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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.

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0 replies
jlacosta
May 1, 2025
0 replies
diophantine with factorials and exponents
skellyrah   2
N 34 minutes ago by maromex
find all positive integers $a,b,c$ such that $$ a! + 5^b = c^3 $$
2 replies
skellyrah
3 hours ago
maromex
34 minutes ago
A scalene triangle and nine point circle
ariopro1387   2
N 34 minutes ago by Mysteriouxxx
Source: Iran Team selection test 2025 - P12
In a scalene triangle $ABC$, points $Y$ and $X$ lie on $AC$ and $BC$ respectively such that $BC \perp XY$. Points $Z$ and $T$ are the reflections of $X$ and $Y$ with respect to the midpoints of sides $BC$ and $AC$, respectively. Point $P$ lies on segment $ZT$ such that the circumcenter of triangle $XZP$ coincides with the circumcenter of triangle $ABC$.
Prove that the nine-point circle of triangle $ABC$ passes through the midpoint of segment $XP$.
2 replies
ariopro1387
May 27, 2025
Mysteriouxxx
34 minutes ago
My journey to IMO
MTA_2024   6
N an hour ago by Fly_into_the_sky
Note to moderators: I had no idea if this is the ideal forum for this or not, feel free to move it wherever you want ;)

Hi everyone,
I am a random 14 years old 9th grader, national olympiad winner, and silver medalist in the francophone olympiad of maths (junior section) Click here to see the test in itself.
While on paper, this might seem like a solid background (and tbh it kinda is); but I only have one problem rn: an extreme lack of preparation (You'll understand very soon just keep reading :D ).
You see, when the francophone olympiad, the national olympiad and the international kangaroo ended (and they where in the span of 4 days!!!) I've told myself :"aight, enough math, take a break till summer" (and btw, summer starts rh in July and ends in October) and from then I didn't seriously study maths.
That was until yesterday, (see, none of our senior's year students could go because the bachelor's degree exam and the IMO's dates coincide). So they replaced them with us, junior students. And suddenly, with no previous warning, I found myself at the very bottom of the IMO list of participants. And it's been months since I last "seriously" studied maths.
I'm really looking forward to this incredible journey, and potentially winning a medal :laugh: . But regardless of my results I know it'll be a fantastic journey with this very large and kind community.
Any advices or help is more than welcome <3 .Thank yall for helping me reach and surpass a ton of my goals.
Sincerely.
6 replies
MTA_2024
5 hours ago
Fly_into_the_sky
an hour ago
Infinite number of sets with an intersection property
Drytime   7
N 2 hours ago by HHGB
Source: Romania TST 2013 Test 2 Problem 4
Let $k$ be a positive integer larger than $1$. Build an infinite set $\mathcal{A}$ of subsets of $\mathbb{N}$ having the following properties:

(a) any $k$ distinct sets of $\mathcal{A}$ have exactly one common element;
(b) any $k+1$ distinct sets of $\mathcal{A}$ have void intersection.
7 replies
Drytime
Apr 26, 2013
HHGB
2 hours ago
No more topics!
Stop Projecting your insecurities
naman12   53
N Yesterday at 9:31 AM by EeEeRUT
Source: 2022 USA TST #2
Let $ABC$ be an acute triangle. Let $M$ be the midpoint of side $BC$, and let $E$ and $F$ be the feet of the altitudes from $B$ and $C$, respectively. Suppose that the common external tangents to the circumcircles of triangles $BME$ and $CMF$ intersect at a point $K$, and that $K$ lies on the circumcircle of $ABC$. Prove that line $AK$ is perpendicular to line $BC$.

Kevin Cong
53 replies
naman12
Dec 12, 2022
EeEeRUT
Yesterday at 9:31 AM
Stop Projecting your insecurities
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: 2022 USA TST #2
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Leo.Euler
577 posts
#44 • 1 Y
Y by sixoneeight
Here is a computational solution for anyone who doesn't want to do synthetic geometry on Day 1 of the TST.

