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k a April Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
Apr 2, 2025
Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner, what are your plans? At AoPS Online our schedule has new classes starting now through July, so be sure to keep your skills sharp and be prepared for the Fall school year! Check out the schedule of upcoming classes below.

WOOT early bird pricing is in effect, don’t miss out! If you took MathWOOT Level 2 last year, no worries, it is all new problems this year! Our Worldwide Online Olympiad Training program is for high school level competitors. AoPS designed these courses to help our top students get the deep focus they need to succeed in their specific competition goals. Check out the details at this link for all our WOOT programs in math, computer science, chemistry, and physics.

Looking for summer camps in math and language arts? Be sure to check out the video-based summer camps offered at the Virtual Campus that are 2- to 4-weeks in duration. There are middle and high school competition math camps as well as Math Beasts camps that review key topics coupled with fun explorations covering areas such as graph theory (Math Beasts Camp 6), cryptography (Math Beasts Camp 7-8), and topology (Math Beasts Camp 8-9)!

Be sure to mark your calendars for the following events:
[list][*]April 3rd (Webinar), 4pm PT/7:00pm ET, Learning with AoPS: Perspectives from a Parent, Math Camp Instructor, and University Professor
[*]April 8th (Math Jam), 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, 2025 MATHCOUNTS State Discussion
April 9th (Webinar), 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Learn about Video-based Summer Camps at the Virtual Campus
[*]April 10th (Math Jam), 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, 2025 MathILy and MathILy-Er Math Jam: Multibackwards Numbers
[*]April 22nd (Webinar), 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Competitive Programming at AoPS (USACO).[/list]
Our full course list for upcoming classes is below:
All classes run 7:30pm-8:45pm ET/4:30pm - 5:45pm PT unless otherwise noted.

Introductory: Grades 5-10

Prealgebra 1 Self-Paced

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0 replies
jlacosta
Apr 2, 2025
0 replies
k i Peer-to-Peer Programs Forum
jwelsh   157
N Dec 11, 2023 by cw357
Many of our AoPS Community members share their knowledge with their peers in a variety of ways, ranging from creating mock contests to creating real contests to writing handouts to hosting sessions as part of our partnership with schoolhouse.world.

To facilitate students in these efforts, we have created a new Peer-to-Peer Programs forum. With the creation of this forum, we are starting a new process for those of you who want to advertise your efforts. These advertisements and ensuing discussions have been cluttering up some of the forums that were meant for other purposes, so we’re gathering these topics in one place. This also allows students to find new peer-to-peer learning opportunities without having to poke around all the other forums.

To announce your program, or to invite others to work with you on it, here’s what to do:

1) Post a new topic in the Peer-to-Peer Programs forum. This will be the discussion thread for your program.

2) Post a single brief post in this thread that links the discussion thread of your program in the Peer-to-Peer Programs forum.

Please note that we’ll move or delete any future advertisement posts that are outside the Peer-to-Peer Programs forum, as well as any posts in this topic that are not brief announcements of new opportunities. In particular, this topic should not be used to discuss specific programs; those discussions should occur in topics in the Peer-to-Peer Programs forum.

Your post in this thread should have what you're sharing (class, session, tutoring, handout, math or coding game/other program) and a link to the thread in the Peer-to-Peer Programs forum, which should have more information (like where to find what you're sharing).
157 replies
jwelsh
Mar 15, 2021
cw357
Dec 11, 2023
k i C&P posting recs by mods
v_Enhance   0
Jun 12, 2020
The purpose of this post is to lay out a few suggestions about what kind of posts work well for the C&P forum. Except in a few cases these are mostly meant to be "suggestions based on historical trends" rather than firm hard rules; we may eventually replace this with an actual list of firm rules but that requires admin approval :) That said, if you post something in the "discouraged" category, you should not be totally surprised if it gets locked; they are discouraged exactly because past experience shows they tend to go badly.
-----------------------------
1. Program discussion: Allowed
If you have questions about specific camps or programs (e.g. which classes are good at X camp?), these questions fit well here. Many camps/programs have specific sub-forums too but we understand a lot of them are not active.
-----------------------------
2. Results discussion: Allowed
You can make threads about e.g. how you did on contests (including AMC), though on AMC day when there is a lot of discussion. Moderators and administrators may do a lot of thread-merging / forum-wrangling to keep things in one place.
-----------------------------
3. Reposting solutions or questions to past AMC/AIME/USAMO problems: Allowed
This forum contains a post for nearly every problem from AMC8, AMC10, AMC12, AIME, USAJMO, USAMO (and these links give you an index of all these posts). It is always permitted to post a full solution to any problem in its own thread (linked above), regardless of how old the problem is, and even if this solution is similar to one that has already been posted. We encourage this type of posting because it is helpful for the user to explain their solution in full to an audience, and for future users who want to see multiple approaches to a problem or even just the frequency distribution of common approaches. We do ask for some explanation; if you just post "the answer is (B); ez" then you are not adding anything useful.

You are also encouraged to post questions about a specific problem in the specific thread for that problem, or about previous user's solutions. It's almost always better to use the existing thread than to start a new one, to keep all the discussion in one place easily searchable for future visitors.
-----------------------------
4. Advice posts: Allowed, but read below first
You can use this forum to ask for advice about how to prepare for math competitions in general. But you should be aware that this question has been asked many many times. Before making a post, you are encouraged to look at the following:
[list]
[*] Stop looking for the right training: A generic post about advice that keeps getting stickied :)
[*] There is an enormous list of links on the Wiki of books / problems / etc for all levels.
[/list]
When you do post, we really encourage you to be as specific as possible in your question. Tell us about your background, what you've tried already, etc.

Actually, the absolute best way to get a helpful response is to take a few examples of problems that you tried to solve but couldn't, and explain what you tried on them / why you couldn't solve them. Here is a great example of a specific question.
-----------------------------
5. Publicity: use P2P forum instead
See https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c5h2489297_peertopeer_programs_forum.
Some exceptions have been allowed in the past, but these require approval from administrators. (I am not totally sure what the criteria is. I am not an administrator.)
-----------------------------
6. Mock contests: use Mock Contests forum instead
Mock contests should be posted in the dedicated forum instead:
https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c594864_aops_mock_contests
-----------------------------
7. AMC procedural questions: suggest to contact the AMC HQ instead
If you have a question like "how do I submit a change of venue form for the AIME" or "why is my name not on the qualifiers list even though I have a 300 index", you would be better off calling or emailing the AMC program to ask, they are the ones who can help you :)
-----------------------------
8. Discussion of random math problems: suggest to use MSM/HSM/HSO instead
If you are discussing a specific math problem that isn't from the AMC/AIME/USAMO, it's better to post these in Middle School Math, High School Math, High School Olympiads instead.
-----------------------------
9. Politics: suggest to use Round Table instead
There are important conversations to be had about things like gender diversity in math contests, etc., for sure. However, from experience we think that C&P is historically not a good place to have these conversations, as they go off the rails very quickly. We encourage you to use the Round Table instead, where it is much more clear that all posts need to be serious.
-----------------------------
10. MAA complaints: discouraged
We don't want to pretend that the MAA is perfect or that we agree with everything they do. However, we chose to discourage this sort of behavior because in practice most of the comments we see are not useful and some are frankly offensive.
[list] [*] If you just want to blow off steam, do it on your blog instead.
[*] When you have criticism, it should be reasoned, well-thought and constructive. What we mean by this is, for example, when the AOIME was announced, there was great outrage about potential cheating. Well, do you really think that this is something the organizers didn't think about too? Simply posting that "people will cheat and steal my USAMOO qualification, the MAA are idiots!" is not helpful as it is not bringing any new information to the table.
[*] Even if you do have reasoned, well-thought, constructive criticism, we think it is actually better to email it the MAA instead, rather than post it here. Experience shows that even polite, well-meaning suggestions posted in C&P are often derailed by less mature users who insist on complaining about everything.
[/list]
-----------------------------
11. Memes and joke posts: discouraged
It's fine to make jokes or lighthearted posts every so often. But it should be done with discretion. Ideally, jokes should be done within a longer post that has other content. For example, in my response to one user's question about olympiad combinatorics, I used a silly picture of Sogiita Gunha, but it was done within a context of a much longer post where it was meant to actually make a point.

