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k a March Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
Mar 2, 2025
March is the month for State MATHCOUNTS competitions! Kudos to everyone who participated in their local chapter competitions and best of luck to all going to State! Join us on March 11th for a Math Jam devoted to our favorite Chapter competition problems! Are you interested in training for MATHCOUNTS? Be sure to check out our AMC 8/MATHCOUNTS Basics and Advanced courses.

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Do you have plans this summer? There are so many options to fit your schedule and goals whether attending a summer camp or taking online classes, it can be a great break from the routine of the school year. Check out our summer courses at AoPS Online, or if you want a math or language arts class that doesn’t have homework, but is an enriching summer experience, our AoPS Virtual Campus summer camps may be just the ticket! We are expanding our locations for our AoPS Academies across the country with 15 locations so far and new campuses opening in Saratoga CA, Johns Creek GA, and the Upper West Side NY. Check out this page for summer camp information.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the following events:
[list][*]March 5th (Wednesday), 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, HCSSiM Math Jam 2025. Amber Verser, Assistant Director of the Hampshire College Summer Studies in Mathematics, will host an information session about HCSSiM, a summer program for high school students.
[*]March 6th (Thursday), 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Free Webinar on Math Competitions from elementary through high school. Join us for an enlightening session that demystifies the world of math competitions and helps you make informed decisions about your contest journey.
[*]March 11th (Tuesday), 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, 2025 MATHCOUNTS Chapter Discussion MATH JAM. AoPS instructors will discuss some of their favorite problems from the MATHCOUNTS Chapter Competition. All are welcome!
[*]March 13th (Thursday), 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Free Webinar about Summer Camps at the Virtual Campus. Transform your summer into an unforgettable learning adventure! From elementary through high school, we offer dynamic summer camps featuring topics in mathematics, language arts, and competition preparation - all designed to fit your schedule and ignite your passion for learning.[/list]
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0 replies
jlacosta
Mar 2, 2025
0 replies
k i Adding contests to the Contest Collections
dcouchman   1
N Apr 5, 2023 by v_Enhance
Want to help AoPS remain a valuable Olympiad resource? Help us add contests to AoPS's Contest Collections.

Find instructions and a list of contests to add here: https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c40244h1064480_contests_to_add
1 reply
dcouchman
Sep 9, 2019
v_Enhance
Apr 5, 2023
k i Zero tolerance
ZetaX   49
N May 4, 2019 by NoDealsHere
Source: Use your common sense! (enough is enough)
Some users don't want to learn, some other simply ignore advises.
But please follow the following guideline:


To make it short: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!
If you don't have common sense, don't post.


More specifically:

For new threads:


a) Good, meaningful title:
The title has to say what the problem is about in best way possible.
If that title occured already, it's definitely bad. And contest names aren't good either.
That's in fact a requirement for being able to search old problems.

Examples:
Bad titles:
- "Hard"/"Medium"/"Easy" (if you find it so cool how hard/easy it is, tell it in the post and use a title that tells us the problem)
- "Number Theory" (hey guy, guess why this forum's named that way¿ and is it the only such problem on earth¿)
- "Fibonacci" (there are millions of Fibonacci problems out there, all posted and named the same...)
- "Chinese TST 2003" (does this say anything about the problem¿)
Good titles:
- "On divisors of a³+2b³+4c³-6abc"
- "Number of solutions to x²+y²=6z²"
- "Fibonacci numbers are never squares"


b) Use search function:
Before posting a "new" problem spend at least two, better five, minutes to look if this problem was posted before. If it was, don't repost it. If you have anything important to say on topic, post it in one of the older threads.
If the thread is locked cause of this, use search function.

Update (by Amir Hossein). The best way to search for two keywords in AoPS is to input
[code]+"first keyword" +"second keyword"[/code]
so that any post containing both strings "first word" and "second form".


c) Good problem statement:
Some recent really bad post was:
[quote]$lim_{n\to 1}^{+\infty}\frac{1}{n}-lnn$[/quote]
It contains no question and no answer.
If you do this, too, you are on the best way to get your thread deleted. Write everything clearly, define where your variables come from (and define the "natural" numbers if used). Additionally read your post at least twice before submitting. After you sent it, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.


For answers to already existing threads:


d) Of any interest and with content:
Don't post things that are more trivial than completely obvious. For example, if the question is to solve $x^{3}+y^{3}=z^{3}$, do not answer with "$x=y=z=0$ is a solution" only. Either you post any kind of proof or at least something unexpected (like "$x=1337, y=481, z=42$ is the smallest solution). Someone that does not see that $x=y=z=0$ is a solution of the above without your post is completely wrong here, this is an IMO-level forum.
Similar, posting "I have solved this problem" but not posting anything else is not welcome; it even looks that you just want to show off what a genius you are.

e) Well written and checked answers:
Like c) for new threads, check your solutions at least twice for mistakes. And after sending, read it again and use the Edit-Button if necessary to correct errors.



To repeat it: ALWAYS USE YOUR COMMON SENSE IF POSTING!


Everything definitely out of range of common sense will be locked or deleted (exept for new users having less than about 42 posts, they are newbies and need/get some time to learn).

The above rules will be applied from next monday (5. march of 2007).
Feel free to discuss on this here.
49 replies
ZetaX
Feb 27, 2007
NoDealsHere
May 4, 2019
Integral with dt
RenheMiResembleRice   0
8 minutes ago
Source: Yanxue Lu
Solve the attached:
0 replies
RenheMiResembleRice
8 minutes ago
0 replies
Inequality
srnjbr   1
N 12 minutes ago by sqing
a^2+b^2+c^2+x^2+y^2=1. Find the maximum value of the expression (ax+by)^2+(bx+cy)^2
1 reply
srnjbr
Yesterday at 4:32 PM
sqing
12 minutes ago
new playlist in Olympiad Geometry Channel
Plane_geometry_youtuber   2
N 22 minutes ago by Plane_geometry_youtuber
Hi,

I create a new playlist called "Problems from Audience". I will put my solution of the problems from audience into this playlist. Welcome to send me your problems and doubts.

https://www.youtube.com/@OlympiadGeometry-2024

my email: planery.geometry@gmail.com
2 replies
Plane_geometry_youtuber
Jan 28, 2025
Plane_geometry_youtuber
22 minutes ago
9 Three concurrent chords
v_Enhance   3
N an hour ago by ohiorizzler1434
Three distinct circles $\Omega_1$, $\Omega_2$, $\Omega_3$ cut three common chords concurrent at $X$. Consider two distinct circles $\Gamma_1$, $\Gamma_2$ which are internally tangent to all $\Omega_i$. Determine, with proof, which of the following two statements is true.

