Stay ahead of learning milestones! Enroll in a class over the summer!

G
Topic
First Poster
Last Poster
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

Prealgebra 1
Sunday, Apr 13 - Aug 10
Tuesday, May 13 - Aug 26
Thursday, May 29 - Sep 11
Sunday, Jun 15 - Oct 12
Monday, Jun 30 - Oct 20
Wednesday, Jul 16 - Oct 29

Prealgebra 2 Self-Paced

Prealgebra 2
Sunday, Apr 13 - Aug 10
Wednesday, May 7 - Aug 20
Monday, Jun 2 - Sep 22
Sunday, Jun 29 - Oct 26
Friday, Jul 25 - Nov 21

Introduction to Algebra A Self-Paced

Introduction to Algebra A
Monday, Apr 7 - Jul 28
Sunday, May 11 - Sep 14 (1:00 - 2:30 pm ET/10:00 - 11:30 am PT)
Wednesday, May 14 - Aug 27
Friday, May 30 - Sep 26
Monday, Jun 2 - Sep 22
Sunday, Jun 15 - Oct 12
Thursday, Jun 26 - Oct 9
Tuesday, Jul 15 - Oct 28

Introduction to Counting & Probability Self-Paced

Introduction to Counting & Probability
Wednesday, Apr 16 - Jul 2
Thursday, May 15 - Jul 31
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Wednesday, Jul 9 - Sep 24
Sunday, Jul 27 - Oct 19

Introduction to Number Theory
Thursday, Apr 17 - Jul 3
Friday, May 9 - Aug 1
Wednesday, May 21 - Aug 6
Monday, Jun 9 - Aug 25
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14
Tuesday, Jul 15 - Sep 30

Introduction to Algebra B Self-Paced

Introduction to Algebra B
Wednesday, Apr 16 - Jul 30
Tuesday, May 6 - Aug 19
Wednesday, Jun 4 - Sep 17
Sunday, Jun 22 - Oct 19
Friday, Jul 18 - Nov 14

Introduction to Geometry
Wednesday, Apr 23 - Oct 1
Sunday, May 11 - Nov 9
Tuesday, May 20 - Oct 28
Monday, Jun 16 - Dec 8
Friday, Jun 20 - Jan 9
Sunday, Jun 29 - Jan 11
Monday, Jul 14 - Jan 19

Intermediate: Grades 8-12

Intermediate Algebra
Monday, Apr 21 - Oct 13
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

Intermediate Counting & Probability
Wednesday, May 21 - Sep 17
Sunday, Jun 22 - Nov 2

Intermediate Number Theory
Friday, Apr 11 - Jun 27
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Wednesday, Jun 18 - Sep 3

Precalculus
Wednesday, Apr 9 - Sep 3
Friday, May 16 - Oct 24
Sunday, Jun 1 - Nov 9
Monday, Jun 30 - Dec 8

Advanced: Grades 9-12

Olympiad Geometry
Tuesday, Jun 10 - Aug 26

Calculus
Tuesday, May 27 - Nov 11
Wednesday, Jun 25 - Dec 17

Group Theory
Thursday, Jun 12 - Sep 11

Contest Preparation: Grades 6-12

MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Basics
Wednesday, Apr 16 - Jul 2
Friday, May 23 - Aug 15
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!)

MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Advanced
Friday, Apr 11 - Jun 27
Sunday, May 11 - Aug 10
Tuesday, May 27 - Aug 12
Wednesday, Jun 11 - Aug 27
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Tues & Thurs, Jul 8 - Aug 14 (meets twice a week!)

AMC 10 Problem Series
Friday, May 9 - Aug 1
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!)

AMC 10 Final Fives
Sunday, May 11 - Jun 8
Tuesday, May 27 - Jun 17
Monday, Jun 30 - Jul 21

AMC 12 Problem Series
Tuesday, May 27 - Aug 12
Thursday, Jun 12 - Aug 28
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21
Wednesday, Aug 6 - Oct 22

AMC 12 Final Fives
Sunday, May 18 - Jun 15

F=ma Problem Series
Wednesday, Jun 11 - Aug 27

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
Thursday, May 22 - Aug 7
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

Intermediate Programming with Python
Sunday, Jun 1 - Aug 24
Monday, Jun 30 - Sep 22

USACO Bronze Problem Series
Tuesday, May 13 - Jul 29
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 1

Physics

Introduction to Physics
Wednesday, May 21 - Aug 6
Sunday, Jun 15 - Sep 14
Monday, Jun 23 - Sep 15

Physics 1: Mechanics
Thursday, May 22 - Oct 30
Monday, Jun 23 - Dec 15

Relativity
Sat & Sun, Apr 26 - Apr 27 (4:00 - 7:00 pm ET/1:00 - 4:00pm PT)
Mon, Tue, Wed & Thurs, Jun 23 - Jun 26 (meets every day of the week!)
0 replies
jlacosta
Apr 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
Number Theory
fasttrust_12-mn   5
N 16 minutes ago by GreekIdiot
Source: Pan African Mathematics Olympiad p6
Find all integers $n$ for which $n^7-41$ is the square of an integer
5 replies
fasttrust_12-mn
Aug 16, 2024
GreekIdiot
16 minutes ago
Maximum number of nice subsets
FireBreathers   0
22 minutes ago
Given a set $M$ of natural numbers with $n$ elements with $n$ odd number. A nonempty subset $S$ of $M$ is called $nice$ if the product of the elements of $S$ divisible by the sum of the elements of $M$, but not by its square. It is known that the set $M$ itself is good. Determine the maximum number of $nice$ subsets (including $M$ itself).
0 replies
FireBreathers
22 minutes ago
0 replies
Floor double summation
CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid   52
N 25 minutes ago by lpieleanu
Source: ISL 2021 A2
Which positive integers $n$ make the equation \[\sum_{i=1}^n \sum_{j=1}^n \left\lfloor \frac{ij}{n+1} \right\rfloor=\frac{n^2(n-1)}{4}\]true?
52 replies
CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid
Jul 12, 2022
lpieleanu
25 minutes ago
Polynomial
Z_.   1
N 27 minutes ago by rchokler
Let \( m \) be an integer greater than zero. Then, the value of the sum of the reciprocals of the cubes of the roots of the equation
\[
mx^4 + 8x^3 - 139x^2 - 18x + 9 = 0
\]is equal to:
1 reply
1 viewing
Z_.
an hour ago
rchokler
27 minutes ago
Existence of perfect squares
egxa   2
N 29 minutes ago by pavel kozlov
Source: All Russian 2025 10.3
Find all natural numbers \(n\) for which there exists an even natural number \(a\) such that the number
\[
(a - 1)(a^2 - 1)\cdots(a^n - 1)
\]is a perfect square.
2 replies
egxa
Apr 18, 2025
pavel kozlov
29 minutes ago
IMO 2014 Problem 4
ipaper   169
N 2 hours ago by YaoAOPS
Let $P$ and $Q$ be on segment $BC$ of an acute triangle $ABC$ such that $\angle PAB=\angle BCA$ and $\angle CAQ=\angle ABC$. Let $M$ and $N$ be the points on $AP$ and $AQ$, respectively, such that $P$ is the midpoint of $AM$ and $Q$ is the midpoint of $AN$. Prove that the intersection of $BM$ and $CN$ is on the circumference of triangle $ABC$.

