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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)!

Be sure to mark your calendars for the following upcoming events:
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[*]May 20th, 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Mathcamp 2025 Qualifying Quiz Part 1 Math Jam, Problems 1 to 4, join the Canada/USA Mathcamp staff for this exciting Math Jam, where they discuss solutions to Problems 1 to 4 of the 2025 Mathcamp Qualifying Quiz!
[*]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 A Letter to MSM
Arr0w   23
N Sep 19, 2022 by scannose
Greetings.

I have seen many posts talking about commonly asked questions, such as finding the value of $0^0$, $\frac{1}{0}$,$\frac{0}{0}$, $\frac{\infty}{\infty}$, why $0.999...=1$ or even expressions of those terms combined as if that would make them defined. I have made this post to answer these questions once and for all, and I politely ask everyone to link this post to threads that are talking about this issue.
[list]
[*]Firstly, the case of $0^0$. It is usually regarded that $0^0=1$, not because this works numerically but because it is convenient to define it this way. You will see the convenience of defining other undefined things later on in this post.

[*]What about $\frac{\infty}{\infty}$? The issue here is that $\infty$ isn't even rigorously defined in this expression. What exactly do we mean by $\infty$? Unless the example in question is put in context in a formal manner, then we say that $\frac{\infty}{\infty}$ is meaningless.

[*]What about $\frac{1}{0}$? Suppose that $x=\frac{1}{0}$. Then we would have $x\cdot 0=0=1$, absurd. A more rigorous treatment of the idea is that $\lim_{x\to0}\frac{1}{x}$ does not exist in the first place, although you will see why in a calculus course. So the point is that $\frac{1}{0}$ is undefined.

[*]What about if $0.99999...=1$? An article from brilliant has a good explanation. Alternatively, you can just use a geometric series. Notice that
\begin{align*}
\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{9}{10^n}&=9\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{10^n}=9\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\biggr(\frac{1}{10}\biggr)^n=9\biggr(\frac{\frac{1}{10}}{1-\frac{1}{10}}\biggr)=9\biggr(\frac{\frac{1}{10}}{\frac{9}{10}}\biggr)=9\biggr(\frac{1}{9}\biggr)=\boxed{1}
\end{align*}
[*]What about $\frac{0}{0}$? Usually this is considered to be an indeterminate form, but I would also wager that this is also undefined.
[/list]
Hopefully all of these issues and their corollaries are finally put to rest. Cheers.

2nd EDIT (6/14/22): Since I originally posted this, it has since blown up so I will try to add additional information per the request of users in the thread below.

INDETERMINATE VS UNDEFINED

What makes something indeterminate? As you can see above, there are many things that are indeterminate. While definitions might vary slightly, it is the consensus that the following definition holds: A mathematical expression is be said to be indeterminate if it is not definitively or precisely determined. So how does this make, say, something like $0/0$ indeterminate? In analysis (the theory behind calculus and beyond), limits involving an algebraic combination of functions in an independent variable may often be evaluated by replacing these functions by their limits. However, if the expression obtained after this substitution does not provide sufficient information to determine the original limit, then the expression is called an indeterminate form. For example, we could say that $0/0$ is an indeterminate form.

But we need to more specific, this is still ambiguous. An indeterminate form is a mathematical expression involving at most two of $0$, $1$ or $\infty$, obtained by applying the algebraic limit theorem (a theorem in analysis, look this up for details) in the process of attempting to determine a limit, which fails to restrict that limit to one specific value or infinity, and thus does not determine the limit being calculated. This is why it is called indeterminate. Some examples of indeterminate forms are
\[0/0, \infty/\infty, \infty-\infty, \infty \times 0\]etc etc. So what makes something undefined? In the broader scope, something being undefined refers to an expression which is not assigned an interpretation or a value. A function is said to be undefined for points outside its domain. For example, the function $f:\mathbb{R}^{+}\cup\{0\}\rightarrow\mathbb{R}$ given by the mapping $x\mapsto \sqrt{x}$ is undefined for $x<0$. On the other hand, $1/0$ is undefined because dividing by $0$ is not defined in arithmetic by definition. In other words, something is undefined when it is not defined in some mathematical context.

WHEN THE WATERS GET MUDDIED

So with this notion of indeterminate and undefined, things get convoluted. First of all, just because something is indeterminate does not mean it is not undefined. For example $0/0$ is considered both indeterminate and undefined (but in the context of a limit then it is considered in indeterminate form). Additionally, this notion of something being undefined also means that we can define it in some way. To rephrase, this means that technically, we can make something that is undefined to something that is defined as long as we define it. I'll show you what I mean.

One example of making something undefined into something defined is the extended real number line, which we define as
\[\overline{\mathbb{R}}=\mathbb{R}\cup \{-\infty,+\infty\}.\]So instead of treating infinity as an idea, we define infinity (positively and negatively, mind you) as actual numbers in the reals. The advantage of doing this is for two reasons. The first is because we can turn this thing into a totally ordered set. Specifically, we can let $-\infty\le a\le \infty$ for each $a\in\overline{\mathbb{R}}$ which means that via this order topology each subset has an infimum and supremum and $\overline{\mathbb{R}}$ is therefore compact. While this is nice from an analytic standpoint, extending the reals in this way can allow for interesting arithmetic! In $\overline{\mathbb{R}}$ it is perfectly OK to say that,
\begin{align*}
a + \infty = \infty + a & = \infty, & a & \neq -\infty \\
a - \infty = -\infty + a & = -\infty, & a & \neq \infty \\
a \cdot (\pm\infty) = \pm\infty \cdot a & = \pm\infty, & a & \in (0, +\infty] \\
a \cdot (\pm\infty) = \pm\infty \cdot a & = \mp\infty, & a & \in [-\infty, 0) \\
\frac{a}{\pm\infty} & = 0, & a & \in \mathbb{R} \\
\frac{\pm\infty}{a} & = \pm\infty, & a & \in (0, +\infty) \\
\frac{\pm\infty}{a} & = \mp\infty, & a & \in (-\infty, 0).
\end{align*}So addition, multiplication, and division are all defined nicely. However, notice that we have some indeterminate forms here which are also undefined,
\[\infty-\infty,\frac{\pm\infty}{\pm\infty},\frac{\pm\infty}{0},0\cdot \pm\infty.\]So while we define certain things, we also left others undefined/indeterminate in the process! However, in the context of measure theory it is common to define $\infty \times 0=0$ as greenturtle3141 noted below. I encourage to reread what he wrote, it's great stuff! As you may notice, though, dividing by $0$ is undefined still! Is there a place where it isn't? Kind of. To do this, we can extend the complex numbers! More formally, we can define this extension as
\[\mathbb{C}^*=\mathbb{C}\cup\{\tilde{\infty}\}\]which we call the Riemann Sphere (it actually forms a sphere, pretty cool right?). As a note, $\tilde{\infty}$ means complex infinity, since we are in the complex plane now. Here's the catch: division by $0$ is allowed here! In fact, we have
\[\frac{z}{0}=\tilde{\infty},\frac{z}{\tilde{\infty}}=0.\]where $\tilde{\infty}/\tilde{\infty}$ and $0/0$ are left undefined. We also have
\begin{align*}
z+\tilde{\infty}=\tilde{\infty}, \forall z\ne -\infty\\
z\times \tilde{\infty}=\tilde{\infty}, \forall z\ne 0
\end{align*}Furthermore, we actually have some nice properties with multiplication that we didn't have before. In $\mathbb{C}^*$ it holds that
\[\tilde{\infty}\times \tilde{\infty}=\tilde{\infty}\]but $\tilde{\infty}-\tilde{\infty}$ and $0\times \tilde{\infty}$ are left as undefined (unless there is an explicit need to change that somehow). One could define the projectively extended reals as we did with $\mathbb{C}^*$, by defining them as
\[{\widehat {\mathbb {R} }}=\mathbb {R} \cup \{\infty \}.\]They behave in a similar way to the Riemann Sphere, with division by $0$ also being allowed with the same indeterminate forms (in addition to some other ones).
23 replies
Arr0w
Feb 11, 2022
scannose
Sep 19, 2022
k i Marathon Threads
LauraZed   0
Jul 2, 2019
Due to excessive spam and inappropriate posts, we have locked the Prealgebra and Beginning Algebra threads.

