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k a May Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
Thursday at 11:16 PM
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:
[list][*]May 9th, 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, Casework 2: Overwhelming Evidence — A Text Adventure, a game where participants will work together to navigate the map, solve puzzles, and win! All are welcome.
[*]May 19th, 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, What's Next After Beast Academy?, designed for students finishing Beast Academy and ready for Prealgebra 1.
[*]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
Thursday at 11:16 PM
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
Problem 6
SlovEcience   2
N 8 minutes ago by mashumaro
Given two points A and B on the unit circle. The tangents to the circle at A and B intersect at point P. Then:
\[ p = \frac{2ab}{a + b} \], \[ p, a, b \in \mathbb{C} \]
2 replies
SlovEcience
3 hours ago
mashumaro
8 minutes ago
A coincidence about triangles with common incenter
flower417477   3
N 21 minutes ago by mashumaro
$\triangle ABC,\triangle ADE$ have the same incenter $I$.Prove that $BCDE$ is concyclic iff $BC,DE,AI$ is concurrent
3 replies
flower417477
Apr 30, 2025
mashumaro
21 minutes ago
this geo is scarier than the omega variant
AwesomeYRY   11
N 28 minutes ago by LuminousWolverine
Source: TSTST 2021/6
Triangles $ABC$ and $DEF$ share circumcircle $\Omega$ and incircle $\omega$ so that points $A,F,B,D,C,$ and $E$ occur in this order along $\Omega$. Let $\Delta_A$ be the triangle formed by lines $AB,AC,$ and $EF,$ and define triangles $\Delta_B, \Delta_C, \ldots, \Delta_F$ similarly. Furthermore, let $\Omega_A$ and $\omega_A$ be the circumcircle and incircle of triangle $\Delta_A$, respectively, and define circles $\Omega_B, \omega_B, \ldots, \Omega_F, \omega_F$ similarly.

(a) Prove that the two common external tangents to circles $\Omega_A$ and $\Omega_D$ and the two common external tangents to $\omega_A$ and $\omega_D$ are either concurrent or pairwise parallel.

(b) Suppose that these four lines meet at point $T_A$, and define points $T_B$ and $T_C$ similarly. Prove that points $T_A,T_B$, and $T_C$ are collinear.

Nikolai Beluhov
11 replies
AwesomeYRY
Dec 13, 2021
LuminousWolverine
28 minutes ago
No function f on reals such that f(f(x))=x^2-2
N.T.TUAN   17
N 38 minutes ago by Assassino9931
Source: VietNam TST 1990
Prove that there does not exist a function $f: \mathbb R\to\mathbb R$ such that $f(f(x))=x^2-2$ for all $x\in\mathbb R$.
17 replies
N.T.TUAN
Dec 31, 2006
Assassino9931
38 minutes ago
Hard diophant equation
MuradSafarli   4
N 41 minutes ago by iniffur
Find all positive integers $x, y, z, t$ such that the equation