Proposed by Giorgi Arabidze, Georgia.
169 replies
ipaper
Jul 9, 2014
YaoAOPS
2 hours ago
Inequalities
Scientist10   1
N 2 hours ago by Bergo1305
If $x, y, z \in \mathbb{R}$, then prove that the following inequality holds:
\[
\sum_{\text{cyc}} \sqrt{1 + \left(x\sqrt{1 + y^2} + y\sqrt{1 + x^2}\right)^2} \geq \sum_{\text{cyc}} xy + 2\sum_{\text{cyc}} x
\]
1 reply
Scientist10
4 hours ago
Bergo1305
2 hours ago
Tangents forms triangle with two times less area
NO_SQUARES   1
N 2 hours ago by Luis González
Source: Kvant 2025 no. 2 M2831
Let $DEF$ be triangle, inscribed in parabola. Tangents in points $D,E,F$ forms triangle $ABC$. Prove that $S_{DEF}=2S_{ABC}$. ($S_T$ is area of triangle $T$).
From F.S.Macaulay's book «Geometrical Conics», suggested by M. Panov
1 reply
NO_SQUARES
Today at 9:08 AM
Luis González
2 hours ago
FE solution too simple?
Yiyj1   9
N 2 hours ago by jasperE3
Source: 101 Algebra Problems from the AMSP
Find all functions $f: \mathbb{R} \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$ such that the equality $$f(f(x)+y) = f(x^2-y)+4f(x)y$$holds for all pairs of real numbers $(x,y)$.

My solution

I feel like my solution is too simple. Is there something I did wrong or something I missed?
9 replies
Yiyj1
Apr 9, 2025
jasperE3
2 hours ago
interesting function equation (fe) in IR
skellyrah   2
N 2 hours ago by jasperE3
Source: mine
find all function F: IR->IR such that $$ xf(f(y)) + yf(f(x)) = f(xf(y)) + f(xy) $$
2 replies
skellyrah
Today at 9:51 AM
jasperE3
2 hours ago
Complicated FE
XAN4   1
N 2 hours ago by jasperE3
Source: own
Find all solutions for the functional equation $f(xyz)+\sum_{cyc}f(\frac{yz}x)=f(x)\cdot f(y)\cdot f(z)$, in which $f$: $\mathbb R^+\rightarrow\mathbb R^+$
Note: the solution is actually quite obvious - $f(x)=x^n+\frac1{x^n}$, but the proof is important.
Note 2: it is likely that the result can be generalized into a more advanced questions, potentially involving more bash.
1 reply
XAN4
Today at 11:53 AM
jasperE3
2 hours ago
Find all sequences satisfying two conditions
orl   34
N 3 hours ago by YaoAOPS
Source: IMO Shortlist 2007, C1, AIMO 2008, TST 1, P1
Let $ n > 1$ be an integer. Find all sequences $ a_1, a_2, \ldots a_{n^2 + n}$ satisfying the following conditions:
\[ \text{ (a) } a_i \in \left\{0,1\right\} \text{ for all } 1 \leq i \leq n^2 + n;
\]

\[ \text{ (b) } a_{i + 1} + a_{i + 2} + \ldots + a_{i + n} < a_{i + n + 1} + a_{i + n + 2} + \ldots + a_{i + 2n} \text{ for all } 0 \leq i \leq n^2 - n.
\]
Author: Dusan Dukic, Serbia
34 replies
orl
Jul 13, 2008
YaoAOPS
3 hours ago
IMO Shortlist 2011, G4
WakeUp   125
N 3 hours ago by Davdav1232
Source: IMO Shortlist 2011, G4
Let $ABC$ be an acute triangle with circumcircle $\Omega$. Let $B_0$ be the midpoint of $AC$ and let $C_0$ be the midpoint of $AB$. Let $D$ be the foot of the altitude from $A$ and let $G$ be the centroid of the triangle $ABC$. Let $\omega$ be a circle through $B_0$ and $C_0$ that is tangent to the circle $\Omega$ at a point $X\not= A$. Prove that the points $D,G$ and $X$ are collinear.

Proposed by Ismail Isaev and Mikhail Isaev, Russia
125 replies
WakeUp
Jul 13, 2012
Davdav1232
3 hours ago
Z[x], P(\sqrt[3]5+\sqrt[3]25)=5+\sqrt[3]5
jasperE3   5
N 3 hours ago by Assassino9931
Source: VJIMC 2013 2.3
Prove that there is no polynomial $P$ with integer coefficients such that $P\left(\sqrt[3]5+\sqrt[3]{25}\right)=5+\sqrt[3]5$.
5 replies
jasperE3
May 31, 2021
Assassino9931
3 hours ago
Interesting config
TheUltimate123   37
N Apr 1, 2025 by E50
Source: ELMO 2023/4
Let \(ABC\) be an acute scalene triangle with orthocenter \(H\). Line \(BH\) intersects \(\overline{AC}\) at \(E\) and line \(CH\) intersects \(\overline{AB}\) at \(F\). Let \(X\) be the foot of the perpendicular from \(H\) to the line through \(A\) parallel to \(\overline{EF}\). Point \(B_1\) lies on line \(XF\) such that \(\overline{BB_1}\) is parallel to \(\overline{AC}\), and point \(C_1\) lies on line \(XE\) such that \(\overline{CC_1}\) is parallel to \(\overline{AB}\). Prove that points \(B\), \(C\), \(B_1\), \(C_1\) are concyclic.

Proposed by Luke Robitaille
37 replies
TheUltimate123
Jun 26, 2023
E50
Apr 1, 2025
Interesting config
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: ELMO 2023/4
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
TheUltimate123
1740 posts
#1 • 6 Y
Y by NO_SQUARES, Mogmog8, ImSh95, jmiao, Rounak_iitr, HoRI_DA_GRe8
Let \(ABC\) be an acute scalene triangle with orthocenter \(H\). Line \(BH\) intersects \(\overline{AC}\) at \(E\) and line \(CH\) intersects \(\overline{AB}\) at \(F\). Let \(X\) be the foot of the perpendicular from \(H\) to the line through \(A\) parallel to \(\overline{EF}\). Point \(B_1\) lies on line \(XF\) such that \(\overline{BB_1}\) is parallel to \(\overline{AC}\), and point \(C_1\) lies on line \(XE\) such that \(\overline{CC_1}\) is parallel to \(\overline{AB}\). Prove that points \(B\), \(C\), \(B_1\), \(C_1\) are concyclic.

Proposed by Luke Robitaille
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
EpicNumberTheory
250 posts
#3 • 7 Y
Y by PRMOisTheHardestExam, ImSh95, keglesnit, jmiao, HoRI_DA_GRe8, Rounak_iitr, MS_asdfgzxcvb
We use directed angles throughout the solution. Let $M$ be the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$. Now note that $\angle AFH = \angle AEH = \angle AXH = 90$. Thus $A,E,H,F,X$ are concyclic. Now $AX \parallel EF$ implies that $AXFE$ is an isosceles trapezoid.

Claim: $MEC_1C$ is cyclic.
Proof: Firstly, $\angle AEM = \angle CEM = \angle MCE = \angle BCA$. Also $\angle AEX = \angle AXE + \angle EAX = \angle AFE + \angle EFX = \angle BCA + \angle AEF = \angle BCA + \angle CBA$
$\angle XEM = \angle AEM + \angle XEA = \angle BCA + \angle ACB + \angle ABC =\angle ABC$
But $\angle C_1CM \equiv \angle C_1CB = \angle ABC = \angle XEM$. Thus $MEC_1C$ is cyclic as claimed.

Similarly $MB_1BF$ is cyclic. Now $\angle B_1MB = \angle B_1FB = \angle XFA = \angle XEA = \angle C_1EC = \angle C_1MC$. Thus $B_1,M,C_1$ are collinear.