We will either unlock these threads once we've cleaned them up or start new ones, but for now, do not start new marathon threads for these subjects. Any new marathon threads started while this announcement is up will be immediately deleted.
0 replies
LauraZed
Jul 2, 2019
0 replies
k i Basic Forum Rules and Info (Read before posting)
jellymoop   368
N May 16, 2018 by harry1234
f (Reminder: Do not post Alcumus or class homework questions on this forum. Instructions below.) f
Welcome to the Middle School Math Forum! Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the rules.

Overview:
[list]
[*] When you're posting a new topic with a math problem, give the topic a detailed title that includes the subject of the problem (not just "easy problem" or "nice problem")
[*] Stay on topic and be courteous.
[*] Hide solutions!
[*] If you see an inappropriate post in this forum, simply report the post and a moderator will deal with it. Don't make your own post telling people they're not following the rules - that usually just makes the issue worse.
[*] When you post a question that you need help solving, post what you've attempted so far and not just the question. We are here to learn from each other, not to do your homework. :P
[*] Avoid making posts just to thank someone - you can use the upvote function instead
[*] Don't make a new reply just to repeat yourself or comment on the quality of others' posts; instead, post when you have a new insight or question. You can also edit your post if it's the most recent and you want to add more information.
[*] Avoid bumping old posts.
[*] Use GameBot to post alcumus questions.
[*] If you need general MATHCOUNTS/math competition advice, check out the threads below.
[*] Don't post other users' real names.
[*] Advertisements are not allowed. You can advertise your forum on your profile with a link, on your blog, and on user-created forums that permit forum advertisements.
[/list]

Here are links to more detailed versions of the rules. These are from the older forums, so you can overlook "Classroom math/Competition math only" instructions.
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What belongs on this forum?
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Mathcounts and how to learn

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Marathons!
Relays might be a better way to describe it, but these threads definitely go the distance! One person starts off by posting a problem, and the next person comes up with a solution and a new problem for another user to solve. Here's some of the frequently active marathons running in this forum:
[list][*]Algebra
[*]Prealgebra
[*]Proofs
[*]Factoring
[*]Geometry
[*]Counting & Probability
[*]Number Theory[/list]
Some of these haven't received attention in a while, but these are the main ones for their respective subjects. Rather than starting a new marathon, please give the existing ones a shot first.

You can also view marathons via the Marathon tag.

Think this list is incomplete or needs changes? Let the mods know and we'll take a look.
368 replies
jellymoop
May 8, 2015
harry1234
May 16, 2018
9 how much time
A7456321   8
N a few seconds ago by valisaxieamc
idk if this is already a thing but im postin it again :p
8 replies
A7456321
Yesterday at 4:48 PM
valisaxieamc
a few seconds ago
inequality
mathematical-forest   3
N 18 minutes ago by RainbowNeos
For positive real intengers $x_{1} ,x_{2} ,\cdots,x_{n} $, such that $\prod_{i=1}^{n} x_{i} =1$
proof:
$$\sum_{i=1}^{n} \frac{1}{1+\sum _{j\ne i}x_{j}  } \le 1$$
3 replies
mathematical-forest
May 15, 2025
RainbowNeos
18 minutes ago
G, L, H are collinear
Ink68   0
19 minutes ago
Given an acute, non-isosceles triangle $ABC$. $B, C$ lie on a moving circle $(K)$. $(K)$ intersects $CA$ at $E$ and $BA$ at $F$. $BE, CF$ intersect at $G$. $KG, BC$ intersect at $D$. $L$ is the perpendicular image of $D$ with respect to $EF$. Prove that $G, L$ and the orthocenter $H$ are collinear.
0 replies
1 viewing
Ink68
19 minutes ago
0 replies
Challenge: Make every number to 100 using 4 fours
CJB19   125
N 26 minutes ago by e_is_2.7182818
I've seen this attempted a lot but I want to see if the AoPS community can actually do it. Using ONLY 4 fours and math operations, make as many numbers as you can. Try to go in order. I'll start:
$$(4-4)*4*4=0$$$$4-4+4/4=1$$$$4/4+4/4=2$$$$(4+4+4)/4=3$$$$4+(4-4)*4=4$$$$4+4^{4-4}=5$$$$4!/4+4-4=6$$$$4+4-4/4=7$$$$4+4+4-4=8$$
125 replies
CJB19
May 15, 2025
e_is_2.7182818
26 minutes ago
x^2 + 3y^2 = 8n + 4
Ink68   0
28 minutes ago
Let $n$ be a positive integer. Let $A$ be the number of pairs of integers $(x,y)$ satisfying $x^2 + 3y^2 = 8n + 4$ for odd values of $x$. Let $B$ be the number of pairs of integers $(x,y)$ satisfying $x^2 + 3y^2 = 8n + 4$. Prove that $A = \frac {2}{3} B$.
0 replies
Ink68
28 minutes ago
0 replies
drawn to scale
A7456321   19
N 32 minutes ago by ZMB038
would you guys say that the diagrams drawn on math comp papers are usually drawn to scale (or at least close)? i have found that they are usually pretty accurate even tho the test always says that they are not necessarily to scale
19 replies
A7456321
May 15, 2025
ZMB038
32 minutes ago
At least k points of S equidistant from P
orl   9
N an hour ago by Twan
Source: IMO 1989/3 , ISL 20, ILL 66
Let $ n$ and $ k$ be positive integers and let $ S$ be a set of $ n$ points in the plane such that

i.) no three points of $ S$ are collinear, and

ii.) for every point $ P$ of $ S$ there are at least $ k$ points of $ S$ equidistant from $ P.$