$$
2017^x + 6^y + 2^z = 2025^t
$$
is satisfied.
4 replies
MuradSafarli
Yesterday at 6:12 PM
iniffur
41 minutes ago
Geometry that "looks" hard
Pmshw   3
N an hour ago by Lemmas
Source: Iran 2nd round 2022 P6
we have an isogonal triangle $ABC$ such that $BC=AB$. take a random $P$ on the altitude from $B$ to $AC$.
The circle $(ABP)$ intersects $AC$ second time in $M$. Take $N$ such that it's on the segment $AC$ and $AM=NC$ and $M \neq N$.The second intersection of $NP$ and circle $(APB)$ is $X$ , ($X \neq P$) and the second intersection of $AB$ and circle $(APN)$ is $Y$ ,($Y \neq A$).The tangent from $A$ to the circle $(APN)$ intersects the altitude from $B$ at $Z$.
Prove that $CZ$ is tangent to circle $(PXY)$.
3 replies
1 viewing
Pmshw
May 9, 2022
Lemmas
an hour ago
inequalities
Cobedangiu   2
N an hour ago by Cobedangiu
$a,b,c>0$ and $\sum ab=\dfrac{1}{3}$. Prove that:
$\sum \dfrac{1}{a^2-bc+1}\le 3$
2 replies
Cobedangiu
Today at 4:06 AM
Cobedangiu
an hour ago
IMO Shortlist Problems
ABCD1728   6
N an hour ago by ABCD1728
Source: IMO official website
Where can I get the official solution for ISL before 2005? The official website only has solutions after 2006. Thanks :)
6 replies
ABCD1728
Yesterday at 12:44 PM
ABCD1728
an hour ago
Find the product
sqing   1
N 2 hours ago by Primeniyazidayi
Source: Ecrin_eren
The roots of $ x^3 - 2x^2 - 11x + k=0 $ are $r_1, r_2,  r_3 $ and $ r_1+2 r_2+3 r_3= 0.$ Find the product of all possible values of $ k .$
1 reply
sqing
2 hours ago
Primeniyazidayi
2 hours ago
Some free permutation
IndoMathXdZ   23
N 2 hours ago by Jupiterballs
Source: ISL 2020 N7
Let $\mathcal{S}$ be a set consisting of $n \ge 3$ positive integers, none of which is a sum of two other distinct members of $\mathcal{S}$. Prove that the elements of $\mathcal{S}$ may be ordered as $a_1, a_2, \dots, a_n$ so that $a_i$ does not divide $a_{i - 1} + a_{i + 1}$ for all $i = 2, 3, \dots, n - 1$.
23 replies
IndoMathXdZ
Jul 20, 2021
Jupiterballs
2 hours ago
How you study effectively
FuturePanda   3
N 2 hours ago by Pengu14
Discuss how you study math below!

For example, for me, my goal is to make JMO and get at least 25+ on it (aka bronze/silver), and so far I am doing:
- 50% computational (ARML, HMMT, AMC 10 mocks, occasionally AIME problems(since I’ve done most of them already))
-50% Olympiad (OTIS)
3 replies
FuturePanda
Today at 4:52 AM
Pengu14
2 hours ago
purple comet discussion
ConfidentKoala4   39
N Today at 5:11 AM by elizhang101412
when can we discuss purple comet
39 replies
ConfidentKoala4
Yesterday at 5:45 PM
elizhang101412
Today at 5:11 AM
prime spam
fruitmonster97   35
N Today at 4:33 AM by Craftybutterfly
Source: 2024 AMC 10A #3
What is the sum of the digits of the smallest prime that can be written as a sum of $5$ distinct primes?

$\textbf{(A) }5\qquad\textbf{(B) }7\qquad\textbf{(C) }9\qquad\textbf{(D) }10\qquad\textbf{(E) }11$
35 replies
fruitmonster97
Nov 7, 2024
Craftybutterfly
Today at 4:33 AM
Distributing cupcakes
KevinYang2.71   20
N Today at 4:19 AM by peace09
Source: USAMO 2025/6
Let $m$ and $n$ be positive integers with $m\geq n$. There are $m$ cupcakes of different flavors arranged around a circle and $n$ people who like cupcakes. Each person assigns a nonnegative real number score to each cupcake, depending on how much they like the cupcake. Suppose that for each person $P$, it is possible to partition the circle of $m$ cupcakes into $n$ groups of consecutive cupcakes so that the sum of $P$'s scores of the cupcakes in each group is at least $1$. Prove that it is possible to distribute the $m$ cupcakes to the $n$ people so that each person $P$ receives cupcakes of total score at least $1$ with respect to $P$.
20 replies
KevinYang2.71
Mar 21, 2025
peace09
Today at 4:19 AM
apparently circles have two intersections :'(
itised   76
N Mar 16, 2025 by Ilikeminecraft
Source: 2020 USOJMO Problem 2
Let $\omega$ be the incircle of a fixed equilateral triangle $ABC$. Let $\ell$ be a variable line that is tangent to $\omega$ and meets the interior of segments $BC$ and $CA$ at points $P$ and $Q$, respectively. A point $R$ is chosen such that $PR = PA$ and $QR = QB$. Find all possible locations of the point $R$, over all choices of $\ell$.