Now $\angle B_1BC = \angle ACB \equiv \angle ECM = \angle MC_1C \equiv \angle B_1C_1C$. Here the second last equality holds as $EM = MC \implies$ they subtend equal angles. Thus $B,C,B_1,C_1$ are concyclic and we are done.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Batapan
93 posts
#4 • 2 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8
Let $M$ be the midpoint of $BC$, $H_A$ be the $A-Humpty$ point
and $A' \equiv BB_1 \cap CC_1$

Note that $ACA'B$ is a parallelogram and that $A,H_A,M, A'$ are collinear.
It is well known that $A,E,H_A,H,F$ are concyclic, and since $\angle HXA =\pi$, $X$ also lies on that circle.
Moreover, it is well known by the properties of the $Humpty$ point that $FH_AMB$ and $CMH_AE$ are cyclic quadrilaterals.
We will prove that $B_1$ lies on $(FH_AMB)$ and a similarly , a conclusion will follow that $C_1$ lies on $(CMH_AE)$
It is true that $\angle H_AFB_1=\angle XAH_A$. However, $\angle H_AFM=\angle H_ABM=\angle H_AAB$.
Hence, $\angle MFB_1= \angle XAF= \angle AFE= \angle ACB= \angle CBA'$due to $XA || FE$ and $AC || BA'$

Thus , $FBB_1M$ is cyclic, or in other words $B_1$ lies on $(FH_AMB)$. Similar angle chase proves this for $C$. Therefore, by Power of Point, $A'B_1 \cdot A'B = A'M \cdot A'H_A = A'C \cdot A'C_1$ so $BB_1CC_1$ is cyclic, as desired
Attachments:
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Orestis_Lignos
555 posts
#5 • 3 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8, Rounak_iitr
WLOG assume that $AB<AC$. The following Claim is the pith of the problem:

Claim: $B_1C_1$ passes through the midpoint of $BC$.
Proof: Firstly, note that $\angle AXH=\angle AFH=\angle AEH=90^\circ,$ and so $X \in (AFHE)$. Hence, $XAEF$ is a trapezoid. Let $M$ be the midpoint of $BC$. Note that

$\angle FB_1B=180^\circ-\angle FBB_1-\angle BFB_1=\angle FAE-\angle XFA=$

$=\angle A-(\angle XFE-\angle XEF)=\angle A-\angle AEF+\angle AFE=$

$=\angle A-\angle B+\angle C=180^\circ-2\angle b=\angle FMB,$

and so $M \in (FBB_1)$. Similarly, $M \in (ECC_1)$. Hence,

$\angle BMB_1=\angle BFB_1=\angle XFA=\angle XEA=\angle C_1EC=\angle C_1MC,$

which in turn implies that $M \in B_1C_1,$ as desired $\blacksquare$

To the problem, we may note that

$\angle BB_1C_1=\angle BB_1M=180^\circ-\angle BFM=180^\circ-\angle B=\angle BCC_1,$

with the last equality being true as $AB$ is parallel to $CC_1$. Hence, $\angle BB_1C_1=\angle BCC_1,$ and so $B,C,B_1,C_1$ are concyclic, as desired.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
math_comb01
662 posts
#6 • 3 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8, Rounak_iitr
This was my favorite in contest, here's what I submitted
Edit : sniped
Attachments:
ELMO_2023_P4_Math_comb01_compressed.pdf (456kb)
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by math_comb01, Jun 26, 2023, 6:41 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
ALM_04
85 posts
#7 • 3 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8, Rounak_iitr
Define $A$, $B$ and $C$ as the respective angles of $\triangle{ABC}$ and $M$ be the midpoint of $BC$.

Claim 1 - $CMEC_1$ is cyclic
Proof - As $\measuredangle{AXH}=\measuredangle{AFH}=90^{\circ}$ and $AX||EF$, $X\in (AEHF)$ and $AXEF$ is an isosceles trapezoid. So, $\measuredangle{XEF} = \measuredangle{AFE} = \measuredangle{C}$.


Also, $M$ is the center of $(BFEC)$, $\measuredangle{FMB} = 2\measuredangle{B}$ and $\measuredangle{EMC} = 2\measuredangle{C}$ so $\measuredangle{EMF} = 2\measuredangle{A}$ and $\measuredangle{FEM} = \measuredangle{A}$.

Hence, $\measuredangle{C_1EM} = \measuredangle{B}$. Also, $\measuredangle{MCC_1}=\measuredangle{B}$ as $CC_1||AB$.

Claim 2 - $EF || C_1M$
Proof - This follows as $\measuredangle{XEF} = \measuredangle{AFE} = \measuredangle{C}$ and $\measuredangle{MCE} = \measuredangle{MC_1E} = \measuredangle{C}$.

Claim 3 - If $B_2=C_1M\cap (BFM)\neq M$, then $B_2\equiv B$ and so, $BFMB_1$ is cyclic.
Proof - $$\measuredangle{BFB_2} = \measuredangle{BMB_2} = \measuredangle{C_1MC} = \measuredangle{C_1EC} = \measuredangle{AEX} = \measuredangle{AFX}$$So, $B_2  \in XF$.
Also, $$\measuredangle{FBB_2} = \measuredangle{FMC_1} = \measuredangle{A}$$.
So, $BB_2 ||AC$.

Using Claim 1 and 3, we say that $$\measuredangle{BB_1C} = \measuredangle{BB_1M} = \measuredangle{B} = \measuredangle{BCC_1}$$Hence, $BB_1CC_1$ is cyclic
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
P2nisic
406 posts
#8 • 3 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8, Rounak_iitr
Claim (1): $AX$ tangent to $(ABC)$ and $X,A,E,H,F$ are cyclic.
Proof:
The first on is true because $EF$ is anti-paralle to $BC$ so $AO\perp EF$ and $EF//AX$
The second one we have $<AXH=<AEH=<AFH=90$

Let now $M$ be the midpoint of $ABC$ and $P=AM\cap (AEF)$

Claim (2): $ME,MF$ tangebt to $(AEF)$
Proof:
$MB=MC=ME=MF$ so $<MFC=<MCF=<BAD=<BAH$.

Claim (3): $MPFB$,$MPEC$ are cyclic
Proof:
Consider the invertion with center $A$ and power $AE*AC=AH*AD=AF*AB$ then $(AEF)\leftrightarrow BC\Rightarrow P\leftrightarrow M$
wich gives: $AE*AC=AH*AD=AF*AB=AM*AP$ wich gives the result

Claim (4): $B_1\epsilon (BFPM),C_1\epsilon (ECMP)$
Proof:
$<XC_1C=360-<C_1CF-<CFX-<FXC=270-<XFH-<A=270-<A-(180-<XAH)=90-<A+<XAH=90-<A+<C+90-<B=2<C=180-<CME$
Similar for $B_1$

Claim (5): $B_1,C_1,M$ are collinear
Proof:
$<B_1MP+<PMB_1=<PFX+<PEX=180$

Claim (6): $B_1,C_1,B,C$ are cycilc
Proof:
$<BCC_1=<MCC_1=<MEX=XFHP+<PEM=XFHPE=AEPF=<MFA=MB_1B=<BB_1C_1$
we use claim (2) and by $AX//EF$ and $(AXEF)$ cyclic we get $AF=XE$
Attachments:
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
MrOreoJuice
594 posts
#9 • 3 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8, Rounak_iitr
Similarity spam
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
a_n
162 posts
#10 • 3 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8, Rounak_iitr
original post

Latexing my solution now:

I am assuming orthic triangle config as well known (all the stuff given in EGMO). Also let angles of triangle $ABC$ be $A,B,C$ and the sides be $a,b,c$

Let $BB_1 \cap CC_1 = A'$ interesting note

Then clearly $A'CB \cong ABC$. It suffices to prove $A'B \cdot A"B_1 = A'C \cdot A'C_1$.

Now look at the diagram attached below, and WLOG assume $\angle B > \angle C$ so that the diagram looks like this...

Now because $\angle HXA=90^{\circ}=\angle HFA= \angle HEA, \ X \in (AEHF)$.