(1) $X$ is the insimilicenter of $\Gamma_1$ and $\Gamma_2$
(2) $X$ is the exsimilicenter of $\Gamma_1$ and $\Gamma_2$.
3 replies
v_Enhance
Yesterday at 8:45 PM
ohiorizzler1434
an hour ago
Mathhhhh
mathbetter   9
N an hour ago by ohiorizzler1434
Three turtles are crawling along a straight road heading in the same
direction. "Two other turtles are behind me," says the first turtle. "One turtle is
behind me and one other is ahead," says the second. "Two turtles are ahead of me
and one other is behind," says the third turtle. How can this be possible?
9 replies
mathbetter
Thursday at 11:21 AM
ohiorizzler1434
an hour ago
Find min
hunghd8   5
N an hour ago by hunghd8
Let $a,b,c$ be nonnegative real numbers such that $ a+b+c\geq 2+abc $. Find min
$$P=a^2+b^2+c^2.$$
5 replies
+1 w
hunghd8
Yesterday at 12:10 PM
hunghd8
an hour ago
An inequality about xy+yz+zx+2xyz=1
jokehim   0
2 hours ago
Source: my problem
Problem. Let $x,y,z>0: xy+yz+zx+2xyz=1.$ Prove that$$\frac{1}{6x+1}+\frac{1}{6y+1}+\frac{1}{6z+1}\ge \frac{9(xy+yz+zx)-3}{5}.$$Proposed by Phan Ngoc Chau
0 replies
1 viewing
jokehim
2 hours ago
0 replies
APMO 2015 P1
aditya21   59
N 2 hours ago by ethan2011
Source: APMO 2015
Let $ABC$ be a triangle, and let $D$ be a point on side $BC$. A line through $D$ intersects side $AB$ at $X$ and ray $AC$ at $Y$ . The circumcircle of triangle $BXD$ intersects the circumcircle $\omega$ of triangle $ABC$ again at point $Z$ distinct from point $B$. The lines $ZD$ and $ZY$ intersect $\omega$ again at $V$ and $W$ respectively.
Prove that $AB = V W$

Proposed by Warut Suksompong, Thailand
59 replies
aditya21
Mar 30, 2015
ethan2011
2 hours ago
Tiling squares in 2024 is harder than in 2025, right?
Tintarn   3
N 4 hours ago by NicoN9
Source: Baltic Way 2024, Problem 7
A $45 \times 45$ grid has had the central unit square removed. For which positive integers $n$ is it possible to cut the remaining area into $1 \times n$ and $n\times 1$ rectangles?
3 replies
Tintarn
Nov 16, 2024
NicoN9
4 hours ago
old and easy imo inequality
Valentin Vornicu   210
N 4 hours ago by Marcus_Zhang
Source: IMO 2000, Problem 2, IMO Shortlist 2000, A1
Let $ a, b, c$ be positive real numbers so that $ abc = 1$. Prove that
\[ \left( a - 1 + \frac 1b \right) \left( b - 1 + \frac 1c \right) \left( c - 1 + \frac 1a \right) \leq 1.
\]
210 replies
Valentin Vornicu
Oct 24, 2005
Marcus_Zhang
4 hours ago
IMO ShortList 1998, algebra problem 3
orl   69
N 6 hours ago by Marcus_Zhang
Source: IMO ShortList 1998, algebra problem 3
Let $x,y$ and $z$ be positive real numbers such that $xyz=1$. Prove that


\[
 \frac{x^{3}}{(1 + y)(1 + z)}+\frac{y^{3}}{(1 + z)(1 + x)}+\frac{z^{3}}{(1 + x)(1 + y)}
 \geq \frac{3}{4}. 
\]
69 replies
orl
Oct 22, 2004
Marcus_Zhang
6 hours ago
IMO ShortList 2001, algebra problem 6
orl   137
N Yesterday at 9:08 PM by Levieee
Source: IMO ShortList 2001, algebra problem 6
Prove that for all positive real numbers $a,b,c$, \[ \frac{a}{\sqrt{a^2 + 8bc}} + \frac{b}{\sqrt{b^2 + 8ca}} + \frac{c}{\sqrt{c^2 + 8ab}} \geq 1.  \]
137 replies
orl
Sep 30, 2004
Levieee
Yesterday at 9:08 PM
Checkerboard
Ecrin_eren   2
N Yesterday at 8:55 PM by Thorbeam
On an 8×8 checkerboard, what is the minimum number of squares that must be marked (including the marked ones) so that every square has exactly one marked neighbor? (We define neighbors as squares that share a common edge, and a square is not considered a neighbor of itself.)
2 replies
Ecrin_eren
Yesterday at 5:20 AM
Thorbeam
Yesterday at 8:55 PM
Simple vector geometry existence
AndreiVila   3
N Yesterday at 8:05 PM by Ianis
Source: Romanian District Olympiad 2025 9.1
Let $ABCD$ be a parallelogram of center $O$. Prove that for any point $M\in (AB)$, there exist unique points $N\in (OC)$ and $P\in (OD)$ such that $O$ is the center of mass of $\triangle MNP$.
3 replies
AndreiVila
Mar 8, 2025
Ianis
Yesterday at 8:05 PM
C-B=60 <degrees>
Sasha   26
N Mar 18, 2025 by shendrew7
Source: Moldova TST 2005, IMO Shortlist 2004 geometry problem 3
Let $O$ be the circumcenter of an acute-angled triangle $ABC$ with ${\angle B<\angle C}$. The line $AO$ meets the side $BC$ at $D$. The circumcenters of the triangles $ABD$ and $ACD$ are $E$ and $F$, respectively. Extend the sides $BA$ and $CA$ beyond $A$, and choose on the respective extensions points $G$ and $H$ such that ${AG=AC}$ and ${AH=AB}$. Prove that the quadrilateral $EFGH$ is a rectangle if and only if ${\angle ACB-\angle ABC=60^{\circ }}$.