Prove that:
\[ k < \frac {1}{2} + \sqrt {2 \cdot n}
\]
9 replies
orl
Nov 19, 2005
Twan
an hour ago
Website to learn math
hawa   87
N an hour ago by Spacepandamath13
Hi, I'm kinda curious what website do yall use to learn math, like i dont find any website thats fun to learn math
87 replies
hawa
Apr 9, 2025
Spacepandamath13
an hour ago
9 AMC 10 Prep
bluedino24   36
N an hour ago by Spacepandamath13
I'm in 7th grade and thought it would be good to start preparing for the AMC 10. I'm not extremely good at math though.

What are some important topics I should study? Please comment below. Thanks! :D
36 replies
bluedino24
May 2, 2025
Spacepandamath13
an hour ago
9 AMC 8 Scores
ChromeRaptor777   155
N an hour ago by Spacepandamath13
As far as I'm certain, I think all AMC8 scores are already out. Vote above.
155 replies
ChromeRaptor777
Apr 1, 2022
Spacepandamath13
an hour ago
9 How many squares do you have memorized
LXC007   22
N 3 hours ago by Yiyj
How many squares have you memorized. I have 1-20
22 replies
LXC007
Yesterday at 3:44 PM
Yiyj
3 hours ago
MOPAMCAIMEUSAMOAMC
JustKeepRunning   11
N 3 hours ago by K1mchi_
Alex is training to make $\text{MOP}$. Currently he will score a $0$ on $\text{the AMC,}\text{ the AIME,}\text{and the USAMO}$. He can expend $3$ units of effort to gain $6$ points on the $\text{AMC}$, $7$ units of effort to gain $10$ points on the $\text{AIME}$, and $10$ units of effort to gain $1$ point on the $\text{USAMO}$. He will need to get at least $200$ points on $\text{the AMC}$ and $\text{AIME}$ combined and get at least $21$ points on $\text{the USAMO}$ to make $\text{MOP}$. What is the minimum amount of effort he can expend to make $\text{MOP}$?
11 replies
JustKeepRunning
Jul 27, 2019
K1mchi_
3 hours ago
prime numbers
wpdnjs   122
N 3 hours ago by ZMB038
does anyone know how to quickly identify prime numbers?

thanks.
122 replies
wpdnjs
Oct 2, 2024
ZMB038
3 hours ago
random achievements
Bummer12345   37
N 4 hours ago by LegendaryLearner
What are some random math achievements that you have accomplished but possess no real meaning?

For example, I solved #10 on the 2024 national mathcounts team round, though my team got a 5 Click to reveal hidden text and ended up getting 30-somethingth place
37 replies
Bummer12345
Mar 25, 2025
LegendaryLearner
4 hours ago
Tilted Students Thoroughly Splash Tiger part 2
DottedCaculator   19
N May 14, 2025 by ihatemath123
Source: ELMO 2024/5
In triangle $ABC$ with $AB<AC$ and $AB+AC=2BC$, let $M$ be the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$. Choose point $P$ on the extension of $\overline{BA}$ past $A$ and point $Q$ on segment $\overline{AC}$ such that $M$ lies on $\overline{PQ}$. Let $X$ be on the opposite side of $\overline{AB}$ from $C$ such that $\overline{AX} \parallel \overline{BC}$ and $AX=AP=AQ$. Let $\overline{BX}$ intersect the circumcircle of $BMQ$ again at $Y \neq B$, and let $\overline{CX}$ intersect the circumcircle of $CMP$ again at $Z \neq C$. Prove that $A$, $Y$, and $Z$ are collinear.

Tiger Zhang
19 replies
DottedCaculator
Jun 21, 2024
ihatemath123
May 14, 2025
Tilted Students Thoroughly Splash Tiger part 2
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: ELMO 2024/5
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DottedCaculator
7356 posts
#1 • 9 Y
Y by NO_SQUARES, centslordm, crazyeyemoody907, bjump, Rounak_iitr, nmoon_nya, ehuseyinyigit, chirita.andrei, MS_asdfgzxcvb
In triangle $ABC$ with $AB<AC$ and $AB+AC=2BC$, let $M$ be the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$. Choose point $P$ on the extension of $\overline{BA}$ past $A$ and point $Q$ on segment $\overline{AC}$ such that $M$ lies on $\overline{PQ}$. Let $X$ be on the opposite side of $\overline{AB}$ from $C$ such that $\overline{AX} \parallel \overline{BC}$ and $AX=AP=AQ$. Let $\overline{BX}$ intersect the circumcircle of $BMQ$ again at $Y \neq B$, and let $\overline{CX}$ intersect the circumcircle of $CMP$ again at $Z \neq C$. Prove that $A$, $Y$, and $Z$ are collinear.

Tiger Zhang
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by DottedCaculator, Jun 21, 2024, 4:17 PM
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YaoAOPS
1541 posts
#2 • 4 Y
Y by centslordm, crazyeyemoody907, Rounak_iitr, MS_asdfgzxcvb
Quite shrimple?


Claim: $BC = CQ$, and similarly $BP = BC$.
Proof. By directed lengths, we get that $BQ = b \cdot \frac{\frac{a}{2}}{a \cdot \frac{b}{b+c}} = \frac{b+c}{2}$. $\blacksquare$

Claim: $BQ, PC, AX$ concur on $(XPQ)$.
Proof. Note that $\measuredangle (AX, QB) = \measuredangle CBQ = \measuredangle BQC = \measuredangle (BQ, QA)$. This implies that $W = BQ \cap AX$ lies on $(XPQ)$. By symmetry, we similarly get $W$ lies on $PC$. $\blacksquare$
As such, it follows that $\measuredangle QBM + \measuredangle BCP = \measuredangle QWP$ which implies that the circles $(BMQ), (CMP), (PXQ)$ concur at some point $D$. Now, by triangle Miquel on $BXC$ we get that $(XYZD)$ is cyclic.