Part 1: Talking about the "wannabe" point
Let $H'$ be the reflection of the orthocenter $H$ of $\triangle ABC$ with respect to line $BC$. Let $D$ be the foot of the altitude of $A$ onto $BC$. Define \[ f(X) := \text{Pow}(X, (BME)) - \text{Pow}(X, (ABC)). \]Compute $f(H) = BH \cdot HE = BD \cdot BC - BH^2$ and $f(D) = \tfrac{BD \cdot BC}{2}$, so \[ f(H') = f(2D-H) = 2f(D) - f(H) = BH^2 = 4R^2 \cdot (\cos B)^2 \]by linearity. Thus, \[ \text{Pow}(H', (BME)) = 4R^2 \cdot (\cos B)^2. \]Using a similar function with $B$ swapped with $C$, we can compute \[ \text{Pow}(H', (CMF)) = 4R^2 \cdot (\cos C)^2, \]so we conclude that \[ \frac{\text{Pow}(H', (BME))}{\text{Pow}(H', (CMF))} = \left(\frac{\cos B}{\cos C}\right)^2. \]
Part 2: Seeing reality
A quick LoS computation shows that $\text{rad}(BME)/\text{rad}(CMF)=\tfrac{\cos B}{\cos C}$. Thus \[ \frac{\text{Pow}(K, (BME))}{\text{Pow}(K, (CMF))}=\left(\frac{\cos B}{\cos C}\right)^2. \]
Part 3: The magical and forgotten step to stardom
Suppose that $K$ lies on $(ABC)$. Then \[ \frac{\text{Pow}(K, (BME))}{\text{Pow}(K, (CMF))} = \frac{\text{Pow}(H', (BME))}{\text{Pow}(H', (CMF))}. \]Denote $Q$ by the intersection of $(BME)$ and $(CMF)$ distinct from $M$. Leveraging the Unforgotten Coaxiality Lemma, we have that $K$, $H'$, $Q$, and $M$ are concyclic. Since $K$ is external to $(BME)$ and $(CMF)$, it must be $H'$, and we are done.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Leo.Euler, Dec 5, 2023, 4:46 AM
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Dukejukem
695 posts
#45
Y by
Note that points $B, C, E, F$ are inscribed inside the circle of diameter $\overline{BC}$ with center $M$. Let $Q$ be the Miquel point of quadrilateral $BCEF$. By the standard facts, $Q$ lies on $\odot(BME)$ and $\odot(CMF)$ and $\angle MQA = 90^{\circ}$. Therefore, line $QM$ meets $\odot(ABC)$ for a second time at the antipode $A'$ of $A$.


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[/asy]
Consider the inversion with pole $M$ fixing $\odot(ABC)$. This inversion swaps $\{B, C\}, \{Q, A'\}$, and say $\{K, L\}$. Since $K$ is the intersection of the two tangent lines to $\odot(BMQ), \odot(CMQ)$, it follows under inversion that $L$ is the second intersection of the two circles through $M$ tangent to lines $CA', BA'$. By symmetry, $L$ must be the reflection of $M$ in the angle bisector of $\angle BA'C$. Thus, arcs $\widehat{QB}$ and $\widehat{LC}$ on $\odot(ABC)$ are equal. It follows that points $Q, L$ are symmetric in the perpendicular bisector of $\overline{BC}$. Therefore, points $A', K$ are also symmetric in the perpendicular bisector of $\overline{BC}$. We conclude that $A'K \parallel BC$, hence $AK \perp BC$.
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wu2481632
4239 posts
#46
Y by
Note that proving $AK$ is perpendicular to $BC$ is equivalent to proving that $K$ is the reflection of the orthocenter $H$ of triangle $ABC$ in line $BC$. We establish furthermore the following well-known properties:
  • $(AEHF)$, $MH$, and $(ABC)$ concur at some point $K'$;
  • $K'BKC$ is a harmonic quadrilateral;
  • $MK' \cdot MH = ME^2 = MF^2$.
Invert about the circle with diameter $BC$. We rephrase the problem as follows:
Inverted wrote:
Let $BHC$ be an obtuse triangle with $\angle H > 90^{\circ}$, and let $M$ be the midpoint of $BC$. Two circles $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$ pass through $M$ and are tangent to lines $BH$ and $CH$. Suppose they meet at $T \neq M$. Show that if $T$ lies on $(BHC)$, then quadrilateral $TBHC$ is harmonic.
This turns out to be quite simple. Note that $T$ and $M$ are symmetric with respect to $\angle BHC$. Thus $\angle BHT = \angle CHM$ and we are done.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by wu2481632, Mar 20, 2024, 5:02 PM
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ihatemath123
3449 posts
#47 • 1 Y
Y by OronSH
We invert about $(BFEC)$. This sends $(BME)$ to line $BE$, sends $(CMF)$ to line $CF$, fixes $M$, sends $A$ to the $A$-humpty point, sends $H$ to the $A$-queue point and sends $K$ to $K^*$, the reflection of $M$ across the angle bisector of $\angle BHC$. So, $(ABC)$ is sent to $(BHC)$.