Proposed by Hojoo Lee, Korea
26 replies
Sasha
Apr 10, 2005
shendrew7
Mar 18, 2025
C-B=60 <degrees>
G H J
Source: Moldova TST 2005, IMO Shortlist 2004 geometry problem 3
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Sasha
129 posts
#1 • 6 Y
Y by Adventure10, ImSh95, Mango247, Funcshun840, ItsBesi, and 1 other user
Let $O$ be the circumcenter of an acute-angled triangle $ABC$ with ${\angle B<\angle C}$. The line $AO$ meets the side $BC$ at $D$. The circumcenters of the triangles $ABD$ and $ACD$ are $E$ and $F$, respectively. Extend the sides $BA$ and $CA$ beyond $A$, and choose on the respective extensions points $G$ and $H$ such that ${AG=AC}$ and ${AH=AB}$. Prove that the quadrilateral $EFGH$ is a rectangle if and only if ${\angle ACB-\angle ABC=60^{\circ }}$.

Proposed by Hojoo Lee, Korea
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by djmathman, Aug 1, 2015, 2:52 AM
Reason: Official version is better than non-official one
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grobber
7849 posts
#2 • 4 Y
Y by Adventure10, ImSh95, Mango247, endless_abyss
First of all, it's easy to see that $AD\perp EF,GH$. The triangles $ACF,ABE$ are isosceles, and have the same angles, so they are similar. This means that $AFE$ is similar to $ACB$, and thus to $AGH$.

Since $AFE,AGH$ share the same altitude starting from $A$, it means that $AFE$ is obtained from $AGH$ by reflecting it through a line $\perp AD$, and then performing a homothety centered at $A$ of ratio $\frac{AF}{AG}$, so $EFGH$ will be a rectangle iff $AF=GH$, i.e. iff $AF=AC\iff AFC$ is equilateral. With the given conditions, this is equivalent to $\angle ADC=30^{\circ}$, and the conclusion follows easily.
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darij grinberg
6555 posts
#3 • 5 Y
Y by Adventure10, ImSh95, Paramizo_Dicrominique, Mango247, and 1 other user
This problem was problem 2 in the 3rd German TST 2005. Hence, I have a conjecture on where it is from, although some people repeatedly dispute it ;) . Anyway, here is the way the problem was posed on our TST:

Problem. Let ABC be an acute-angled triangle with A < B, and let U be the circumcenter of the triangle ABC. The lines CU and AB intersect at a point D. Let E and F be the circumcenters of triangles ACD and BCD. Choose points K and L on the rays AC and BC such that AK = BL = a + b. Prove that the quadrilateral EFKL is a rectangle if and only if B - A = 60°.

And here is the solution I gave on the exam (just copied from my writeup, not simplified, hence it will be far more complicated than necessary):

We will use non-directed angles. See the accompanying sketch for the arrangement of the points.

Since U is the circumcenter of triangle ABC, the central angle theorem yields < BUC = 2 < BAC = 2A. On the other hand, BU = CU, again because U is the circumcenter of triangle ABC. Hence, the triangle BUC is isosceles, and its base angle is therefore

$\measuredangle UCB=\frac{180^{\circ}-\measuredangle BUC}{2}=\frac{180^{\circ}-2A}{2}=90^{\circ}-A$.

Analogously, < UCA = 90° - B. Similarly, for the circumcenters E and F of triangles ACD and BCD we can find

< ECA = < CDA - 90°;
< EAC = < CDA - 90°;
< FBC = 90° - < CDB;
< FCB = 90° - < CDB.

Hereby, in the proofs of the equations < ECA = < CDA - 90° and < EAC = < CDA - 90°, we have to apply the central angle theorem in the form

< CEA = 2 $\cdot$ acute chordal angle of the chord CA in the circumcircle of triangle ACD
= 2 $\cdot$ (180° - < CDA) = 360° - 2 < CDA,

since the angle < CDA is obtuse, and the point E lies outside of the triangle ACD.

Also, since E and F are the circumcenters of triangles ACD and BCD, we have CE = AE and BF = CF, so that the triangles CEA and BFC are isosceles.

Now, by the sum of angles in triangle CDA, we have

< CDA = 180° - < DCA - < CAD = 180° - < UCA - A = 180° - (90° - B) - A = 90° + (B - A).

Consequently,

< CDB = 180° - < CDA = 180° - (90° + (B - A)) = 90° - (B - A).

Thus,

< ECA = < CDA - 90° = (90° + (B - A)) - 90° = B - A;
< EAC = < CDA - 90° = (90° + (B - A)) - 90° = B - A;
< FBC = 90° - < CDB = 90° - (90° - (B - A)) = B - A;
< FCB = 90° - < CDB = 90° - (90° - (B - A)) = B - A.

Hence, in particular, < ECA = < FCB and < EAC = < FBC. Thus, the triangles ECA and FCB are similar. This yields CE : CA = CF : CB. On the other hand, the equality < ECA = < FCB yields < ECF = < ECB - < FCB = < ECB - < ECA = < ACB. This, combined with CE : CA = CF : CB, shows that the triangles CEF and CAB are similar, so that EF : AB = CE : CA.

On the other hand, the equation AK = a + b implies CK = AK - CA = (a + b) - b = a = CB, and similarly CL = CA. This, together with < KCL = < BCA, shows that the triangles CLK and CAB are congruent. Consequently, KL = AB. Hence, the equation EF : AB = CE : CA becomes EF : KL = CE : CA.

The problem asks us to prove that the quadrilateral EFKL is a rectangle if and only if B - A = 60°. Hence, in order to solve the problem, it is enough to show the following two assertions:

Assertion 1. If B - A = 60°, then the quadrilateral EFKL is a rectangle.
Assertion 2. If the quadrilateral EFKL is a rectangle, then B - A = 60°.