Claim: $AX, AD$ are tangents to $(XYZD)$.
Proof. Since $\measuredangle MDQ = \measuredangle MBW = \measuredangle XWQ = \measuredangle XDQ$ we get that $M$ lies on $XD$.
Note that since $\measuredangle AXD = \measuredangle AXM = \measuredangle DMB = \measuredangle DYB = \measuredangle DYX$, it follows that $AX$ is a tangent.
By orthogonality it follows that $AD$ must also be a tangent. $\blacksquare$
As such, since \[ (BC;M\infty) \overset{X}= (YZ;DX) = -1 \]this implies $A$ lies on $YZ$.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by YaoAOPS, Jun 21, 2024, 4:19 PM
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CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid
372 posts
#3 • 11 Y
Y by centslordm, CT17, khina, crazyeyemoody907, iamnotgentle, v4913, Rounak_iitr, cosdealfa, Yiyj1, Sedro, mrtheory
My problem!

[asy]
// ELMO 2024/5
size(9cm); defaultpen(0.8); defaultpen(fontsize(9pt)); dotfactor*=0.6;
pen greenfill,greendraw,lightbluedraw,bluedraw,purpledraw,pinkdraw;
greenfill = RGB(204,255,204);
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dot("$B$",B,dir(230));
dot("$C$",C,dir(290));
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[/asy]

Let $\measuredangle$ denote directed angles modulo $180^\circ$.

By Menelaus, we have
\[\frac{BP}{PA} \cdot \frac{AQ}{QC} \cdot \frac{CM}{MB}=1,\]and since $BM=CM$ and $AP=AQ$, this gives $BP=CQ$. If we let $BP=CQ=x$ and $AP=AQ=y$, then we have $x-y=AB$ and $x+y=AC$, so $x=\tfrac{AB+AC}{2}=BC$.

Let circle centered at $A$ through $X$, $P$, and $Q$ intersect $\overline{XM}$ again at $R$.

Claim: $R$ lies on the circumcircles of $BMQ$ and $CMP$.
Proof: We have
\[\angle MRQ=180^\circ-\angle XRQ=\frac{\angle XAQ}{2}=\frac{180^\circ-\angle ACB}{2}=\angle MBQ,\]so $BMQR$ is cyclic. Analogously, $CMRP$ is cyclic. $\square$

Claim: $XYRZ$ is cyclic and its circumcircle is tangent to $\overline{AX}$.
Proof: We have
\[\measuredangle XYR=\measuredangle BYR=\measuredangle BMR=\measuredangle AXR,\]so the circumcircle of $XRY$ is tangent to $\overline{AX}$. Analogously, the circumcircle of $XRZ$ is tangent to $\overline{AX}$, so the circle through $X$ and $R$ tangent to $\overline{AX}$ passes through $Y$ and $Z$, as desired. $\square$

Let $\infty_{BC}$ be the point at infinity on $\overline{BC}$. We have $(X,R;Y,Z)\overset{X}{=}(\infty_{BC},M;B,C)=-1$, so $XRYZ$ is harmonic. Since $\overline{AX}$ is tangent to its circumcircle, we know that $\overline{AR}$ is tangent as well, so $A$, $Y$, and $Z$ are collinear by the symmedian configuration. $\blacksquare$
This post has been edited 7 times. Last edited by CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid, Sep 2, 2024, 10:04 PM
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DottedCaculator
7356 posts
#4 • 3 Y
Y by centslordm, parola, mrtheory
By lengths, $AP=AQ=\frac{b-c}2$ so $BP=CQ=a$, which gives $P=(2a:c-b:0)$ and $Q=(2a:0:b-c)$. We get $X=(2a:b-c:c-b)$. The circumcircle of $BMQ$ is $-a^2yz-b^2zx-c^2xy+(x+y+z)\left(\frac{(2b-a)(b-c)}4x+\frac12a^2z\right)=0$ so line $BX$ intersects this at $(2a:y:c-b)$, implying
$$y(-a^2(c-b)-2ac^2)-2ab^2(c-b)+\frac14(2a+c-b+y)((2b-a)(b-c)2a+2a^2(c-b))=0$$or
$$y=\frac{(b-c)(c-2b)}{(b-2c)}.$$
Similarly, $CX$ intersects this at $(2a:b-c:z)$ where $z=\frac{(c-b)(b-2c)}{c-2b}$, so $A$, $Y$, and $Z$ collinear is equivalent to $\frac y{c-b}=\frac{b-c}z$, or $yz=-(b-c)^2$, which is true.
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NO_SQUARES
1133 posts
#5 • 1 Y
Y by centslordm
Nice problem!
First we will prove that $BP=BC=CQ$. Note that by Menelaus's theorem we have \[ 1=\frac{BM}{MC} \cdot \frac{CQ}{QA} \cdot \frac{AP}{PB} = \frac{CQ}{PB},\]so $CQ=PB$. Also $CQ+PB=(CQ+QA)+(PB-PA)=AC+AB=2BC \Rightarrow CQ=PB=BC.$

Let $D=(BMQ) \cap (CMP)$. Now we will prove that $AD=AP=AQ$. Note that this condition is equivalent to condition that $A$ is center of circle $(PQD)$. Since $AP=AQ$, it's enough to prove that $\angle PAQ=2 \angle PDQ$. Note that $D$ is center of spiral similarity of segments $PQ$ and $CB$, so $\angle PQD=\angle BCD$ and $\angle PCD=\angle QBD$, so $\angle BDC=180^\circ-\angle DBC-\angle DCB=180^\circ - (\angle CBQ + \angle BCP)=180^\circ-(90^\circ - \frac{1}{2}\angle BCA + 90^\circ - \frac{1}{2}\angle CBA)=\frac{1}{2} (\angle ABC + \angle ACB)=\frac{1}{2}\angle QAP.$ So, really $\angle PAQ=2 \angle PDQ$ and $AP=AQ=AD$.

Note that if $BQ \cap AX=E$, then $\angle AEQ=\angle CBQ=\angle CQB=\angle AQE$ and so $AQ=AE \Rightarrow E \in (PQD).$ Now note that since $AD=AE=AP=AQ=AX$, $PEQDX$ is cyclic and then $\angle AXD = \angle DQB = \angle DMB$ and so $M,D,X$ are collinear. By PoP we get $XY \cdot XB = XD\cdot XM = XC \cdot XZ$, so $BYZC$ is cyclic.

