equation of the circle is $$(x+y+z)(c^2(1-r)x+a^2(1-t)z)=a^2yz+b^2xz+c^2xy.$$Plugging in $(1/2,0,1/2)$ for $M$ reveals that $$b^2=2(c^2(1-r)+a^2(1-t)) (*).$$We will return to the starred equation later.

For now, note that $$\overrightarrow{BT}=(r,s-1,t),$$so $$BT^2=-(a^2(s-1)t+b^2rt+c^2r(s-1)).$$Let's expand this: $$-(\mathbf{a^2st+b^2rt+c^2rs}-a^2t-c^2r).$$Since $(r,s,t)$ lies on the circumcircle, the bolded things sum to 0, so this is just $$BT^2=a^2t+c^2r.$$Let's now go back to the starred equation: $$b^2=2(c^2(1-r)+a^2(1-t)).$$Expanding, this becomes $$b^2=2(a^2+c^2-a^2t-c^2r)$$$$b^2=2(a^2+c^2-BT^2)$$$$BT^2=a^2+c^2-\frac{1}{2}b^2.$$It is well known that $$BM^2=\frac{1}{2}a^2+\frac{1}{2}c^2-\frac{1}{4}b^2,$$so our answer is $\sqrt{2}$ and we are done.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by john0512, Jan 26, 2023, 3:42 AM
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Ibrahim_K
62 posts
#54
Y by
Similar bary bash:
$A=(1,0,0),B=(0,1,0),C=(0,0,1),M=(\frac{1}{2},0,\frac{1}{2}),T=(m,n,k)$. Then equation of $PT$ and $QT$ is:
$$PT:(n+k)x-m(y+z)=0 \implies P=(m,1-m,0) \qquad QT:(m+n)z-k(x+y)=0 \implies Q=(0,1-k,k)$$Let $(BPMQ):-a^2yz-b^2zx-c^2xy+(x+y+z)(ux+wz)=0.$ By plugging coordinates of $M,P$and $Q$ we get:
$$u+w=\frac{b^2}{2} \qquad c^2m=c^2-u \qquad a^2k=a^2-w$$Also since $T \in (ABC)$ we have $a^2nk+b^2mk+c^2mn=0$. Thus by distance formula:
$$BT^2=-a^2(n-1)k-b^2mk-c^2m(n-1)=-a^2nk-b^2mk-c^2mn+a^2k+c^2m=a^2k+c^2m=a^2+c^2-(u+w)=a^2+c^2-\frac{b^2}{2}$$On the other hand $BM^2=\frac{1}{2}(a^2+c^2-\frac{b^2}{2}).$ Hence $\frac{BT}{BM}=\sqrt 2 \qquad \blacksquare$
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awesomeming327.
1736 posts
#55 • 1 Y
Y by GeoKing
Let $X$ be $BM$ intersect $(ABC)$. Let $Z$ be center of $BPTQ$ and $Y$ be $BZ$ intersect $(BPQ)$. Let $(ABC)$ and $(BPQ)$ intersect again at $E$ then $E$ is center of spiral similarity taking $ATXCM$ to $PYMQZ$. Clearly, $\angle ZMB$ is the angle of the spin about $E$, since $ZM$ is taken to $MX$. Since $ZY$ is taken to $MT$, $\angle ZTM$ is equal to that. Thus, $BM$ is tangent to $ZMT$ and so the answer is just $\sqrt{2}$.
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vsamc
3789 posts
#57
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Solution
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popop614
272 posts
#58 • 1 Y
Y by GeoKing
Great. The answer is $\sqrt{2}$ only.
Let $E$ and $F$ lie on $BA$ and $BC$ such that $M$ is the $B$-Dumpty point of $BEF$, and let $K$ be the reflection of $B$ over $M$, hence on $(BEF)$.

We now claim that $T$ lies on $EF$. Let $P'$ and $Q'$ denote the images of $P$ and $Q$ under a scale 2 homothety at $B$, so it suffices to prive $EF$ bisects $P'Q'$. But applying phantom points we observe that the intersection of $P'Q'$ and $EF$ is on $(KEP')$ and $(KFQ')$. The result is true after a very brief law of sines computation.