Proof of Assertion 2. If the quadrilateral EFKL is a rectangle, then EF = KL. Since EF : KL = CE : CA, this yields CE = CA. Hence, the triangle CEA, which is already isosceles with CE = AE, must be equilateral. Hence, < ECA = 60°. Since < ECA = B - A, we therefore obtain B - A = 60°. This proves Assertion 2.

Proof of Assertion 1. If B - A = 60°, then, since < ECA = B - A, we have < ECA = 60°. Hence, the triangle CEA, which is already isosceles with CE = AE, must be equilateral. Thus, CE = CA. Since EF : KL = CE : CA, this yields EF = KL.

On the other hand, we know that the triangles CEF and CAB are similar, and that the triangles CLK and CAB are congruent. Thus, the triangles CEF and CLK are similar. Moreover, these two triangles must be congruent, since EF = KL. Hence, CE = CL and CF = CK. Thus, the triangles ECL and FCK are isosceles. The base angle of the isosceles triangle ECL equals

$\measuredangle CEL=\frac{180^{\circ}-\measuredangle ECL}{2}=\frac{\measuredangle BCE}{2}=\frac{\measuredangle BCA+\measuredangle ECA}{2}$
$=\frac{C+\left(B-A\right)}{2}$ (since < BCA = C and < ECA = B - A)
$=\frac{\left(B+C\right)-A}{2}=\frac{\left(180^{\circ}-A\right)-A}{2}$ (since B + C = 180° - A by the sum of the angles in triangle ABC)
$=\frac{180^{\circ}-2A}{2}=90^{\circ}-A$.

Also, since the triangles CEF and CAB are similar, we have < CEF = < CAB. Thus,

< FEL = < CEF + < CEL = < CAB + (90° - A) = A + (90° - A) = 90°.

Similarly, < EFK = 90°.

Since the triangles CEF and CLK are similar, we have < CEF = < CLK, and since the triangle ECL is isosceles with CE = CL, we have < CEL = < CLE. Thus,

< FEL = < CEF + < CEL = < CLK + < CLE = < ELK.

Consequently, < FEL = 90° implies < ELK = 90°.

Similarly, < FKL = 90°.

Altogether, we have obtained < FEL = 90°, < EFK = 90°, < ELK = 90° and < FKL = 90°. Thus, the quadrilateral EFKL has four right angles, so that it must be a rectangle. This proves Assertion 1.

Now, as both Assertions 1 and 2 are proven, the problem is solved.

Darij
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k2c901_1
146 posts
#4 • 3 Y
Y by Adventure10, ImSh95, Mango247
Incidentally, this was also Taiwan 2nd TST 2005 final exam problem 5.
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sayantanchakraborty
505 posts
#5 • 3 Y
Y by ImSh95, Adventure10, Mango247
Trigonometry


Bye...

Sayantan....
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sunken rock
4374 posts
#6 • 3 Y
Y by ImSh95, Adventure10, Mango247
In case you did not notice that $\triangle AFC$ was equilateral - see Grobber's, as I did, then from $\triangle ABO\sim\triangle ADF$ get $\frac{DF}{BO}=\frac{AD}{AB}$, and, with $DF=AC, BO-AO$ getting $AO\cdot AD=AB\cdot AC$.
If the internal angle bisector of $\angle BAC$ intersects $BC$ and the circumcircle of $\Delta ABC$ (second time) at $M,N$ respectively, then we know that $AB\cdot AC=AM\cdot AN$, or $DOMN$ is cyclic; from $\angle DMN=\angle DON$ we get the same $\hat C-\hat B=60^\circ$.

Best regards,
sunken rock
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tenplusten
1000 posts
#7 • 3 Y
Y by ImSh95, Adventure10, Mango247
Another beautiful problem from Hojo Lee.
Solution

Comment
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by tenplusten, Apr 6, 2017, 4:31 PM
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AlastorMoody
2125 posts
#8 • 6 Y
Y by Mathasocean, A-Thought-Of-God, SSaad, Elnuramrv, ImSh95, Adventure10
Solution
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v_Enhance
6866 posts
#9 • 5 Y
Y by srijonrick, v4913, A-Thought-Of-God, ImSh95, Paramizo_Dicrominique
Solution from Twitch solves ISL stream:

We start with a few observations which are always true regardless of the condition.
  • Quadrilateral $HGCB$ is always an isosceles trapezoid, and in particular $BC = GH$.
  • By angle chasing $\overline{AO} \perp \overline{GH}$ always holds. (One clean way to see this is to note that $\overline{GH}$ and $\overline{BC}$ are antiparallel through $\angle A$.) This implies $\overline{EF} \parallel \overline{GH}$.
  • By Salmon theorem, we always have \[ \triangle AEF \overset{+}{\sim} \triangle ABC. \]
[asy] size(6cm); pair B = dir(200); pair C = dir(-20); pair A = dir(30); pair O = origin; pair D = extension(A, O, B, C); pair E = circumcenter(A, B, D); pair F = circumcenter(A, C, D);
filldraw(A--B--C--cycle, invisible, blue); draw(A--D, blue); filldraw(A--E--F--cycle, invisible, red); pair G = A+(A-B)*abs(C-A)/abs(B-A); pair H = A+(A-C)*abs(B-A)/abs(C-A);
filldraw(A--C--G--cycle, invisible, blue); filldraw(A--B--H--cycle, invisible, blue); filldraw(A--G--H--cycle, invisible, blue);
dot("$B$", B, dir(B)); dot("$C$", C, dir(C)); dot("$A$", A, dir(330)); dot("$O$", O, dir(270)); dot("$D$", D, dir(270)); dot("$E$", E, dir(E)); dot("$F$", F, dir(270)); dot("$G$", G, dir(G)); dot("$H$", H, dir(H));
/* TSQ Source:
!size(10cm); B = dir 200 C = dir -20 A = dir 30 R330 O = origin R270 D = extension A O B C R270 E = circumcenter A B D F = circumcenter A C D R270
A--B--C--cycle 0.1 lightblue / blue A--D blue A--E--F--cycle 0.1 lightred / red G = A+(A-B)*abs(C-A)/abs(B-A) H = A+(A-C)*abs(B-A)/abs(C-A)
A--C--G--cycle 0.1 lightcyan / blue A--B--H--cycle 0.1 lightcyan / blue A--G--H--cycle 0.1 lightblue / blue
*/ [/asy]
We begin now with:
Claim: We have $\triangle AEF \cong \triangle ABC$ if and only if $\angle C - \angle B = 60^{\circ}$.
Proof. The congruence just means $FA = AC$. Since $FA = FC$ always, triangle $AFC$ is equilateral if and only if $\angle AFC = 60^{\circ} \iff \angle ADC = 30^{\circ}$. As $\angle ADC = (90^{\circ} - \angle C) + \angle B$, and the result follows. $\blacksquare$