We have $\angle DYX = \angle BMD = \angle CZD$, so $XYDZ$ is cyclic. Now $\angle AXZ = \angle XCB = \angle ZYX$, so $AX$ is tangent to circle $(XYDZ)$. Since $AD=AX$, line $AD$ is also tangent to circle $(XYDZ)$. By this reason it is enough to prove that $XYDZ$ is harmonic quadrilateral.

Note that $\Delta XZD \sim \Delta XMC$ and $\Delta XDY \sim \Delta XBM$, so \[ \frac{XZ}{ZD}=\frac{XM}{MC}=\frac{XM}{MB}=\frac{XY}{YD} \Rightarrow XZ \cdot DY = XY \cdot ZD\]and so we are done!
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MarkBcc168
1595 posts
#6 • 4 Y
Y by centslordm, Number_theory060222, GeoKing, Muaaz.SY
First, notice that $P$ and $Q$ both lie on line through $M$ parallel to the angle bisector of $\angle BAC$. Thus, if $P_1 = 2P-B$ and $Q_1=2Q-C$, then $AP_1=AC$ and $AQ_1=AB$. Thus, $BP = CQ = \tfrac{AB+AC}2 = BC$

Now, let $XM$ intersect $\odot(XPQ)$ at $T$. We have
$$\angle QTM = 180^\circ - \angle QTX = \frac{\angle QAX}2 = 90^\circ - \frac{\angle C}2 = \angle QBM,$$so $T\in\odot(BMQ)$. Similarly, $T\in\odot(CMP)$. By power of point from $X$, we get $BCYZ$ concyclic. Moreover, by Miquel's theorem, we get $XYZT$ concyclic.

Finally, notice that since $XM$ is median of $\triangle XBC$, we get that $XT$ is symmedian of $\triangle XYZ$. Thus, $XYZT$ is harmonic quadriltaral. Since we have $XA$ tangent to $\odot(XYZ)$ and $AX=AT$, it follows that $A\in YZ$, done.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by MarkBcc168, Jun 21, 2024, 4:29 PM
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math_comb01
662 posts
#7 • 4 Y
Y by centslordm, Number_theory060222, Rounak_iitr, ehuseyinyigit
Nice Problem! Looks like I over-complicated lol.
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If $I_A$ is the excenter of $\triangle ABC$ and $W$ is reflection of $I_A$ in $M$. Let $BW \cap AC = Q'$ and $CW \cap AB = P'$

$\textbf{Claim 1:}$ $P' \equiv P$ and $Q' \equiv Q$.

$\textbf{Proof:}$ By reflection $\measuredangle Q'CB = 90 - \frac{C}{2}$ so $BC = CQ' = BP'$; $$AP = BC-AB = AC-BC = AQ$$and by converse of menelaus : $$\frac{BM}{MC} \cdot \frac{BP}{AP} \cdot \frac{AQ}{CQ} = 1$$, we get $M,P,Q$ are collinear which implies the claim as there exists an unique choice of $P,Q$.

$\textbf{Claim 2:}$ $AW \parallel BC$, $AW = AP=AQ$

$\textbf{Proof:}$ let $M_A$ denote the arc midpoint of arc $BC$, by ptolemy $M_AB(AB+AC) = AM_A(BC)$ so $2M_AB=AM_A$ which implies $M_AI_A=M_AI=AI$ by incenter-excenter lemma.Let $AI \cap BC = D$, then it is well known that $$-1=(BA,BD;BI,BI_A) = (AD;II_A) = \frac{IA}{ID} \cdot \frac{I_AD}{I_AA} = \frac{3 \cdot ID}{I_AD}$$, therefore $AD = I_AD$, now reflect $I_A$ about $B,C$ to get $I_A'$ and $I_A''$ then $\overline{AI_A'I_A''}$ is collinear and parallel to $BC$ as $I_AD=AD$ so we conclude $AW \parallel BC$, now for $AW=AP$ consider homothety of half at $I_A$ to get $AW = 2MD = BC-AC=AP=AQ$

Let $L = CW \cap MM_A$, let $D \in (ABC)$ such that $AD \parallel BC$, let $T = PQ \cap AD$, let $S = AD \cap MM_A$.

$\textbf{Claim 3:}$ $L \in (CMPY)$ and $\overline{LPX}$ are collinear.

$\textbf{Proof:}$ $$\measuredangle CLM = \measuredangle C/2 = \measuredangle (90- A/2 - B/2) = \measuredangle BPC - \measuredangle APQ = \measuredangle CPM $$. $$90^{\circ}= \measuredangle CPL = \measuredangle (90-B/2) + \measuredangle (B/2) = \measuredangle CPB + \measuredangle BPX = \measuredangle CPX $$
$\textbf{Claim 4:}$ $APQSM_{BC}$ is cyclic where $M_{BC}$ is arc midpoint of $BC$ containing $A$.

$\textbf{Proof:}$ $APQM_{BC}$ is cyclic as $M_{BC}QC \equiv M_{BC}PB$, notice that $\overline{MPQ}$ is simson line of $M_{BC}$ as $\measuredangle AQM_{BC} = 180-\measuredangle (90-A/2)-\measuredangle A/2 = 90 $ so $(APQ)$ is circle with diameter $M_{BC}A$ which implies $S \in (APQ)$ as well.

$\textbf{Claim 5:}$ $PXYT$ is cyclic.

$\textbf{Proof:}$ $$\measuredangle TPY = \measuredangle MPY = \measuredangle MCY = \measuredangle MCX = \measuredangle TXY $$
$\textbf{Claim 6:}$ $STYZM$ is cyclic.

$\textbf{Proof:}$ It suffices to prove that $STYM$ is cyclic and the conclusion follows by symmetry.
$$\measuredangle MYT = \measuredangle MYP - \measuredangle PYT = 180- \measuredangle MCP $$$$- \measuredangle PXA = 180-\measuredangle (90-B/2) - \measuredangle (B/2) = 90^{\circ} = \measuredangle MST $$
$\textbf{Claim 7:}$ $BCYZ$ is cyclic.

