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
Rectangular line segments in russia
egxa   1
N 3 minutes ago by Quantum-Phantom
Source: All Russian 2025 9.1
Several line segments parallel to the sides of a rectangular sheet of paper were drawn on it. These segments divided the sheet into several rectangles, inside of which there are no drawn lines. Petya wants to draw one diagonal in each of the rectangles, dividing it into two triangles, and color each triangle either black or white. Is it always possible to do this in such a way that no two triangles of the same color share a segment of their boundary?
1 reply
egxa
Friday at 10:00 AM
Quantum-Phantom
3 minutes ago
old and easy imo inequality
Valentin Vornicu   212
N 41 minutes ago by Sleepy_Head
Source: IMO 2000, Problem 2, IMO Shortlist 2000, A1
Let $ a, b, c$ be positive real numbers so that $ abc = 1$. Prove that
\[ \left( a - 1 + \frac 1b \right) \left( b - 1 + \frac 1c \right) \left( c - 1 + \frac 1a \right) \leq 1.
\]
212 replies
Valentin Vornicu
Oct 24, 2005
Sleepy_Head
41 minutes ago
Killer NT that nobody solved (also my hardest NT ever created)
mshtand1   1
N an hour ago by YaoAOPS
Source: Ukraine IMO 2025 TST P8
A positive integer number \( a \) is chosen. Prove that there exists a prime number that divides infinitely many terms of the sequence \( \{b_k\}_{k=1}^{\infty} \), where
\[
b_k = a^{k^k} \cdot 2^{2^k - k} + 1.
\]
Proposed by Arsenii Nikolaev and Mykhailo Shtandenko
1 reply
2 viewing
mshtand1
5 hours ago
YaoAOPS
an hour ago
Mildly interesting
GreekIdiot   1
N 3 hours ago by GreekIdiot
Source: my teacher
Let numbers $a_1,a_2,a_3,\cdots,a_n \in \mathbb{Z_+}$ such that $\forall \: 1 \leq i \leq n, a_i<1000$ and $\forall \: i \neq j, \: lcm(a_i,a_j)>1000$. Prove that $\sum_{i=1}^{n} \dfrac{1}{a_i}<3/2$.
1 reply
GreekIdiot
Yesterday at 12:54 PM
GreekIdiot
3 hours ago
fourier series divergence
DurdonTyler   1
N Yesterday at 6:20 PM by aiops
I previously proved that there is $f \in C_{\text{per}}([-\pi,\pi]; \mathbb{C})$ such that its Fourier series diverges at $x=0$. There is nothing special about the point $x=0$, it was just for convenience. The same proof showed that for every $t \in [-\pi,\pi]$, there is $f_t \in C_{\text{per}}([-\pi,\pi]; \mathbb{C})$ such that the Fourier series of $f_t(x)$ diverges at $x=t$, not to show.

My question to prove:
(a) Let $(X, \| \cdot \|_X)$ be a Banach space and for every $n \geq 1$ we have a normed space $(Y_n, \| \cdot \|_{Y_n})$. Suppose that for every $n \geq 1$ there is $(T_{n,k})_{k \geq 1} \subset L(X; Y_n)$ and $x_n \in X$ such that
\[
    \sup_{k \geq 1} \| T_{n,k}x_n \|_{Y_n} = \infty.
    \]Show that
\[
    B = \left\{ x \in X : \sup_{k \geq 1} \| T_{n,k}x \|_{Y_n} = \infty \ \forall n \geq 1 \right\}
    \]is of second category. (I am given the hint to write $A = X \setminus B$ as
\[
    A = \bigcup_{n \geq 1} A_n = \bigcup_{n \geq 1} \left\{ x \in X : \sup_{k \geq 1} \| T_{n,k}x \|_{Y_n} < \infty \right\}
    \]and show that $A_n$ is of first category.)