Since $(ABCK)$ is cyclic, $BHCK^*$ is cyclic. Now, letting $X$ be the midpoint of arc $BK^*C$, we have
\[\angle K^*MB = \angle HXM = \angle HBX - 90^{\circ} = \angle HMX - 90^{\circ} = \angle HMB,\]so line $BC$ bisects $\angle HMK^{*}$. So, line $BC$ also bisects $\angle HMK$ which finishes.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by ihatemath123, Aug 22, 2024, 11:30 PM
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Pyramix
419 posts
#48
Y by
We first prove a bunch of claims for any general acute triangle.

Let $AD,BE,CF$ be the altitudes and $H$ be the orthocenter of $ABC$. Let $Q$ be the $A-$Queue Point. Note that $\angle EMB=2\angle ECB=2C$ and since $\angle BEM=\angle MBE$, we have \[\measuredangle MBE=90^\circ-C=\measuredangle HAE=\measuredangle HQE=\measuredangle MQE\](it is well-known that $M,Q,H$ are collinear - it follows by $\sqrt{-HA\cdot HD}$ inversion). Since $\angle MBE=\angle MQE$, we have that $Q\in(BME)$. Similarly, $Q\in(CMF)$. So, $MQ$ is the radical axis of the two circles.

Let $A,K_1$ be the intersections of $AD$ with $ABC$. Let $O_1,O_2$ be the centres and $r_1,r_2$ be the radii of circles $(BME),(CMF)$, respectively.

Claim: $\frac{K_1B}{K_1C}=\frac{r_1}{r_2}$ and $\overline{K_1B},\overline{K_1C}$ are tangents to $(BME),(CMF)$.
Proof. Note that \[\frac{r_1}{r_2}=\frac{\frac{MB}{2\sin(\measuredangle BEM)}}{\frac{MC}{2\sin(\measuredangle MFC)}}=\frac{\sin(90^\circ-B)}{\sin(90^\circ-C)}=\frac{\sin(\measuredangle HCB)}{\sin(\measuredangle CBH)}=\frac{HB}{HC}=\frac{K_1B}{K_1C},\]as desired. Moreover, $\measuredangle BEM=90^\circ-C=\measuredangle CBH=\measuredangle K_1BC$, which means $\overline{K_1B}$ is tangent to $(BME)$ by alternate segment theorem. The claim is therefore true. $\blacksquare$

Claim: Call $(BME)$ as $\tau_1$ and $(CMF)=\tau_2$. Then, the locus of all points $X$ such that
\[\frac{\text{length of tangent from }X\text{ to }\tau_1}{\text{length of tangent from }X\text{ to }\tau_2}=\sqrt{\frac{Pow_{\tau_1}(X)}{Pow_{\tau_2}(X)}}=\frac{r_1}{r_2} \ \ \ (\star)\]is $(QMK_1)$.
Proof. Given equation is simply:
\[\frac{O_1X^2-r_1^2}{O_2X^2-r_2^2}=\frac{r_1^2}{r_2^2}\Longrightarrow \frac{O_1X}{O_2X}=\frac{r_1}{r_2}\]which means the equation is that of an Apollonius circle for some harmonic bundle. In particular, points $M,Q,K_1$ lie on this circle - $M,Q$ lie because they are intersection points of the two circles, and $K_1$ lies on the circle by the previous claim. $\blacksquare$