$\textbf{Proof:}$ $$\measuredangle YSW = \measuredangle YST = \measuredangle YMP = \measuredangle  YCW$$so $CSWY$ is cyclic, and similarly $SQZB$ is cyclic, so $XC \cdot XY = XS \cdot XW =XB \cdot XZ$

$\textbf{Claim 8:}$ $AX$ is tangent to $(XYZ)$

$\textbf{Proof:}$ $$\measuredangle AXY = \measuredangle YCB = \measuredangle XZY$$
Now we note that $S,T$ are inverses WRT $(APQ)$ because $A,S,T$ are collinear and $S \in (APQ)$ so $$AS \cdot AT = AX^2$$so $A$ lies on radical axes of $(STYZM)$ and $(XYZ)$, that is $YZ$, hence we're done. $\blacksquare$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by math_comb01, Jun 21, 2024, 4:50 PM
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VicKmath7
1390 posts
#8 • 1 Y
Y by Rounak_iitr
Solution
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OronSH
1746 posts
#9 • 2 Y
Y by ihatemath123, Jack_w
Very nice, just add the reflection $T$ of $X$ over $A,$ the reflection of $A$ over $T,$ the midpoint of $AT,$ the reflection of $B$ over $C,$ the intersections of the perpendicular bisector of $BC$ with lines $BQ$ and $CP,$ the foot from $A$ to $BC,$ the intouch point, the extouch point, the incenter, the orthocenter, the centroid, the circumcenter and the nagel point and now it is trivial (what I did in contest)
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ddami
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Similarly to others we can prove that lines BQ and CP meet at a point D at the circumcircle of XPQ. Here is another way to finish

Let T be the intersection of PQ with AX.
Let A' and X' be the reflections of A and X through D, respectively
Let W be the reflection of X through A'.

After a few computations we can get A'M perpendicular to BC. Thus DX'CB is a trapezoid.
Note that XYQT and XZTP are cyclic
Then angles CZT, XPT, XDQ and the supplementary of DX'C are equal. Hence TZCX' is cyclic
Then XZ * XC = XT * XX' = XA * XW and thus angles XAZ and WCX are equal
Likewise we obtain angles XAY and WBX are equal.
Since XBCW is a trapezoid we get that angles WCX and WBX are equal, thus angles XAZ and XAY are equal. Conclusion follows

Note: The computations I did to get A'M perpendicular to BC involve the hypothesis AC + AB = 2BC. Thus if the tangency point of BC with the incircle of ABC divides BC in two segments of lenghts 2b < 2c, then AB = 3b + c, AC = b + 3c, AA' = 2c - 2b, and from there we may compute AM and the altitude from A to BC
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by ddami, Jun 21, 2024, 9:58 PM
Reason: misspelled
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Ywgh1
139 posts
#11 • 1 Y
Y by Sedro
Any explanation to the title ? :)
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r00tsOfUnity
695 posts
#12
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YouTube video
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X.Allaberdiyev
104 posts
#13 • 1 Y
Y by Rounak_iitr
Let me also add one sol. without details)
One can easily observe that $PB=BC=CQ$(by Menelaus th). Let $BQ \cap PC=T$, by cheva we have $X - A - T$ and simply we have $(XPQT)$ is cyclic. Next step is proving $(BYZC)$ is cyclic. Take the miquel point of $BMCTPQ$ and call that point $R$. By angle chasing we have $\angle XRT=\angle TRM=90$, so $X - R - M$. Then by PoP $(BYZC)$ is cyclic, then $AX$ is tangent to $(XYZ)$. Since $AX=AQ$, it is enough to prove that $\angle AQZ=\angle ZYQ$(because by proving this, we will prove that $A$ lies on radical axes of circles $(XYZ)$ and $(YZQ)$, which means $A - Y - Z$). Let $PM \cap XT=F$ and $PM \cap CX=G$, then $(PFZX)$ and $(YZQG)$ are cyclic, and rest follows from angle chasing, so we are done:).
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by X.Allaberdiyev, Jun 23, 2024, 1:16 PM
Reason: Typo
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Awesome3.14
1733 posts
#14 • 2 Y
Y by ehuseyinyigit, Rounak_iitr
CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid wrote:
My problem!

Let $\measuredangle$ denote directed angles modulo $180^\circ$.

By Menelaus, we have
\[\frac{BP}{PA} \cdot \frac{AQ}{QC} \cdot \frac{CM}{MB}=1,\]and since $BM=CM$ and $AP=AQ$, this gives $BP=CQ$. If we let $BP=CQ=x$ and $AP=AQ=y$, then we have $x-y=AB$ and $x+y=AC$, so $x=\tfrac{AB+AC}{2}=BC$.

Let $T$ be the reflection of $X$ over $A$. Notice that $APT \sim BPC$ and $AQT \sim CQB$ by SAS, so $\overline{BQ}$ and $\overline{CP}$ intersect at $T$. Let the circumcircles of $BMQ$ and $CMP$ intersect again at $R$.

Claim: $R$ lies on the circle centered at $A$ through $P$, $Q$, $X$, and $T$.
Proof: We have
\[\measuredangle PRQ=\measuredangle PRM+\measuredangle MRQ=\measuredangle PCM+\measuredangle MBQ=\measuredangle CTB=\measuredangle PTQ,\]so $PTQR$ is cyclic, as desired.

Since $\measuredangle BMR=\measuredangle BQR=\measuredangle TQR=\measuredangle TXR$, we obtain that $X$, $R$, and $M$ are collinear.

Claim: $XYRZ$ is cyclic and its circumcircle is tangent to $\overline{AX}$.
Proof: We have
\[\measuredangle XYR=\measuredangle BYR=\measuredangle BMR=\measuredangle AXR,\]so the circumcircle of $XRY$ is tangent to $\overline{AX}$. Analogously, the circumcircle of $XRZ$ is tangent to $\overline{AX}$, so the circle through $X$ and $R$ tangent to $\overline{AX}$ passes through $Y$ and $Z$, as desired.

Let $\infty_{BC}$ be the point at infinity on $\overline{BC}$. We have $(X,R;Y,Z)\overset{X}{=}(\infty_{BC},M;B,C)=-1$, so $XRYZ$ is harmonic. Since $\overline{AX}$ is tangent to its circumcircle, we know that $\overline{AR}$ is tangent as well, so $A$, $Y$, and $Z$ are collinear by the symmedian configuration.

ADMITS
*throws water balloon*
i didnt see anyone throw water balloons at MOP this year, can someone confirm that tiger was hit with a water balloon?
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Awesome3.14, Jul 5, 2024, 8:15 PM
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GrantStar
821 posts
#15
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Define $K$ and $L$ such that
  • $LB=LC$ and $KB=KC$,
  • $A,K,L$ lie on the same side of $BC$,
  • $\angle BLC=\angle ABC$ and $\angle BKC=\angle ACB$.