Claim: We have $EFGH$ is a parallelogram if and only if $\triangle AEF \cong \triangle ABC$.
Proof. Since we already know $\overline{EF} \parallel \overline{GH}$, the parallelogram condition is equivalent to $EF = GH$, but as $GH = BC$ we get the earlier congruence. $\blacksquare$
It remains only to show that if $EFGH$ is a parallelogram then it is also a rectangle. In the situation of the claims, note that $EG = FH$ by symmetry through the oppositely congruent triangles $\triangle AEF$ and $\triangle AHG$ as needed.
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weaving2
14 posts
#10 • 1 Y
Y by ImSh95
@v_Enhance what is the name of the twitch channel?
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v_Enhance
6866 posts
#11 • 2 Y
Y by v4913, ImSh95
weaving2 wrote:
@v_Enhance what is the name of the twitch channel?

https://twitch.tv/vEnhance which normally runs Friday 8pm ET. You can see a schedule at https://web.evanchen.cc/videos.html.
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DikranB
1 post
#12 • 1 Y
Y by ImSh95
Quote:
By Salmon theorem, we always have\[ \triangle AEF \overset{+}{\sim} \triangle ABC. \]

Why is this the case? Can you provide any link to further material on the subject?
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DottedCaculator
7307 posts
#13 • 2 Y
Y by guptaamitu1, ImSh95
Solution
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Overlord123
799 posts
#14 • 1 Y
Y by ImSh95
$EFGH$ is a rectangle if and only if $EFGH$ is a rectangle.
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Mahdi_Mashayekhi
689 posts
#16 • 1 Y
Y by ImSh95
Assume GHEF is rectangle we will prove ∠C - ∠B = 60.
EF = GH = BC and we have AEF and ABC are similar so ABC and AEF are congruent so AEB and AFC are regular triangles.
∠AFC = 60 so ∠ADC = 30.
∠ADC = ∠B + ∠OAB = ∠B + 90 - ∠C so ∠C - ∠B = 90 - 30 = 60 as wanted.

Assume ∠C - ∠B = 60 we will prove GHEF is rectangle.
∠ADC = ∠B + 90 - ∠C = 30 so ∠AFC = 60 and FA = FC so AFC is regular triangle. we have AEF and ABC are similar and AC = AF so AEF and ABC are
congruent so EF = BC = GH. ∠BAF = 180 - 2C so ∠FGA = 90 - ∠C. ∠HGF = ∠HGA + ∠FGA = ∠C + 90 - ∠C = 90. same way ∠GHE = 90 so HE || GF so HEFG is rectangle.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Mahdi_Mashayekhi, Jan 13, 2022, 11:54 AM
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Numbertheorydog
18 posts
#17 • 1 Y
Y by ImSh95
Mahdi_Mashayekhi wrote:
we have AEF and ABC are similar
how do you get that they are similar?
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Mogmog8
1080 posts
#18 • 2 Y
Y by ImSh95, centslordm
Inefficient angle chasing solution... will improve later if I have time

Let $\angle BAC=\alpha$ and so on. Notice $\overline{AO}\perp\overline{EF}$ since $\overline{AO}$ is the radical axis of $(ABD)$ and $(ACD).$ Also, $\overline{AO}\perp\overline{GH}$ as $$\measuredangle(\overline{AO},\overline{GH})=\measuredangle(\overline{AO},\overline{AG})+\measuredangle AGH=\measuredangle BCA+\measuredangle OAB=90.$$Finally, $$\angle CDA=\measuredangle BCA+\measuredangle OCA=\measuredangle BCA+90-\measuredangle ABC=90-(\measuredangle ACB-\measuredangle CBA).$$
If Direction: $\gamma-\beta=60$ implies $EFGH$ is a rectangle.
Proof. Notice $\triangle AEB$ is equilateral as $$\angle BEA=2\angle CDA=2(90-60)=60.$$Hence, $$\angle EAO=60+90-\angle ACB=\angle ACB-\angle CBA+90-\angle ACB=90-\angle CBA=\angle OAC$$so $\angle AEH=\tfrac{1}{2}\angle EAC=\angle OAC$ and $\overline{EH}\parallel\overline{AO}.$ Similarly, $\overline{FG}\parallel\overline{AO}.$ $\blacksquare$

Only If Direction: $EFGH$ is a rectangle implies $\gamma-\beta=60.$
Proof. We know $\triangle AEF\cong\triangle DEF$ so $$\angle AFE=\tfrac{1}{2}\angle AFD=\angle ACB.$$Similarly, $\angle FEA=\angle CBA$ so $\triangle AEF\sim\triangle ABC.$ Then, $\triangle AEF\cong\triangle AHG$ so $\triangle AEB$ is equilateral. Thus, $$90-(\measuredangle ACB-\measuredangle CBA)=\angle CDA=\tfrac{1}{2}\cdot 60=30.$$$\blacksquare$ $\square$
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awesomeming327.
1667 posts
#19
Y by
This took me way too long