On the other hand, there are many threads which consist largely of posts whose only content is an attached meme with the word "MAA" in it. When done in excess like this, the jokes reflect poorly on the community, so we explicitly discourage them.
-----------------------------
12. Questions that no one can answer: discouraged
Examples of this: "will MIT ask for AOIME scores?", "what will the AIME 2021 cutoffs be (asked in 2020)", etc. Basically, if you ask a question on this forum, it's better if the question is something that a user can plausibly answer :)
-----------------------------
13. Blind speculation: discouraged
Along these lines, if you do see a question that you don't have an answer to, we discourage "blindly guessing" as it leads to spreading of baseless rumors. For example, if you see some user posting "why are there fewer qualifiers than usual this year?", you should not reply "the MAA must have been worried about online cheating so they took fewer people!!". Was sich überhaupt sagen lässt, lässt sich klar sagen; und wovon man nicht reden kann, darüber muss man schweigen.
-----------------------------
14. Discussion of cheating: strongly discouraged
If you have evidence or reasonable suspicion of cheating, please report this to your Competition Manager or to the AMC HQ; these forums cannot help you.
Otherwise, please avoid public discussion of cheating. That is: no discussion of methods of cheating, no speculation about how cheating affects cutoffs, and so on --- it is not helpful to anyone, and it creates a sour atmosphere. A longer explanation is given in Seriously, please stop discussing how to cheat.
-----------------------------
15. Cutoff jokes: never allowed
Whenever the cutoffs for any major contest are released, it is very obvious when they are official. In the past, this has been achieved by the numbers being posted on the official AMC website (here) or through a post from the AMCDirector account.

You must never post fake cutoffs, even as a joke. You should also refrain from posting cutoffs that you've heard of via email, etc., because it is better to wait for the obvious official announcement. A longer explanation is given in A Treatise on Cutoff Trolling.
-----------------------------
16. Meanness: never allowed
Being mean is worse than being immature and unproductive. If another user does something which you think is inappropriate, use the Report button to bring the post to moderator attention, or if you really must reply, do so in a way that is tactful and constructive rather than inflammatory.
-----------------------------

Finally, we remind you all to sit back and enjoy the problems. :D

-----------------------------
(EDIT 2024-09-13: AoPS has asked to me to add the following item.)

Advertising paid program or service: never allowed

Per the AoPS Terms of Service (rule 5h), general advertisements are not allowed.

While we do allow advertisements of official contests (at the MAA and MATHCOUNTS level) and those run by college students with at least one successful year, any and all advertisements of a paid service or program is not allowed and will be deleted.
0 replies
v_Enhance
Jun 12, 2020
0 replies
k i Stop looking for the "right" training
v_Enhance   50
N Oct 16, 2017 by blawho12
Source: Contest advice
EDIT 2019-02-01: https://blog.evanchen.cc/2019/01/31/math-contest-platitudes-v3/ is the updated version of this.

EDIT 2021-06-09: see also https://web.evanchen.cc/faq-contest.html.

Original 2013 post
50 replies
v_Enhance
Feb 15, 2013
blawho12
Oct 16, 2017
Geometry Problem
Itoz   3
N 9 minutes ago by Itoz
Source: Own
Given $\triangle ABC$. Let the perpendicular line from $A$ to $BC$ meets $BC,\odot(ABC)$ at points $S,K$, respectively, and the foot from $B$ to $AC$ is $L$. $\odot (AKL)$ intersects line $AB$ at $T(\neq A)$, $\odot(AST)$ intersects line $AC$ at $M(\neq A)$, and lines $TM,CK$ intersect at $N$.

Prove that $\odot(CNM)$ is tangent to $\odot (BST)$.
3 replies
Itoz
Apr 18, 2025
Itoz
9 minutes ago
Nasty Floor Sum with Omega Function
Kezer   9
N 22 minutes ago by lpieleanu
Source: Bulgaria 1989, Evan Chen's Summation Handout
Let $\Omega(n)$ denote the number of prime factors of $n$, counted with multiplicity. Evaluate \[ \sum_{n=1}^{1989} (-1)^{\Omega(n)}\left\lfloor \frac{1989}{n} \right \rfloor. \]
9 replies
Kezer
Jul 15, 2017
lpieleanu
22 minutes ago
combinatorial geo question
SAAAAAAA_B   2
N 43 minutes ago by R8kt
Kuba has two finite families $\mathcal{A}, \mathcal{B}$ of convex polygons (in the plane). It turns out that every point of the plane lies in the same number of elements of $\mathcal{A}$ as elements of $\mathcal{B}$. Prove that $|\mathcal{A}| = |\mathcal{B}|$.

\textit{Note:} We treat segments and points as degenerate convex polygons, and they can be elements of $\mathcal{A}$ or $\mathcal{B}$.
2 replies
SAAAAAAA_B
Apr 14, 2025
R8kt
43 minutes ago
Two very hard parallel
jayme   6
N an hour ago by jayme
Source: own inspired by EGMO
Dear Mathlinkers,

1. ABC a triangle
2. D, E two point on the segment BC so that BD = DE= EC
3. M, N the midpoint of ED, AE
4. H the orthocenter of the acutangle triangle ADE
5. 1, 2 the circumcircle of the triangle DHM, EHN
6. P, Q the second point of intersection of 1 and BM, 2 and CN
7. U, V the second points of intersection of 2 and MN, PQ.

Prove : UV is parallel to PM.

Sincerely
Jean-Louis
6 replies
jayme
Yesterday at 12:46 PM
jayme
an hour ago
AMC and JMO qual question
HungryCalculator   4
N 3 hours ago by eyzMath
Say that on the AMC 10, you do better on the A than the B, but you still qualify for AIME thru both. Then after your AIME, it turns out that you didn’t make JMO through the A+AIME index but you did pass the threshold for the B+AIME index.

does MAA consider your B+AIME index over the A+AIME index and consider you a JMO qualifier even tho Your A test score was higher?

4 replies
HungryCalculator
Apr 17, 2025
eyzMath
3 hours ago
2025 Math and AI 4 Girls Competition: Win Up To $1,000!!!
audio-on   55
N 3 hours ago by eyzMath
Join the 2025 Math and AI 4 Girls Competition for a chance to win up to $1,000!

Hey Everyone, I'm pleased to announce the dates for the 2025 MA4G Competition are set!
Applications will open on March 22nd, 2025, and they will close on April 26th, 2025 (@ 11:59pm PST).

Applicants will have one month to fill out an application with prizes for the top 50 contestants & cash prizes for the top 20 contestants (including $1,000 for the winner!). More details below!

Eligibility:
The competition is free to enter, and open to middle school female students living in the US (5th-8th grade).
Award recipients are selected based on their aptitude, activities and aspirations in STEM.

Event dates:
Applications will open on March 22nd, 2025, and they will close on April 26th, 2025 (by 11:59pm PST)
Winners will be announced on June 28, 2025 during an online award ceremony.

Application requirements:
Complete a 12 question problem set on math and computer science/AI related topics
Write 2 short essays

Prizes:
1st place: $1,000 Cash prize
2nd place: $500 Cash prize
3rd place: $300 Cash prize
4th-10th: $100 Cash prize each
11th-20th: $50 Cash prize each
Top 50 contestants: Over $50 worth of gadgets and stationary


Many thanks to our current and past sponsors and partners: Hudson River Trading, MATHCOUNTS, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Automation Anywhere, JP Morgan Chase, D.E. Shaw, and AI4ALL.

Math and AI 4 Girls is a nonprofit organization aiming to encourage young girls to develop an interest in math and AI by taking part in STEM competitions and activities at an early age. The organization will be hosting an inaugural Math and AI 4 Girls competition to identify talent and encourage long-term planning of academic and career goals in STEM.

Contact:
mathandAI4girls@yahoo.com

For more information on the competition:
https://www.mathandai4girls.org/math-and-ai-4-girls-competition

More information on how to register will be posted on the website. If you have any questions, please ask here!