We now return to the original problem. If $K$ is the meeting point of the common external tangents, then it satisfies the equation $(\star)$ in the above claim. Also, from the above claim, we have that $K\in(MQK_1)$ and $K\in(ABC)$, which forces $K\in\{Q,K_1\}$. However, note that $K=Q$ is impossible as $Q$ itself is an intersection point of $\tau_1,\tau_2$. So, $K=K_1$ must be true. Hence, $AK\perp BC$, as claimed. $\blacksquare$
Attachments:
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Pyramix, Apr 8, 2024, 6:46 PM
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shendrew7
799 posts
#49
Y by
Define $Q$ as the $A$-queue point. First notice that $(ABC)$, $(BME)$, $(CMF)$ all pass through $Q$, which can be proved by inverting about $(BC)$.

Define $P$ as the intersection of $BC$ with the tangent to $(ABC)$ at $Q$. We claim $PKMQ$ is cyclic, which follows from Coaxiality Lemma and LOS:
\[\frac{\operatorname{pow}(K,(BME))}{\operatorname{pow}(K,(CMF))} = \left(\frac{R_{(BME)}}{R_{(CMF)}}\right)^2 = \left(\frac{QB}{QC}\right)^2 = \frac{PB}{PC} = \frac{\operatorname{pow}(P,(BME))}{\operatorname{pow}(P,(CMF))}.\]
Since $O \in (MPQ)$, it follows that $PK$ is also tangent to $(ABC)$, giving the desired harmonic quadrilateral $QBKC$. $\blacksquare$
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Ywgh1
139 posts
#50
Y by
USA TST 2023 p2

Let $Q$ be the queue point of $\triangle ABC$.
And let $Q'$ be the intersection of $(BEM)$ and $(CFM)$.
Let $K'$ be the intersection of the $A$-altitude with $(ABC)$
And let line $KM$ intersect $(ABC)$ again at $R$. We first start off with the following claim.

Claim 1: $Q=Q'$

Proof: Since $M$ is the center $(BCEF)$, and $BCEF$ is cyclic, this gives us $Q=Q'$.$\blacksquare$

A well know property is that $(QK'BC)$ is harmonic. Hence we want to show that $(QKBC)$ is harmonic.

Claim 2: $QR \| BC$

Proof: long angle chase. $\blacksquare$

Now this basically implies that $(QK'BC)$ is harmonic so $K=K'$, hence we done.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by Ywgh1, Aug 14, 2024, 7:41 PM
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ironball
110 posts
#52
Y by
BlizzardWizard wrote:
To show that $k=\frac1s$, it now suffices to show that $s^2\overline s^2-s^2-\overline s^2=0$.

Could you please explain why we have $|s^2-1|=1$?
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InterLoop
279 posts
#53
Y by
solution
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cursed_tangent1434
651 posts
#54
Y by
Solved with stillwater_25. I personally found this problem very challenging and it was pretty hard to avoid accidentally circular reasoning. It turns out the natural way to eliminate the headaching common tangents is via inversion (even though it seems counterintuitive since they will now become circles tangent to two lines). Let $H$ denote the orthocenter, $Q_A$ denote the $A-$Queue Point, $H_A$ the $A-$Humpty Point and $X_A$ the $A-$Ex Point. We first make a minor observation.

Claim : $Q_A$ lies on circles $(BME)$ and $(CMF)$.
Proof : This is a direct angle chase. It is well known that $M$ is the center of cyclic quadrilateral $BCEF$, $M$ is the intersection of the tangents to $(AEF)$ at $E$ and $F$ and points $Q_A$ , $H$ and $M$ are collinear. Thus,
\[\measuredangle MQ_AF =\measuredangle HQ_AF = \measuredangle HFM = \measuredangle CFM = \measuredangle MCF\]which implies that $CMFQ_A$ is cyclic. Similarly we can show that $BMEQ_A$ is also cyclic, proving the claim.