It is easy to see that $BCGH$ is a isosceles trapezoid. Let $X$ be $OA\cap GH.$ We have \[\angle GAX=\angle OAB=90^\circ-\angle ACB=90^\circ-\angle AGX.\]Thus, $AX\perp GH.$ We also have $EF\perp AD$ so $EF\parallel GH.$ It is clear why F is inside and E is outside so now, $\angle CFD=2\angle CAD=\angle COD$ so $CFOD$ is cyclic. Similarly, $BEOD$ is cyclic. We have \[\angle FOE+\angle FAE=360^\circ-\angle FOD-\angle DOE+\angle FDE\]\[=\angle FCD+\angle EBD+180^\circ-\angle FDC-\angle EDB=180^\circ\]which implies that $AFOE$ is cyclic. We have $\angle ACB-\angle ABC= 90^\circ-\angle OAB-(90^\circ-\angle OAC)=\angle OAC-\angle OAB.$ What's important to see is that \[\angle OAE=\angle OFE=\angle FOD-90^\circ=90^\circ-\angle FCD=\angle OAC\]and similarly, $\angle OAF=\angle OAB.$ Thus, $\angle OAC-\angle OAB=\angle OAC-\angle OAF=\angle CAF.$ Therefore, we have \[\angle ACB=\angle ABC\iff \triangle ACF \text{ is equilateral}\]We know that $\triangle ABC\sim \triangle AEF$ and $\triangle ABC\cong \triangle AHG$ so $\triangle ACF$ is equilateral $\iff$ $\triangle AFE\cong \triangle AHG.$ Since $EF\parallel GH$, $\triangle AFE\cong\triangle AHG\iff EFGH$ rectangle, as desired.
Numbertheorydog wrote:
Mahdi_Mashayekhi wrote:
we have AEF and ABC are similar
how do you get that they are similar?

angle chasing.
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SatisfiedMagma
451 posts
#20
Y by
Solved with proxima1681.

Solution: Let $D' = AO \cap GH$. As $AD$ is the radical axis of $\odot(ADC)$ and $\odot(ADB)$, we get $EF \perp AO$. It is also easy see that $\triangle ABC \cong \triangle AHG$.

[asy]
            import graph; size(11cm);
            real labelscalefactor = 0.5; /* changes label-to-point distance */
            pen dps = linewidth(0.7) + fontsize(14); defaultpen(dps); /* default pen style */
            pen dotstyle = black; /* point style */
            real xmin = -7, xmax = 6, ymin = -4.184372376555464, ymax = 10.16202343462137;  /* image dimensions */
            pen yqqqyq = rgb(0.5019607843137255,0.,0.5019607843137255); pen ffqqff = rgb(1.,0.,1.); pen qqwuqq = rgb(0.,0.39215686274509803,0.);

            draw((-0.8535898390715775,2.4107656245533)--(4.846554211506446,-2.620429350613437)--(-3.14,-2.7)--cycle, linewidth(1.1) + yqqqyq);
            draw((-0.8535898390715775,2.4107656245533)--(-5.051246248590594,6.115799681176306)--(2.251206267261163,9.350852527005179)--cycle, linewidth(1.1) + yqqqyq);
            draw((-0.8535898390715775,2.4107656245533)--(-0.895059345715962,-0.6375021281980235)--(3.0810645932710234,1.12395692083598)--cycle, linewidth(1.1) + ffqqff);
            draw((-2.6885720014591716,6.552852553843345)--(-2.1789546962989768,6.77861765259111)--(-2.4047197950467414,7.288234957751304)--(-2.9143371002069363,7.0624698590035395)--cycle, linewidth(1.1) + qqwuqq);
            draw((0.7780870069641727,0.10371691540088587)--(0.5523219082164079,0.6133342205610806)--(0.04270460305621318,0.3875691218133157)--(0.268469701803978,-0.12204818334687892)--cycle, linewidth(1.1) + qqwuqq);
            /* draw figures */
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            draw((-3.14,-2.7)--(-0.8535898390715775,2.4107656245533), linewidth(1.1) + yqqqyq);
            draw((-0.8535898390715775,2.4107656245533)--(1.3905292426795337,-2.654861991247058), linewidth(1.1) + blue);
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            draw((-5.051246248590594,6.115799681176306)--(2.251206267261163,9.350852527005179), linewidth(1.1) + yqqqyq);
            draw((2.251206267261163,9.350852527005179)--(-0.8535898390715775,2.4107656245533), linewidth(1.1) + yqqqyq);
            draw((-2.9143371002069363,7.0624698590035395)--(-0.8535898390715775,2.4107656245533), linewidth(1.1) + blue);
            draw((-0.8535898390715775,2.4107656245533)--(-0.895059345715962,-0.6375021281980235), linewidth(1.1) + ffqqff);
            draw((-0.895059345715962,-0.6375021281980235)--(3.0810645932710234,1.12395692083598), linewidth(1.1) + ffqqff);
            draw((3.0810645932710234,1.12395692083598)--(-0.8535898390715775,2.4107656245533), linewidth(1.1) + ffqqff);
            draw((-0.895059345715962,-0.6375021281980235)--(-3.14,-2.7), linewidth(1.1) + ffqqff);
            draw((-5.051246248590594,6.115799681176306)--(-0.895059345715962,-0.6375021281980235), linewidth(1.1) + blue);
            draw((3.0810645932710234,1.12395692083598)--(2.251206267261163,9.350852527005179), linewidth(1.1) + blue);
            /* dots and labels */
            dot((-0.8535898390715775,2.4107656245533),dotstyle);
            label("$A$", (-1.6,2.1217356723134735), NE * labelscalefactor);
            dot((4.846554211506446,-2.620429350613437),dotstyle);
            label("$B$", (5.163488257557553,-2.712947165152712), NE * labelscalefactor);
            dot((-3.14,-2.7),dotstyle);
            label("$C$", (-3.796440261877091,-2.844324416170815), NE * labelscalefactor);
            dot((-5.051246248590594,6.115799681176306),dotstyle);
            label("$G$", (-5.819649927555882,6.06305320285656), NE * labelscalefactor);
            dot((2.251206267261163,9.350852527005179),dotstyle);
            label("$H$", (2.3520150857701427,9.610238980345336), NE * labelscalefactor);
            dot((0.8408620061861096,-1.4141036218163907),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle);
            label("$O$", (1.1170689261999718,-1.5305519059897863), NE * labelscalefactor);
            dot((1.3905292426795337,-2.654861991247058),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle);
            label("$D$", (1.3798234282361783,-3.2384561692251235), NE * labelscalefactor);
            dot((-0.895059345715962,-0.6375021281980235),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle);
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            dot((3.0810645932710234,1.12395692083598),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle);
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            dot((-2.9143371002069363,7.0624698590035395),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle);
            label("$D'$", (-3.139554006786575,7.481927513852071), NE * labelscalefactor);
            dot((0.268469701803978,-0.12204818334687892),linewidth(4.pt) + dotstyle);
            clip((xmin,ymin)--(xmin,ymax)--(xmax,ymax)--(xmax,ymin)--cycle);
[/asy]

Claim: $\triangle AEF \sim \triangle ABC$ and $EF \parallel HG$.