55 replies
+1 w
audio-on
Jan 26, 2025
eyzMath
3 hours ago
Predicted AMC 8 Scores
megahertz13   167
N 4 hours ago by KF329
$\begin{tabular}{c|c|c|c}Username & Grade & AMC8 Score \\ \hline
megahertz13 & 5 & 23 \\
\end{tabular}$
167 replies
megahertz13
Jan 25, 2024
KF329
4 hours ago
Discuss the Stanford Math Tournament Here
Aaronjudgeisgoat   290
N Today at 6:09 AM by techb
I believe discussion is allowed after yesterday at midnight, correct?
If so, I will put tentative answers on this thread.
By the way, does anyone know the answer to Geometry Problem 5? I was wondering if I got that one right
Also, if you put answers, please put it in a hide tag

Answers for the Algebra Subject Test
Estimated Algebra Cutoffs
Answers for the Geometry Subject Test
Estimated Geo Cutoffs
Answers for the Discrete Subject Test
Estimated Cutoffs for Discrete
Answers for the Team Round
Guts Answers
290 replies
Aaronjudgeisgoat
Apr 14, 2025
techb
Today at 6:09 AM
Tennessee Math Tournament (TMT) Online 2025
TennesseeMathTournament   77
N Today at 4:34 AM by Ruegerbyrd
Hello everyone! We are excited to announce a new competition, the Tennessee Math Tournament, created by the Tennessee Math Coalition! Anyone can participate in the virtual competition for free.

The testing window is from March 22nd to April 12th, 2025. Virtual competitors may participate in the competition at any time during that window.

The virtual competition consists of three rounds: Individual, Bullet, and Team. The Individual Round is 60 minutes long and consists of 30 questions (AMC 10 level). The Bullet Round is 20 minutes long and consists of 80 questions (Mathcounts Chapter level). The Team Round is 30 minutes long and consists of 16 questions (AMC 12 level). Virtual competitors may compete in teams of four, or choose to not participate in the team round.

To register and see more information, click here!

If you have any questions, please email connect@tnmathcoalition.org or reply to this thread!

Thank you to our lead sponsor, Jane Street!

IMAGE
77 replies
TennesseeMathTournament
Mar 9, 2025
Ruegerbyrd
Today at 4:34 AM
How many people get waitlisted st promys?
dragoon   25
N Today at 4:25 AM by maxamc
Asking for a friend here
25 replies
dragoon
Apr 18, 2025
maxamc
Today at 4:25 AM
MathILy 2025 Decisions Thread
mysterynotfound   16
N Today at 1:18 AM by cweu001
Discuss your decisions here!
also share any relevant details about your decisions if you want
16 replies
mysterynotfound
Yesterday at 3:35 AM
cweu001
Today at 1:18 AM
Titu Factoring Troll
GoodMorning   76
N Yesterday at 11:02 PM by megarnie
Source: 2023 USAJMO Problem 1
Find all triples of positive integers $(x,y,z)$ that satisfy the equation
$$2(x+y+z+2xyz)^2=(2xy+2yz+2zx+1)^2+2023.$$
76 replies
GoodMorning
Mar 23, 2023
megarnie
Yesterday at 11:02 PM
2025 PROMYS Results
Danielzh   29
N Yesterday at 6:34 PM by niks
Discuss your results here!
29 replies
Danielzh
Apr 18, 2025
niks
Yesterday at 6:34 PM
2025 USA IMO
john0512   68
N Yesterday at 3:19 PM by Martin.s
Congratulations to all of you!!!!!!!

Alexander Wang
Hannah Fox
Karn Chutinan
Andrew Lin
Calvin Wang
Tiger Zhang

Good luck in Australia!
68 replies
john0512
Apr 19, 2025
Martin.s
Yesterday at 3:19 PM
Construct the orthocenter by drawing perpendicular bisectors
MarkBcc168   23
N Oct 6, 2024 by InterLoop
Source: ELMO 2020 P3
Janabel has a device that, when given two distinct points $U$ and $V$ in the plane, draws the perpendicular bisector of $UV$. Show that if three lines forming a triangle are drawn, Janabel can mark the orthocenter of the triangle using this device, a pencil, and no other tools.

Proposed by Fedir Yudin.
23 replies
MarkBcc168
Jul 28, 2020
InterLoop
Oct 6, 2024
Construct the orthocenter by drawing perpendicular bisectors
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: ELMO 2020 P3
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
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MarkBcc168
1595 posts
#1 • 3 Y
Y by Omega18, p_square, Instance
Janabel has a device that, when given two distinct points $U$ and $V$ in the plane, draws the perpendicular bisector of $UV$. Show that if three lines forming a triangle are drawn, Janabel can mark the orthocenter of the triangle using this device, a pencil, and no other tools.

Proposed by Fedir Yudin.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Physicsknight
641 posts
#2 • 4 Y
Y by mijail, Instance, IMUKAT, bin_sherlo
$\text {G1}? $
Given Claim- From given $3$ lines cuts each other to form $\triangle ABC,$ we can construct $3$ midlines of $ABC.$
Proof-
  • Draw $3$ perpendicular bisector of $BC,CA,AB.$ They cut $3$ given lines at the midpoints $M,N,P$ of $BC,CA,AB$ respectively, and also concurrent at circumcenter $O$ of $ABC.$
  • Perpendicular $ON,OP$ cut together at midpoint $O_a$ of $OA.$ Similarly to $O_b, O_c. $
  • Perpendicular bisector of $NP,PM,NM$ are concurrent at the orthocenter $K$ of $O_aO_bO_c.$
  • It is clear that $NP$ is the perpendicular bisector of $KO_a,$ so draw $NP.$ Similarly to line $PM,MN. $

Back to main problem
Let $3$ lines cut together to form $\triangle ABC.$
$1)$ From the given claim, draw midpoints $A_2,B_2,C_2$ of $BC,CA,AB$ and lines $B_2C_2,C_2A_2,A_2B_2.$
$ 2)$ Using the claim to draw $A_1,A_3,B_1,B_3,C_1,C_3$ which are midpoints of $A_2B,A_2C,B_2C,B_2A,C_2A,C_2B,$ and lines $A_3B_1,B_3C_1,C_3A_1.$
$3)$ Line $A_3B_1$ cuts $C_3A_1$ at $T.$ Use section to draw midline vertex $T$ of $TA_1A_3,$ which cuts $AB,AC,C_3A_1,A_3B_1$ at $X,Y,Z,W$ respectively.
$ 4)$ Using the claim to draw the midlines $dB,dC$ of $C_3XZ$ (vertex $X$) and $B_1YW$ (vertex $Y$). It is clear that $dB\parallel CA,dC\parallel AB.$
$5)$ Similarly, draw $dA\parallel BC$ with $A$ lies on $dA.$ Note that, $dA,dB,dC$ cuts each other to form $\triangle A_0B_0C_0.$
$6)$ Draw the perpendicular bisector of $3$ sides of the $\triangle A_0B_0C_0,$ they are concurrent at $H,$ which is the orthocenter of $\triangle ABC. $
$\blacksquare $
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Idio-logy
206 posts
#3 • 6 Y
Y by Wizard_32, stroller, jeff10, Nathanisme, Instance, tigerzhang
Solution

@Post 7
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Idio-logy, Jul 29, 2020, 9:36 AM
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Mathematicsislovely
245 posts
#5 • 1 Y
Y by Instance
Let the three line forms triangle $ABC$

$\textcolor{blue}{CLAIM1:}$ We can draw the centers of circumcircle and ninepoint circle of $ABC$.
$\textcolor{red}{proof:}$Draw the perpendicular bisector of three sides to get the circumcentre $O$.
Draw the perpendicular bisector of $DE,EF$ where $D,E,F$ are midpoint of $BC,CA,AB$ and where they intersects is the ninepoint centre $O_9$ of $ABC$$\square$

$\textcolor{blue}{CLAIM2:}$Given 2 parallel line $s,t$, if $S,T$ are 2 points $S\in s$,$T\in t$, $ST$ is not perpendicular on $s$ we can draw the line $ST$
$\textcolor{red}{proof:}$Let the perpendicular bisector of $ST$ cut $s,t$ in $M,N$ respectively.Now draw perpendicular bisector of $M,N$.$\square$