Also $\angle XAF= \angle AFE = \angle ACB$ so $AX$ is just the tangent to $(ABC)$

So now at this point we see that if we can find $BB_1$ and similarly $CC_1$, we will be done because for instance $A'B_1=A'B-BB_1$ and then it will just be a matter of doing some trig manipulations...

Now at this point we see that we know basically everything about orthic triangle, so we can probably just go ahead and find some angles, so let's do that.

We want $BB_1$ and the only triangle that occurs is in in $\Delta BB_1F$ and as we already know $BF$ we just gotta find the angles of that triangle to solve this problem by law of sines.

$\angle FBB_1 = \pi - A=B+C$ is clear due to parallel lines.

All we gotta do now is find $\angle BFB_1$, but that is just $\angle XFA$, and $\angle XFA$ is easy to find because we know $\angle XAF=C$ (due to tangent) and $\angle AXF= \pi - \angle AEF = \pi - B$ (due to cyclic pentagon $AEHFX$)

So we get that $\angle XFA = B-C$.

So $\angle BFB_1 = B-C \implies \angle BB_1C = \pi - 2B$

So now all we gotta do is use sine rule and some trig, here it is:

$\frac{BF}{\sin(\pi-2B)}=\frac{BB_1}{\sin(B-C)}$

And $BF=a \cdot \cos{B}$,

So we get

$BB_1 = \frac{a \cdot \cos{B} \cdot \sin(B-C)}{\sin(2B)}=\frac{a \cdot \sin(B-C)}{2 \sin{B}}$

Similarly, $CC_1=\frac{a \cdot \sin(B-C)}{2 \sin{C}}$

And we wanna prove $b(b-BB_1)=c(C+C_1)$ (This is important to note, it is $c$ + $CC_1$ not minus, i was tripping for a few minutes because of this...

Now, replace all the side lengths by using $\frac{x}{\sin{X}}=2R$

So we wanna prove (after cancelling the $4R^2$ factor)

$\sin^2{B} - \sin{A} \cdot \sin(B-C) = \sin^2{C} + \sin{A} \cdot \sin(B-C)
\iff 
\sin^2{B} - \sin^2{C} = \sin(B+C) \cdot \sin(B-C)$ (bcoz $A = \pi - (B+C)$) but this is obvious, just expand the right thing and replace $\cos^2$ by $1 - \sin^2$ everywhere.

Really fun,
also the first problem I have ever solved on vacation : )

Trust the grind
Attachments:
p4.pdf (163kb)
This post has been edited 4 times. Last edited by a_n, Jul 1, 2023, 9:54 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Aryan-23
558 posts
#11 • 2 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8
Note that $AXFE$ is an isosceles trapezoid. Let $G= XF \cap AC$, now angle chase: $$\angle BB_1F= \angle FGA = \pi - 2\angle AEF = \pi-\angle 2B = \angle BMF \implies B_1 \in \odot(BMF)$$Similarly, $C_1\in \odot(CME)$. Let $A'= BB_1\cap CC_1$, then we just need to show that $A'$ lies on the radical axis of $\odot (BMF)$ and $\odot (CME)$(note that it lies on $AM$). This is easy, $AA'$ hits $(AEF)$ again at $R$, then we get $\angle FBM = \angle AEF = \angle ARF$. So $R\in \odot (BMF)$. Similarly it lies on $\odot (CME)$. So we're done. $\square$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
SatisfiedMagma
458 posts
#12 • 6 Y
Y by MrOreoJuice, PRMOisTheHardestExam, ImSh95, UI_MathZ_25, HoRI_DA_GRe8, Rounak_iitr
How to introduce midpoint? You think like an illiterate person that since this ELMO, it must have something to do with midpoints. Here's how you solve geo! It's quite easy!

Solution: We'll only add the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$ which we call $M$. Note that by the angle condition on $X$, we can easily say that $X \in \odot(AEFH)$ and $AXFE$ is an isosceles trapezoid.
[asy]
            import geometry;
            defaultpen(fontsize(13pt));

            size(10cm);
            pair A = dir(120);
            pair B = dir(210);
            pair C = dir(330);
            pair H = orthocenter(A,B,C);
            pair E = foot(B,A,C);
            pair F = foot(C,A,B);
            pair M = (B+C)/2;
            pair X = 2*extension(bisectorpoint(E,F), (E+F)/2, A,foot(A,bisectorpoint(E,F), (E+F)/2)) - A;
            pair B1 = intersectionpoints(line(X,F), circumcircle(B,M,F))[1];
            pair C1 = intersectionpoints(line(X,E), circumcircle(E,M,C))[0];

            draw(A--B--C--A, purple);
            draw(circumcircle(M,E,C), orange);
            draw(circumcircle(M,F,B), orange);
            draw(C--F, purple);
            draw(B--E, purple);
            draw(C--C1, purple);
            draw(M--E, purple);
            draw(X--C1, purple + dashed);
            draw(X--B1, purple + dashed);
            draw(B1--C1, purple + dashed);
            draw(E--F, purple);
            draw(circumcircle(X,A,E), red);

            dot("$A$", A, dir(A));
            dot("$B$", B, dir(B));
            dot("$C$", C, dir(C));
            dot("$H$", H, S);
            dot("$E$", E, 2*dir(75));
            dot("$F$", F, dir(F));
            dot("$M$", M, dir(M));
            dot("$X$", X, dir(X));
            dot("$B_1$", B1, dir(B1));
            dot("$C_1$", C1, dir(C1));
[/asy]
Claim: $C_1 \in \odot(CME)$ and $B_1 \in \odot(MFB)$.

Proof: The proof will be by phantom points. We only show the first part since the other one follows by symmetry. Re-define $C_1$ to be a point such that $CC_1$ is parallel to $\overline{AB}$ and $C_1 \in \odot(CME)$. It now suffices to show that $X-E-C_1$ are collinear. This can be shown easily by an angle chase.
\begin{align*}
            \measuredangle C_1EC & = \measuredangle C_1MC                           \\
                          & = \measuredangle EMC - \measuredangle EMC_1             \\
                          & = 2\measuredangle ACB - \measuredangle ECC_1            \\
                          & = 2\measuredangle ACB - \measuredangle CAB              \\
                          & = 2\measuredangle ACB + \measuredangle BAC              \\
                          & = \measuredangle ACB - \measuredangle ABC = \measuredangle AEX
        \end{align*}and thus the claim holds true. $\square$
We now show that $B_1-M-C_1$ are collinear. Note that
\[\measuredangle EC_1M = \measuredangle ECM = \measuredangle EFA = \measuredangle XEF\]which shows that $EF \parallel MC_1$. By a similar argument, we have $EF \parallel MB_1$. This proves the collinearity.

It's about time to finish it. We now have that
\begin{align*}
        \measuredangle BB_1C_1 & = \measuredangle BB_1F + \measuredangle FB_1M                  \\
                        & = \measuredangle BMF + \measuredangle ABC                      \\
                        & = 2\measuredangle MCF + \measuredangle C_1CB                   \\
                        & = 2\measuredangle CBA + \measuredangle C_1CB                   \\
                        & = 2\measuredangle BCC_1 - \measuredangle BCC_1 = \measuredangle BCC_1
    \end{align*}and the solution is complete. $\blacksquare$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by SatisfiedMagma, Jun 29, 2023, 11:55 AM
Reason: smol
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
EpicBird08
1749 posts
#13 • 2 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8
One of my favorite angle-chasing problems.

Let $Z = PX \cap AE,$ and let $M$ be the midpoint of $BC.$ Also denote by $\measuredangle$ a directed angle.

We first note that $$\measuredangle HXA = \measuredangle HFA = \measuredangle HEA = 90^\circ,$$so $AXFHE$ is cyclic. Moreover, $AX \parallel EF,$ so $AXFE$ is an isosceles trapezoid. This means that $\triangle ZXA$ and $\triangle ZFE$ are isosceles.

