Summer is a great time to explore cool problems to keep your skills sharp!  Schedule a class today!

G
Topic
First Poster
Last Poster
k a June Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
Jun 2, 2025
Congratulations to all the mathletes who competed at National MATHCOUNTS! If you missed the exciting Countdown Round, you can watch the video at this link. Are you interested in training for MATHCOUNTS or AMC 10 contests? How would you like to train for these math competitions in half the time? We have accelerated sections which meet twice per week instead of once starting on July 8th (7:30pm ET). These sections fill quickly so enroll today!

[list][*]MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Basics
[*]MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Advanced
[*]AMC 10 Problem Series[/list]
For those interested in Olympiad level training in math, computer science, physics, and chemistry, be sure to enroll in our WOOT courses before August 19th to take advantage of early bird pricing!

Summer camps are starting this 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 a transformative 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][*]June 5th, Thursday, 7:30pm ET: Open Discussion with Ben Kornell and Andrew Sutherland, Art of Problem Solving's incoming CEO Ben Kornell and CPO Andrew Sutherland host an Ask Me Anything-style chat. Come ask your questions and get to know our incoming CEO & CPO!
[*]June 9th, Monday, 7:30pm ET, Game Jam: Operation Shuffle!, Come join us to play our second round of Operation Shuffle! If you enjoy number sense, logic, and a healthy dose of luck, this is the game for you. No specific math background is required; all are welcome.[/list]
Our full course list for upcoming classes is below:
All classes run 7:30pm-8:45pm ET/4:30pm - 5:45pm PT unless otherwise noted.

Introductory: Grades 5-10

Prealgebra 1 Self-Paced

Prealgebra 1
Sunday, Jun 15 - Oct 12
Monday, Jun 30 - Oct 20
Wednesday, Jul 16 - Oct 29
Sunday, Aug 17 - Dec 14
Tuesday, Aug 26 - Dec 16
Friday, Sep 5 - Jan 16
Monday, Sep 8 - Jan 12
Tuesday, Sep 16 - Jan 20 (4:30 - 5:45 pm ET/1:30 - 2:45 pm PT)
Sunday, Sep 21 - Jan 25
Thursday, Sep 25 - Jan 29
Wednesday, Oct 22 - Feb 25
Tuesday, Nov 4 - Mar 10
Friday, Dec 12 - Apr 10

Prealgebra 2 Self-Paced

Prealgebra 2
Monday, Jun 2 - Sep 22
Sunday, Jun 29 - Oct 26
Friday, Jul 25 - Nov 21
Sunday, Aug 17 - Dec 14
Tuesday, Sep 9 - Jan 13
Thursday, Sep 25 - Jan 29
Sunday, Oct 19 - Feb 22
Monday, Oct 27 - Mar 2
Wednesday, Nov 12 - Mar 18

Introduction to Algebra A Self-Paced

Introduction to Algebra A
Sunday, Jun 15 - Oct 12
Thursday, Jun 26 - Oct 9
Tuesday, Jul 15 - Oct 28
Sunday, Aug 17 - Dec 14
Wednesday, Aug 27 - Dec 17
Friday, Sep 5 - Jan 16
Thursday, Sep 11 - Jan 15
Sunday, Sep 28 - Feb 1
Monday, Oct 6 - Feb 9
Tuesday, Oct 21 - Feb 24
Sunday, Nov 9 - Mar 15
Friday, Dec 5 - Apr 3

Introduction to Counting & Probability Self-Paced

Introduction to Counting & Probability
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Wednesday, Jul 2 - Sep 17
Sunday, Jul 27 - Oct 19
Monday, Aug 11 - Nov 3
Wednesday, Sep 3 - Nov 19
Sunday, Sep 21 - Dec 14 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Friday, Oct 3 - Jan 16
Tuesday, Nov 4 - Feb 10
Sunday, Dec 7 - Mar 8

Introduction to Number Theory
Monday, Jun 9 - Aug 25
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14
Tuesday, Jul 15 - Sep 30
Wednesday, Aug 13 - Oct 29
Friday, Sep 12 - Dec 12
Sunday, Oct 26 - Feb 1
Monday, Dec 1 - Mar 2

Introduction to Algebra B Self-Paced

Introduction to Algebra B
Wednesday, Jun 4 - Sep 17
Sunday, Jun 22 - Oct 19
Friday, Jul 18 - Nov 14
Thursday, Aug 7 - Nov 20
Monday, Aug 18 - Dec 15
Sunday, Sep 7 - Jan 11
Thursday, Sep 11 - Jan 15
Wednesday, Sep 24 - Jan 28
Sunday, Oct 26 - Mar 1
Tuesday, Nov 4 - Mar 10
Monday, Dec 1 - Mar 30

Introduction to Geometry
Monday, Jun 16 - Dec 8
Friday, Jun 20 - Jan 9
Sunday, Jun 29 - Jan 11
Monday, Jul 14 - Jan 19
Wednesday, Aug 13 - Feb 11
Tuesday, Aug 26 - Feb 24
Sunday, Sep 7 - Mar 8
Thursday, Sep 11 - Mar 12
Wednesday, Sep 24 - Mar 25
Sunday, Oct 26 - Apr 26
Monday, Nov 3 - May 4
Friday, Dec 5 - May 29

Paradoxes and Infinity
Mon, Tue, Wed, & Thurs, Jul 14 - Jul 16 (meets every day of the week!)

Intermediate: Grades 8-12

Intermediate Algebra
Sunday, Jun 1 - Nov 23
Tuesday, Jun 10 - Nov 18
Wednesday, Jun 25 - Dec 10
Sunday, Jul 13 - Jan 18
Thursday, Jul 24 - Jan 22
Friday, Aug 8 - Feb 20
Tuesday, Aug 26 - Feb 24
Sunday, Sep 28 - Mar 29
Wednesday, Oct 8 - Mar 8
Sunday, Nov 16 - May 17
Thursday, Dec 11 - Jun 4

Intermediate Counting & Probability
Sunday, Jun 22 - Nov 2
Sunday, Sep 28 - Feb 15
Tuesday, Nov 4 - Mar 24

Intermediate Number Theory
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Wednesday, Jun 18 - Sep 3
Wednesday, Sep 24 - Dec 17

Precalculus
Sunday, Jun 1 - Nov 9
Monday, Jun 30 - Dec 8
Wednesday, Aug 6 - Jan 21
Tuesday, Sep 9 - Feb 24
Sunday, Sep 21 - Mar 8
Monday, Oct 20 - Apr 6
Sunday, Dec 14 - May 31

Advanced: Grades 9-12

Olympiad Geometry
Tuesday, Jun 10 - Aug 26

Calculus
Wednesday, Jun 25 - Dec 17
Sunday, Sep 7 - Mar 15
Wednesday, Sep 24 - Apr 1
Friday, Nov 14 - May 22

Group Theory
Thursday, Jun 12 - Sep 11

Contest Preparation: Grades 6-12

MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Basics
Monday, Jun 2 - Aug 18
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)
Sunday, Aug 17 - Nov 9
Wednesday, Sep 3 - Nov 19
Tuesday, Sep 16 - Dec 9
Sunday, Sep 21 - Dec 14 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Monday, Oct 6 - Jan 12
Thursday, Oct 16 - Jan 22
Tues, Thurs & Sun, Dec 9 - Jan 18 (meets three times a week!)

MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Advanced
Wednesday, Jun 11 - Aug 27
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)
Sunday, Aug 17 - Nov 9
Tuesday, Aug 26 - Nov 11
Thursday, Sep 4 - Nov 20
Friday, Sep 12 - Dec 12
Monday, Sep 15 - Dec 8
Sunday, Oct 5 - Jan 11
Tues, Thurs & Sun, Dec 2 - Jan 11 (meets three times a week!)
Mon, Wed & Fri, Dec 8 - Jan 16 (meets three times a week!)

AMC 10 Problem Series
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Tuesday, Jun 17 - Sep 2
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Monday, Jun 23 - Sep 15
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)
Sunday, Aug 10 - Nov 2
Thursday, Aug 14 - Oct 30
Tuesday, Aug 19 - Nov 4
Mon & Wed, Sep 15 - Oct 22 (meets twice a week!)
Mon, Wed & Fri, Oct 6 - Nov 3 (meets three times a week!)
Tue, Thurs & Sun, Oct 7 - Nov 2 (meets three times a week!)

AMC 10 Final Fives
Monday, Jun 30 - Jul 21
Friday, Aug 15 - Sep 12
Sunday, Sep 7 - Sep 28
Tuesday, Sep 9 - Sep 30
Monday, Sep 22 - Oct 13
Sunday, Sep 28 - Oct 19 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Wednesday, Oct 8 - Oct 29
Thursday, Oct 9 - Oct 30

AMC 12 Problem Series
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Wednesday, Aug 6 - Oct 22
Sunday, Aug 10 - Nov 2
Monday, Aug 18 - Nov 10
Mon & Wed, Sep 15 - Oct 22 (meets twice a week!)
Tues, Thurs & Sun, Oct 7 - Nov 2 (meets three times a week!)

AMC 12 Final Fives
Thursday, Sep 4 - Sep 25
Sunday, Sep 28 - Oct 19
Tuesday, Oct 7 - Oct 28

AIME Problem Series A
Thursday, Oct 23 - Jan 29

AIME Problem Series B
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Tuesday, Sep 2 - Nov 18

F=ma Problem Series
Wednesday, Jun 11 - Aug 27
Tuesday, Sep 16 - Dec 9
Friday, Oct 17 - Jan 30

WOOT Programs
Visit the pages linked for full schedule details for each of these programs!


MathWOOT Level 1
MathWOOT Level 2
ChemWOOT
CodeWOOT
PhysicsWOOT

Programming

Introduction to Programming with Python
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Tuesday, Jun 17 - Sep 2
Monday, Jun 30 - Sep 22
Thursday, Aug 14 - Oct 30
Sunday, Sep 7 - Nov 23
Tuesday, Dec 2 - Mar 3

Intermediate Programming with Python
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Monday, Jun 30 - Sep 22
Friday, Oct 3 - Jan 16

USACO Bronze Problem Series
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 1
Wednesday, Sep 3 - Dec 3
Thursday, Oct 30 - Feb 5
Tuesday, Dec 2 - Mar 3

Physics

Introduction to Physics
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14
Monday, Jun 23 - Sep 15
Tuesday, Sep 2 - Nov 18
Sunday, Oct 5 - Jan 11
Wednesday, Dec 10 - Mar 11

Physics 1: Mechanics
Monday, Jun 23 - Dec 15
Sunday, Sep 21 - Mar 22
Sunday, Oct 26 - Apr 26

Relativity
Mon, Tue, Wed & Thurs, Jun 23 - Jun 26 (meets every day of the week!)
0 replies
jlacosta
Jun 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
polonomials
Ducksohappi   3
N 7 minutes ago by Ducksohappi
Let $P(x)$ be the real polonomial such that all roots are real and distinct. Prove that there is a rational number $r\ne 0 $ that all roots of $Q(x)=$ $P(x+r)-P(x)$ are real numbers
3 replies
Ducksohappi
Apr 10, 2025
Ducksohappi
7 minutes ago
Easy Diff NT
xToiletG   0
32 minutes ago
Prove that for every $n \geq 2$ there exists positive integers $x, y, z$ such that
$$\frac{4}{n}=\frac{1}{x}+\frac{1}{y}+\frac{1}{z}$$
0 replies
xToiletG
32 minutes ago
0 replies
Might be slightly generalizable
Rijul saini   5
N an hour ago by guptaamitu1
Source: India IMOTC Day 3 Problem 1
Let $ABC$ be an acute angled triangle with orthocenter $H$ and $AB<AC$. Let $T(\ne B,C, H)$ be any other point on the arc $\stackrel{\LARGE\frown}{BHC}$ of the circumcircle of $BHC$ and let line $BT$ intersect line $AC$ at $E(\ne A)$ and let line $CT$ intersect line $AB$ at $F(\ne A)$. Let the circumcircles of $AEF$ and $ABC$ intersect again at $X$ ($\ne A$). Let the lines $XE,XF,XT$ intersect the circumcircle of $(ABC)$ again at $P,Q,R$ ($\ne X$). Prove that the lines $AR,BC,PQ$ concur.
5 replies
Rijul saini
Yesterday at 6:39 PM
guptaamitu1
an hour ago
A function on a 2D grid
Rijul saini   1
N an hour ago by guptaamitu1
Source: India IMOTC 2025 Day 4 Problem 2
Does there exist a function $f:\{1,2,...,2025\}^2 \rightarrow \{1,2,...,2025\}$ such that:

$\bullet$ for any positive integer $i \leqslant 2025$, the numbers $f(i,1),f(i,2),...,f(i,2025)$ are all distinct, and
$\bullet$ for any positive integers $i \leqslant 2025$ and $j \leqslant 2024$, $f(f(i,j),f(i,j+1))=i$?

Proposed by Shantanu Nene
1 reply
1 viewing
Rijul saini
Yesterday at 6:46 PM
guptaamitu1
an hour ago
Cute geometry
Rijul saini   5
N an hour ago by everythingpi3141592
Source: India IMOTC Practice Test 1 Problem 3
Let scalene $\triangle ABC$ have altitudes $BE, CF,$ circumcenter $O$ and orthocenter $H$. Let $R$ be a point on line $AO$. The points $P,Q$ are on lines $AB,AC$ respectively such that $RE \perp EP$ and $RF \perp FQ$. Prove that $PQ$ is perpendicular to $RH$.

Proposed by Rijul Saini
5 replies
Rijul saini
Yesterday at 6:51 PM
everythingpi3141592
an hour ago
Orthocenters equidistant from circumcenter
Rijul saini   6
N an hour ago by guptaamitu1
Source: India IMOTC 2025 Day 1 Problem 2
In triangle $ABC$, consider points $A_1,A_2$ on line $BC$ such that $A_1,B,C,A_2$ are in that order and $A_1B=AC$ and $CA_2=AB$. Similarly consider points $B_1,B_2$ on line $AC$, and $C_1,C_2$ on line $AB$. Prove that orthocenters of triangles $A_1B_1C_1$ and $A_2B_2C_2$ are equidistant from the circumcenter of $ABC$.