$\textcolor{blue}{CLAIM:}$We can get the reflection of $O$ over $BC,CA,AB$
$\textcolor{red}{proof:}$(1) At first draw perpendicular bisector of $BC$ and $EF$ where $E,F$ are midpoint of $CA$ and $AB$.This 2 lines passes through $O$ and $O_9$ which are pointed previously.This 2 lines cut $BC$ at $D,X$
(2)Draw the perpendicular bisector of $X,D$.$R$ be the midpoint of $X,D$.Useing CLAIM2 draw line $OR$ to cut the line $O_9X$ at $L$.Now $XL=OD$
(3)Using CLAIM2 draw the line connecting midpoint of $D,L$ and $X$ AND suppose this line cut $OD$ at $O_A$.Then $|O_AD|=|XL|=|OD|$.Thus $O_A$ is reflection of $O$ over $BC$.Similarly draw $O_C,O_B$$\square$

Now observe that $AO_B=AO_C=OA=r$ where $r$ is circumradius of $ABC$.Also note that $EF$ is midpoint $OO_B$ and $OO_C$.So by midpoint theorem $EF||O_BO_C$.So perpendicular bisector of $O_BO_C$ passes through $A$ and is perpendicular on $EF||BC$.Similarly draw perpendicular from $B$ to $CA$.Their intersection is orthocentre of $ABC$$\blacksquare$
This post has been edited 5 times. Last edited by Mathematicsislovely, Jul 29, 2020, 9:28 PM
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brainiacmaniac31
2170 posts
#6 • 1 Y
Y by Instance
Let the three lines determine $\triangle ABC$. Then, by drawing the perpendicular bisectors of all three sides of $\triangle ABC$, we can find $O$ (the circumcenter of $\triangle ABC$), and $A_1,B_1,C_1$ (the midpoints of $BC, CA, AB$ respectively). Similarly, we can find the circumcenter of $\triangle A_1B_1C_1$, which is $N$, the nine-point center of $\triangle ABC$. It is well-known that $N$ is the midpoint of $OH$, where $H$ is the orthocenter of $\triangle ABC$.

Claim: Given two points $P$ and $Q$ such that a line $l_P$ passes through $P$ and a different line $l_Q$ passes through $Q$, and $l_P\parallel l_Q$, it is possible to construct the reflection of $P$ over $Q$ only with a pencil and Janabel's device.
Proof: We will outline a series of steps to follow to reflect $P$ over $Q$.
1. Construct the perpendicular bisector of $PQ$, and let it intersect $l_P$ and $l_Q$ at $A$ and $B$ respectively. Let $M$ be the midpoint of $PQ$, so that $M$ lies on $AB$. Then, $\angle APM=\angle BQM, \angle PMA=\angle QMB$, and $PM=QM$. By Angle-Side-Angle congruence, $\triangle APM\cong\triangle BQM\implies M$ is the midpoint of $AB$, and $PAQB$ is a rhombus. Construct the perpendicular bisector of $AB$; this is line $PQ$ because $PAQB$ is a rhombus.
2. Rename $A,M,Q$ to $X_0,Z_0,Y_0$ respectively. Consider the following algorithm for $i\ge0$:
  • Construct the perpendicular bisector of $X_iZ_i$ (call it $l_{X_iZ_i}$) and the perpendicular bisector of $Y_iZ_i$ (call it $l_{Y_iZ_i}$).
  • Let $l_{X_iZ_i}\cap l_Q=Y_{i+1}, l_{Y_iZ_i}\cap l_P=X_{i+1}$, and $l_{X_iZ_i}\cap l_{Y_iZ_i}=Z_{i+1}$.
Claim: $l_{Y_5Z_5}\cap PQ$ is the reflection of $P$ over $Q$.
Proof: We use coordinates. Let $P=(0,p),Q=(0,-p),M=(0,0),(A=(0,a),B=(0,-a)$. Then, $l_P$ is the line $y=-\frac{p}{a}x+p$ and $l_Q$ is the line $y=-\frac{p}{a}-p$. $PQ$ and $AB$ are the $y-$ and $x-$ axis respectively. Also, $l_{X_0Z_0}$ is $x=\frac{a}{2}$ and $l_{Y_0Z_0}$ is $y=-\frac{p}{2}$. From here, it is easy to find $X_1=\left(\frac{3a}{2},-\frac{p}{2}\right)$, $Y_1=\left(\frac{a}{2},-\frac{3p}{2}\right)$, and $Z_1=\left(\frac{a}{2},-\frac{p}{2}\right)$. Notice that $\triangle X_1Y_1Z_1$ is $\triangle X_0Y_0Z_0$ translated by $\frac{a}{2}$ units in the $x-$ direction and $-\frac{p}{2}$ units in the $y-$ direction. COntinuing in this fashion, we can see that (trivial by induction, for example) that $\triangle X_kY_kZ_k$ is $\triangle X_{k-1}Y_{k-1}Z_{k-1}$ translated $\frac{a}{2}$ units in the $x-$ direction and $-\frac{p}{2}$ units in the $y-$ direction. Thus, $X_5=\left(\frac{7a}{2},-\frac{5p}{2}\right)
, Y_5=\left(\frac{5a}{2},-\frac{7p}{2}\right)$, and $Z_5=\left(\frac{5a}{2},-\frac{5p}{2}\right)$. $l_{Y_5Z_5}$ is therefore the line $y=-3p$, and the intersection of this line with $PQ$ is $(0,-3p)$, which is the reflection of $P$ over $Q$.

Going back to $\triangle ABC$, we can apply our claim and algorithm to find the reflection of $O$ over $N$. Note that $A_1B_1\parallel AB$, so the perpendicular bisector of $AB$, which passes through $O$, and the perpendicular bisector of $A_1B_1$, which passes through $N$, are parallel. (This can also be applied to $BC$ and $B_1C_1$ or $CA$ and $C_1A_1$ if the triangle is isosceles.)
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babubhaiyya123
10 posts
#7 • 1 Y
Y by Instance
Idio-logy wrote:
Solution

Please recheck your solution. It doesn't seem to work.

@below This is the correct solution :)
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by babubhaiyya123, Jul 29, 2020, 6:53 AM
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BlazingMuddy
282 posts
#10 • 1 Y
Y by Instance
Looking at the above solutions (I need to check more properly), I think people forgot to handle the case where $P \in l_P$, $Q \in l_Q$, $l_P || l_Q$, AND $PQ \bot l_P$. To fix this, we need the following step.

First, note that we can draw the midline of any two parallel lines $l$ and $m$. To do this, pick any two points in $l$, use the device to construct a line $n$ perpendicular to both $l$ and $m$, and then use the device on the intersections of $n$ with $l$ and $m$.

Going back to the problem, we draw a line perpendicular to $l_P, l_Q$, far away from $P$ and $Q$. Also, we draw the midline $m$ of $l_P$ and $l_Q$. Suppose that $m$ intersects $l_P$ and $l_Q$ respectively at $P_4$ and $Q_4$. Let $P = P_0$ and $Q = Q_0$. Then, for each integer $k$, we denote $P_k$ by the point satisfying $\vec{P_k P_0} = \frac{k}{4} \vec{P_4 P_0}$. We define $Q_k$ similarly. Next, we define $R_k$ as the intersection between $P_k Q_k$ and $m$ for each integer $k$.

Recall that we have drawn $l_P$, $l_Q$, $P_0$, $Q_0$, $P_4$, $Q_4$, and the line $P_0 Q_0$. Thus, using the device and line-drawing claim, we can draw the following: $P_2 Q_2$, $P_2$, $Q_2$, $R_2$, $P_3 Q_3$, $P_3$, $Q_3$, $R_3$. Then, $P_6$ since it is the intersection between $Q_0 R_3$ and $l_P$. Next, the line $P_5 Q_5$, and thus $P_5$ and finally the desired line $P_4 Q_4 = PQ$.
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Googolplexian
56 posts
#12 • 2 Y
Y by Instance, Mango247
Claim 1:
Given two distinct parallel lines $l_1, l_2$, and marked points $P_1$ on $l_1$, $P_2$ on $l_2$ such that $P_1P_2 \not\perp l_1$ or $l_2$ we can draw the line $P_1P_2$.