Take an inversion at $B$ with radius $BM\sqrt{2}$. $BEF$ becomes through a line antiparallel to $EF$ through $M$, whence $(E, A)$ amd $(F, C)$ swap. Hence line $EF$ maps to $(ABC)$. But this implies if $T$ lies on said circumcircle, $BT = BM\sqrt{2}$, as desired.
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cursed_tangent1434
647 posts
#59
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Actually trivial by bary. The answer is $\sqrt{2}$ only. We set $A=(1,0,0)$ and etc. Then, $M=(1:0:1)$. Now, let $T=(r,s,t)$ for real numbers $r,s,t$ such that $r+s+t=1$. Now, since $\overline{PT} \parallel \overline{BC}$, $P=(r,t_1,0)$ for some real number $t_1$ which then implies $t_1=s+t$ so $P=(r,s+t,0)$. Similarly, $Q=(0,r+s,t)$. Now, by Stewart's theorem, we can compute $BM^2 = \frac{2a^2-b^2+2c^2}{4}$. We consider the displacement vector $\overrightarrow{BT} = (r,s-1,t)=(r,-(r+t),t)$. Then, by the barycentric distance formula, we have that
\[BT^2 = a^2(r+t)t-b^2rt+c^2(r+t)t = a^2t+c^2r\]where the second equality follows from the fact that $a^2st+b^2rt+c^2rs=0$ since $T$ lies on the circumcircle. Now, since $BPMQ$ is cyclic, we consider the equation of this circle
\[-a^2yz-b^2xz-c^2xy+(ux+vy+wz)(x+y+z)=0\]where $v=0$ immediately since $B$ lies on the circle. Further, since $P$ lies on the circle we have
\begin{align*}
    -c^2r(s+t) + ur &=0\\
    u &= c^2(s+t)
\end{align*}similarly, we also have that since $Q$ lies on the circle, $w=a^2(r+s)$. Thus, the equation of the circle is simply,
\[-a^2yz-b^2xz-c^2xy+(c^2(s+t)x+a^2(r+s)z)(x+y+z)=0\]which since $M$ lies on this circle implies,
\begin{align*}
    -b^2 + 2(c^2(s+t)+a^2(r+s)) &=0\\
    -b^2 + 2(c^2 (1-r)+ a^2 (1-t)) &= 0\\
    c^2 + a^2 - (a^2t+c^2r) &= \frac{b^2}{2}\\
    a^2t + c^2 r &= \frac{2a^2 - b^2 + 2c^2}{2}
\end{align*}But this is precisely the length of $BT^2$! So, we have that
\[BT^2 = a^2t + c^2 r =  \frac{2a^2 - b^2 + 2c^2}{2} = 2\left(\frac{2a^2-b^2+2c^2}{4}\right) = 2BM^2\]Thus, $\frac{BT}{BM} = \sqrt{2}$ which finishes the problem.
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Aiden-1089
300 posts
#60
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I changed it to being $A$-centered for convenience, $P$ lies on $AB$ and $Q$ lies on $AC$.

Let $(A)$ be the circle with centre $A$ and radius $0$. Denote by $Pow_{\omega}(P)$ as the power of a point $P$ wrt circle $\omega$.
Define $f(X)=Pow_{(A)}(X)-Pow_{(ABC)}(X)$.
By linearity of pop, we have that $f(A)+f(T)=f(P)+f(Q)$. So $$AT^2=PA^2-(-PA \cdot PB)+QA^2-(-QA \cdot QB)=PA \cdot AB + QA \cdot AC.$$Now let $R \neq M$ be the second intersection of $\omega$ with $BC$, then $$PB \cdot AB + QC \cdot AC = BM \cdot BR + CM \cdot CR = \frac{BC^2}{2}.$$It follows that $AT^2+\frac{BC^2}{2}=AB^2+AC^2 \implies AT^2=AB^2+AC^2-\frac{BC^2}{2}$. By Stewart's theorem, $\frac{BC}{2}(AB^2 +AC^2)=BC \cdot (AM^2+ \frac{BC^2}{4}) \implies 2AM^2=AB^2+AC^2-\frac{BC^2}{2}=AT^2$.
Hence $\frac{AT}{AM}=\sqrt{2}$, so we are done. $\square$
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cj13609517288
1924 posts
#61
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WHAT

We employ barycentric coordinates wrt $ABC$. The equation of the circle is
\[-a^2yz-b^2xz-c^2xy+(ux+wz)(x+y+z)=0\]where $u+w=\frac{b^2}{2}$.