Proof: Observe
\[\angle AFE = \frac{1}{2} \angle AFD = \angle ACB.\]$\angle AEF = \angle ABC$ follows symmetrically proving the similarity. For the parallel part,
\begin{align*}
    \angle AD'G & = \angle D'HA + \angle D'AH \\
                & = \angle ABC + \angle CAD   \\
                & = 90^\circ = \angle(FE,AD)
\end{align*}and the claim is proven. $\square$
We first prove the if direction. If $EFGH$ is a rectangle, then
\[\overline{EF} = \overline{GH} = \overline{BC}.\]This would give $\triangle ABC \cong \triangle AEF$. This would give $\overline{AF} = \overline{FC} = \overline{AC}$ giving $\triangle AFC$ equilateral. It is not hard to compute $\angle AFC = 2(90^\circ -C +B)$. Setting this equal to $60^\circ$, we would get $C-B = 60^\circ$ as desired.

For the iff direction, assume $C-B = 60^\circ$. Analogous calculations as above, again reveal that $\triangle AFC$ and $\triangle AEB$ as equilateral. Note that $\triangle AEH$ and $\triangle AFG$ are isosceles. These triangles would also imply $\triangle AEF \cong \triangle ACB$. With some angle chasing one can compute
\[\angle AFG = \frac{1}{2} A - 30^\circ \qquad \text{and} \qquad \angle AEH = \frac{1}{2} A + 30^\circ.\]Finally observe that
\[\angle GFE = C + \frac{1}{2} A - 30^\circ = 90 ^\circ = \angle HEF\]which proves that $EFGH$ is indeed a rectangle and we are done. $\blacksquare$
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huashiliao2020
1292 posts
#22
Y by
First we prove the necessity: It's clear that $$30=C-60+90-C=ABC+OAB=ADC\implies AFC=60\implies AG=AC=FA.$$Now note the cyclicislscelestrapezoid since $$HAB=GAC,BHA=HBA=90-HAB/2=90-GAC/2=AGC=ACG,$$and that $AFD=2C\implies DAF=90-C=BAO$. Now, $$GFE=GFA+EFA=90-DAF+AGF=90-1/2BAF+90-GAF=90,$$$HGF=HGA+AGF=C+90-C=90,$ where the last step follows from knowing that $$AGF=(180-GAF)/2=FAB/2=FAD=90-C.$$Finally, we note that $AEF\cong ABC$, which follows immediately from $$FA=FC, EAF=EAB+BAF=60+BAF=FAC+BAF=BAC,AFE=90-AFG=90-AGF=C.$$It is now evident that EF=BC=HG ($BAC\cong HAG$), whence the already known right trapezoid (EFG and HGF are 90 degrees) has EF=HG which makes it a rectangle! $\blacksquare$



As for sufficiency, if EFGH is a rectangle, remark that BC=HG=EF, and $$AFE=AFD/2=ACB,AEF=AED/2=ABC\stackrel{SAS}{\implies}ABC\cong AEF\implies AF=AC,$$whence AFC is equilateral, and $$60=AFC=2ADC=2(B+BAO)=2(B+90-C)=180+2B-2C\implies C-B=60.$$$\blacksquare$

I'm really happy about this solution because it only took half an hour and it was straightforward, a very nice problem, and I did it on my own, with some nice observations! Obviously my necessity was overkill but I can't be bothered to shorten it lol
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by huashiliao2020, Aug 31, 2023, 3:55 AM
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starchan
1601 posts
#23
Y by
how do you come up with problems like these
solution
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OronSH
1727 posts
#24 • 1 Y
Y by GrantStar
Solved with GrantStar :omighty: :omighty:

First, let $P$ be the intersection of the altitude from $A$ to $BC$ with the circumcircle of $ABC.$ Notice that since $EF$ and $OF$ are the perpendicular bisectors of $AD$ and $AC,$ we have $\measuredangle AEF=\frac{1}{2} \measuredangle AED=\measuredangle ABC=\frac{1}{2} \measuredangle AOC=\measuredangle AOF,$ so $AEOF$ is cyclic and $AO \perp EF.$ Also, by symmetry, we have $\measuredangle AFE=\measuredangle ACB,$ so $\triangle AEF$ and $\triangle ABC$ are similar and similarly oriented. Thus, there exists a spiral similarity at $A$ sending $\triangle AEF$ to $\triangle ABC.$ Notice that this spiral similarity also sends $O$ to $P,$ so we have $\frac{EF}{BC}=\frac{AO}{AP}.$

Next, Reim on lines $AB,AC$ and quadrilaterals $AABC$ and $BCGH$ gives us that $GH$ is parallel to the tangent to the circumcircle of $ABC$ at $A,$ so $GH \perp AD$ and $GH \parallel EF.$ Also, we have $\angle EAD=90-\frac{1}{2} \angle AED=90-\angle ABC=90-\frac{1}{2} \angle AOC=\angle OAC,$ so $AD$ bisects $\angle EAC,$ so the tangent to the circumcircle of $ABC$ at $A$ bisects $\angle EAH,$ and thus also bisects $\angle GAF$ by symmetry. Therefore, $EFGH$ being a rectangle is equivalent to $EF=GH.$

However, we know $GH=BC,$ and $BC=EF$ if and only if $AO=AP.$ Since $OA=OP,$ this holds if and only if $AOP$ is equilateral, or equivalently $\angle OAP=60.$ Now, let $A'$ be the point such that $AA'BC$ is an isosceles trapezoid with $AA' \parallel BC,$ and let $AO$ intersect the circumcircle of $ABC$ again at $Q.$ Then we have $\angle OAP=\angle QAP=\angle A'CA=\angle ACB-\angle BCA'=\angle ACB-\angle ABC,$ so we are done.
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asdf334
7586 posts
#25
Y by
Obviously $EF$ is the perpendicular bisector of $AD$ and $OE\perp AB$, $OF\perp AC$.