Claim: $CQ=BC=BP$.
Proof. By menelaus on $ABC$ and $P,Q,M$, \[1=\frac{BM}{MC}\cdot \frac{CQ}{QA}\cdot \frac{AP}{PB}=\frac{CQ}{PB}\]so $CQ=PB=y$ since $BM=MC$, $AP=AQ=x$. Now, $AB=BP-AP=y-x$ and $AC=y+x$ so $AB+AC=2y=2BC$ so $y=BC$. $\blacksquare$

Claim: $K$ lies on $XP, BQ$, and $(PMC)$.
Proof. Since $\angle QBA=90^{\circ} - \angle \frac{\angle C}{2}$ from $CQ=CB$, $K$ lies on $BQ$ as $\angle KBC=90^{\circ} - \frac{\angle C}{2}$. Now, $\angle MQC=\frac{\angle A}{2}$ as $AP=AQ$. Thus $\angle CMP = \angle CMQ = 180^{\circ} - \frac{\angle A}{2}-\angle C$. As $\angle PCM=90^{\circ} - \frac{\angle B}{2}$, \[\angle MPC=180^{\circ} - \angle CMP - \angle PCM = \frac{\angle C}{2}\]But since $\angle MKC = \frac{\angle C}{2}$, $K$ lies on $(CMP)$.
Now, as $A$ is the circumcenter of $XPQ$ and $\angle XAQ=180^{\circ} - \angle C$, we get $\angle XPQ=90^{\circ} - \frac{\angle C}{2}$. But \[\angle MPK=180^{\circ} - \angle KMC = 180 ^{\circ} - \left(90^{\circ} - \frac{\angle C}{2}\right) = 180 ^{\circ} - \angle XPQ,\]so $K$ lies on $XP$. $\blacksquare$

Similar results hold for $L$, so since \[\measuredangle QLK=\measuredangle QLM=\measuredangle QBM=\measuredangle KBC=\measuredangle MCK=\measuredangle MPK=\measuredangle QPK,\]$PKQL$ is cyclic, so by radical axis, $X$ lies on the radical axis of $(PCM)$, $(BMQ)$, $(PKQL)$.

Now, invert at $X$ with radius $\sqrt{\operatorname{pow}_{(PKQL)}X}$ which fixes $(PCM)$, $(BMQ)$, $(PKQL)$. It sends $Y$ to $B$, $Z$ to $C$, and $(XPQ)$ to $KL$, the perpendicular bisector of $BC$. As $A$ is the circumcenter of $XPQ$, $A$ goes to $X'$, the reflection of $X$ over $KL$. Thus $AYZ$ inverts to $XBCX'$, an isosceles trapezoid, so inverting back we conclude.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by GrantStar, Sep 2, 2024, 10:38 PM
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Muaaz.SY
90 posts
#16
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Let $E=\overline{XQ}\cap (BMQ)$ , $F=\overline{XP}\cap (CMP)$
note that $\overline{PQ}\parallel \overline{AD}$ where $D$ is the intersection of $\angle BAC$ bisector and $BC$
from $\frac{CQ}{CA}=\frac{CM}{CD}$ we can get $CQ=BC=BP$
some angle chase shows that $M$, $E$, $F$ are collinear, $BYZC$ is cyclic and $\overline{BEF} \perp \overline{BC}$
Now let $R$ be the reflection of $X$ over $\overline {ME}$, abviously $XBCR$ is cyclic.
$\angle QER=\angle XER=2\angle XEF=2\angle QBM=180-\angle QAX$
so $XA.XR=XY.XB$
To finish note that he inversion centered at $X$ with radius $\sqrt{XY.XB}$ sends $(XBCR)$ to a line $\overline{YZA}$ as needed.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Muaaz.SY, Nov 9, 2024, 4:44 PM
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awesomeming327.
1721 posts
#18
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Claim 1: $BP=BC=QC$.
By Menelaus, we have
\[\frac{AP}{BP}\cdot \frac{BM}{CM}\cdot \frac{CQ}{AQ}=1\]But since $AP=AQ$ and $BM=CM$, we must have $BP=CQ$. Then note that
\[BP+CQ=BA+AP+CA-CQ=BA+CA=2BC\]so our claim is proved.
Let $D$ be the reflection of $X$ across $A$, which is on $(XPQ)$. Then $\triangle PAD$ and $\triangle PBC$ are similar and $AD\parallel BC$ so $D$ lies on $CP$. Similarly, it lies on $BQ$. Then, by Miquel Point on complete quadrilateral $PDCMBQ$: $(BQM)$, $(CMP)$, $(DPQ)$, $(DBC)$ concur at a point, call it $S$. We have
\[\angle SYX=\angle SMB=\angle SZC\]so $(XYZ)$ also passes through $S$.

Claim 2: $BCZY$ cyclic.
Note that since
\[\angle DXS=\angle CPS=\angle BMS\]we have $S$ lies on $XM$. Thus by radical axis we are done.
Claim 3: $AX$ and $AS$ are tangent to $(XYZ)$.
We have $\angle AXZ=\angle XCB=\angle XYZ$, so $AX$ is tangent. Since $AX=AS$, $AS$ is also tangent.
Claim 4: $XYSZ$ is harmonic.
Note that since $\tfrac{XY}{XZ}=\tfrac{XC}{XB}$ it suffices to show that $SZ\cdot CX=SY\cdot BX$. This is clear:
\[SZ\cdot CX=[SXC]\csc(\angle SZX)=[SXB]\csc(\angle SYX)=SY\cdot BX\]because $XS$ is the median and because $\angle SZX$ and $\angle SYX$ are supplements.
Since $XYSZ$ is harmonic, $YZ$ passes through $A$. We are done.
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HoRI_DA_GRe8
598 posts
#20
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It's not all over , we are not rusted to dust :wallbash_red:
ELMO 2024 P5 wrote:
In triangle $ABC$ with $AB<AC$ and $AB+AC=2BC$, let $M$ be the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$. Choose point $P$ on the extension of $\overline{BA}$ past $A$ and point $Q$ on segment $\overline{AC}$ such that $M$ lies on $\overline{PQ}$. Let $X$ be on the opposite side of $\overline{AB}$ from $C$ such that $\overline{AX} \parallel \overline{BC}$ and $AX=AP=AQ$. Let $\overline{BX}$ intersect the circumcircle of $BMQ$ again at $Y \neq B$, and let $\overline{CX}$ intersect the circumcircle of $CMP$ again at $Z \neq C$. Prove that $A$, $Y$, and $Z$ are collinear.