Proposed by Shantanu Nene
6 replies
Rijul saini
Yesterday at 6:31 PM
guptaamitu1
an hour ago
My Unsolved Problem
ZeltaQN2008   3
N 2 hours ago by Funcshun840
Source: IDK
Let \( ABC \) be an acute triangle inscribed in its circumcircle \( (O) \), and let \( (I) \) be its incircle. Let \( K \) be the point where the $A-mixtilinear$ incircle of triangle $ABC$ touches \((O)\). Suppose line \( OI \) intersects segment \( AK \) at \( P \), and intersects line \( BC \) at \( Q \). Let the line through \( I \) perpendicular to \( BC \) intersect line \( KQ \) at \( A' \). Prove that: \[AI \parallel PA'.\]
3 replies
ZeltaQN2008
Yesterday at 1:23 PM
Funcshun840
2 hours ago
24 convex quadrilaterals
popcorn1   23
N 2 hours ago by ezpotd
Source: IMO Shortlist 2020 C2
In a regular 100-gon, 41 vertices are colored black and the remaining 59 vertices are colored white. Prove that there exist 24 convex quadrilaterals $Q_{1}, \ldots, Q_{24}$ whose corners are vertices of the 100-gon, so that
[list]
[*] the quadrilaterals $Q_{1}, \ldots, Q_{24}$ are pairwise disjoint, and
[*] every quadrilateral $Q_{i}$ has three corners of one color and one corner of the other color.
[/list]
23 replies
popcorn1
Jul 20, 2021
ezpotd
2 hours ago
Turkey TST 2015 P1
aloski1687   5
N 2 hours ago by Mathgloggers
Source: Turkey TST 2015
Let $l, m, n$ be positive integers and $p$ be prime. If $p^{2l-1}m(mn+1)^2 + m^2$ is a perfect square, prove that $m$ is also a perfect square.
5 replies
aloski1687
Apr 1, 2015
Mathgloggers
2 hours ago
Beware the degeneracies!
Rijul saini   4
N 2 hours ago by ND_
Source: India IMOTC 2025 Day 1 Problem 1
Let $a,b,c$ be real numbers satisfying $$\max \{a(b^2+c^2),b(c^2+a^2),c(a^2+b^2) \} \leqslant 2abc+1$$Prove that $$a(b^2+c^2)+b(c^2+a^2)+c(a^2+b^2) \leqslant 6abc+2$$and determine all cases of equality.

Proposed by Shantanu Nene
4 replies
Rijul saini
Yesterday at 6:30 PM
ND_
2 hours ago
2024 IMO P6
IndoMathXdZ   39
N 2 hours ago by monval
Source: 2024 IMO P6
Let $\mathbb{Q}$ be the set of rational numbers. A function $f: \mathbb{Q} \to \mathbb{Q}$ is called aquaesulian if the following property holds: for every $x,y \in \mathbb{Q}$,
\[ f(x+f(y)) = f(x) + y \quad \text{or} \quad f(f(x)+y) = x + f(y). \]Show that there exists an integer $c$ such that for any aquaesulian function $f$ there are at most $c$ different rational numbers of the form $f(r) + f(-r)$ for some rational number $r$, and find the smallest possible value of $c$.
39 replies
IndoMathXdZ
Jul 17, 2024
monval
2 hours ago
Linetown Mayor Admits Orz
Rijul saini   1
N 2 hours ago by YaoAOPS
Source: LMAO 2025 Day 1 Problem 2
Having won the elections in Linetown, Turbo the Snail has become mayor, and one of the most pressing issues he needs to work on is the road network. Linetown can be represented as a configuration of $2025$ lines
in the plane, of which no two are parallel and no three are concurrent.

There is one house in Linetown for each pairwise intersection of two lines. The $2025$ lines are used as roads by the townsfolk. In the past, the roads in Linetown used to be two-way, but this often led to residents accidentally cycling back to where they started.

Turbo wants to make each of the $2025$ roads one-way such that it is impossible for any resident to start at a house, follow the roads in the correct directions, and end up back at the original house. In how many ways can Turbo achieve this?

Proposed by Archit Manas
1 reply
Rijul saini
Yesterday at 6:59 PM
YaoAOPS
2 hours ago
Functional equation: f(xf(y)+f(x)f(y))=xf(y)+f(xy)
Behappy0918   2
N 2 hours ago by Behappy0918
Find all function $f: \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R}$ such that for all $x, y\in\mathbb{R}$, $$f(xf(y)+f(x)f(y))=xf(y)+f(xy)$$
2 replies
Behappy0918
Tuesday at 12:24 PM
Behappy0918
2 hours ago
Painting Beads on Necklace
amuthup   47
N 3 hours ago by ezpotd
Source: 2021 ISL C2
Let $n\ge 3$ be a fixed integer. There are $m\ge n+1$ beads on a circular necklace. You wish to paint the beads using $n$ colors, such that among any $n+1$ consecutive beads every color appears at least once. Find the largest value of $m$ for which this task is $\emph{not}$ possible.

Carl Schildkraut, USA
47 replies
amuthup
Jul 12, 2022
ezpotd
3 hours ago
Incircles
solver6   12
N Sep 30, 2024 by nguyentlauv
Source: (own)
(a) Let given triangle $ABC$ with orthocenter $H$ and altitudes $AH_A, BH_B, CH_C$. Let $I_A, I_B, I_C$ be in-centers of triangles $H_BH_CH, H_AH_CH, H_AH_BH$. Prove that lines $AI_A, BI_B, CI_C$ intersects in same point

(b) Let given triangle $ABC$ with orthocenter $H$ and altitudes $AH_A, BH_B, CH_C$. Let lines $AH_A, BH_B, CH_C$ intersects sides of triangle $H_AH_BH_C$ at points $A', B', C'$. Let $I_{ab}, I_{ac}, I_{ba}, I_{bc}, I_{ca}, I_{cb}$ be In-centers of triangles $AA'H_B, AA'H_C, BB'H_A, BB'H_C, CC'H_A, CC'H_B$. Prove that triangle formed by lines $I_{ab}I_{ac}, I_{ba}I_{bc}, I_{ca}I_{cb}$ is perspective to triangle $H_AH_BH_C$
12 replies
solver6
Sep 12, 2016
nguyentlauv
Sep 30, 2024
Incircles
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: (own)
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
solver6
259 posts
#1 • 3 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247, Zhaom
(a) Let given triangle $ABC$ with orthocenter $H$ and altitudes $AH_A, BH_B, CH_C$. Let $I_A, I_B, I_C$ be in-centers of triangles $H_BH_CH, H_AH_CH, H_AH_BH$. Prove that lines $AI_A, BI_B, CI_C$ intersects in same point

(b) Let given triangle $ABC$ with orthocenter $H$ and altitudes $AH_A, BH_B, CH_C$. Let lines $AH_A, BH_B, CH_C$ intersects sides of triangle $H_AH_BH_C$ at points $A', B', C'$. Let $I_{ab}, I_{ac}, I_{ba}, I_{bc}, I_{ca}, I_{cb}$ be In-centers of triangles $AA'H_B, AA'H_C, BB'H_A, BB'H_C, CC'H_A, CC'H_B$. Prove that triangle formed by lines $I_{ab}I_{ac}, I_{ba}I_{bc}, I_{ca}I_{cb}$ is perspective to triangle $H_AH_BH_C$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by solver6, Sep 12, 2016, 4:05 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
SomeonecoolLovesMaths
3311 posts
#2
Y by
bump....
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
soryn
5348 posts
#3
Y by
a) H is the incenter of the orthic triangle, and A,B,C are the excenters of the orthic triangle.Now,is well -known that the points H,Ia,A are collinear,and,similarly ,H,Ib, B and H,Ic,C are collinear.Thus,the three limes concur at H
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Zhaom
5124 posts
#4
Y by
soryn wrote:
a) H is the incenter of the orthic triangle, and A,B,C are the excenters of the orthic triangle.Now,is well -known that the points H,Ia,A are collinear,and,similarly ,H,Ib, B and H,Ic,C are collinear.Thus,the three limes concur at H

It is not true that the three lines concur at $H$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Zhaom
5124 posts
#5 • 12 Y
Y by qwerty123456asdfgzxcvb, balllightning37, peace09, OronSH, GrantStar, Sedro, ihatemath123, Scilyse, ohiorizzler1434, EpicBird08, MS_asdfgzxcvb, golue3120
(a) We assume that $\triangle{}ABC$ is acute since otherwise the problem is not true. We invert centered at $H$ to get the following problem.