(b) Let $D = \{t_1, t_2, \ldots\} \subset [-\pi, \pi)$. Show that there is $f_D \in C_{\text{per}}([-\pi,\pi]; \mathbb{C})$ such that the Fourier series of $f_D(x)$ diverges at $x = t_n$ for all $n \geq 1$. (I'm given the hint to use part a) with
\[
    T_{n,k} : (C_{\text{per}}([-\pi,\pi]; \mathbb{C}), \| \cdot \|_\infty) \to \mathbb{C}, \quad f \mapsto S_k(f)(t_n),
    \]where
\[
    S_k(f)(x) = \sum_{|j| \leq k} c_j(f) e^{ijx}.
    \]
1 reply
DurdonTyler
Yesterday at 6:15 PM
aiops
Yesterday at 6:20 PM
Soviet Union University Mathematical Contest
geekmath-31   1
N Yesterday at 3:48 PM by Filipjack
Given a n*n matrix A, prove that there exists a matrix B such that ABA = A

Solution: I have submitted the attachment

The answer is too symbol dense for me to understand the answer.
What I have undertood:

There is use of direct product in the orthogonal decomposition. The decomposition is made with kernel and some T (which the author didn't mention) but as per orthogonal decomposition it must be its orthogonal complement.

Can anyone explain the answer in much much more detail with less use of symbols ( you can also use symbols but clearly define it).

Also what is phi | T ?
1 reply
geekmath-31
Yesterday at 3:40 AM
Filipjack
Yesterday at 3:48 PM
Sequence of functions
Tricky123   0
Yesterday at 3:17 PM
Q) let $f_n:[-1,1)\to\mathbb{R}$ and $f_n(x)=x^{n}$ then is this uniformly convergence on $(0,1)$ comment on uniformly convergence on $[0,1]$ where in general it is should be uniformly convergence.

My I am trying with some contradicton method like chose $\epsilon=1$ and trying to solve$|f_n(a)-f(a)|<\epsilon=1$
Next take a in (0,1) and chose a= 2^1/N but not solution
How to solve like this way help.
Is this is a good approach or any simple way please prefer.
0 replies
Tricky123
Yesterday at 3:17 PM
0 replies
Dimension of a Linear Space
EthanWYX2009   1
N Yesterday at 2:14 PM by loup blanc
Source: 2024 May taca-10
Let \( V \) be a $10$-dimensional inner product space of column vectors, where for \( v = (v_1, v_2, \dots, v_{10})^T \) and \( w = (w_1, w_2, \dots, w_{10})^T \), the inner product of \( v \) and \( w \) is defined as \[\langle v, w \rangle = \sum_{i=1}^{10} v_i w_i.\]For \( u \in V \), define a linear transformation \( P_u \) on \( V \) as follows:
\[ P_u : V \to V, \quad x \mapsto x - \frac{2\langle x, u \rangle u}{\langle u, u \rangle} \]Given \( v, w \in V \) satisfying
\[ 0 < \langle v, w \rangle < \sqrt{\langle v, v \rangle \langle w, w \rangle} \]let \( Q = P_v \circ P_w \). Then the dimension of the linear space formed by all linear transformations \( P : V \to V \) satisfying \( P \circ Q = Q \circ P \) is $\underline{\quad\quad}.$
1 reply
EthanWYX2009
Yesterday at 2:50 AM
loup blanc
Yesterday at 2:14 PM
Solve this
themathkidthatlikesaops   1
N Yesterday at 1:44 PM by Mathzeus1024
Audrey deposited $10,000$ into a 3-year certificate of deposit that earned 10% annual interest, compounded annually. Audrey made no additional deposits to or withdrawals from the certificate of deposit. What was the value of the certificate of deposit at the end of the 3-year period?

A. $13,000$
B. $13,300$
C. $13,310$
D. $13,401$
1 reply
themathkidthatlikesaops
Mar 15, 2024
Mathzeus1024
Yesterday at 1:44 PM
complex integral with two circle (contour) against each other
azzam2912   4
N Yesterday at 12:18 PM by Mathzeus1024
Source: seleksi onmipa itb 2022
Let $C_1$ be a circle $|z|=3$ with counterclockwise orientation and $C_2$ be a circle $|z|=1$ with clockwise orientation.
If $f(z)=\dfrac{z^4-16z^2}{z^2+3z-10}$, then the value of $\int_{C_1 \cup C_2} f(z) dz = \dots$

ps: i'm confused with the concept union of two contour. how i proceed? The reason behind solution is much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
4 replies
azzam2912
Jul 27, 2022
Mathzeus1024
Yesterday at 12:18 PM
Differential equation ,asymptotic
Moubinool   1
N Yesterday at 11:08 AM by Mathzeus1024
f’’(t)=tf(t), f(0)=1,f’(0)=0