Proof: We can use the device to draw the perpendicular bisector of $P_1P_2$. Let it meet $l_1, l_2$ at $Q_1, Q_2$ respectively (these points are defined because $P_1P_2 \not\perp l_1$ or $l_2$). We can mark $Q_1, Q_2$ and then draw the perpendicular bisector of $Q_1Q_2$, which passes through $P_1$ and $P_2$ because as $Q_1Q_2$ is the perpendicular bisector, the midpoint $M$ of $P_1P_2$ is the midpoint of $Q_1Q_2$, (follows from $\triangle{MP_1Q_1} \equiv \triangle{MP_2Q_2}$), and $P_1P_2 \perp Q_1Q_2$. This proves the claim.

Let the three lines determine a $\triangle{ABC}$. We can use the device to draw the perpendicular bisectors of $BC, CA, AB$.
If one of the perpendicular bisectors does not meet a certain sideline of the triangle, it must be parallel to it. In this case, Janabel can deduce that the triangle is right-angled and mark the orthocenter at the appropriate vertex.

So assume that $\triangle{ABC}$ is not right angled, so that each perpendicular bisector meets each of lines $BC, CA, AB$.

Let the perpendicular bisector of $BC$ meet $CA, AB$ at $P_{12}, P_{13}$ respectively, the perpendicular bisector of $CA$ meet $AB, BC$ at $P_{23}, P_{21}$ respectively and the perpendicular bisector of $AB$ meet $BC, CA$ at $P_{31}, P_{32}$ respectively. We mark these points with the pencil.

We can draw the perpendicular bisectors of $AP_{23}$ and $AP_{32}$. Let them meet at $D$ (which exists as it is the circumcenter of non-degenrate $\triangle{AP_{23}P_{32}}$).

Claim 2: $D$ lies on the $A$-altitude

Proof: Let $\measuredangle AOB$ denote a directed angle taken modulo $180$. Let $P$ be the foot of the $A$- altitude and $D'$ the point diametrically opposite $A$ on $(AP_{23}P_{32})$.

Using $AP_{32}BP_{32}$,
$\measuredangle P_{23}BP_{32}= \measuredangle AP_{23}P_{32}$ (collinearity) $=\measuredangle P_{32}AB =\measuredangle CAB$ (collinearity), and in the same way, using $CP_{23}=AP_{23}$,
$\measuredangle P_{23}CP_{32}= \measuredangle P_{23}CA$ (collinearity) $=\measuredangle CAP_{23} =\measuredangle CAB$ (collinearity) $=\measuredangle P_{23}BP_{32}$,
so $P_{23}, B, C, P_{32}$ are concyclic.

This means $\measuredangle P_{23}P_{32}A= \measuredangle P_{23}P_{32}C$ (collinearity) $=\measuredangle P_{23}BC$ (cyclic) $=\measuredangle ABC$ (collinearity).

Now, $\measuredangle BP_{23}D = \measuredangle AP_{23}D$ (collinear) $=\measuredangle AP_{23}D'-\measuredangle DP_{23}D' =90-\measuredangle DP_{23}D'$ (Thales) $=90-\measuredangle P_{23}D'D$ $$(DP_{23}=DD)$$$=90-\measuredangle P_{23}D'A=90-\measuredangle P_23D'A=90-\measuredangle P_{23}P_{32}A$ (cyclic) $=90-\measuredangle ABC$ (from above).

So $\measuredangle PAB=\measuredangle DAP_{23}=\measuredangle AP_{23}D$ ($DA=DP_{23}$) $=90-\measuredangle ABC=90-\measuredangle ABP$. It follows by triangle sum that $\measuredangle PBA=90$ which proves the claim.

Because we have drawn the perpendicular bisectors of $AP_{32}$ and $AP_{23}$, we can mark the midpoints $M_1, M_2$ of $AP_{32}, AP_{23}$ respectively. We can now draw the perpendicular bisectors of $AM_1, AM_2$.

Upon dilating from $A$ with scale factor $\frac{1}{2}$, $P_{32}, P_{23}$ are taken to $M_1, M_2$ respectively so the perpendicular bisectors of $AP_{32}$ and $AP_{23}$ are taken to those of $AM_1, AM_2$ respectively.

It follows that the perpendicular bisectors of $AM_1, AM_2$ meet at a point $E$ on the $A$-altitude,

The perpendicular bisectors of $AM_2, AP_{23}$ are parallel and are both perpendicular to $AB$, so we have $D$, $E$ lying on two distinct parallel lines.

Suppose for contradiction that $DE$ is perpendicular to the perpendicular bisectors of $AM_2, AP_{23}$. Then it follows that the $A$-altitude is perpendicular to the perpendicular bisector of $AB$ which implies that $\triangle{ABC}$ is right-angled at $B$, which violates our assumption from earlier that $\triangle{ABC}$ is not right-angled.

Therefore by Claim 1, we can draw line $DE$, which is the $A$-altitude.
In the same way, we can draw the $B$ and $C$ altitudes and then mark the orthocenter at the concurrency point.

We have shown that we can determine whether the triangle is right angled or not, and that in both cases we can mark the orthocenter so we are done.
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p_square
442 posts
#13 • 12 Y
Y by Rg230403, Supercali, niyu, Aryan-23, Instance, L567, k12byda5h, lneis1, tigerzhang, Pranav1056, Philomath_314, Mango247
Really beautiful question :) imo the best 'weird tool' construction question in any ELMO so far.

Solution (with Rg230403)

We present the solution with RAINBOW diagrams$^{\text{TM}}$!!
Steps of construction will be presented in order of the colours green, yellow, orange and red. [since violet and indigo are basically just fancy synonyms for blue]
The prerequisite points/lines for any lemma will be drawn in blue and the end result which we want will be black in colour.

Lemma 1: Suppose $X,Y$ lie on a drawn line $l$. Suppose lines $m,n$ are perpendicular to $X,Y$ and are drawn. Then we can draw the reflection of $X$ across $Y$

Proof:
  1. Mark $Z$, an arbitrary point on $m$
  2. Let the perpendicular bisector of $XZ$ meet $n$ at $P$
  3. Let the perpendicular bisector of $ZP$ meet $m,n$ at $U,V$
  4. The perpendicular bisector of $UV$ is the line $ZP$ and it intersects $l$ at the desired point

[asy]
size(9cm);
defaultpen(fontsize(10pt));
import olympiad;

pair A = (-6,0), B = (0,0), C = (-6,5), D = (0,2.5), E = (6,0), U1, V1;

pair P = extension(circumcenter(C,D,A),circumcenter(C,D,B),A,C);
pair Q = extension(circumcenter(C,D,A),circumcenter(C,D,B),B,D);
U1 = P+(6,0);
V1 = Q-(6,0);

draw(A--E, royalblue);
draw(P--V1, royalblue);
draw(Q--U1, royalblue);

dot("$X$",A,dir(-45), purple);
dot("$Y$",B,dir(225), purple);

dot("$Z$",C,dir(30),springgreen);

draw((-6,2.5)--D, lightolive);
dot("$P$",D,dir(30),olive);

draw(P--Q, orange);
dot("$U$",P,fuchsia);
dot("$V$",Q,fuchsia);

draw(C--E, red);
dot("$E$",E);

markscalefactor=.06;
draw(rightanglemark(C,A,B),heavyblue);
draw(rightanglemark(D,B,A),heavyblue);
[/asy]

Lemma 2: Suppose $S_0,S_1, \cdots S_5$ are equally spaced points on that order on a line $l$. We can draw in the reflection of $S_0$ across $S_4$, if $S_0,S_4$ and $l$ are marked.