Let $\triangle{}ABC$ with orthocenter $H$ have orthic triangle $\triangle{}DEF$. Let the $H$-excenters of $\triangle{}HBC,\triangle{}HCA,$ and $\triangle{}HAB$ be $J_A,J_B,$ and $J_C$, respectively. Prove that $\left(HDJ_A\right),\left(HEJ_B\right),$ and $\left(HFJ_C\right)$ are coaxial.

Let the perpendiculars to $\overline{HJ_A},\overline{HJ_B},$ and $\overline{HJ_C}$ through $J_A,J_B,$ and $J_C$ intersect $\overline{BC},\overline{CA},$ and $\overline{AB}$ at $A_1,B_1,$ and $C_1$, respectively. Then, we see that it suffices to show that the circles with diameters $\overline{HA_1},\overline{HB_1},$ and $\overline{HC_1}$ are coaxial, or that $A_1,B_1,$ and $C_1$ are collinear. Let $X,Y,$ and $Z$ be the feet of the altitudes from $J_A$ to $\overline{BC}$, from $J_B$ to $\overline{CA}$, and from $J_C$ to $\overline{AB}$, respectively. Then, let $M_A,M_B,$ and $M_C$ be the midpoints of $\overarc{BC},\overarc{CA},$ and $\overarc{AB}$ on $(HBC),(HCA),$ and $(HAB)$ not containing $H$, respectively. Let $\overline{M_AX},\overline{M_BY},$ and $\overline{M_CY}$ intersect $(HBC),(HCA),$ and $(HAB)$ at $S_A,S_B,$ and $S_C$ other than $M_A,M_B,$ and $M_C$, respectively. By extraverting the property that the $A$-Sharkydevil point of $\triangle{}ABC$ with incenter $I$, the perpendicular to $\overline{AI}$ at $I$, and $\overline{BC}$ concur, we see that $\overline{HS_A},\overline{HS_B},$ and $\overline{HS_C}$ go through $A_1,B_1,$ and $C_1$, respectively. Now, by the converse of Dual of Desargues's Involution Theorem with point $H$ and hexagon $ABCA_1B_1C_1$ we see that it suffices that there is an involution swapping $\overline{AH}$ and $\overline{HS_A}$, swapping $\overline{BH}$ and $\overline{HS_B}$, and swapping $\overline{CH}$ and $\overline{HS_C}$. Inverting at $H$ and applying the converse of Dual of Desargues's Involution Theorem with point $H$ and the hexagon formed by inverted image of the vertices of the hexagon $ABCS_AS_BS_C$ gives that it suffices that the inverted images of $S_A,S_B,$ and $S_C$ are collinear. Inverting back gives that it suffices that $HS_AS_BS_C$ is cyclic.

Claim $1$. Let $P,Q,$ and $R$ be points in the plane of $\triangle{}ABC$. Let $(APR),(BPR),$ and $(CPR)$ intersect $(BPC),(CPA),$ and $(APB)$ at $P_A,P_B,$ and $P_C$ other than $P$, respectively. Let $\triangle{}DEF$ be the cevian triangle of $Q$ in $\triangle{}ABC$. Then, let $\overline{P_AD},\overline{P_EB},$ and $\overline{P_FC}$ intersect $(BPC),(CPA),$ and $(APB)$ at $X,Y,$ and $Z$ other than $P_A,P_B,$ and $P_C$, respectively. Prove that $PXYZ$ is cyclic.

Invert about $P$ to get the following.

Let $P,Q,$ and $R$ be points in the plane of $\triangle{}ABC$. Let $(APR),(BPR),$ and $(CPR)$ intersect $(BPC),(CPA),$ and $(APB)$ at $P_A,P_B,$ and $P_C$ other than $P$, respectively. Let $\triangle{}DEF$ be the cevian triangle of $Q$ in $\triangle{}ABC$. Then, let $\left(PP_AD\right),\left(PP_EB\right),$ and $\left(PP_FC\right)$ intersect $\overline{BC},\overline{CA},$ and $\overline{AB}$ at $X,Y,$ and $Z$ other than $D,E,$ and $F$, respectively. Prove that $X,Y,$ and $Z$ are collinear.

Note that there exists an involution swapping $B$ and $C$, swapping $D$ and $X$, and swapping $\overline{PP_A}\cap\overline{BC}$ and the point at infinity on $\overline{BC}$. Compose this with a harmonic conjugation fixing $B$ and $C$ to get an involution $f_A$. Similarly, define $f_B$ and $f_C$.

Let $Z$ be a point with cevian triangle $\triangle{}Z_AZ_BZ_C$ in $\triangle{}ABC$. We claim that the triangle $\triangle{}f_A\left(Z_A\right)f_B\left(Z_B\right)f_C\left(Z_C\right)$ is also perspective with $\triangle{}ABC$, which would suffice to prove the claim by letting $Z=Q$. First, note that the map sending $Z$ to $\overline{Bf_B\left(Z_B\right)}\cap\overline{Cf_C\left(Z_C\right)}$ is an isoconjugation. This implies that there exists an involution $f'_A$ on $\overline{BC}$ swapping $B$ and $C$ for which $\triangle{}f'_A\left(Z_A\right)f_B\left(Z_B\right)f_C\left(Z_C\right)$ is always perspective with $\triangle{}ABC$. To prove that $f_A=f'_A$, it suffices to check $1$ case. For this we take $Z$ to be the centroid of $\triangle{}ABC$. Then, we see that $f_A\left(Z_A\right)=\overline{PP_A}\cap\overline{BC}$. Let this point be $X_A$. Similarly define $X_B=\overline{PP_B}\cap\overline{CA}$ and $X_C=\overline{PP_C}\cap\overline{AB}$, so that it suffices that $\overline{AX_A},\overline{BX_B},$ and $\overline{CX_C}$ concur.

We claim that $\overline{AX_A},\overline{BX_B},$ and $\overline{CX_C}$ concur at the radical center of $(APR),(BPR),(CPR),$ and $(ABC)$. For this it suffices that $\overline{AX_A},\overline{BX_B},$ and $\overline{CX_C}$ are the radical axes of $(ABC)$ with $(APR),(BPR),$ and $(CPR)$, respectively. This is true since $X_A$ is the radical center of $(ABC),(APR),$ and $(BPC)$, and similarly $X_B$ is the radical center of $(ABC),(BPR),$ and $(CPA)$ and $X_C$ is the radical center of $(ABC),(CPR),$ and $(APB)$, proving the claim.