Find limit of $$\frac{f(t)t^{1/4}}{exp(2t^{3/2}/3)}$$when t tend $+\infty$
1 reply
Moubinool
Jul 21, 2020
Mathzeus1024
Yesterday at 11:08 AM
Jordan form and canonical base of a matrix
And1viper   3
N Yesterday at 10:57 AM by Suan_16
Find the Jordan form and a canonical basis of the following matrix $A$ over the field $Z_5$:
$$A = \begin{bmatrix}
    2 & 1 & 2 & 0 & 0 \\
    0 & 4 & 0 & 3 & 4 \\
    0 & 0 & 2 & 1 & 2 \\
    0 & 0 & 0 & 4 & 1 \\
    0 & 0 & 0 & 0 & 2
  \end{bmatrix}
$$
3 replies
And1viper
Feb 26, 2023
Suan_16
Yesterday at 10:57 AM
Putnam 1938 B2
jhu08   3
N Yesterday at 10:29 AM by Mathzeus1024
Find all solutions of the differential equation $zz" - 2z'z' = 0$ which pass through the point $x=1, z=1.$
3 replies
jhu08
Aug 20, 2021
Mathzeus1024
Yesterday at 10:29 AM
Differential equations , Matrix theory
c00lb0y   1
N Yesterday at 10:19 AM by loup blanc
Source: RUDN MATH OLYMP 2024 problem 4
Any idea?? Diff equational system combined with Matrix theory.
Consider the equation dX/dt=X^2, where X(t) is an n×n matrix satisfying the condition detX=0. It is known that there are no solutions of this equation defined on a bounded interval, but there exist non-continuable solutions defined on unbounded intervals of the form (t ,+∞) and (−∞,t). Find n.
1 reply
c00lb0y
Apr 17, 2025
loup blanc
Yesterday at 10:19 AM
IMO Problem 4
iandrei   105
N Apr 13, 2025 by cj13609517288
Source: IMO ShortList 2003, geometry problem 1
Let $ABCD$ be a cyclic quadrilateral. Let $P$, $Q$, $R$ be the feet of the perpendiculars from $D$ to the lines $BC$, $CA$, $AB$, respectively. Show that $PQ=QR$ if and only if the bisectors of $\angle ABC$ and $\angle ADC$ are concurrent with $AC$.
105 replies
iandrei
Jul 14, 2003
cj13609517288
Apr 13, 2025
Source: IMO ShortList 2003, geometry problem 1
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
HamstPan38825
8857 posts
#95
Y by
here's a fourth projective solution to this i guess

Note that $\overline{PQR}$ is the Simson line of $D$ with respect to triangle $ABC$. Hence for $E = \overline{DP} \cap (ABCD)$, it is parallel to $\overline{AE}$. Then $$(AC;BD) \stackrel P=(FB;EC) \stackrel A= (PR; Q\infty_{PQR})$$which implies the result.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
MagicalToaster53
159 posts
#96
Y by
Notice that the concurrent angle condition is identical to the condition that $ABCD$ is a harmonic quadrilateral. Observe now that \[\frac{PQ}{QD} = \frac{\sin \angle PDQ}{\sin \angle QPD} = \frac{\sin \angle BAC}{\sin \angle DAC},\]and \[\frac{QR}{QD} = \frac{\sin \angle QDR}{\sin \angle DRQ} = \frac{\sin \angle ACB}{\sin \angle DBA}. \]Hence, \[\frac{PQ}{QR} = \frac{\sin \angle BAC}{\sin \angle DAC} \cdot \frac{\sin \angle DBA}{\sin \angle ACB} = \frac{BC}{BA} \cdot \frac{DA}{DC} = 1 \iff ABCD \text{ is harmonic,}\]as desired. $\blacksquare$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Markas
105 posts
#97 • 1 Y
Y by panche
If the bisectors meet on AC this gives us $\frac{AD}{DC} = \frac{AB}{BC}$. From ABCD cyclic $\angle BAC = \angle PCD$, so $\triangle CPD \sim \triangle ARD$, so $\frac{AR}{CP} = \frac{AD}{DC}$. From Menelaus on $\triangle BPR$ we get $\frac{BA}{AR}. \frac{RQ}{QP}. \frac{PC}{CB} = 1$ (we can do this since P, Q, R lie on one line aka Simpson line) and $\frac{BA}{AR}. \frac{PC}{CB} = \frac{AD}{DC}. \frac{DC}{AD} = 1$. This means $\frac{PQ}{QP} = 1$ $\Rightarrow$ PQ = QP. In the other direction is the same because the pair of similar triangles is there, so we get that $\frac{BA}{CB} = \frac{AD}{DC}$ which is equivalent to the fact that the bisectors meet on AC. We are ready.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
BestAOPS
707 posts
#98 • 1 Y
Y by teomihai
Notice that $P,Q,R$ lie on the Simson line.