Proposed by Titu Andreescu and Waldemar Pompe
76 replies
itised
Jun 21, 2020
Ilikeminecraft
Mar 16, 2025
apparently circles have two intersections :'(
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: 2020 USOJMO Problem 2
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554183
484 posts
#65
Y by
Nice problem, though I took a lot of time (~2 hours) because I was (stupidly) trying to angle chase a claim.
Diagram added for reference.
Claim: $I \in GH$.
Proof. We will prove that it lies on the radical axes of the red and blue circles. Throughout this solution, $DP=PX=x, QX=QE=y$.
\begin{align*}
\iff IP^2-PA^2&=IQ^2-QB^2 \\
\iff (\frac{a^2}{12}+x^2)-(\frac{3a^2}{4}+x^2) = (\frac{a^2}{12}+y^2)-(\frac{3a^2}{4}+y^2)
\end{align*}Which is trivially true $\Box$
Note that the radical axis of two circles must be perpendicular to the line connecting their centres. As a result, $X \in GH$ too.
Claim: $G \in \odot{ABC}$
Proof.
$$GI=GX-IX$$$$=GX -\frac{a}{2\sqrt{3}}$$However, $GX=\frac{\sqrt{3}a}{2}$ because $GX^2+XP^2=GP^2= PA^2=AD^2+DP^2$. . Therefore, $GI=\frac{a}{\sqrt{3}}=AI$, proving the claim $\Box$.
Now a simple length chase proves that $\frac{GI}{IH}=\frac{1}{2}$. Therefore, the homothety of ratio $-2$ sends $G$ to $H$, and consequently, our answer is arc $AB$ and the arc made by the homothety we mentioned before.
Attachments:
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by 554183, Sep 13, 2021, 3:31 PM
Reason: Latex blunder
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asdf334
7585 posts
#66
Y by
solution set is points R such that RT perpendicular to PQ and RT=AD=BE which is easily proven (where T is point of tangency), the solution follows easily

edit: dang your solutions are :wacko:
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by asdf334, Sep 13, 2021, 3:49 PM
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Tafi_ak
309 posts
#67
Y by
Let $I$ be the center of the equilateral triangle $ABC$. Let the circles with radius $AP$ and $BQ$ intersect each other at $R_1$ and $R_2$. The locus of the all points of such $R$ is circles actually, the circles with radius $IR_1$ (this is the circumcircle of $ABC$) and $IR_2$.

The point $D$ lies on $R_1R_2$, which follows by the PoP.