Now, applying the claim to the problem gives that it suffices that $\overline{AX},\overline{BY},$ and $\overline{CZ}$ concur. Reflect $J_A,J_B,$ and $J_C$ over $\overline{BC},\overline{CA},$ and $\overline{AB}$ to get $J'_A,J'_B,$ and $J'_C$. Then, let the excentral triangle of $\triangle{}ABC$ be $\triangle{}I_AI_BI_C$.

Now, let $K_A,K_B,$ and $K_C$ be the points such that $\triangle{}K_AI_BI_C,\triangle{}K_BI_CI_A,$ and $\triangle{}K_CI_AI_B$ are isosceles right triangles with hypotenuses being the sides of $\triangle{}I_AI_BI_C$ pointing into $\triangle{}I_AI_BI_C$, respectively. Also, let $K'_A,K'_B,$ and $K'_C$ be the reflections of $K_A,K_B,$ and $K_C$ over $\overline{I_BI_C},\overline{I_CI_A},$ and $\overline{I_AI_B}$, respectively.

Claim $2$. We have that $X,Y,$ and $Z$ are the feet from $K_A,K_B,$ and $K_C$ to $\overline{BC},\overline{CA},$ and $\overline{AB}$, respectively.

Proof. Note that $J'_A$ lies on $\left(BCI_BI_CK_AK'_A\right)$, as
\begin{align*}
\angle{}BJ'_AC&=\angle{}BJ_AC\\
&=90^\circ-\frac{\angle{}BHC}{2}\\
&=90^\circ-\frac{180^\circ-\angle{}CAB}{2}\\
&=\frac{\angle{}CAB}{2}\\
&=\angle{}BI_BC.
\end{align*}Now, we see that
\begin{align*}
\angle\left(\overline{J'_AI_B},\overline{BC}\right)&=\angle{}BCI_B-\angle{}CBJ'_A\\
&=90^\circ+\frac{\angle{}BCA}{2}-\angle{}CBJ_A\\
&=90^\circ+\frac{\angle{}BCA}{2}-\frac{180^\circ-\angle{}CBH}{2}\\
&=90^\circ+\frac{\angle{}BCA}{2}-\frac{180^\circ-\left(90^\circ-\angle{}BCA\right)}{2}\\
&=45^\circ.
\end{align*}Similarly, we see that $\angle\left(\overline{J'_AI_C},\overline{BC}\right)=45^\circ$. This implies that $\overline{J'_AK_A}\perp\overline{BC}$ since $\overline{J'_AK_A}$ bisects $\angle{}I_BJ'_AI_C$, proving the claim.

Claim $3$. We have that $K_A,K_B,$ and $K_C$ lie on the isopivotal cubic of $\triangle{}ABC$ with pivot the Bevan point of $\triangle{}ABC$.

Proof. Note that $K_A$ and $K'_A$ are isogonal conjugates since
$$\angle{}I_BBK_A=\angle{}I_BBK'_A=\angle{}I_CCK_A=\angle{}ICC'K_A=45^\circ.$$Similarly, we see that $K_B$ and $K'_B$ are isogonal conjugates and that $K_C$ and $K'_C$ are isogonal conjugates. Now, we have that $\overline{K_AK'_A},\overline{K_BK'_B},$ and $\overline{K_CK'_C}$ are the perpendicular bisectors of $\overline{I_BI_C},\overline{I_CI_A},$ and $\overline{I_AI_B}$, so they concur at the Bevan point of $\triangle{}ABC$, proving the claim.

Claim $4$. We have that the isopivotal cubic of $\triangle{}ABC$ with pivot the Bevan point of $\triangle{}ABC$ is the isopivotal cubic of $\triangle{}I_AI_BI_C$ with pivot the orthocenter of $\triangle{}I_AI_BI_C$.

Proof. Note that $A,B,C,I,I_A,I_B,I_C,$ and the Bevan point of $\triangle{}ABC$ lie on both cubics. Therefore, it suffices that $K_A$ lies on both cubics, so it suffices that $K_A$ lies on the isopivotal cubic of $\triangle{}I_AI_BI_C$ with pivot the orthocenter of $\triangle{}I_AI_BI_C$.

Now, we will restate the problem with $\triangle{}I_AI_BI_C$ being $\triangle{}ABC$.

Let $\triangle{}ABC$ have $K$ such that $\triangle{}K_ABC$ is an isosceles right triangle with $\overline{BC}$ being the hypotenuse. Let $K_1$ be the isogonal conjugate of $K$ in $\triangle{}ABC$ and let $H$ be the orthocenter of $K$ in $\triangle{}ABC$. Prove that $H$ lies on $\overline{KK_1}$.

Let $\triangle{}DEF$ with orthocenter $H'$ be the reflection triangle of $K$ in $\triangle{}ABC$ and let $K_2$ be the isogonal conjugate of $K$ in $\triangle{}DEF$. By the Liang-Zelich Theorem it suffices that $\overline{KK_2}$ passes through $H'$. Now, we will use some claims from the Liang-Zelich configuration stated here with $P\rightarrow{}K$.

By claim $5$ in part $1$ applied with $X\rightarrow{}K_1$ we see that the tangent to $\omega$ the rectangular hyperbola through $A,B,C$ and $K_1$ is parallel to $\overline{KH'}$. By claim $6$ in part $1$ of this link we see that $\overline{KK_2}\parallel\overline{OK_1}$. Therefore, it suffices that $\overline{OK_1}$ is tangent to $\omega$. Taking the isogonal conjugate of this gives that it suffices that the rectangular hyperbola through $A,B,C,$ and $K$ is tangent to the perpendicular bisector $\ell$ of $\overline{BC}$. For this it suffices that the involution from Desargues's Involution Theorem associated with the pencil of rectangular hyperbolas through $A,B,$ and $C$ intersected with $\ell$ is an involution about the circle with diameter $\overline{BC}$, which passes through $K$ and $D$. It suffices to check two cases. Let $H_B=\overline{BH}\cap\overline{CA}$ and $H_C=\overline{CH}\cap\overline{AB}$, which are on this circle.

When the conic is $\overline{BH}\cup\overline{CA}$, we see that since $\left(\overline{H_BB},\overline{H_CC};\overline{H_BK},\overline{H_BD}\right)=-1$ since $\overline{H_B}$ and $\overline{H_BD}$ bisect $\angle{}BH_BC$, projecting onto $\ell$ gives that $\left(\overline{H_BB}\cap\ell,\overline{H_CC}\cap\ell;K,D\right)=-1$, so the intersections of $\overline{BH}\cup\overline{CA}$ with $\ell$ are inverses with respect to the circle with diameter $\overline{BC}$. Similarly, the intersections of $\overline{CH}\cup\overline{AB}$ with $\ell$ are inverses with respect to the circle with diameter $\overline{BC}$, proving the claim.

Claim $5$. We have that $\overline{AK_A},\overline{BK_B},$ and $\overline{CK_C}$ concur at a point $P$ on the isopivotal cubic of $\triangle{}ABC$ with pivot the Bevan point of $\triangle{}ABC$.

Proof. If $I$ is the incenter of $\triangle{}ABC$ and we define a group law $+$ on the isopivotal cubic of $\triangle{}ABC$ with pivot the Bevan point of $\triangle{}ABC$, then we see that $K_B=-I_C-\left(-I-K_A\right)=I+K_A-(-C-I)=C+2I+K_A$ and similarly $K_C=B+2I+K_A$. This implies that $\overline{BK_B}\cap\overline{CK_C}$ is on the cubic and is $-\left(B+C+2I+K_A\right)$. Similarly, we see that $\overline{AK_A}$ also goes through this point.