Let $X$ be the second intersection of line $DQ$ with the circle $\omega$ circumscribing $ABCD$. We claim that $\overline{BX} \parallel \overline{RQ}$. Using directed angles,
\[ \angle BXD = \angle BAD = \angle RAD = \angle RQD, \]and thus, $\overline{BX}$ is parallel to the Simson line.

Next, note that by the angle bisector theorem, the bisector condition is equivalent to $ABCD$ being harmonic. Additionally, we have
\[ (A,C;B,D) \stackrel{X}{=} (A,C;\overline{BX} \cap \overline{AC}, Q) \stackrel{B}{=} (R,P;P_\infty,Q), \]and since $(R,P;P_\infty,Q) = -1 \iff PQ=QR$, we are done.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
ezpotd
1253 posts
#99 • 1 Y
Y by m4thbl3nd3r
Complex bash, let $A = w, C = \overline{w}, B = b, D = d$. Let $M,N = 1,-1$ be the arc midpoints of $AC$. Note $BD,MN$ meet a point whose polar is parallel to $AC$. If $BM,DN,AC$ are concurrent (or $BN, DM, AC$), then Brokard tells us that $AC$ is precisely this polar, so the condition can be reduces to the intersection of tangents from $A,C$ being the intersection of $BD, MN$. The intersection of $BD, MN$ is just $\frac{b + d}{bd + 1}$, so the desired condition is just $\frac{b + d}{bd + 1} = \frac{2}{w + \overline{w}}$, rearrange to get $2bd + 2 = (b + d)(w + \overline{w})$. Now for the condition that $PQ = QR$. We dilate by two and instead find a condition for $P'Q' = Q'R'$. By Simson line, it just suffices to show $p + r = 2q$. The reflection of $D$ over $AB$ is just $w + b - \frac{bw}{d}$, likewise the reflection of $D$ over $BC$ is just $b + \overline{w} - \frac{b\overline{w}}{d}$. The reflection of $D$ over $AC$ is just $w + \overline w - \frac 1d$. Now the condition is $2b + w + \overline{w} - \frac bd (w + \overline{w}) = 2(w + \overline{w} ) - \frac 2d$. Multiplying by $d$, an equivalent condition is $2bd + (d -b)(w + \overline{w}) = 2d(w + \overline{w}) - 2$, rearranging we get $(b + d)(w + \overline{w}) = 2bd + 2$, as desired. Since the conditions are equivalent, we can conclude that $PQ = QR$ and the concurrency happen at exactly the same configurations, we are done.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
peppapig_
280 posts
#100
Y by
First, note that if the angle bisectors of $\angle ABC$ and $\angle ADC$ meet on segment $AC$, we then have
\[\frac{AB}{CB}=\frac{AD}{CD} \iff AB*CD=AD*BC \iff (AC;BD)=-1,\]and by the uniqueness of the harmonic conjugate, this means that $B$ is the unique point on $(ACD)$ such that $(AC;BD)=-1$. By the harmonic quadrilateral configuration, this means that $BD$ is the $D$-symmedian of $\triangle ACD$. It then suffices to show that
\[PQ=QR\iff BD\text{ is the } D\text{-symmedian of }\triangle ACD.\]
To start, we make the following claims.

***

Claim 1. $P$, $Q$, $R$ are collinear.