[asy]
 /* Geogebra to Asymptote conversion, documentation at artofproblemsolving.com/Wiki go to User:Azjps/geogebra */
import graph; size(32.04009188686031cm); 
real labelscalefactor = 0.5; /* changes label-to-point distance */
pen dps = linewidth(0.7) + fontsize(10); defaultpen(dps); /* default pen style */ 
pen dotstyle = black; /* point style */ 
real xmin = -13.55596900292541, xmax = 18.4841228839349, ymin = -18.814372246868626, ymax = 6.0214386240112;  /* image dimensions */
pen ffxfqq = rgb(1.,0.4980392156862745,0.); 
 /* draw figures */
draw(circle((1.3581702394607207,-4.918497679616305), 2.116571695140565), linewidth(0.8)); 
draw((xmin, 2.9836120376494693*xmin-15.63104086425135)--(xmax, 2.9836120376494693*xmax-15.63104086425135), linewidth(0.8)); /* line */
draw(circle((2.8849340119995452,-7.023517018225128), 6.526953344280609), linewidth(0.8) + red); 
draw(circle((3.6713070312575016,-4.677285011884334), 6.422444339501898), linewidth(0.8) + green); 
draw(circle((1.358407455868242,-4.918479292321957), 4.233082233658332), linewidth(0.8) + ffxfqq); 
draw((-2.6555321573673805,-3.5732482483295986)--(1.3259710422622277,-0.6854767519122333), linewidth(0.8)); 
draw((1.3259710422622277,-0.6854767519122333)--(1.3581702394607207,-4.918497679616305), linewidth(0.8)); 
draw((1.3581702394607207,-4.918497679616305)--(5.040173496202865,-7.007122820712979), linewidth(0.8)); 
draw((1.3581702394607207,-4.918497679616305)--(1.3742698380599672,-7.035008143468338), linewidth(0.8)); 
draw((-0.48283138891035104,-3.8741851090679673)--(1.3581702394607207,-4.918497679616305), linewidth(0.8)); 
draw((1.3259710422622277,-0.6854767519122333)--(-2.291633820082928,-7.062893466223699), linewidth(0.8)); 
draw((-2.291633820082928,-7.062893466223699)--(5.040173496202865,-7.007122820712979), linewidth(0.8)); 
draw((5.040173496202865,-7.007122820712979)--(1.3259710422622277,-0.6854767519122333), linewidth(0.8)); 
draw((1.3259710422622277,-0.6854767519122333)--(2.8849340119995452,-7.023517018225128), linewidth(0.8) + red); 
draw((2.8849340119995452,-7.023517018225128)--(-2.6555321573673805,-3.5732482483295986), linewidth(0.8) + red); 
draw((-2.6555321573673805,-3.5732482483295986)--(9.385575033116927,-7.608996542189704), linewidth(0.8)); 
draw(circle((1.3574812381604935,-4.918232986367356), 8.466908766081035), linewidth(0.8)); 
draw((2.8849340119995452,-7.023517018225128)--(9.385575033116927,-7.608996542189704), linewidth(0.8) + red); 
 /* dots and labels */
dot((1.3259710422622277,-0.6854767519122333),dotstyle); 
label("$A$", (1.0105816478069403,0.4602392432543942), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((-2.291633820082928,-7.062893466223699),dotstyle); 
label("$B$", (-3.2867087827778745,-7.8183643803722145), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((5.040173496202865,-7.007122820712979),dotstyle); 
label("$C$", (5.813435658460557,-7.344398524057714), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((1.3581702394607207,-4.918497679616305),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$I$", (1.9269156366816433,-4.721787452450811), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((1.3742698380599672,-7.035008143468338),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$E$", (0.7577998577725393,-8.071146170406616), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((3.3650214378747707,-5.591122395259655),dotstyle); 
label("$D$", (3.5699972719052493,-6.459662258937313), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((3.6713070312575016,-4.677285011884334),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$Q$", (4.328342642008452,-4.721787452450811), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((2.8849340119995452,-7.023517018225128),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$P$", (3.001238244327847,-8.229134789178115), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((-2.6555321573673805,-3.5732482483295986),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$R_1$", (-3.760674639092376,-3.0787058172272097), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((9.385575033116927,-7.608996542189704),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$R_2$", (9.76315112774807,-8.450318855458216), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((-0.48283138891035104,-3.8741851090679673),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$M$", (-0.8220863299424661,-3.45787850227881), NE * labelscalefactor); 
clip((xmin,ymin)--(xmin,ymax)--(xmax,ymax)--(xmax,ymin)--cycle); 
 /* end of picture */
[/asy]

Claim: $IA=IR_1$. And similarly $IB=IR_1$.

Proof. The triangles $\triangle AEP$ and $\triangle AR_1D$ are congruent. Because $EP=DP, R_1P=AP$ and there have a right angle. Therefore $IE=R_1D$ and hence done. $\square$

Since we have $IA=IB=IR_1$, we can conclude that the point $R_1$ moves on the circumcircle of $ABC$. (Basically on minor arc $AB$).