Proof:
For any point $S_i$ denote $l_i$ to be a line through $S_i$ perpendicular to $l$
  1. Draw $S_2$ and $l_2$
  2. Draw $S_1,S_3,l_1,l_3$
  3. Using lemma 1, draw $S_5$ or $S_1$ reflected across $S_3$
  4. Draw in $l_4$
  5. Similarly, we can draw $l_0$.
  6. Now, using lemma 1, we can reflect $S_0$ across $S_4$

Corollary: given a point $X$ on a line $l$, we can draw the perpendicular to $l$ through $X$

[asy]
size(9cm);
defaultpen(fontsize(12pt));
import olympiad;

pair S0 = (-2,0), S1 = (-1,0), S2 = (0,0), S3 = (1,0), S4 = (2,0), S8 = (6,0), S11 = (-3,0), P = (0,3), S5 = (3,0);

draw(S0--S8, royalblue);
dot("$S_0$",S0,dir(225),purple);
dot("$S_4$",S4,dir(225),purple);

draw((S2-P)--(S2+P), chartreuse);
dot("$S_2$",S2,dir(225),springgreen);

draw((S3-P)--(S3+P), lightolive);
draw((S1-P)--(S1+P), lightolive);
dot("$S_1$",S1, dir(225),olive);
dot("$S_3$",S3, dir(225),olive);

dot("$S_5$",S5, dir(225),orange);

draw((S0-P)--(S0+P), red);
draw((S4-P)--(S4+P), red);

dot("$S_8$",S8, dir(225),black);
[/asy]

While I've worded this slightly weirdly, all lemma 2 is saying, is that it is possible to reflect a point $X$ across another point $Y$ if the line $XY$ is drawn.

Problem statement proof:
  1. Suppose the initial triangle is $ABC$
  2. Let the midpoints of the sides $BC,AC,AB$ be $D,E,F$. Mark these points.
  3. Let the perpendicular bisector of $EF$ meet $BC$ at $Q$
  4. Let $R$ be the reflection of $D$ across $Q$.
  5. Observe that $AR \perp BC$ and we can draw $AR$

Corollary of proof: We can draw the altitudes given the sides of a triangle

[asy]
size(12cm);
defaultpen(fontsize(12pt));
import olympiad;

pair A,B,C,D,E,F,R,R2,H;
A = dir(110);
B = dir(210);
C = dir(330);
R2 = foot(B,A,C);

draw(A--B--C--A, royalblue);
dot("$A$",A,dir(A),purple);
dot("$B$",B,dir(B),purple);
dot("$C$",C,dir(C),purple);

D = (B+C)/2;
E = (A+C)/2;
F = (A+B)/2;

dot("$D$",D,dir(-90),chartreuse);
dot("$E$",E,chartreuse);
dot("$F$",F,dir(180),chartreuse);

pair Q = extension(circumcenter(E,F,C),circumcenter(E,F,B),B,C);
pair Q4 = (E+F)/2;

draw(Q--Q4, lightolive);
dot("$Q$",Q,dir(-90), olive);

R = 2*Q - D;
dot("$R$",R,dir(-90),orange);
draw(A--R, red);
draw(B--R2, red+dashed);

H = extension(A,R,B,R2);
dot("$H$",H);

draw(D--E--F--D, deepgreen+dotted);
draw(A--D, dotted+lightolive);

markscalefactor=.006;
draw(rightanglemark(A,R,B),magenta);
[/asy]

Now, a few claims for fun. :)

Claim 1: If $A$ is a point on line $l$ and $B$ is an arbitrary point, we can draw $AB$ given $A,B$ and $l$

Proof:
  1. Let the line through $A$ perpendicular to $l$ be called $n$. Draw $n$
  2. Let the perpendicular bisector of $AB$ be called $m$. Draw $m$. Call the triangle formed by lines $l,m,n$, triangle $CAT$
  3. Draw the perpendicular from $A$ to $CT$. It passes through $B$

[asy]
size(8cm);
defaultpen(fontsize(10pt));
import olympiad;

pair A = (0,0), B = (3, 5), S = (7,8), D = (1.5,2.5), U = (0,3), V = (3,0);
draw((-1,0)--(7,0), royalblue);
dot("$A$",A,dir(-90),purple);
dot("$B$",B,purple);

pair C = extension(circumcenter(A,B,S),D,A,U);
pair T = extension(circumcenter(A,B,S),D,A,V);

draw(A--C, chartreuse);

draw(C--T, orange);
dot("$T$",T,dir(-90),fuchsia);
dot("$C$",C,dir(90),fuchsia);
draw(A--B);
[/asy]

Claim 2: Janabel's tool is superior to the straightedge

Proof:
Suppose $A,B$ are two arbitrary points
  1. Draw an arbitrary line $l$
  2. Pick an arbitrary point $C$ on $l$
  3. Draw $AC$ using Claim 1
  4. Draw $AB$ using Claim 1

[asy]
size(8cm);
defaultpen(fontsize(10pt));
import olympiad;

pair A = (7,-1), B = (3, 5), C = (0,0);
dot("$A$",A,royalblue);
dot("$B$",B,dir(-150),royalblue);
draw((-4,0)--(10,0), chartreuse);
dot("$C$",C,dir(90),olive);
draw(A--C, fuchsia);
draw(B--A);
[/asy]

The last claim makes finding the centroid easy.

Does anyone know whether it is possible to find the incentre of a triangle? I've a feeling it's not possible to even construct the angle $\frac{\pi}{4}$, but I have no idea how to prove this.

Edit; As @below proves, not possible

@below, Nice! Pretty cool to see that trying to bisect $\frac{\pi}{4}$ leads to a contradiction, and not trying to bisect $\frac{\pi}{2}$ which is much more natural

Note: The last claim also means that for the original question, we do not require the lines forming the triangle; only having the vertices suffices
This post has been edited 5 times. Last edited by p_square, Aug 4, 2020, 7:18 AM
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Supercali
1261 posts
#15 • 5 Y
Y by p_square, Rg230403, mijail, Instance, lneis1
I think it is impossible to bisect a given angle. In particular, we will prove that $\frac{\pi}{4}$ cannot be bisected.

Suppose we are given two lines forming an angle of $\frac{\pi}{4}$. Take the origin at their point of intersection and take one of the lines as the X axis. Call a line good is it passes through at least $2$ rational points. Note that a good line has a rational (or infinite) slope. Conversely, if a line has a rational (or infinite) slope, and passes through at least one rational point, then it is good. Note that both the initially given lines are good, but the required angle bisector is not good.

We will prove that all constructible lines are good. This follows from the following 3 claims:

Claim 1: Intersection of two good lines is a rational point.

Claim 2: Perpendicular bisector of a line segment with rational endpoints is good.

Claim 3: We can assume any "randomly chosen" point to be rational.

Claims 1 and 2 are easy to prove, and for claim 3 we can inductively prove that every line drawn is good, so the set of rational points is dense, and so we can assume the "randomly chosen" point is rational.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Supercali, Aug 4, 2020, 7:14 AM
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508669
1040 posts
#16 • 1 Y
Y by Instance
I missed on a lot :( Claim 1 : Given two parallel lines $\ell _1, \ell _2$ and points $A, B$ on $\ell _1, \ell _2$ respectively. We can draw $A^\prime = \mathrm{reflection of}$A $\mathrm{over}$ $B$.

Proof : Consider a point $C \neq A$ on $\ell _1$. Observe that if perpendicular bisector of $CB$ intersects $\ell _1, \ell _2$ at $D, E$ respectively then perpendicular bisector of $DE$ intersects line $AB$ at $A^\prime$. Now, as many above has stated that we can draw line $AB$ and as BlazingMuddy has also made a construction for when $AB \perp \ell _1, \ell_2$, we see that we can get the point $A^\prime$.