Tiger Zhang

Note that if $I$ is the Incentre ,then $PQ \parallel AI$, using angle bisector theorem and parallel ratios we get $AP=AQ=AX=AX'=c-b$, where $A$ is the midpoint of $XX'$.This also gives $BP=BC=CQ$

Claim : $\overline{B-X'-Q}$ and $\overline{C-X'-P}$
Proof : Note that,
$$\angle BQC=\frac{180^{\circ}-\angle ACB}{2}=90^{\circ}-\frac{\angle QCB}{2}=90^{\circ}-\frac{\angle QAX'}{2}=\angle AX'Q \implies B-X'-Q$$Similarly we also have $C-X'-P$ and hence our claim is proved $\square$

Now using miquel on complete quadrilateral $QX'CM$ we have that $\odot(\triangle BMQ),\odot(\triangle CMP),\odot(PX'QX)$ meet at a certain point.Call it $D$.

Now we observe that ,
$$\angle XDP=\angle XX'P=\angle MCP=180^{\circ}-\angle PDM \implies X \in MD$$From here using power of point gives, $XZ\cdot XC=XD \cdot XM=XY \cdot XB \implies BYZC$ is cyclic.

Claim : $XYDZ$ is cyclic and $AX$ is tangent to the circle.
Proof : We can angle chase both the parts;
$$\angle XYD=\angle BMD=\angle CZD=180^{\circ}-\angle XZD \implies \text{ Part 1 }$$$$\angle AXD=\angle XMB=\angle DMB=\angle XYD \implies \text{ Part 2 } \square $$Note that since $AX=AD$ ($A$ is the centre of $(PX'QDX)$) , we get that $AD$ is tangent to $(XYDZ)$ . So it suffices to prove that the quadrilateral $XYDZ$ is harmonic. That directly follows from ,
$$(Y,Z;X,D) \stackrel{X}=(B,C;M, \infty_{BC})=-1 \text{        } \blacksquare$$
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MathLuis
1536 posts
#21
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Let $H$ the orthocenter of $\triangle BIC$ where $I$ is the incenter of $\triangle ABC$, let $HI \cap BC=D$ and let $D'$ reflection of $D$ over $I$, redefine $IM \cap AH=X$, also let altitude from $A$ to $BC$ hit $IM, BC$ at $G, L$ while letting $AI \cap BC=K$ and also let $AD' \cap BC=T$, and let $I_A$ the A-excenter.
Claim 1: $AH \parallel BC$.
Proof: First notice that from homothety $I_AT \perp BC$ so $-1=(A, K; I, I_A) \overset{\infty_{BC}}{=} (L, K; D, T)$ but we also have that $\frac{LD}{DK}=\frac{AI}{IK}=2$ so from the cross ratio we have $LK=KT$ thus from homothety also trivially notice $IM \parallel AT$ so $AGID'$ is a parallelogram where $AK$ bisects $GD'$ too which means that $GD' \parallel BC$ and thus from parallelograms we have $LD=GD'=TM$ and thus $DK=KM$ which gives that $MD' \parallel AI$ also remember it is well known that $ID, EF, AM$ are concurren at $J$ (you can drop parallel from $J$ to $BC$ and angle chase to win) and in addition since we now have $AD'MI$ is a parallelogram it happens that $J$ is the intersection of its diagonals and thus $AJ=JM$ and $IJ=JD$ however this means that $J$ lies on the A-midbase which from Iran Lemma spam is well-known to be the polar of $H$ w.r.t. incircle and we are done as by La'Hire it means $AH$ is polar of $J$ w.r.t. incircle and as seen to lie on $ID$ you can conclude $AH \perp ID$ so $AH \parallel  BC$ as desired.
Claim 2: $BH \cap AC=Q$ and $CH \cap AB=P$.
Proof: Define those points as seen above, then it is clear that $BP=BC=CQ$ by reflections and however from thales we can also have $AP=AQ=AH$ and now to finish you simply throw menelaus to see that $P,Q,M$ are colinear and in fact $D'$ lies on this line too as seen above.
The finish: Now just note that since $DK=KM$ from thales we have $XA=AH$ so $X$ is also the one from the problem statement and now if you let $N$ to be the H-queue point of $\triangle BHC$ then as $\angle XNH=90$ we have $AN=AH=AX$ too but also notice that $N$ is miquelpoint of $BPQC$ as a result and thus it lies on both $(CMP), (BMQ)$ and also on $IM$ too.
So now just notice from Miquelpoint theorem and PoP that $BYNM, MNZC, BYZC, XYNZ$ are all cyclic so we also have that $AX$ is tangent to $(XYNZ)$ but also $-1=(B, C: M, \infty_{BC}) \overset{X}{=} (Y, Z; N, X)$ which shows that not only $AN$ is tangent to $(XYNZ)$ it now also with this shows that $Y,Z,A$ are colinear as desired thus we are done :cool:.
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ihatemath123
3448 posts
#22
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Nice problem :love:

By Ceva's theorem, we have $PB = BC = CQ$ (see 2022 AIME I P14).

Let $R$ be the intersection of lines $BQ$ and $CP$equivalently, $R$ is the orthocenter of $\triangle BIC$. By angle chasing, $R$ lies on $(PQX)$. Let $W$ be the second intersection of $(MBQ)$ and $(MCP)$, so $W$ is the Miquel point of $PQBC$. In particular, $W$ lies on $(PQX)$ and $(BRC)$.

Claim: $W$ is the $R$-queue point in $\triangle RBC$.
Proof: Let $Q'$ and $P'$ be the midpoint of $\overline{BQ}$ and $\overline{CP}$, respectively. Then, since $W$ is the Miquel point of quadrilateral $PQBC$, it is also the Miquel point of quadrilateral $P'Q'BC$. But $P'$ and $Q'$ are the feet from $B$ and $C$ to opposite sides in $\triangle RBC$, so by definition $W$ is the $R$-queue point.

Claim: Points $W$, $X$ and $M$ are collinear.
Proof: From the above claim, it follows that $W$, $I$ and $M$ are collinear. So, it suffices to show that $M$, $I$ and $X$ are collinear. Let $N$ be the circumcenter of $\triangle BIC$. Point $R$ lies on line $AX$ because $IR = 2MN$ and then some dumb $AB + AC = 2BC$ stuff. So, $R$ and $X$ are reflections about $A$. Some dumb mass point stuff probably finishes.

Claim: We have that $(XYZ)$ is tangent to $\overline{AX}$.
Proof: We have $\measuredangle XYZ = \measuredangle BCX = \measuredangle AXZ$.

Point $W$ lies on $(XYZ)$ by Miquel's theorem on $\triangle XBC$. Projecting $BMC \infty$ through $X$ onto $(XYZ)$ gives us that $XYWZ$ is harmonic. Since $\overline{XA}$ is tangent to $(XYZ)$ and $AX = AW$, it follows that $\overline{WA}$ is also tangent to $(XYZ)$. The collinearity follows.

remark
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