Now notice that the triangles $\triangle PR_1D$ and $\triangle PR_2D$ are congruent. Since the length $IR_1$ doesn't change therefore $DR_2$ also does not change. Since the line $R_1R_2$ are moving with respect to the fixed point $I$ with the same length, so the locus of the point of $R_2$ is a circle.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Tafi_ak, Nov 27, 2021, 7:55 PM
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blackbluecar
302 posts
#68
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Let $E$, $F$, and $T$ be the tangency point of $AC$, $AB$, and $\ell$ with $\omega$ and let $TI$ intersect $(ABC)$ at $L$. We claim $BLET$ is cyclic. Indeed, since $BI=LI$ and $TI=EI$ it follows that $BLET$ is an isosceles trapezoid. Now, consider the inversion around $(ABC)$. $L \to L$, $B \to B$, and $E \to E^*$ where $E$ is the midpoint of $E^*B$. We claim $Q$ is the circumcenter of $LBE^*$. Indeed, $QB=QE^*$ by the midpoint property so let us show $QB=QL$. $LB=IL$ so by SAS it is sufficient to show $\angle QIL = \angle QIB$. Clearly, $\angle EIL = \angle TIB$ and $QE=QT$. Thus, by SSS, $\angle EIQ = \angle TIQ$. So, \[ \angle QIL = \angle EIL + \angle EIQ = \angle TIB + \angle TIQ = \angle QIB \]Proving the claim. Using the fact that $T$ lies on $(BLE)$ we have $T^*Q=BQ$. By symmetry, $T^*P=AP$ so $T^*=R$. Notice that a point $X$ is a valid choice of $T$ iff $X$ is on minor arc $EF$. Thus, all valid choices of $T^*$ is the arc $E^*F^*$ on $\omega^*$.
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AwesomeYRY
579 posts
#69
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I did not notice that there was a second intersection point until reading the first few posts on the thread lol. Anyways, being able to directly construct $R$ is pretty cool.
The two circles intersect at exactly two points. Let $PQ$ be tangent to the incircle at $T$. I claim that the two intersections are the points $R_1, R_2$ such that $RT\perp PQ$ and $RT = \frac{\sqrt3}{2} s$ where $s$ is the sidelength of $\triangle ABC$. It suffices to show that this definition of $R$ satisfies $QB=QR$ and $PA = PR$.

Let $X,Y$ be the tangency points on $CB,CA$ respectively. Then
\[PA^2 = PX^2 + AX^2 = PT^2 + (\frac{\sqrt3}{2} s)^2 = PT^2 + TR^2 = PR^2.\]A similar argument shows that $QB = QR$. Thus, we have described all points $R$ that lie on the intersection of the two circles.

Now, note that we always have $IT\perp PQ$. Since $r= \frac{s\sqrt3}{6}$, the locus of points $R$ is the points $s(\frac{\sqrt3}{2} - \frac{\sqrt3}{6})= s\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} = 2r$ in the direction opposite $T$ from the incenter, and $s(\frac{\sqrt3}{2} + \frac{\sqrt3}{6}) = \frac{s\cdot 2\sqrt3}{3} = 2R=4r$ in the direction of $T$ from $I$.

$T$ must lie on the $120^{\circ}$ arc $XY$. Note that a homothety with factor $-2$ and the homothety with factor 4 take $T$ to $R_1$ and $R_2$. Thus, the locus of points $R$ is the arc $XY$ under homothety with factor $-2$ or $4$ centered at $I$.
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Math4Life2020
2963 posts
#70
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How many points would missing the other case get?
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Mogmog8
1080 posts
#71 • 1 Y
Y by centslordm
Let $I$ be the incenter, $D,E,F$ be the contact points, $s$ a side length, $r$ the circumradius, $T=\omega\cap\ell,$ and $R_1,R_2=\odot(P,PA)\cap\odot(Q,QB).$

Claim: $\overline{R_1T}\perp\overline{PQ}$ so $I,T,R_1,$ and $R_2$ are collinear.
Proof. Notice \begin{align*}(R_1P^2-TP^2)-(R_1Q^2-TQ^2)&=(AP^2-PD^2)-(BQ^2-QE^2)\\&=AD^2-BE^2\\&=0\end{align*}and the second part follows as $\overline{TI}\perp\overline{PQ}.$ $\blacksquare$