Now, see that $M$ the midpoint of $BC$ is the reflection of the foot of the perpendicular from $A$ to $BC$ over the intersection of $BC$ with perpendicular bisector of $EF$, where $E, F$ are vertices of the medial triangle of $\triangle ABC$, and since $M$ lies on perpendicular bisector of $BC$ which is parallel to perpendicular bisector of $EF$ (this is because $EF \mathbin\Vert BC$ which is a result due to similarity), we can draw the foot of the perpendicular from $A$ to $BC$. Now, I use the corollary p_square has used above that we can draw the perpendicular to a line from a point $P$ on the line only using Janabel's tools (which is trivial to prove) and this completes my proof
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by 508669, Aug 9, 2020, 3:43 PM
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ProblemSolver2048
104 posts
#17 • 1 Y
Y by Instance
I know lots of people have posted something similar though this is what I did which someone already did just edited a bit though there aren't that many solutions anyway.
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ProblemSolver2048
104 posts
#18 • 2 Y
Y by Instance, Mango247
See attached
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Hapi
383 posts
#19 • 1 Y
Y by Instance
Assume that we have a device that$,$ when given a line $l$ and a point $P$ in the plane$,$ draw the line passing through point $P$ and perpendicular to $l.$ Can we draw a square using this device$,$ a pencil$,$ and no other tools$?$
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by Hapi, Nov 9, 2020, 9:47 AM
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jj_ca888
2726 posts
#20 • 2 Y
Y by tigerzhang, Instance
I claim that we can actually draw each of the individual altitudes.

Mark the midpoints $D, E, F$ of $BC, AC, AB$. Let $\ell_1$ denote the perpendicular bisector of $EF$ and $\ell_2$ denote the perpendicular bisector of $BC$. We will mark $\ell_1 \cap BC = D'$. Now choose a point $P \in \ell_2$. Let the perpendicular bisector of $PD$ intersect $\ell_1$ at $Q$, which we mark.

We can actually draw the line connecting $P$ and $Q$ - first let the perpendicular bisector of $PQ$ hit $\ell_1$ and $\ell_2$ at $Y$ and $Z$, which we mark. Since $PYQZ$ is a parallelogram, we can now draw the perpendicular bisector of $YZ$, which is just the line $PQ$. Indeed, mark $PQ \cap BC = H_A$ which is the reflection of $D$ over $D'$, the foot of the perpendicular from $A$ to $BC$.

It remains to be able to connect $AH_A$. Mark $D_1$ which is the midpoint of $D'H_A$ and let $\ell_3$ be the line through $D_1$ perpendicular to $BC$, also the perpendicular bisector of $D'H_A$. Using a similar process to previously, we may mark $D_2$, the reflection of $D$ over $D_1$. Clearly $D_2H_A = D'D = D'H_A$ so now we may draw the perpendicular bisector of $D_2D'$ which is the $A$-altitude.

Similarly we may draw altitudes and we mark the orthocenter $H$, and we are done. $\blacksquare$
Attachments:
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by jj_ca888, Nov 11, 2020, 5:01 AM
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IndoMathXdZ
691 posts
#21 • 4 Y
Y by Instance, Mango247, Mango247, Mango247
Fun Problem :D

We first deal with the general cases and deal with the annoying degenerate cases later on.
Claim. Let $X \in \ell$ and $Y \in \ell'$ where $\ell \parallel \ell'$. If $XY$ is not perpendicular to $\ell$. Then we can construct line $XY$.
Motivation
Proof. To prove this, let the perpendicular bisector of $XY$ intersects $\ell$ and $\ell'$ at $X'$ and $Y'$ respectively. This perpendicular bisector passes through the midpoint of $XY$, which we denote as $M$. Now, notice that $XX'YY'$ is a parallelogram. Now, we know that since $X'M = MY'$, then the perpendicular bisector of $X'Y'$ is $XY$, and we have constructed $XY$.
We denote the midpoint of $BC, CA, AB$ as $D,E,F$ respectively.
Claim. We can construct the feet of altitudes of $\triangle DEF$.
Proof. To prove this, we first use our tool to construct the perpendicular bisector of $AB, BC, CA$, which must concur at the circumcenter of $\triangle ABC$, which we denote as $O$. Now, these perpendicular bisectors must pass through the midpoints.
Well Known Fact. $O$ is the orthocenter of $\triangle DEF$.
Proof. To prove this, notice that $OD \perp BC \parallel EF$. Similarly, we have $OE \perp AC \parallel DF$. Therefore, we are done.
Now, from our first claim, since $AF \parallel DE$ and $DF$ is not perpendicular to $AF$. Then, we can draw $DF$. Similarly, we can draw $EF$ and $DE$. Now, since we can construct line $OD$. By our previous claim, we can construct $OD \perp EF$ which is the feet of $D$-altitude in $\triangle DEF$. Similarly, we can construct the other feets of altitude which we will name $H_D, H_E, H_F$.
Edge Case
Claim. We can construct the centroid $G$ of $\triangle ABC$.
Proof. To prove this, Notice that $AC \parallel DF$ and $AC$ is not perpendicular to $AD$. Therefore, by our previous claim, we can construct line $AD$. Therefore using the same reason, we can construct the three medians of the triangle. Mark their intersection as the centroid: $G$.
Edge Case
Claim. Let the feet of $A$-altitude in $\triangle ABC$ be $H_A$. Then $H_A, G, H_D$ collinear
Proof. Consider the homothety at point $G: \triangle ABC \mapsto \triangle DEF$. This homothety maps $H_A$ to point $H_D$, which is enough to prove that $H_A, G, H_D$ is collinear.

Claim. We can construct $H_A$.
Proof. First, mark the midpoint of $EF$ as $M_{EF}$. Now, take the perpendicular bisector of $EF$, let it intersect $BC$ at $J$. Now suppose that the midpoint of $M_{EF} J$ is $K$, we claim that $K,H_A H_D$ is collinear.
Consider the homothety centered at point $G$ mapping $\triangle DEF$ to its medial triangle. Since $J$ is in the medial line and $M_{EF} J$ is perpendicular to the medial line, we are hence done as this homothety will map $H_D \mapsto J$.
Now, we just need to use our claim on $K \in M_{EF} J$ and $H_D \in OD$ and connect the two points to get the line.
Edge Case
Claim. We can connect $AH_A$.
Proof. Motivation
From the previous claims, we can construct $H_A, H_B, H_C$.Therefore, construct the circumcenter of $AH_B H_C$. Now, we know that $AHH_B H_C$ is cyclic, where $H$ is the orthocenter of $\triangle ABC$, and therefore, the circumcenter of $AH_B H_C$ is the midpoint of $AH$, let it be point $O_H$, which we have constructed. Now, suppose that the midpoint of $AH_B$ is $X$. We use the tool to construct the circumcenter of $AXO_H$, which must be the midpoint of $AO_H$, let it be $M_A$ (as $\angle AXO_H = 90^{\circ}$.) Furthermore, we define line $\ell$ to be the perpendicular bisector of $AX$ and $\ell'$ to be the perpendicular bisector of $AH_B$. Now, we know that $M_A \in \ell$ and $O_H \in \ell'$. Therefore, by our previous claim, since $M_A X$ is not perpendicular to $\ell$, we can construct $M_A O_H \equiv AH_A$ itself.
Edge Case
Since we have constructed the altitude, just mark the intersection of the three altitudes and we are done.
Remark. The main difficulty of the problem is to figure out how to extract the orthocenter with using perpendicular bisectors without using the tool invented in the first claim. After deriving the first claim, and we construct any possible line and points possible with the available tool (once you got the centroid, and circumcenter), the homothety argument naturally flows in.
Remark 02. Too many edge cases (degenerate cases) to consider. I might miss some along the way.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by IndoMathXdZ, Nov 23, 2020, 2:15 AM
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Eyed
1065 posts
#22 • 3 Y
Y by kevinmathz, Instance, Mango247
Solved with Kevinmathz

Claim 1: If two parallel lines $\ell_{1}$ and $\ell_{2}$ exist such that points $X, Y$ exist such that $X \in \ell_{1}$, $Y \in \ell_{2}$ and $XY$ is not perpendicular to $\ell_{1}$, then we can draw $XY$.

Proof: We see that we can draw the perpendicular bisector of $XY$. Then, letting that perpendicular bisector hit $\ell_{1}$ at $X'$ and $\ell_{2}$ at $Y'$, we see that the perpendicular bisector of $X'Y'$ is $XY$ and so $XY$ is constructable.

Claim 2: If two parallel lines $\ell_{1}$ and $\ell_{2}$ exist such that $A \in\ell_{1}$ and $B, C\in\ell_{2}$, then if $\angle ABC = 90$ we can draw $D$ on $\ell_{1}$ such that $ABCD$ is a rectangle.