Now comes the crux of this solution. We perform an inversion about circle $(BC)$ (with center $M$). Clearly $Q_A$ goes to $H$ and $A$ goes to $H_A$ under this inversion. Further, circles $(BME)$ and $(CMF)$ become lines $\overline{BE}$ and $\overline{CF}$ respectively. Thus, the common external tangents to these circles become the two circles tangent to $\overline{BE}$ and $\overline{CF}$ passing through $M$. Also, $K$ goes to the second intersection of these two circles. Since it is well known that the radical axis of two intersecting circles is bisected by the line passing through its centers, $K$ must be the reflection of the internal $\angle BHC$-bisector. Now, it suffices to prove the following problem.
Inverted and Rephrased Version wrote:
Let $\triangle ABC$ be a triangle with orthocenter $H$ , $A-$Queue point $Q_A$, $A-$Humpty Point $H_A$ and $M$ the midpoint of side $BC$. If the reflection of $K$ across the internal $\angle BHC$-bisector lies on $(BHC)$, show that it also lies on circle $(MH_AQ_A)$.
Note that $MH$ is the $H-$ median of $\triangle BHC$, and its reflection across the $\angle BHC$-bisector must be the $H-$symmedian of $\triangle BHC$. Since $K$ lies on $(BHC)$, this means it is the intersection of the $H-$symmedian of $\triangle BHC$ with $(BHC)$. Now, $X_A$ is also the $H-$Ex Point of $\triangle BHC$ quite clearly, and thus it is a well known lemma that $K$ lies on the circle $(MX_A)$ which is precisely what we needed to show.
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bjump
1035 posts
#55
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Recall that $(ABC) \cap (EMB)  \cap (CMF) \cap (AEF) = Q_A$ the A-Queue point.

Now when we invert about $(BEFC)$ the following things happen:
  • $(MFC)$ is mapped to $FC$
  • $(BEM)$ is mapped to $EB$
  • $Q_A$ is mapped to $H$ the orthocenter of $\triangle ABC$
  • The external tangents are mapped to the circle through $B$, and $M$ tangent to $CF$, and $EB$, and the circle through $C$, and $M$ tangent to $CF$, and $EB$.

Now
$$90^\circ - C = \measuredangle CBH = \measuredangle MBH = \measuredangle MK'B =\measuredangle MBK$$Finishing.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by bjump, Dec 20, 2024, 7:19 PM
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HamstPan38825
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#56
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me when I forget the forgotten coaxiality lemma :maybe:

Because $HQ \cdot HM = HD \cdot HA = HB \cdot HE$, the queue point $Q$ lies on both $(BEM)$ and $(CFM)$. Let $P$ be the tangent intersection now, and $K$ the point on the circumcircle such that $\overline{AK} \perp \overline{BC}$. The key claim is the following:

Claim: $MKPQ$ is cyclic.

Proof: Note that $\overline{KB}$ and $\overline{KC}$ are tangent to their respective circles. Now use the forgotten coaxiality lemma: let $k$ be the homothety ratio between the two circles. Then \[\frac{\operatorname{pow}(K, (BEM))}{\operatorname{pow}(K, (CFM))} = \frac{BK^2}{CK^2} = \frac{\cos^2 B}{\cos^2 C} = k^2 = \frac{\operatorname{pow}(P, (BEM))}{\operatorname{pow}(P, (CFM))} \]as $EM=FM$ by tangents lemma. $\blacksquare$

Hence when $P$ lies on $(ABC)$, we must have $P = K$ as $P \neq Q$. The result follows.
This post has been edited 5 times. Last edited by HamstPan38825, Dec 29, 2024, 3:17 AM
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cj13609517288
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#57
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P2???????