We also see $\triangle R_1TP\cong\triangle ADP$ so $$IR_1=IT+AD=\frac{s\sqrt{3}}{6}+\frac{s\sqrt{3}}{2}=2r.$$Also, $$IR_2=BE-IT=\frac{s\sqrt{3}}{6}-\frac{s\sqrt{3}}{2}=\frac{r}{2}.$$
Hence, all $R$ are on the circle with radius $\tfrac{1}{2}r$ or $2r.$ Notice $T$ must lie on minor arc $DE$ on $\omega,$ and so by homothety, $R$ must lie on the $120$ degree arcs bounded by $\overline{AD}$ and $\overline{BE}.$ That is, $R$ is on minor arc $\overline{AB}$ of $\odot(I,\tfrac{1}{2}r)$ or minor arc $\overline{A_1B_1}$ of $\odot(I,2r),$ where $A_1=\overline{AD}\cap\odot(I,2r)$ and $B_1=\overline{BE}\cap\odot(I,2r).$ $\square$
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Pleaseletmewin
1574 posts
#72
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Very fun problem :) I would appreciate it if anyone could look over my writeup and give me some feedback.
Let $I$ be the incenter of $\triangle ABC$, $\omega_1$ be the circle with center $P$ and radius $PA$, and $\omega_2$ be the circle with center $Q$ and radius $QB$. Denote $D, E, F$ as the tangency points of $\omega$ with $BC, CA$, and $AB$ respectively. Clearly, the intersections of $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$ will be possible locations of the point $R$. The key claim is the following:
Claim: $TI$ is the radical axis of $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$.
Proof. Since $PQ$ is the line connecting the centers of $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$ and $TI$ is clearly perpendicular to $PQ$, it suffices to show that $T$ has equal power to $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$. Let $PD=PT=x, QT=QE=y$, and $DB=BF=FA=EA=d$. By the Law of Cosines, we find
\begin{align*}
PA^2&=BP^2+BA^2-2(BP)(BA)\cos 60^\circ=(x+d)^2+(2d)^2-(x+d)(2d)=x^2+3d^2 \\
QB^2&=AQ^2+AB^2-2(AQ)(AB)\cos 60^\circ=(y+d)^2+(2d)^2-(y+d)(2d)=y^2+3d^2.
\end{align*}Therefore,
\begin{align*}
\text{Pow}(T,\omega_1)=TP^2-PA^2=x^2-(x^2+3d^2)=-3d^2=y^2-(y^2+3d^2)=\text{Pow}(T,\omega_2),
\end{align*}as desired.
Let $R_1$ denote the intersection of $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$ that lies on the opposite side of $C$ with respect to $AB$. We have $T, I, R_1$ collinear. By the Pythagorean Theorem, we have
\begin{align*}
R_1T=\sqrt{PR_1^2-PT^2}=\sqrt{PA^2-PT^2}=\sqrt{(x^2+3d^2)-x^2}=\sqrt{3}d.
\end{align*}But as $TI=\tfrac{d}{\sqrt{3}}$ (inradius), we have $IR_1=\tfrac{2d}{\sqrt{3}}$. This implies that there is a negative homothety centered at $I$ with ratio $-2$ that sends $T$ to $R_1$. Letting $R_2$ denote the intersection of $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$ that lies on the same side of $C$ with respect to $AB$, we find with similar methods that $IR_2=\tfrac{4d}{\sqrt{3}}$, so there is a positive homothety centered at $I$ with ratio $4$ that sends $T$ to $R_2$. Let $D'$ and $E'$ denote the images of $D$ and $E$, respectively, after a homothety of ratio $4$ centered at $I$. Then, as $T$ can be any point on minor arc $\widehat{DE}$, the desired locus is the union of two $120^\circ$ circular arcs $\widehat{D'E'}$ and $\widehat{AB}$ centered at $I$.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Pleaseletmewin, Mar 19, 2022, 6:12 AM
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OronSH
1730 posts
#73
Y by
The answer is minor arc $AB$ on the circumcircle together with its image under a homothety at the center with scale factor $-2.$

Let $X$ be the tangency point of $PQ$ to the incircle and let $DEF$ be the contact triangle, with $D$ opposite $A,$ $E$ opposite $B$ and $F$ opposite $C.$ It is clear that $X$ is on minor arc $DE$ of the incircle. Let $I$ be the incenter. We claim that $X,I,R$ are collinear.