Now, we know that $$\measuredangle BB_1 F = \measuredangle BB_1 Z = \measuredangle AZB_1 = \measuredangle AXZ,$$since $AZ \parallel BB_1.$ We also know that by sum of angles $$\measuredangle AZX + \measuredangle ZXA + \measuredangle XAZ = 0.$$However, since $\measuredangle ZXA = \measuredangle XAZ,$ we get $$\measuredangle AZX + 2 \measuredangle XAZ = 0,$$so $$\measuredangle AZX = 2\measuredangle ZAX.$$On top of that, we know that $$\measuredangle XAX = \measuredangle AEF = \measuredangle CEF = \measuredangle CBF = \measuredangle CBA,$$since $AX \parallel FE$ and $BFEC$ is cyclic. Therefore, $$\measuredangle BB_1 F = 2\measuredangle CBA.$$However. we know that $M$ is the circumcenter of $BFEC,$ so $\triangle BMF$ is isosceles. Hence $$\measuredangle BMF + \measuredangle MFB + \measuredangle FBM = \measuredangle BMF + 2 \measuredangle ABC,$$so $\measuredangle BMF = 2 \measuredangle CBA = \measuredangle BB_1 F.$ This implies that $BB_1 MF$ is cyclic. Similarly, $CC_1 EM$ is also cyclic.

Now, $$\measuredangle CMB_1 = \measuredangle BMB_1 = \measuredangle BFB_1 = \measuredangle AFX = \measuredangle AEX = \measuredangle CEC_1 = \measuredangle CMC_1,$$so $B_1, M, C_1$ are collinear. Finally, $$\measuredangle BB_1 C_1 = \measuredangle BB_1 M = \measuredangle BFM = \measuredangle MBF = \measuredangle CBA = \measuredangle BCC_1$$from our parallel lines, so $B,C,B_1,C_1$ are concyclic, as desired.
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by EpicBird08, Jun 26, 2023, 1:28 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
keglesnit
176 posts
#14 • 3 Y
Y by PRMOisTheHardestExam, ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8
Let $A'=BB_1\cap CC_1$, $Y=AX\cap BB_1$, $Z=AX\cap CC_1$.

Claim. $B_1$ and $C_1$ are the midpoints of $A'Y$ and $A'Z$, respectively.
Proof. It suffices to show that $B_1$ is the midpoint of $A'Y$. Clearly, $AEFHX$ is cyclic. Let $K$ be the $A$-antipode in $(ABC)$. Then $AHA'K$ is a parallelogram, and thus $A'H\parallel AK\perp AX\perp XH$ so $X$, $H$, and $A'$ are colinear.
Now let $F_1$ be a point on $(AEFHX)$ such that $XF_1\parallel AF$. Then Pascal on $AAEFF_1X$ gives $FF_1$ parallel to the tangent to $(AEFHX)$ at $A$ (since $AX\parallel EF$ and $AE\parallel XF_1$). Thus we have
$$-1=(A,H;F,F_1)\overset{X}{=}(Y,A';B_1,\infty_{A'Y})$$which proves the claim.

From the claim we get $B_1C_1\parallel YZ$ which is the tangent to $(ABC)$ at $A$ and is thus anti-parallel to $BC$ i.e. $B_1C_1$ and $BC$ are antiparallel so $BB_1CC_1$ is cyclic.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
thugzmath10
708 posts
#15 • 2 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8
Let $Y := XF\cap AC$ and $Z := XE\cap AB$. We first observe that $AXFHE$ is a cyclic pentagon and $AXFE$ is an isosceles trapezoid (as $AX\parallel EF$), so that $FZ=ZE$ and $FY=YE$, that is, $YZ$ is the perpendicular bisector of $EF$.

Since $AB\parallel CC_1$, we have $\angle BCC_1=180^\circ-\angle B$, so it suffices to show that $\angle BB_1C_1=180^\circ-\angle B$. We note that $\triangle BAC\sim \triangle FXE$ are similar since $\angle FXE=\angle A$ and $\angle XEF=\angle AFE=\angle C$. Thus, we have $\angle FB_1B=\angle FYA=\angle A-\angle AFY =\angle A+\angle ZFE-\angle XFE=\angle A+\angle C-\angle B$.

As $\angle FYZ=90^\circ-\angle B=\angle FEH$ and $\angle YZA= 90^\circ-\angle C=\angle EFH$, by sine law we get
\[\frac{YE}{ZF}=\frac{YF}{ZF}=\frac{\sin (180^\circ-\angle YZA)}{\sin \angle FYZ}=\frac{\sin \angle EFH}{\sin \angle FEH}=\frac{HE}{HF}=\frac{CE}{BF},\]where the last equality follows from $\triangle BHF\sim \triangle CHE$.

By Thales' theorem, we have $\frac{AE}{EC}=\frac{ZE}{EC_1}\iff \frac{XF}{ZF}=\frac{EC}{EC_1}$ and $\frac{AF}{FB}=\frac{YF}{FB_1}\iff \frac{XE}{YE}=\frac{FB}{FB_1}$, so that
\[\dfrac{XF}{FB_1}\cdot \dfrac{FB}{ZF}=\dfrac{XE}{EC_1}\cdot \dfrac{EC}{YE}\iff \dfrac{XF}{FB_1}=\dfrac{XE}{EC_1}.\]We then obtain that $EF\parallel B_1C_1$ and that $\angle FB_1C_1=\angle XFE=\angle B$. Therefore, we have $\angle BB_1C_1=\angle BB_1F+\angle FB_1C_1=\angle A+\angle C=180^\circ-\angle B$, as desired.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
VicKmath7
1388 posts
#16 • 2 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8
Solution
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by VicKmath7, Jun 26, 2023, 3:58 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
crazyeyemoody907
450 posts
#17 • 2 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8
(Solution from actual ELMO submission)
As stated earlier, $AEFX$ is a cyclic isosceles trapezoid.
The key idea is to construct $M$ as the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$. Then the given angle conditions can be chased to show that $M\in(BFB_1),(CEC_1)$. Meanwhile, $AB\cdot AF=AC\cdot AE$. As a result, $\overline{AM}$ is the radical axis of those two circles. To finish, let $A'=2M-A=\overline{BB_1}\cap\overline{CC_1}$. This obviously lies on the radical axis mentioned earlier, so $A'B\cdot A'B_1=A'C\cdot A'C_1$, and we are done by power of a point converse.

(comments on motivation for M to be written later)

motivations for constructing M
This post has been edited 5 times. Last edited by crazyeyemoody907, Jun 27, 2023, 3:09 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
ihatemath123
3445 posts
#18 • 5 Y
Y by fuzimiao2013, ImSh95, Creeper1612, centslordm, HoRI_DA_GRe8
Goofy aah solution: Define $T$ as the intersections of $BB_1$ and $CC_1$, and let $B_2$ and $C_2$ be $BB_1 \cap XA$ and $CC_1 \cap XA$, respecetively.

Note that $A,X,F,H$ and $E$ are all cyclic on the circle with diameter $AH$. Also, since $\overline{AX} \parallel \overline{FE}$, it followss that $AXFE$ is a cyclic trapezoid. Some angle chasing gives us that $\triangle CBT \sim \triangle BCA$.

Claim: $X$, $H$ and $T$ are collinear.

Proof: we have that
$$\overrightarrow {OT}=\overrightarrow{OC}+\overrightarrow{OB}-\overrightarrow{OA},$$we have that
$$\overrightarrow{OH} = \overrightarrow{OA} + \overrightarrow{OB} + \overrightarrow{OC},$$hence
$$\overrightarrow{TH} = 2 \overrightarrow{OA}.$$Since $\overline{OA} \parallel \overline{HX}$, it follows that $\overline{HX} \parallel \overline{HT}$, hence $H$, $X$ and $T$ are collinear.