Proof.
This is immediate from the Simson Line at $D$ with respect to $\triangle ABC$.

***

Claim 2. There exists a spiral similarity centered at $D$ sending $\triangle DRP$ to $\triangle DAC$.

Proof.
All angles below are directed.

We can prove this through (directed) angle chasing. First, note that since $\angle CQD=\angle CPD=90$, we have that $C$, $P$, $D$, $Q$ are concyclic, which gives us that
\[\angle RPD=\angle QPD=\angle QCD=\angle ACD,\]and since $\angle ARD=\angle AQD=90$, we have that $A$, $R$, $Q$, $D$ concyclic, meaning that
\[\angle PRD=\angle QRD=\angle QAD=\angle CAD,\]and these two combined gives us that $\triangle DRP\sim \triangle DAC$, as desired. This proves our claim.

***

Now, let $M$ be the midpoint of $AC$. Notice that $Q$ is the midpoint of $RP$ if and only if the spiral similarity described in Claim 2. sends $Q$ to $M$. However, note that
\[\angle Q\rightarrow M \iff \angle MDQ=\angle CDP \iff 90-\angle MDQ=90-\angle CDP \iff \angle DMQ=\angle DCP,\]and since $\angle DCP=\angle BAD$ by cyclic properties, and $\angle DMQ=\angle DMC$, this gives us that
\[\iff \angle BAD=\angle DMC.\]
Now, let us fix $A$, $C$, and $D$. We make the following claim.

***

Claim 3. If $\angle BAD=\angle DMC$, then $B\neq D$ must be the unique point on $(ACD)$ such that $BD$ is the $D$-symmedian of $\triangle ACD$.

Proof.
Notice that since $\angle DMC$ is fixed, $\angle BAD$ must also be fixed, meaning that there is a unique point on $(ACD)$ such that $\angle BAD=\angle DMC$. Now, we can angle chase. We get that
\[\angle ADM=180-\angle AMD-\angle MAD=\angle CMD-\angle MAD=\angle BAD-\angle MAD=\angle BAC=\angle BDC,\]which means that $BD$ is indeed the $D$-symmedian of $\triangle ABC$, as desired. This proves our claim.

***

By Claim 3. means that $\angle BAD=\angle DMC$ is equivalent to the condition that $BD$ is the $D$-symmedian of $ADC$. However, we also established earlier that the former was equivalent to $Q$ being the midpoint of $PR$, meaning that
\[PQ=QR\iff BD\text{ is the } D\text{-symmedian of }\triangle ACD,\]as desired. Since
\[BD\text{ is the } D\text{-symmedian of }\triangle ACD\iff (AC;BD)=-1\iff \text{the angle bisector of }\angle ABC \text{ and } \angle ADC \text{ meet on } AC,\]we have that the angle bisectors meet on $AC$ if and only if $PQ=QR$, which is what we wished to prove. This completes our proof.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by peppapig_, Nov 1, 2024, 10:11 PM
Reason: \implies but really \iff
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
shendrew7
794 posts
#101
Y by
Notice that
\[PQ = QR \iff AD \sin \angle A = CD \sin \angle C \iff AD \cdot BC = CD \cdot AB. \quad \blacksquare\]
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
lnzhonglp
120 posts
#102
Y by
Let $DP$ intersect $(ABC)$ again at $K$. By Simson line $P, Q, R$ are collinear, and $\measuredangle QPD = \measuredangle PCD = \measuredangle AKD$ so $AK \parallel PQ$. Then $$(AC;BD) \overset{P}{=} (AP \cap (ABC), B; C, K) \overset{A}{=} (PR; Q\infty),$$which concludes by angle bisector theorem.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
DakshAggarwalRedsurgance
10 posts
#103
Y by
arshakus wrote:
hey guys)
I solved this problem in about 10 minutes, but I think there is some thing wrong because I didn't use the fact that $ABCD$ is cyclic.
Can it be so?