To show this, let $AE=AF=BF=BD=c,$ $QE=QX=a$ and $PD=PX=b.$ Notice that $R$ is defined as the intersection of circles centered at $P,Q.$ Thus $R$ is on their radical axis, which is perpendicular to $PQ.$ Since $IX\perp PQ$ it suffices to show that $X$ lies on the radical axis. This is equivalent to showing that $QB^2-QX^2=PA^2-PX^2.$ By Law of Cosines we have $QB^2=a^2+3c^2$ so $QB^2-QX^2=3c^2.$ Similarly $PA^2-PX^2=3c^2$ so we finish.

Now we show that $RX=3IX.$ Letting $r$ be the inradius, we have $RX=\sqrt{QR^2-QX^2}=\sqrt{QB^2-QX^2}=c\sqrt3=r$ so we finish.

Now if $R,I$ are on the same side of $PQ$ we have that $R$ is the image of $X$ under a homothety at $I$ with scale factor $-2$ which is minor arc $AB.$ If $R,I$ are on opposite sides of $PQ$ we see that $R$ is the image of $X$ under a homothety at $I$ with scale factor $4,$ which is the aforementioned image of $AB.$ Thus we are done.
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HamstPan38825
8857 posts
#74
Y by
This is fake geometry :(

The answer is the minor arc $\widehat{AB}$ along with its image under a homothety at $O$ with ratio $-2$.

To see the first locus, let $E$ be the tangency point of $\ell$. I claim that $R = \ell \cap (ABC)$ satisfies the given conditions. Set $N = \overline{OP} \cap \overline{AR}$ and $A'$ the incircle touchpoint on $\overline{BC}$. As $OA = OR$ and $PE = PA'$, by symmetry, $N$ is the midpoint of $\overline{AR}$. In particular, we must have $PA=PR$. Similarly, $QB=QR$, hence $\widehat{AB}$ describes one set of the locus of $R$.

To see the other locus, notice that $(P)$ and $(Q)$ have radical axis $\overline{OR}$. Their other intersection $R'$ is a point with $ER' = ER$ and hence $OR'=2OR$ fixed.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by HamstPan38825, Mar 10, 2024, 3:30 AM
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joshualiu315
2533 posts
#75
Y by
yea this is not such a beatiful problem :|


Let $T$ be the intersection of $\ell$ and $\omega$. The loci are minor arc $AB$ in $(ABC)$ and its reflection over $T$.

Let $R = (ABC) \cup \overline{IT}$ be the point on minor arc $AB$ in $(ABC)$. We claim that $R$ is a desired point $R$ and over all configurations of $\ell$, $R$ makes up the first locus.

Suppose that $PD=PT=a$, $QD=QT=b$, and the inradius of $\omega$ is $r$. Notice that

\begin{align*}
AP^2 &= AB^2+BP^2-2 (AB) (BP) \cos 60^\circ \\
&=(2r\sqrt{3})^2+(a+r\sqrt{3})^2 - (2r\sqrt{3})(a+r\sqrt{3}) \\
&=12r^2+(a^2+2ar\sqrt{3}+3r^2) - (2ar\sqrt{3}+6r^2) \\
&= a^2+9r^2 = a^2+(3r)^2 \\
&= TP^2+TR^2 = RP^2.
\end{align*}
Hence, $AP=RP$, and analogously, $BQ=RQ$.

Now that we know that $R$ is one of our solutions, we can reflect it about $T$; this preserves the length of $RP$ and $RQ$, so this produces the latter locus.