More angle chasing now yields that $\triangle B_2 B_1 X$ and $\triangle C_2C_1 X$ are isosceles, hence $B_1$ and $C_1$ are the midpoints of $\overline{ B_2 T }$ and $\overline{ C_2 T} $, respectively. (Consider right triangles $\triangle TXB_2$ and $\triangle BXC_2$.)

Even more angle chasing gives us that $B_2 BCC_2$ is cyclic, so $TB \cdot TB_2 = TC \cdot TC_2$. Dividing both sides by two gives us
\[ TB \cdot TB_1 = TC \cdot TC_1,\]so $BB_1CC_1$ is cyclic.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by ihatemath123, Jun 26, 2023, 6:10 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Taco12
1757 posts
#19 • 2 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8
Let $BB_1$ and $CC_1$ meet at $P$, which is seen to be the midpoint of $BC$. By a Spiral Similarity, we get $\triangle XB_1C_1 \sim \triangle ABC$, so $\angle ABC = \angle XB_1C_1$, which implies $BB_1PF$ is cyclic. Similarly, $CC_1EP$ is cyclic. However, it is well known that $(BFM)$ and $(CEM)$ meet at the $A$-humpty point $P_A$, from which we immediately get that $BB_1CC_1$ is cyclic via Radical Axis.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
UI_MathZ_25
116 posts
#20 • 2 Y
Y by ImSh95, HoRI_DA_GRe8
It's clear that $X$ lies on $\odot(AFHE)$, then $XAEF$ is isosceles trapezium with $XF = AE$. Let $L = B_{1}X \cap AC$ and as $XA \parallel FE$ $\Rightarrow$ $LF = LE$. By angle chasing \[\angle FLE = 2 \angle FXH\]
Claim: $X$, $H$ and $BB_{1} \cap CC_{1} = P$ are collinear.
Proof:
$\angle PBC = \angle ACB$ and $\angle ABC = \angle BCP$ $\Rightarrow$ $\angle BPC = \angle BAC = 180^{\circ} - \angle BHC$ $\Rightarrow$ $BHCP$ is cyclic. Since $XEHF$ is cyclic too \[\angle BHP = \angle BCP = \angle ABC = \angle AEF \stackrel{XF = AE}{=} \angle XFE = \angle XHE \square \]
Let $K = PX \cap AC$. Notice that \[ 2 \angle KXL = 2\angle FXH = \angle FLE = \angle XKL + \angle KXL \]then $LX = LK$ and \[\angle B_{1}PX = \angle XKL = \angle KXL = \angle FXH = \angle B_{1}XP \]so $B_{1}X = B_{1}P$. Analogously $C_{1}X = C_{1}P$ therefore $B_{1}XC_{1}P$ is a deltoid with $XP \perp B_{1}C_{1}$, this is, $B_{1}C_{1} \parallel FE \parallel XA$.

Finally
\[\angle B_{1}BC = \angle BCA = \angle AFE = \angle XEF = \angle XC_{1}B_{1} = \angle BC_{1}P = \angle B_{1}C_{1}C \]thereby $B$, $C$, $B_{1}$ and $C_{1}$ are concyclic $\blacksquare$

[asy]
import graph;

size(10cm);
pair A = (-2.72796,12.27769);
pair B = (-6.14859,2.36593);
pair C = (5.56774,3.20089);
pair E = (0.65108,8.58048);
pair F = (-4.64420,6.72512);
pair H = (-2.27397,5.90713);
pair X = (-4.31165,11.72279);
pair B_1 = (-5.01667,1.12743);
pair C_1 = (6.20965,5.06090);
pair P = (2.14711,-6.71086);
pair K = (-5.61156,15.43279);
pair L = (-4.16976,13.85524);

pen zzttqq = rgb(0.6,0.2,0);
pen ccqqqq = rgb(0.8,0,0);
pen fuqqzz = rgb(0.95686,0,0.6);
pen qqwuqq = rgb(0,0.39215,0);
draw((-4.12839,11.19976)--(-3.60536,11.38302)--(-3.78862,11.90605)--X--cycle, linewidth(2) + ccqqqq);
draw((-0.55924,2.68922)--(-0.74250,3.21225)--(-1.26553,3.02899)--(-1.08227,2.50596)--cycle, linewidth(2) + ccqqqq);
draw(arc(B,0.78376,-47.57435,4.07625)--B--cycle, linewidth(2) + qqwuqq);
draw(arc(C_1,0.78376,-160.69061,-109.03999)--C_1--cycle, linewidth(2) + qqwuqq);
draw(arc(C,0.78376,132.42564,184.07625)--C--cycle, linewidth(2) + qqwuqq);
draw(arc(E,0.78376,147.65877,199.30938)--E--cycle, linewidth(2) + qqwuqq);
draw(arc(C_1,0.78376,147.65877,199.30938)--C_1--cycle, linewidth(2) + qqwuqq);
draw(arc(F,0.78376,19.30938,70.96000)--F--cycle, linewidth(2) + qqwuqq);
draw(arc(K,0.78376,-70.69061,-47.57435)--K--cycle, linewidth(2) + qqwuqq);
draw(arc(X,0.78376,86.19313,109.30938)--X--cycle, linewidth(2) + qqwuqq);
draw(arc(L,0.78376,-93.80686,-70.69061)--L--cycle, linewidth(2) + qqwuqq);
draw((-1.47352,7.83606)--(-1.65678,8.35909)--(-2.17981,8.17583)--(-1.99655,7.65280)--cycle, linewidth(2) + ccqqqq);
draw(arc(P,0.78376,109.30938,132.42564)--P--cycle, linewidth(2) + qqwuqq);
draw(arc(E,0.78376,-160.69061,-137.57435)--E--cycle, linewidth(2) + qqwuqq);
draw(B--A, linewidth(2));
draw(B--C, linewidth(2));
draw(F--C, linewidth(2));
draw(B--E, linewidth(2));
draw(F--E, linewidth(2));
draw(P--X, linewidth(2) + linetype("4 4"));
draw(P--C_1, linewidth(2) + zzttqq);
draw(X--C_1, linewidth(2) + zzttqq);
draw(X--A, linewidth(2));
draw(circle((-0.54467,6.35111), 6.87645), linewidth(2) + dotted);
draw(circle((-2.50096,9.09241), 3.19335), linewidth(2) + ccqqqq);
draw(X--K, linewidth(2) + linetype("4 4"));
draw(K--A, linewidth(2));
draw(L--X, linewidth(2));
draw(E--A, linewidth(2));
draw(E--C, linewidth(2));
draw(B_1--F, linewidth(2) + fuqqzz);
draw(F--X, linewidth(2) + fuqqzz);
draw(B_1--C_1, linewidth(2));
draw(B--B_1, linewidth(2));
draw(B_1--P, linewidth(2) + fuqqzz);
draw((-1.99655,7.65280)--L, linewidth(2) + linetype("4 4"));

dot("$A$", A, dir((20.446, 72.656)));
dot("$B$", B, dir((9.813, 26.646)));
dot("$C$", C, dir((79.145, -38.562)));
dot("$E$", E, dir((11.723, 21.755)));
dot("$F$", F, dir((-195.489, -4.327)));
dot("$H$", H, dir((11.623, 19.996)));
dot("$X$", X, dir((-111.179, 41.931)));
dot("$B_1$", B_1, dir((-137.342, -126.434)));
dot("$C_1$", C_1, dir((88.105, 21.017)));
dot("$P$", P, dir((-169.231, -84.572)));
dot("$K$", K, dir((10.974, 21.014)));
dot("$L$", L, dir((10.485, 22.015)));