Invert around $M$ with radius $MB$, then $K$ goes to the reflection of $M$ over the angle bisector of angle $BHC$. Therefore, $HK^\ast$ is the $H$-symmedian of triangle $BHC$, so since $K^\ast$ lies on $(BHC)$, we get that $(BC;HK^\ast)=-1$. Therefore, $K^\ast$ is the reflection of the $A$-queue point over $BC$, so $K$ is the reflection of $H$ over $BC$. $\blacksquare$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by cj13609517288, Mar 11, 2025, 10:38 PM
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ihategeo_1969
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#58 • 1 Y
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Let $Q_A$ and $H_A$ be $A$-Queue and $A$-Humpty points respectively.

Claim: $Q_A=(BME) \cap (CMF)$.
Proof: Invert about $H$ with radius $-\sqrt{HB \cdot HE}$ and see that $M$ goes to $Q_A$ so done by PoP. $\square$

Now invert about $(M,\overline{MB})$, and see that $MH \cdot MQ_A=ME^2$ and so $Q_A$ swaps with $H$ so $(ABC)$ swaps with $(BHC)$ so $A$ swaps with $H_A$.

Also $K$ swaps with reflection of $M$ over angle bisector of $\angle BHC$. So we need to prove $K^* \in (BHC) \implies (K^*H_AM)$ is tangent to $\overline{M \infty_{\perp BC}}$. We exploit duality between $\triangle BAC$ and $\triangle BHC$ and solve this instead.
Quote:
Let $\triangle ABC$ have midpoint $M$ and Queue point as $Q_A$. If reflection of $M$ over angle bisector of $\angle BAC$ lies on $(ABC)$ then prove that $(M'MQ_A)$ is tangent to $\overline{M \infty_{\perp BC}}$.
So $M'$ basically is point on $(ABC)$ such that $(AM';BC)=-1$, call it $K$ instead. We actually disregard the whole reflection condition and prove that $(KMQ_A)$ has center on $\overline{BC}$.

See that if $X_A$ is $A$-Ex point, then $H_A$ and $Q_A$ lie on $(X_AM)$ by right angles and $K$ also lies on it as $H_A$ and $K$ are reflections of each other over $\overline{BC}$.
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EeEeRUT
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#59
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Let $Q$ denote the $A$ queue point of $\triangle ABC$.
Claim: $(BME) \cap (CMF)$ at $Q$.
Proof: Perform an inversion at $H$ with radius $-\sqrt{HA\cdot HD}$, where $D$ is foot of altitude from $A$. Notice that the circle $(BME)$ is fixed upon this inversion, hence if $M$ is on this circle, its inversion also lies on this circle, which is $Q$. That is $QMEQ$ is cyclic. $\blacksquare$

Let $\Phi$ be an inversion centered at $K$ with radius $KQ$. Notice that this inversion swap $(BME)$ and $(CMF)$. Let $B_1, C_1$ be images of $B, C$. Note that $B_1 \in (CMF), C_1 \in (BME)$.

Claim: $Q, B_1, C_1$ are collinear.
Proof]: Consider an inversion $\Phi$. Notice that this inversion sends $(ABC)$ to a line, since its center is on $(ABC)$. That is $B_1, C_1$ and an inverse of $Q$ are collinear. But $Q$ is a fixed point, so we have the claim. $\blacksquare$

Claim: $Q$ is midpoint of $B_1, C_1$.
Proof: Consider $2$ circles, $(BC_1MQ)$, $(CB_1MQ)$. By reims, $B_1C \parallel C_1B$. And since $(BB_1CC_1)$, by radical axis, $CB_1 \parallel BC_1 \parallel QM$. That is $QM$ is midline of isosceles trapezoid $BB_1CC_1$, hence $PQ$ bisect $B_1C_1$. $\blacksquare$


Claim:$(Q, K; B, C) = -1$
Proof: Since, $(Q, \infty ; B_1, C_1) = -1$, perform an inversion $\Phi$ on these ratio gives $$(Q, \infty ; B_1, C_1) = (Q, K; B, C)= -1$$$\blacksquare$.

It is well known that $(Q, K_1; B, C) =-1$, where $K_1$ is the reflection of $H$ across $BC$.
Hence, $K = K_1$ and we are done. $\blacksquare$
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This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by EeEeRUT, Yesterday at 2:12 PM
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