The complete solution set has been proved, so we are done.
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shendrew7
794 posts
#76
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Define $X = \ell \cap \omega$, and $R_1$, $R_2$ as the images of $I$ under homotheties centered at $X$ with scale -3 and 3, respectively. We claim $R_1$, $R_2$ are the two desired points of $R$ for given $\ell$. Note we have at most two choices of $R$ for each $\ell$, so it suffices to show both satisfy the length condition. But this simply holds from
\[\triangle PMA \cong \triangle PXR_1 \cong \triangle PXR_2, \quad \triangle QNB \cong \triangle QXR_1 \cong \triangle QXR_2,\]
where $M$, $N$ are the midpoints of $BC$, $CA$. Hence our locus is the union of the images of minor arc $MN$ on $\omega$ under homotheties of scale -2 and 4. $\blacksquare$

[asy]
size(300); defaultpen(linewidth(0.7)+fontsize(11));

pair I, A, B, C, M, N, X, P, Q, R1, R2;
I = (0,0);
A = dir(210);
B = dir(330);
C = dir(90);
M = .5*B + .5*C;
N = .5*C + .5*A;
X = .5*dir(95);
P = extension(B,C,X,rotate(90,X)*I);
Q = extension(C,A,X,rotate(90,X)*I);
R1 = 4*X;
R2 = -2*X;

draw(arc(I, 2, 30, 150)^^arc(I, 1, 210, 330), green+dashed+linewidth(1));
draw(A--B--C--cycle^^circle(I, .5), gray+linewidth(0.2));
draw(P--A--M--cycle^^Q--B--N--cycle^^P--Q^^R1--R2);
draw(P--A^^P--R1^^P--R2^^Q--B^^Q--R1^^Q--R2);
draw(P--A^^P--R1^^P--R2, red);
draw(Q--B^^Q--R1^^Q--R2, blue);

dot("$A$", A, dir(225));
dot("$B$", B, dir(315));
dot("$C$", C, dir(90));
dot("$M$", M, dir(30));
dot("$N$", N, dir(150));
dot("$I$", I, dir(250));
dot("$X$", X, dir(50));
dot("$P$", P, dir(25));
dot("$Q$", Q, dir(155));
dot("$R_1$", R1, dir(90));
dot("$R_2$", R2, dir(270));
[/asy]
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by shendrew7, Jun 9, 2024, 4:41 PM
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N3bula
269 posts
#77
Y by
Let $I$ be the incentre, $R_1$ and $R_2$ be the two choices of $R$ for a specific line and $D$, $E$, $F$ the intouch points opposite $A$, $B$, $C$ respectively, reflect $A$ over $D$ to get $A'$ and reflect $B$ over $E$ to get $B'$,
we clearly get that the circle centred at $P$ through $A$ also goes through $A'$, and the circle centred at $Q$ through $B$ also passes through $B'$,
thus from the fact that its equilateral and equal lengths and radax we get that $R_1$, $I$ and $R_2$ are collinear, let $G$ be the point where $l$ meets $\omega$,
form the fact that $R_1$ and $R_2$ are perpendicular to $l$ we get that $G$ lies on $R_1R_2$. Thus because $P$ is the centre of the circle through $R_1R_2AA'$ and from
equal tangents length we get that the shape is infact an isoscelles trapezium which implies that $R_1$ lies on the circle centred at $I$ through $A$ and that $R_2$
lies on the circle centred at $I$ and through $A'$.
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Ihatecombin
59 posts
#78
Y by
flashsonic wrote:
I can't be the only one who misread PR=RA, QR=RB for the entirety of the test...
Bruh, I definitely didn't just misread it in the exact same way :whistling: :whistling:
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Ilikeminecraft
612 posts
#79
Y by
The answer is the minor arc $AB$ in circumcircle $(ABC),$ and its $-2\times$ homothety centered at $C.$
Let $T$ be the tangency point of $\ell$ and $\omega.$
Let $D$ be the tangency point of $BC$ and $\omega.$
Let $R’$ be the intersection of $TI$ and $(ABC)$ along minor arc $AB.$
We claim $R’ = R.$
We have that $TQ = TD, AD = AI + ID = IR’ + IT = TR’.$
Using pythagorean theorem, we get $R$s desired traits.
For the other point, do the same thing.
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