Claim $6$. Let $P$ be a point on an isopivotal cubic $c$ of $\triangle{}ABC$. Let $\overline{AP},\overline{BP},$ and $\overline{CP}$ intersect $c$ at $A,P,$ and $D$, at $B,P,$ and $E$, and at $C,P,$ and $F$, respectively. Let $X,Y,$ and $Z$ be the feet of the altitudes from $D$ to $\overline{BC}$, from $E$ to $\overline{CA}$, and from $F$ to $\overline{AB}$, respectively. Let $X',Y',$ and $Z'$ be the images of $X,Y,$ and $Z$ under homothety with factor $k$ centered at $D,E,$ and $F$ for some $k$, respectively. Prove that $\overline{AX'},\overline{BY'},$ and $\overline{CZ'}$ concur on the rectangular hyperbola through $A,B,C,$ and $P$.

Proof. Let $\omega$ be the rectangular hyperbola through $A,B,C,$ and $P$. If we vary $k$ with degree $1$, then $X',Y',$ and $Z'$ vary with degree $1$, so there is a projective transformation from $k$ to the intersections of $\overline{AX'},\overline{BY'},$ and $\overline{CZ'}$ with $\omega$ other than $A,B,$ and $C$. Therefore, it suffices to take $3$ cases. When $k=0$ we see that the intersections are all $P$ and when $k=\infty$ we see that the intersections are all the orthocenter of $\triangle{}ABC$, so it suffices to prove the problem for $k=1$, or that $\overline{AX},\overline{BY},$ and $\overline{CZ}$ concur on $\omega$.

Let $Q$ be the isogonal conjugate of $P$ in $\triangle{}ABC$, let $R$ be the pivot of $c$, and let $S$ be the point on $\overline{PQ}$ such that $(P,Q;R,S)=-1$. Let $\triangle{}S_AS_BS_C$ be the cevian triangle of $S$ in $\triangle{}ABC$.

Claim $6.1$. We have that $D$ lies on $\overline{QS_A}$. Similarly, we have that $E$ lies on $\overline{QS_B}$ and $F$ lies on $\overline{QS_C}$.

Proof. Let $D'$ be the isogonal conjugate of $D$ in $\triangle{}ABC$. Let $S'_A=\overline{PD'}\cap\overline{QD}$. Since $\overline{PD}\cap\overline{QD'}=A$ and $S'_A$ are isogonal conjugates in $\triangle{}ABC$, we see that $S'_A$ lies on $\overline{BC}$. Now, note that $\left(\overline{AP},\overline{AQ};\overline{AR},\overline{AS'_A}\right)=-1$ since $A,R,$ and $S'_A$ are the intersections of opposite sides in complete quadrangle $PQDD'$. Projecting onto $\overline{PQ}$ gives that $\overline{AS'_A}$ goes through $S$, so $S'_A=S_A$. This proves the claim.

Now, vary $S$ with degree $1$. We see that $S_A,S_B,$ and $S_C$ vary with degree $1$, so by the claim we see that $D,E,$ and $F$ vary with degree $1$. This implies that $X,Y,$ and $Z$ vary with degree $1$, so there is a projective transformation from $S$ to the intersections of $\overline{AX},\overline{BY},$ and $\overline{CZ}$ with $\omega$ other than $A,B,$ and $C$. We will prove that the intersections of $\overline{BY}$ and $\overline{CZ}$ with $\omega$ other than $A,B,$ and $C$ are the same. Then, we will similarly get that the intersection of $\overline{AX}$ with $\omega$ other than $A$ is also the same point. It suffices to take $3$ cases.

When $S=P$, we see that the intersections are both $P$. When $S=Q$, we see that the intersections are both the orthocenter of $\triangle{}ABC$. When $S$ is such that $\overline{EA}\perp\overline{CA}$, it suffices that $\overline{FA}\perp\overline{AB}$, as then both intersections are $A$. Define a group law $+$ on $c$ with the neutral point being a triple tangency point. Then, we see that
\begin{align*}
F&=-C-P\\
&=B-C+(-B-P)\\
&=B-C+E\\
&=B-C-(-E-R)-R\\
&=B-C-R-(-E-R)\\
&=B+\overline{AB}\cap\overline{CR}-(-E-R)\\
&=-A-(-E-R).
\end{align*}This implies that $A$, the isogonal conjugate of $E$ in $\triangle{}ABC$, and $F$ are collinear, so $\overline{AE}$ and $\overline{AF}$ are isogonal in $\angle{}CAB$, so $\overline{FA}\perp\overline{AB}$. Therefore, we are done.

By applying claim $6$ with $(A,B,C,P,k)\rightarrow(A,B,C,P,1)$ we get that $\overline{AX},\overline{BY},$ and $\overline{CZ}$ concur, so we are done.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Zhaom, Sep 24, 2024, 6:00 AM
Reason: forgot to write part of solution
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
OronSH
1748 posts
#6 • 4 Y
Y by GrantStar, YaoAOPS, Zhaom, ohiorizzler1434
(a)

Consider the equivalent problem: in $\triangle ABC$ with incenter $I$ let $I_A,I_B,I_C$ be incenters of $\triangle BIC,\triangle CIA,\triangle AIB$, and let $J_A,J_B,J_C$ be $A,B,C$ excenters. Show that $I_AJ_A,I_BJ_B,I_CJ_C$ concur.

Consider points $K_A,K_B,K_C$ that are isogonal conjugates of $I_A,I_B,I_C$. Let $BI_B\cap CI_C=Y$. DDIT from $A$ to lines $\overline{BI_CK_A},\overline{CI_BK_A},\overline{BI_BY},\overline{CI_CY}$ gives that $AK_A,AY$ are isogonal, so $A,I_A,Y$ are collinear and $\triangle ABC,\triangle I_AI_BI_C$ are perspective.

Let $I_BI_C\cap K_BK_C=L_A$ and define $L_B,L_C$ similarly. DDIT from $B$ to lines $\overline{AI_CK_B},\overline{AI_BK_C},\overline{L_AI_BI_C},\overline{L_AK_BK_C}$ implies $L_A$ lies on $BC$. Similarly $L_B,L_C$ are on $CA,AB$.

Since $\triangle ABC,\triangle I_AI_BI_C$ are perspective, $L_A,L_B,L_C$ are collinear along their perspectrix by Desargues. By Desargues again, this implies $\triangle I_AI_BI_C$ and $\triangle K_AK_BK_C$ are also perspective, since they have the same perspectrix. Let $I_AK_A,I_BK_B,I_CK_C$ concur at $P$.

Construct the pivotal isogonal cubic $\mathcal C$ in $\triangle ABC$ with pivot $P$. This passes through $A,B,C,I,I_A,I_B,I_C,J_A,J_B,J_C,K_A,K_B,K_C$. Letting $I_AJ_A$ intersect $\mathcal C$ at $X$, the conic $\overline{I_AJ_AX}\cup\overline{AI_BK_C}\cup\overline{BIJ_B}$ meets $\mathcal C$ at points $A,B,I_A,I_B,J_A,J_B,K_C,I,X$. The first eight also lie on $\overline{AIJ_A}\cup\overline{BI_AK_C}\cup\overline{I_BJ_B}$, so $X$ lies on $I_BJ_B$ by Cayley-Bacharach. Similarly $X$ lies on $I_CJ_C$, so the three lines concur at $X$ as desired.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
popop614
272 posts
#7 • 6 Y
Y by GrantStar, Zhaom, YaoAOPS, math_comb01, ohiorizzler1434, OronSH
(b). Lemma 1. Let $\mathcal H$ be a hyperbola with foci $A$, $B$. Let $P$ be arbitrary. Then the pole of $PB$ lies on the line through $B$ perpendicular to $PB$.