Proof: The midpoint of $AC$ is constructable because you are able to make $AC$ a line and its perpendicular bisector meets $AC$ at the midpoint. Now, draw the perpendicular bisector with respect to $AB$ and we note that $M$ is on that, meaning with respect to that perpendicular bisector and $BC$, then $BM$ is constructable by Claim 1. Extending $BM$ to hit $\ell_{1}$ at $D$, our claim is proven.

Claim 3: Given two lines $\ell_{1} || \ell_{2}$, and $A,D\in\ell_{1}, B,C\in\ell_{2}$ such that $ABCD$ is a rectangle with $AB \perp BC$, I claim we can construct the reflection of $B$ over $C$ (and similarly for the other pairs).

Proof: By Claim 1, we can draw $AC$ and $BD$, and let $E = AC\cap BD$. Furthermore, we can draw the line parallel to $\ell_{1}$ that goes through $E$ (this is the perpendicular bisector of $AB$, and let's call this $\ell$. We can also draw the midpoints of $AD$ and $BC$ (draw perpendicular bisector of $AD$ and mark intersection with $\ell_{1}$, same for $BC$). Let $M$ and $N$ be the midpoints of $BC$ and $AD$, respectively. Next, by Claim $2$, since $\angle END = 90$, we can draw the projection of $D$ onto $\ell$, which we call $R$. Finally, by claim $1$, since $\ell || \ell_{1}$, and $A\in \ell_{1}, R\in\ell$, we can draw $AR$. Let $AR$ intersect $\ell_{2}$ at $X$; since $R$ is the midpoint of $DC$, we have $X$ is the reflection of $B$ over $C$, which gives the construction.

Finally, let's solve the problem! Let $M, N, P$ be the midpoints of $BC, AC, AB$ respectively, we can draw these as the intersection of the perpendicular bisectors with the original line. Let those three perpendicular bisectors intersect at $O$ (which is the circumcenter) Next, draw in the perpendicular bisectors of $NP, NM, MP$, these three lines intersect at the circumcenter of $\triangle NPM$, which is the nine point center. Let's denote the nine point center as $N_{9}$, and let the perpendicular bisector of $NP$ intersect $BC$ at $D$. Finally, denote $H$ as the orthocenter (which we wish to construct)

Now, since $OM || N_{9}D$, we can let $Y$ be the projection of $O$ onto $N_{9}D$, and $X$ be the projection of $N_{9}$ onto $OM$. Next, we can let $X', Y'$ be the reflections of $O$ over $X$ and $Y$ over $N_{9}$ respectively. Observe that, since $N_{9}$ is the midpoint of $OH$, $X$ is the midpoint of $X'O$, by homothety, $\angle HX'O = 90$. Finally, let $T$ be the reflection of $O$ over $X'$ (again constructable by claim 2). Since $X'$ is the midpoint of $OT$, and $\angle HX'T = 90$, we have $H$ lies on the perpendicular bisector of $OT$. Now, do the same setup symmetrically for the other three sides (using $AC$ and $AB$ as the perpendicular lines instead of $AC$). The intersection of the three perpendicular bisectors is the orthocenter.
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tigerzhang
351 posts
#23 • 4 Y
Y by Bradygho, Instance, Mango247, Mango247
wrong :noo:
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by tigerzhang, Oct 15, 2021, 7:47 PM
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MatBoy-123
396 posts
#24 • 2 Y
Y by Instance, Mango247
First of all construct the Circumcenter and then using midpoints construct the Nine point center , and then use some of the above lemma's to prove that we can reflect any point over another point.

Just reflect $O$ over $N_9$ to get the desired orthocenter $H$..
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Spacesam
597 posts
#25 • 2 Y
Y by centslordm, mijail
One obvious construction we'll use throughout the proof is adding in the circumcenter of any three points. Additionally, we need to make the following distinction: we can easily find the midpoint of any two points if there's a line drawn between them, but it's nontrivial to draw the midpoint of two points that don't have a line drawn between them.

We'll begin by establishing some constructions that we can do with the given tool:

Construction 1: Given parallel lines $x$, $y$ and points on them $X$, $Y$ such that $\overline{XY}$ is not perpendicular to them, we can draw the line through $X$ and $Y$.

Construct the perpendicular bisector of $XY$, and let it intersect $x$ at $A$ and $y$ at $B$. This generates a rhombus $AXBY$, at which point we can construct the perpendicular bisector of $AB$ which is precisely $\overline{XY}$. $\square$

Construction 2: Given a triangle $ABC$ with all of its sidelines drawn in with circumcenter $O$, we can draw cevian $\overline{AO}$.

Construct the perpendicular bisector of $AO$, and let it intersect $\overline{AB}$ and $\overline{AC}$ at $D$ and $E$, respectively. Let $N$ and $P$ denote the midpoints of $AC$ and $AB$, respectively, and let $X$ be the intersection of $DE$ and the perpendicular bisector of $PN$. We claim that $X$ lies on $\overline{AO}$.

To see this, we can redefine $X'$ to be the midpoint of $AO$, which obviously lies on $\overline{DE}$. Recall that quadrilateral $ANOP$ is cyclic with diameter $AO$. Then, $X'$ is the center of $(ANOP)$, which implies $X'$ lies on the perpendicular bisector of $PN$ and so $X' = X$.

To finish this construction, draw in the perpendicular bisector of $BC$. Noting that it's parallel to the perpendicular bisector of $NP$, we can apply the first move to draw $\overline{XO}$. $\square$

At this point, we can finish. Let $O$, $\triangle ABC$, and $D$ and $E$ be defined as in the creation of move $2$. Add in $O'$ to be the circumcenter of $\triangle ADE$, and let $H$ be the desired orthocenter. Since $O$ lies on the alttiude from $A$ to $DE$, we see that $\overline{AO'}$ and $\overline{AO}$ are isogonal. However, $\overline{AO}$ and $\overline{AH}$ are isogonal too, implying $\overline{AO'H}$ is collinear.

To finish, observe that all the sidelines of $\triangle ADE$ are drawn in, which means we can apply the cevian construction and add in $\overline{AH}$. Repeating this procedure for $\overline{BH}$(or $CH$) and marking $H$ finishes.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Spacesam, Jun 17, 2021, 6:01 PM
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freeman66
452 posts
#26
Y by
Try to guess which half of the solution took 120x as much as the other: https://yu-dylan.github.io/Writeups/ELMO-2020-3.pdf
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Nuterrow
254 posts
#27
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We begin with the following claim
Claim: If we have two lines $l$ and $l'$ which are parallel and have a perpendicular transversal, we can construct the reflection of $P$ across $P'$ where $P$ and $P'$ are the two intersections of the transversal with the parallel lines.
Proof: We pick a random point $X$ on $l'$ and draw the perpendicular bisector of $P'X$, let that be $k$. Now let $k \cap l = X'$. We draw the perpendicular bisector $n$ of $XX'$. Let $n \cap l' = S$ and $n \cap l = T$. The intersection of the perpendicular bisector $f$ of $ST$ with $m$ is the reflection of $P'$ over $P$. $\blacksquare$
[asy]
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[/asy]

Now, we first draw all the perpendicular bisectors of $\bigtriangleup ABC$ to get the midpoints of the $BC$, $CA$ and $AB$, suppose they are $M, N$ and $L$ respectively. Now, let the intersection of the perpendicular bisector of $NL$ with $BC$ be $K$. By our above claim, we perform a reflection of the point $M$ on $K$ to get $D$. This is the foot of the $A$-altitude. Now we draw the perpendicular bisector of $DK$. Suppose the intersection of it with $BC$ is $Z$. Now we take the reflection of $M$ over $Z$ and name it $Z'$ and the perpendicular bisector of $Z'K$ is the the $A$-altitude. We can similarly draw the other altitudes, and get their concurrency point to be the orthocenter. $\blacksquare$
[asy]
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[/asy]
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thanosaops
200 posts
#28 • 1 Y
Y by GeoKing
Really fun problem.
Click to reveal hidden text
I doubt anyone here has posted this solution yet; can someone plz check it?
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InterLoop
274 posts
#29
Y by
solved with adrian_042
sol1

sol2
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by InterLoop, Oct 9, 2024, 2:53 AM
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