[/asy]
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by UI_MathZ_25, Jun 28, 2023, 10:54 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
DottedCaculator
7342 posts
#21 • 4 Y
Y by ImSh95, Danielzh, centslordm, HoRI_DA_GRe8
Synthetic
Trig
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
IAmTheHazard
5001 posts
#22 • 2 Y
Y by centslordm, HoRI_DA_GRe8
Let $A'$ be the point such that $ABA'C$ is a parallelogram, so $B-B_1-A'$ and $C-C_1-A'$. I claim that $A'$ is the reflection of $X$ over $\overline{B_1C_1}$.
Clearly, $AEFHX$ is cyclic, so $AXFE$ is an isosceles trapezoid. Thus,
$$\measuredangle FHX=\measuredangle FEX=\measuredangle AFE=\measuredangle BCA=\measuredangle CBA'=\measuredangle CHA'=\measuredangle FHA',$$since $BHCA'$ is cyclic ($\angle HBA=\angle HCA=90^\circ$), which implies that $X,H,A'$ are collinear. Further, this concyclicity also gives
$$\measuredangle B_1A'H=\measuredangle BA'H=\measuredangle BCH=\measuredangle HAF=\measuredangle HXF=\measuredangle HXB_1.$$Similarly, we find that $\measuredangle C_1A'H=\measuredangle HXC_1$. Therefore, we have $B_1X=B_1A'$ and $C_1X=C_1A'$, hence $\triangle B_1C_1X \cong \triangle B_1C_1A'$, so $A'$ is indeed the reflection of $X$ over $\overline{B_1C_1}$: in particular, $\overline{XH} \perp \overline{B_1C_1}$.

To finish, since we also have $\overline{XH} \perp \overline{AX}$ and $\overline{XH} \perp \overline{EF}$, we have $\overline{B_1C_1} \parallel \overline{EF}$. Finally, this implies that
$$\measuredangle CC_1B_1=\measuredangle AFE=\measuredangle BCA=\measuredangle CBA'=\measuredangle CBB_1,$$hence $BCB_1C_1$ is cyclic as desired. $\blacksquare$

Remark: I received an unofficial 0.1 style score on this problem because the grader was apparently unwilling to read the bottom half of my page and notice that I had corrected my improper reasoning by, among other things, shuffling the order of my main arguments. I also forgot to state that $AEFHX$ was cyclic explicitly in my solution, but the grader apparently never noticed (just like me!)
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
hukilau17
283 posts
#23 • 3 Y
Y by EpicBird08, GeometryJake, HoRI_DA_GRe8
complex bash
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
TheUltimate123
1740 posts
#24 • 5 Y
Y by PRMOisTheHardestExam, crazyeyemoody907, HoRI_DA_GRe8, Rounak_iitr, MS_asdfgzxcvb
We present a few solutions. In each, let \(A'=\overline{BB_1}\cap\overline{CC_1}\), so \(ABA'C\) is a parallelogram.

First solution (author) Since \(\overline{A'H}\perp\overline{EF}\), we have \(X\), \(H\), \(A'\) collinear. But \[\measuredangle B_1XA'=\measuredangle FEH=\measuredangle FCB=\measuredangle XA'B_1,\]implying \(B_1X=B_1A'\). Similarly \(C_1X=C_1A'\), so \(\overline{B_1C_1}\perp\overline{XHA'}\).

This means \(\overline{BC}\) and \(\overline{B_1C_1}\) are antiparallel in \(\angle A'\), so \(BB_1CC_1\) is indeed cyclic.

[asy]         size(7cm); defaultpen(fontsize(10pt));         pen pri=darkgreen;         pen pri2=heavygreen;         pen sec=heavycyan;         pen tri=lightblue;         pen fil=invisible;         pen sfil=invisible;         pen tfil=invisible;         pair A,B,C,H,EE,F,X,B1,C1,Ap,M,P;         A=dir(110);         B=dir(215);         C=dir(325);         H=A+B+C;         EE=foot(B,A,C);         F=foot(C,A,B);         X=foot(H,A,A+EE-F);         B1=extension(X,F,B,B+C-A);         C1=extension(X,EE,C,C+B-A);         Ap=B+C-A;         M=(B+C)/2;         P=reflect(circumcenter(B,F,M),circumcenter(C,EE,M))*M;         draw(A--Ap,tri+dashed);         filldraw(circumcircle(B,F,M),tfil,tri);         filldraw(circumcircle(C,EE,M),tfil,tri);         draw(B1--C1,tri+dashed);         draw(B1--X--C1,sec);         filldraw(circumcircle(A,EE,F),sfil,sec+dashed);         draw(X--Ap,pri2+dashed);         draw(B--EE,pri2+linewidth(.4));         draw(C--F,pri2+linewidth(.4));         draw(B--Ap--C1,pri);         fill(B--Ap--C--cycle,fil);         filldraw(A--B--C--cycle,fil,pri);         dot("\(A\)",A,N);         dot("\(B\)",B,B);         dot("\(C\)",C,C);         dot("\(M\)",M,S);         dot("\(E\)",EE,dir(60));         dot("\(F\)",F,dir(200));         dot(P);         dot("\(A'\)",Ap,S);         dot("\(H\)",H,S);         dot("\(X\)",X,NW);         dot("\(B_1\)",B1,SW);         dot("\(C_1\)",C1,E);     [/asy]

Second solution (mine) Let \(M\) be the midpoint of \(\overline{BC}\). Since \(AEFX\) is an isosceles trapezoid and \(ME=MF\), \[\measuredangle B_1FM=\measuredangle XFM=\measuredangle MEA=\measuredangle ECM=\measuredangle B_1BM,\]so \(B_1\in(BMF)\). Similarly \(C_1\in(CME)\).

But since \(AB\cdot AF=AC\cdot AE\), line \(AM\) is the radical axis of \((BMF)\) and \((CME)\). In particular, \(A'\) lies on this radical axis, so \(A'B\cdot A'B_1=A'C\cdot A'C_1\) as needed.

Third solution (author) Let \(M\) be the midpoint of \(\overline{BC}\).

Let \(\ell\) be the perpendicular bisector of \(\overline{EF}\) (so \(M\in\ell\)). Let \(B_2\) is the reflection of \(B_1\) in \(\ell\) and let \(M'\in\ell\) be the midpoint of \(\overline{B_1B_2}\). Since \(\overline{XF}\) and \(\overline{AE}\) are reflections in \(\ell\), we know \(B_2\) lies on \(\overline{AC}\). If \(M\ne M'\), this implies \(\ell=\overline{MM'}\parallel\overline{AC}\), which is absurd. Hence \(M\) is the midpoint of \(\overline{B_1B_2}\), i.e.\ \(\overline{B_1M}\perp\ell\). Similarly \(\overline{C_1M}\perp\ell\).