$\textit{Proof.}$ WLOG we may let $P$ be on the branch closer to $B$. Let $BP$ meet $\mathcal H$ again at $Q$, and let the tangents from $P$ and $Q$ meet at $T$. It follows from excentric Pitot that $T$ is the $P$-excenter of $\triangle PQA$. Since $AQ - BQ = QP - PA$, we find out that $B$ is the contact point of the $P$-excircle with side $PQ$, thus proving the claim.

Lemma 2. Let $\mathcal H$ be a hyperbola with foci $A$, $B$. Let $P$ and $Q$ be on the branches closer to $A$ and $B$ respectively. $PQ$ meets the polar of $A$ at $X$. Then $AX$ bisects $PAQ$.

$\textit{Proof.}$ Let the perpendicular line to $AX$ through $A$ meet $PQ$ at $Y$, and let $AY$ meet $\mathcal H$ at points $U$ and $V$. By Lemma 1 it follows that the tangents at $U$ and $V$ pass through $X$. Notably, we find that $(U, V; P, Q)_{\mathcal H} = -1$, so by taking perspectivity at $U$, $(Y, X; P, Q) = -1$. The result follows.

Lemma 3. Let $ABC$ be a triangle, and let $A'$ be the $A$-antipode. Let $I$ be the incenter of $ABC$ and let the intouch point on $BC$ be $D$. $BI$ and $CI$ meet $(ABC)$ again at $M$ and $N$ respectively. Then \[ (A, A'; M, N)_{(ABC)} = -\frac{CD}{BD}.\]
$\textit{Proof.}$ We have $\triangle AA'N \sim \triangle ICD$. Similarly, $\triangle AA'M \sim \triangle IBD$. Thus, \[ \frac{AM}{AN} \div \frac{A'M}{A'N} = \frac{AM}{A'M} \div \frac{AN}{A'N} = \frac{ID}{BD} \div \frac{ID}{CD}. \]Accounting for sign, we are done.

Lemma 4. Let $ABC$ be a triangle and let the intouch point on $BC$ be $D$. Consider the hyperbola $\mathcal H$ with foci $A$, $D$ passing through $B$ and $C$ and let $T$ be arbitrary. $AT$ meets the circumcircle of $ABC$ again at $P$, and $\mathcal H$ again at $T'$. Assume $AT' < AT$. The incircle of $BCP$ touches $BC$ at $X$. Then,
\[ (B, C; T, T')_{\mathcal H} = - \frac{BX}{CX}. \]
$\textit{Proof.}$ Let $AP$ meet $BC$ at $U$ and let the pole of $AP$ be $P'$. Let $AP'$ meet $BC$ at $V$. Denote by $\ell$ the polar of $A$. Then,
\[ (B, C; T, T')_{\mathcal H} \overset{T'}{=} (\overline{T'B} \cap \ell, \overline{T'C} \cap \ell, P', AT \cap \ell).  \]Add in the arc midpoints of $BP$ and $CP$, $M_B$ and $M_C$ respectively, and the $P$-antipode, say $Q$. Then we see that we wish to show
\[ (M_B, M_C; Q, P) = -\frac{BX}{CX}. \]The conclusion is immediate from Lemma 3 and a quick manipulation of cross ratios.

Lemma 5. Let $ABC$ be a triangle with $A$-antipode $A'$. $AA'$ meets $BC$ at $L$. The incircle of $BA'C$ meets $BC$ at $T$. The exsimilicenter of the incircles of $ABL$ and $ACL$ is $K$. Then \[ \frac{CT \cdot CL}{CK} = \frac{BT \cdot BL}{BK}.\]Lengths are not directed in this statement.

$\textit{Proof.}$Let $D$ be the intouch point on $BC$ and let $I$ be the incenter of $ABC$. Set $K' = \overline{AL} \cap \overline{I_BI_C}$. Denote by $I_B$ and $I_C$ the incenters of $\triangle ABL$, $\triangle ACL$ respectively. Recall from say, MMP, that $I_BD \perp I_CD$. Now let $(I_BI_CLD) \cap \overline{AL} = D'$. Clearly, by incenters, we have that $D'$ is the reflection of $D$ over $I_BI_C$. It follows that $DK'$ is tangent to both $(I_B)$ and $(I_C)$, hence $B$, $K'$, and $C$ lie on a hyperbola with foci $A$ and $D$, $\mathcal H$. Moreover $KK'$ is tangent to $\mathcal H$. Now Lemma 5 gives us that
\[ -\frac{CT}{BT} = (B, C; K', \overline{AK'} \cap \mathcal H)_{\mathcal H} \overset{K'}{=} (B, C; K, L) = -\frac{|BK| \cdot |CL|}{|CK| \cdot |BL|},  \]which rearranges into our desired claim.

We now kill the problem. Rename $A$, $B$, $C$ to $J_A$, $J_B$, $J_C$ respectively, and rename $H_A$, $H_B$, $H_C$ to $A$, $B$, $C$ respectively. Denote by $I$ the incenter of $ABC$, and let $I_{ab}I_{ac}$ meet $BC$ at $X$. Let the incircle of $BIC$ meet $BC$ at $T$.

Lemma 5 gives us that
\[ \frac{BT \cdot BA'}{BX} = \frac{CT \cdot CA'}{CX} \implies \frac{BX}{CX} = \frac{BT}{CT} \cdot \frac{BA'}{CA'} = \frac{BT}{CT} \cdot \frac{BA}{CA}. \]
Let $J$ be the incenter of $BIC$. Note that $\frac{CT}{BT} = \frac{CT}{JT} \cdot \frac{JT}{BT} = \frac{\cot \angle C/4}{\cot \angle B/4}$. Accounting for all the sign problems up above we conclude that the triangles are perspective to a line, which is equivalent.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by popop614, Sep 27, 2024, 3:17 AM
Reason: b
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
starchan
1611 posts
#9 • 5 Y
Y by YaoAOPS, OronSH, Zhaom, mxlcv, Pranav1056
wow so many overcooks
sol for (a)
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
starchan
1611 posts
#11 • 4 Y
Y by OronSH, Pranav1056, mxlcv, RM1729
sorry about the double post
sol for (b)
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
nguyentlauv
75 posts
#12
Y by
starchan wrote:
Thus, due to the existence of isogonal conjugates, it suffices to show that $AX$, $BY$, and $CZ$ concur, where $Y$, $Z$ are defined similarly to $X$. Look at $\triangle A'BC$ and let its $A'$-spy point be $S_a$. Then we note that $A, X, S_a$ are collinear from well-known config. Hence, it suffices to show that $AS_a, BS_b$, and $CS_c$ concur.