Let $P=(p,1-p,0)$ and $Q=(0,1-q,q)$. Then
\[-c^2p(1-p)+up=0\Longrightarrow c^2(1-p)=u\]\[-a^2q(1-q)+wq=0\Longrightarrow a^2(1-p)=w\]Therefore,
\[c^2(1-p)+a^2(1-q)=\frac{b^2}{2}\Longrightarrow c^2p+a^2q=c^2+a^2-\frac{b^2}{2}.\]Also, note that $T=(p,1-p-q,q)$, so
\[a^2(1-p-q)q+b^2pq+c^2(1-p-q)p=0\]\[-a^2(-p-q)q-b^2pq-c^2(-p-q)p=a^2q+c^2p=c^2+a^2-\frac{b^2}{2}.\]That looks suspiciously like the distance formula! Indeed, we get that
\[BT=\sqrt{c^2+a^2-\frac{b^2}{2}}.\]Also, it is well known that
\[BM=\frac{1}{\sqrt2}\cdot\sqrt{c^2+a^2-\frac{b^2}{2}}.\]Therefore, $\frac{BT}{BM}=\boxed{\sqrt2}$.
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SomeonesPenguin
129 posts
#62 • 1 Y
Y by zzSpartan
bary
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by SomeonesPenguin, Nov 7, 2024, 3:41 PM
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eg4334
636 posts
#63
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Use bary wrt to $ABC$. The equation of $\omega$ is $-a^2yz-b^2xz-c^2xy+(ux+wz)(x+y+z) = 0$ for $u+w=\frac{b^2}{2}$. Then its trivial to find that $Q = (0, \frac{w}{a^2}, 1 - \frac{w}{a^2}), P = (1 - \frac{u}{c^2}, \frac{u}{c^2}, 0)$. But $P+Q=B+T$, so $T = (1 - \frac{u}{c^2}, \frac{w}{a^2} + \frac{u}{c^2} - 1, 1 - \frac{w}{a^2})$. For simplicity, let this be $T = (x, y, z)$. Then $a^2yz+b^2xz+c^2xy=0$. But by bary distance formula \begin{align*}
\frac{BT}{BM} &= \sqrt{\frac{-a^2(y-1)z - b^2xz - c^2x(y-1)}{\frac{a^2}{2} - \frac{b^2}{4} + \frac{c^2}{2}}} \\
&= \sqrt{\frac{c^2x+a^2z}{\frac{a^2}{2} - \frac{b^2}{4} + \frac{c^2}{2}}} \\
&= \sqrt{\frac{c^2+a^2-(u+w)}{\frac{a^2}{2} - \frac{b^2}{4} + \frac{c^2}{2}}} \\
&= \frac{a^2+c^2-\frac{b^2}{2}}{\frac{a^2}{2} - \frac{b^2}{4} + \frac{c^2}{2}} \\
&= \boxed{\sqrt{2}}
\end{align*}
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ja.
23 posts
#64 • 1 Y
Y by navi_09220114
Let $N$ be the midpoint of $PQ$. Then, as $P$ moves, the shape of $MPNQ$ is constant, and the locus of $P$ is a line so the locus of $N$ Is a line. Then, the locus of $T$ must be a line too. Let $\omega_1$ be the circle through $M$ tangent to $BC$ at $B$, and $\omega_2$ is tangent to $BA$ at $B$. Take $P=B$, $Q=B$ gives that $T$ lies on line $DE$ where $D$ is the intersection of $\omega_1$ with $BA$ and $E$ is the intersection of $\omega_2$ with $BC$.

Let $B'$ be the reflection of $B$ in $M$, then $\angle{AB'M}=\angle{MBC}=\angle{ADM}$ hence $AMB'D$ cyclic, then $BA\cdot BD=2BM^2$. Similarly, we will have $BC\cdot BE=2BM^2$.

Finally, consider the inversion at $B$ with radius $BM\sqrt2$, then $(BAC)$ is swapped with $DE$, so $T$ is fixed. Therefore, $BT=BM\sqrt2$.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by ja., Apr 25, 2025, 8:09 AM
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