Yes. (same here) it is not a requirement at all . The fact that it is cyclic helps in the creation of simson line and just makes the diagram easy to construct plus it gets rid of nasty configuration issues. I was able to see some possible issues(which were not quite problematic are so) But there could have been some config that I missed. I asked a few people too and all of them agree. IMO committee wanted the problem to own its own merit instead of relying on configs so yippee
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Perelman1000000
102 posts
#104
Y by
$\boxed{nice problem}$
Attachments:
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Mquej555
15 posts
#105
Y by
How can it be to IMO?

\[PQ = QR \iff AD \sin \angle A = CD \sin \angle C \iff AD \cdot BC = CD \cdot AB. \quad \blacksquare\]
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
LeYohan
40 posts
#106
Y by
My first IMO #4 sol :blush:

We notice that second condition is equivalent to showing that $ABCD$ is an harmonic quadrilateral because of the angle bisector theorem, so we want to proof that $\frac{CB}{AB}=\frac{CD}{AD}$.

Assuming that $PQ=QR$, it's well known that $P-Q-R$, so we proceed by applying Menelaus's theorem on $\triangle PRB$ with transversal line $AC$, getting that $\frac{CB}{AB}=\frac{CP}{AR}$, so now we want to show that $\frac{CP}{AR}=\frac{CD}{AD}$, but just notice that $\triangle DPC \sim \triangle DRA$ which gives the proportion.

Assuming that $\frac{CB}{AB}=\frac{CD}{AD}$, by the previous proportion we know $\frac{CP}{AR}=\frac{CD}{AD}$ so by applying Menelaus's theorem again on $\triangle PRB$ with transversal line $AC$, we obtain $PQ=QR$, so we're done. $\square$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by LeYohan, Feb 10, 2025, 10:12 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Maximilian113
549 posts
#107
Y by
By the Angle Bisector Theorem, the second condition is equivalent to $$\frac{AB}{BC} = \frac{AD}{CD}.$$
Now, note that $DQAR$ is a cyclic quadrilateral as $\angle DQA = \angle DRA = 90^\circ.$ Therefore by the Law of Sines $$\frac{QR}{\sin \angle QDR} = \frac{DR}{\sin \angle DQR} \iff \frac{QR}{\sin \angle BAC} = \frac{DR}{\sin \angle DAC}.$$Similarly $$\frac{PQ}{\sin \angle BCA} = \frac{DR}{\sin \angle DCA}.$$Dividing these equations, it follows that $$PQ=QR \iff \frac{\sin \angle BAC}{\sin \angle BCA} = \frac{\sin \angle DAC}{\sin \angle DCA} \iff \frac{AB}{BC} = \frac{AD}{CD}$$by the Law of Sines. QED
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
cj13609517288
1889 posts
#108
Y by
The first condition, after multiplying by $2$, subtracting from $a+b+c+d$, then multiplying by $d$, is equivalent to
\[2ac+2bd=ab+bc+cd+da\]in complex. The second condition is equivalent to $ABCD$ being harmonic, which is
\[(a-b)(c-d)=-(c-b)(a-d)\Longleftrightarrow 2ac+2bc=ab+bc+cd+da.\]Wow. $\blacksquare$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
cj13609517288
1889 posts
#109 • 1 Y
Y by Maximilian113
Okay fine here's a synthetic solution.

Let's prove the forwards direction. Let $B'$ be on $(ABCD)$ such that $BB'\parallel AC$, and similarly for $D'$. We have
\[
-1=(P,R;Q,\infty_{PR})
\stackrel{D}{=}(\infty_{\perp BA},\infty_{\perp BC};\infty_{\perp AC},\infty_{PR})
\stackrel{\text{rotate }90^\circ}{=}(\infty_{BA},\infty_{BC};\infty_{AC},\infty_{\perp PR})
\stackrel{B}{=}(A,C;B',B\infty_{\perp PR}\cap(ABCD)).
\]But we claim that the unique such point $B\infty_{\perp PR}\cap(ABCD)$ is exactly $D'$. Indeed, $BD$ is the $B$-circumcenter cevian of triangle $BPR$ (since $D$ is the antipode), so $BD'$, being isogonal to $BD$, is perpendicular to $PR$.

Thus $(A,C;B,D)=-1$ and the angle bisector thing follows by the angle bisector theorem. Everything in this proof was reversible so we get the other direction too. $\blacksquare$
Z K Y
N Quick Reply
G
H
=
a