Sorry but what is a spy point?
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
OronSH
1748 posts
#13 • 2 Y
Y by qwerty123456asdfgzxcvb, Zhaom
(b)

First we prove a lemma:

Let $\triangle ABC$ have incenter $I$ and incircle $\omega$ and intouch triangle $DEF$. Let the circle tangent to lines $IE,IF,AB,AC$ be $\Omega$. Let $T$ be the image of $D$ under homothety at $A$ taking $\omega$ to $\Omega$, and let $X,Y$ be points on $IE,IF$ such that $XY$ is tangent to $\Omega$ at $T$. If $H$ is the orthocenter of $\triangle IXY$ and $M$ is the midpoint of $BC$, then $H,M,T$ are collinear.

Proof: We use moving points. Fix $A,\omega,\Omega$ and vary $B$ along one of the tangents from $A$ with degree $1$. Then $C$ also moves with degree $1$ since tangency is projective and $D,M$ move with degree $2$. Thus $T$ moves with degree $2$ and so does its tangent at $\Omega$, so $X,Y$ move with degree $2$. Then $H$ moves with degree $4$. Thus we need to check at least $2+2+4+1=9$ cases.

First when $D$ lies on $AI$ then the three points are collinear along $AI$.

When $D=F$ then the three points are collinear along $AB$. Similarly when $D=E$ they are collinear on $AC$.

When $D$ is the antipode of $F$ then the three points lie on the tangent at $T$, which is parallel to $AB$. Similarly when $D$ is the antipode of $E$ the three points also lie on the tangent at $T$.

When $D$ is $90^\circ$ from $E$ in the direction of $F$ on $\omega$ we have $\triangle ABC$ is right and $X=T$ is the tangency point of $IE$ and $\Omega$. It suffices to show $TM\parallel AB$, which is equivalent to \[\frac{AC+BC-AB}{BC}=\frac{BD}{BM}=\frac{AD}{AX}=\frac{AC}{AE}=\frac{2AC}{AB+AC+BC},\]which rearranges to $AC^2+BC^2=AB^2$ which is true. Similarly this works when $D$ is $90^\circ$ from $F$ in the direction of $E$ as well.

When $D$ is $90^\circ$ from $E$ in the opposite direction we have $\triangle ABC$ is right and $X$ at infinity, so it suffices to show $TM\parallel AC$. Let $K=IE\cap AB$. Then we want \[\frac{2AE}{AE+EK+AK}=\frac{AD}{AT}=\frac{CD}{CM}=\frac{2EC}{BC}\]which becomes $\frac{AE+EK+AK}{BC}=\frac{AE}{EC}=\frac{KE}{BC-KE}$ which becomes $\frac{AE}{EI}=\frac{AE}{EC}=\frac{KE}{BC-KE}=\frac{AE+AK}{KE}$ which follows from angle bisector theorem. Similarly this works when $D$ is $90^\circ$ from $F$ in the opposite direction of $E$ as well.

This is $10$ cases, which is enough.

Now we solve another problem: in $\triangle ABC$ with orthocenter $H$ let $D,E,F$ be the $H$-intouch points of $\triangle BHC,CHA,AHB$ respectively. Then $AD,BE,CF$ concur.

Call the incircles $\omega_A,\omega_B,\omega_C$ respectively. Construct the common external tangent to $\omega_B,\omega_C$ such that $A,H$ are on the same side of it. By this we see that this tangent is parallel to $BC$, and construct the other two symmetric tangents, forming a triangle $XYZ$ homothetic to $ABC$.

Letting $J$ be the center of $\omega_A$, observe that $\omega_A$ is tangent to $XY,XZ,HB,HC$ and thus $J$ lies on the bisectors of $\angle YXZ$ and $\angle BHC$. However, since $BH,CH$ are perpendicular to $XZ,XY$ it follows that the bisectors are parallel, and thus they are the same line, so $XH$ bisects $\angle YXZ$. Thus $H$ is the incenter of $\triangle XYZ$.

From here, applying our lemma on $\triangle XYZ$ and $\omega_A$ implies $AD$ bisects $YZ$. However, $\triangle ABC$ is homothetic to the medial triangle of $XYZ$, and thus they are perspective. Therefore $AD,BE,CF$ concur as desired.

Now we return to the original problem. Letting $X_A=I_{AB}I_{AC}\cap H_BH_C$ and $X_B,X_C$ similarly, it suffices to show \[\frac{H_BX_A}{X_AH_C}\cdot\frac{H_CX_B}{X_BH_A}\cdot\frac{H_AX_C}{X_CH_B}=-1\]as Menelaus would give $X_A,X_B,X_C$ collinear along the desired perspectrix. To do this, it would also suffice to show \[(H_B,H_C;A',X_A)\cdot(H_C,H_A;B',X_B)\cdot(H_A,H_B;C',X_C)=-1\]as $A'H_A,B'H_B,C'H_C$ concurring at $H$ gives us a similar result by Ceva.

Consider $(AH)$. Let $P_{AB},P_{AC}$ be minor arc midpoints of $HH_B,HH_C$ on this circle, and let $K_A$ be the intersection of this circle and $AX_A$. If $Y_A=AH\cap I_{AB}I_{AC}$ then $(I_{AB},I_{AC};X_A,Y_A)=-1$ by angle bisectors bundle, so projecting through $A$ gives $(P_{AB},P_{AC};K_A,H)=-1$. Additionally we have $(H_B,H_C;A',X_A)=(H_B,H_C;H,K_A)$, again projecting through $A$.

Now the key is to invert at $H$. We get the following problem:

In $\triangle ABC$ let $H$ be the orthocenter. The circles centered at $B$ and $C$ through $H$ meet $BC$ at $P_{AB},P_{AC}$ respectively. Let $K_A$ be the midpoint of $P_{AB},P_{AC}$. Define $K_B,K_C$ similarly. Prove that \[\frac{BK_A}{K_AC}\cdot\frac{CK_B}{K_BA}\cdot\frac{AK_C}{K_CB}=1.\]
Clearly we just want to show $AK_A,BK_B,CK_C$ concurrent by Ceva. However, notice $K_A$ is just the point that satisfies $BH-CH=BK_A-CK_A$, which is exactly the $H$-intouch point of $\triangle BHC$. Thus our previous work finishes.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by OronSH, Sep 30, 2024, 2:48 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
qwerty123456asdfgzxcvb
1088 posts
#14
Y by
nguyentlauv wrote:
starchan wrote:
Thus, due to the existence of isogonal conjugates, it suffices to show that $AX$, $BY$, and $CZ$ concur, where $Y$, $Z$ are defined similarly to $X$. Look at $\triangle A'BC$ and let its $A'$-spy point be $S_a$. Then we note that $A, X, S_a$ are collinear from well-known config. Hence, it suffices to show that $AS_a, BS_b$, and $CS_c$ concur.

Sorry but what is a spy point?

it appears to be A'-sharkydevil point here
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
nguyentlauv
75 posts
#15
Y by
qwerty123456asdfgzxcvb wrote:
nguyentlauv wrote:
starchan wrote:
Thus, due to the existence of isogonal conjugates, it suffices to show that $AX$, $BY$, and $CZ$ concur, where $Y$, $Z$ are defined similarly to $X$. Look at $\triangle A'BC$ and let its $A'$-spy point be $S_a$. Then we note that $A, X, S_a$ are collinear from well-known config. Hence, it suffices to show that $AS_a, BS_b$, and $CS_c$ concur.

Sorry but what is a spy point?

it appears to be A'-sharkydevil point here

Many thank to you
Z K Y
N Quick Reply
G
H
=
a