For convenience let $L$ be the foot of $A$ to $BC$. Now
\[\measuredangle DAE=\measuredangle LAB\]\[\measuredangle DAF=\measuredangle LAC\]so $\triangle AEF\sim \triangle ABC$.

Now we prove that $EF\parallel GH$. Consider the acute angles formed by each of the lines with $BC$. It suffices to show:
\[90^{\circ}-\angle ADC=180^{\circ}-(\angle A+2\angle B)\]\[90^{\circ}-(\angle B+90^{\circ}-\angle C)=180^{\circ}-(\angle A+2\angle B)\]which is true.

Now since $\triangle AEF\sim \triangle ABC$, $\triangle ABC\cong \triangle AHG$ we must have $AF=AG=AC$ in order to have $EF=GH$.

So $\angle AFC=60^{\circ}$, $\angle ADC=30^{\circ}$, so
\[\angle ADC=\angle B+90^{\circ}-\angle C=30^{\circ}\implies \angle C-\angle B=60^{\circ}\]and we are done.
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dolphinday
1318 posts
#26
Y by
Since $\triangle GAB \cong \triangle CAH$, we have $GH \parallel BC$ due to $\angle ABG = \angle AHC$. If $EFGH$ is a rectangle, then $GH =  EF$. Then consider the homothety $\mathcal{H}$ sending $(ABD) \to (ACD)$. Then $\mathcal{H}(E) = F$, and $\mathcal{H}(B) = C$, so $\triangle{AEF} \cong \triangle{ABC}$. Then notice that if $\triangle{AEF} \cong \triangle{ABC}$, then $AF = AC$ which implies that $\triangle AFC$ is equilateral. From here, we find $\angle FAC = \angle FCA = 60^{\circ} \implies \angle ADC = 30^{\circ}$. We can angle chase to find $\angle B = 90^{\circ} = \angle C + 30^{\circ}$, so we are done.
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by dolphinday, Feb 7, 2024, 5:29 PM
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cj13609517288
1869 posts
#27 • 1 Y
Y by OronSH
Headsolved! Typed up without a diagram either, so there might be some mistakes in point names lol.

First, we will prove that $HG$ and $EF$ are always parallel. Note that $HG$ and $BC$ are reflections over the $A$-external angle bisector, and lines $AO$ and $AH$ are reflections over the $A$-external angle bisector (since they are isogonal). Since $EF\perp AO$, we want to show that $AH\perp BC$, which is obvious.

Now suppose $EF=GH$. Then note that the projections of $E$ and $F$ onto $BC$ have distance exactly half of $BC$. Thus the angle bietween $EF$ and $BC$ is $60^{\circ}$, so $\angle ADC=30^{\circ}$, so
\[180^{\circ}=30^{\circ}+\angle DAC+\angle C=30^{\circ}+(90^{\circ}-\angle B)+\angle C\Longrightarrow \angle C-\angle B=60^{\circ}.\]
Conversely, if $\angle C-\angle B=60^{\circ}$, the previous paragraph is all reversible, so we still get $EF=GH$, so $EFGH$ is a parallelogram. Also, $\angle AFC=60^{\circ}$, so $AF=AC=AG$. Since $\angle BAD=\angle DAF=90^{\circ}-\angle C$, so $\angle FAG=2\angle C$. But note that since $AF=AG$, we get $\angle AFG=90^{\circ}-\angle C=\angle DAF$, so $AO\parallel FG$, so $EF\perp FG$, so we get that $EFGH$ is a rectangle. $\blacksquare$
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joshualiu315
2513 posts
#28
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Note that $\angle ACB - \angle ABC = 90^\circ - \angle ADC$ through some simple angle chasing. Hence, it suffices to show that $EFGH$ is a rectangle if and only if $\angle ADC = 30^\circ$. Notice that

\[\angle AEF = \frac{1}{2} \angle AEB = \angle ABD,\]
and similarly, $\angle AFE = \angle ACD$. Hence, $\triangle AEF \sim \triangle ABC$, and thus $\triangle AEF \sim \triangle AHG$. Moreover, if we extend $\overline{AO}$ past $A$ to intersect $\overline{GH}$ at $D'$, we get

\begin{align*}
\angle AD'G &= 180^\circ - \angle D'GA - \angle D'AG  \\
&= 180^\circ - (\angle ACB + \angle BAD) \\
&= 90^\circ = \angle (\overline{AO}, \overline{EF}).
\end{align*}
So, $\overline{EF} \parallel \overline{GH}$. Then, note that $\triangle AGH$ is obtained from $\triangle AEF$ by reflecting it over the line perpendicular to $\overline{AD}$ passing through $A$, and performing a homothety centered at $A$ with ratio $\tfrac{GH}{EF}$. If $EFGH$ is a rectangle, then the ratio is simply $1$, and it is easy to see that $EFGH$ cannot be a rectangle if the ratio is not $1$.

Hence, the condition of $EFGH$ being a rectangle is equivalent to $EF = GH$, or $\triangle AEF \cong \triangle AGH$. This is equivalent to $AF = AG = AC$, or $\triangle AFC$ being equilateral. Since $\angle AFC = 2 \angle ADC$, we clearly have $\triangle AFC$ is equilateral if and only if $\angle ADC = 30^\circ$. $\blacksquare$
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shendrew7
792 posts
#29
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We'll prove both are equivalent to $EF = BC$.

To prove it is equivalent to $EFGH$ being a rectangle, first notice $AO \perp EF$, but also $AO \perp GH$ from isogonality properties. To prove it is equivalent to $\angle C - \angle B = 60$, note that Salmon Lemma gives
\[BC = EF = BC \cdot 2 \cos \angle BAE\]\[\iff 60 = \angle BAE = 90 - \angle ADC = \angle A + 2 \angle C - 180 = \angle C - \angle B. \quad \blacksquare\]
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