Then \(\overline{B_1C_1}\parallel\overline{EF}\), implying \(\overline{BC}\) and \(\overline{B_1C_1}\) are antiparallel in \(\angle A'\), which gives the desired.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by TheUltimate123, Jun 30, 2023, 9:57 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Yunny
1093 posts
#25 • 1 Y
Y by HoRI_DA_GRe8
What math is this?
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
X.Allaberdiyev
103 posts
#26 • 1 Y
Y by HoRI_DA_GRe8
Similar to IMO Shortlist 2022 G2. Denote by K intersection of BB1 and CC1, it is enough to prove that KB1×KB=KC×KC1. By angle chasing we have FBB1M and EC1CM is cyclic (M is midpoint of BC). And from AF×AB=AE×AC we have AM is rad. axis of circles (FBB1M) and (EC1CM), and we know that A, M, K are collinear (because ABKC is parallelogram), then K lies on radical axis of (FBB1M) and (ECC1M), which gives us KB1×KB=KC1×KC, as desired.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
trinhquockhanh
522 posts
#27 • 2 Y
Y by HoRI_DA_GRe8, Rounak_iitr
https://cdn.aops.com/images/a/e/5/ae57a69e7fdd7e73a5e53495418a04a4a5176c4e.png
Let $BB_1\cap CC_1=Y, YH\cap B_1C_1=K$

Note that $ABYC$ is a parallelogram $\Rightarrow \angle BHC=180^{\circ}-\angle BAC=180^{\circ} -\angle BYC\Rightarrow BHCY$ is cyclic

We have $X\in (AH)$ and $AEFX$ is an isosceles trapezoid $\Rightarrow \angle XHF=\angle AFE=\angle ACB=\angle CBY=\angle CHY$

$\Rightarrow \overline{X,H,Y},$ also $\angle B_1YH=\angle BCH=\angle HEF=\angle B_1XH\Rightarrow B_1X=B_1Y,$ similarly $C_1X=C_1Y$

$\Rightarrow B_1C_1\perp XY\Rightarrow YB.YB_1=YK.YH=YC.YC_1\Rightarrow B,C,B_1,C_1$ are concyclic.
This post has been edited 4 times. Last edited by trinhquockhanh, Aug 27, 2023, 2:35 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
allaith.sh
26 posts
#28 • 3 Y
Y by Stuffybear, HoRI_DA_GRe8, E.Sultan
Let $M$ the midpoint of $BC$.
$Z$ is the reflection of $A$ over $M$.
$Y$ = $ AE \cap FX$.
WLOG $AC \ge AB$
claim $1$: $AXFHE$ is cyclic and $AE = XF$.
Proof:
$\angle AXH = \angle AFH $ and $ AX \parallel EF$.$_\blacksquare$
claim $2$: $BB_1MF , CC_1EM$ are cyclic.
Proof:
$\angle FB_1B = B_1YC = 180 - 2\angle B = \angle FMB $
and similarly we get $CC_1EM$ cyclic.$_\blacksquare$
claim $3$: $AM$ is the radical axis of $(BB_1MF) , (CC_1EM)$
Proof:
$AF.AB = AE.AC$ because $ EFBC$ is cyclic. $_\blacksquare$
Finish:
$ Z \in AM \implies ZB_1.ZB=ZC_1.ZC$
and we are done.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by allaith.sh, Oct 19, 2023, 9:09 PM
Reason: .
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
CT17
1481 posts
#29 • 1 Y
Y by HoRI_DA_GRe8
Observe that $AXFE$ is an isosceles trapezoid as $H$ is the antipode of $A$ in $(AEF)$. A quick angle chase yields $\measuredangle BB_1F = -2\measuredangle ABC$ and $\measuredangle CC_1E = -2\measuredangle ACB$, so we have

$$\frac{FB_1}{EC_1} = \frac{BF\cdot\frac{\sin\left(\angle A\right)}{\sin\left(2\angle B\right)}}{CE\cdot \frac{\sin\left(\angle A\right)}{\sin\left(2\angle C\right)}} = \frac{\frac{BC\cos\left(\angle B\right)}{2\cos\left(\angle B\right)\sin\left(\angle B\right)}}{\frac{BC\cos\left(\angle C\right)}{2\cos\left(\angle C\right)\sin\left(\angle C\right)}} = \frac{\sin\left(\angle C\right)}{\sin\left(\angle B\right)} = \frac{XF}{XE}$$
so $B_1C_1\parallel EF$. Hence, if $BB_1\cap CC_1 = A_1$ is the reflection of $A$ over the midpoint of $BC$, $BC$ and $B_1C_1$ are antiparallel in $\angle BA_1C$, as desired.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
sdninajanlari
25 posts
#30 • 1 Y
Y by HoRI_DA_GRe8
Might be a ridiculously long-lasting solution, but worth sharing (I hope).

Let $T$ be the point such that $ABTC$ is a parallelogram, $M$ be the midpoint of the side $BC$, $O$ be the center of $(BAHC)$, and $K$ be the foot of the altitude from $H$ to $EF$.

First, $X$ lies on the circle with diameter $AH$, which is $AFHE$.
Now, take the inversion with center $H$ and radius $\sqrt{-HB.HC}$. Let $P'$ be the inverted version of $P$ for each point $P$ in the space.
$90=\angle HKF= \angle K'F'H= \angle K'CH$ ; hence, $K' \in CC_1$. Similarly $K' \in BB_1$. Thus, $K'$=$T$, which means that $X,K,H,T$ are collinear.

$\angle OBB_1=\angle OBT=\angle 90-TCB=\angle 90-ABC=\angle HAB=\angle HAF=\angle HXB_1=\angle OXB_1$. Thus, $B,X,O,B_1$ are concyclic. Similarly, $C,X,O,C_1$ are concyclic.
$\implies TB_1.TB=TO.TX=TC_1,TC \implies B_1,B,C_1,C$ lie on a circle.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
HoRI_DA_GRe8
597 posts
#31 • 1 Y
Y by GeoKing
Solved with Kamatadu and distorteddragon1o4

It's easy to observe that $AXEF$ is an isosceles trapezoid.So from here we get that $\angle XFE=\angle AEF=\angle ABC$ and we also have $\angle FBB_1=\angle ABB_1=180-\angle BAC$.
We have
$$\angle EFB_1=180-\angle XFE=180-\angle B \implies \angle BFB_1=180-(180-\angle B+\angle C)=\angle B-\angle C $$This implies $\angle BB_1F=180-\angle BFB_1-\angle FBB_1=2\angle B=2\angle BMF$ where $M$ is midpoint of $BC$.Thus $BFMB_1$ is cyclic and similarly $CFMC_1$ is cyclic as well.Its well known that they meet at the Humpty point $H_A$.Now if $BB_1 \cap CC_1=A'$ it's well known that $A-H_A-M-A'$, finally by power of point we have,
$$A'B.A'B_1=A'M.A'H_A=A'C.A'C_1 \implies BB_1CC_1\text{  is cyclic } \blacksquare$$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
asdf334
7585 posts
#34
Y by
this is actually very nontrivial, very good problem!

Let $M$ be the midpoint of $BC$. Through angle chasing, $B_1BMF$ and $C_1CME$ are cyclic. There is a point $K=(AEHF)\cap (BMF)\cap (CME)$. Verify that $K$ is the center of spiral similarity $XB_1\to AB$ and $XC_1\to AC$, hence $\triangle XB_1C_1\sim \triangle ABC$. Hence $B_1C_1\parallel EF$. Let $A'=BB_1\cap CC_1$ be the reflection of $A$ across $M$. Then $B_1C_1$ and $BC$ are antiparallels with respect to both $\angle BAC$ and $\angle BA'C$, so $B,C,B_1,C_1$ are concyclic.

(motivation for M is the same as #17)
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by asdf334, Jan 3, 2024, 2:42 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
eibc
600 posts
#36
Y by
Let $M$ be the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$, and let $A' = \overline{BB_1} \cap \overline{CC_1}$ be the reflection of $A$ over $M$.

Claim: $BB_1MF$ and $CC_1ME$ are cyclic

Proof: Let $B_2 = \overline{XFB_1} \cap \overline{AE}$. Since $AXFE$ is an isosceles trapezoid as $X$ lies on $(AEHF)$, by symmetry we find that $AB_2X$ is isosceles with $AB_2 = XB_2$. Then, we get
$$\measuredangle BB_1F = \measuredangle AB_2X = 2\measuredangle AXB_2 = 2\measuredangle AXF = 2\measuredangle AHF = 2\measuredangle MBF = \measuredangle BMF,$$so $BB_1MF$ is cyclic. Similarly, $CC_1ME$ is cyclic.

Now, since $AB \cdot AF = AC \cdot AE$ from cyclic quadrilateral $BFEC$, we find that the radical axis of $(BB_1MF)$ and $(CC_1ME)$ is line $AM$. Therefore since $A'$ lies on this line, $A'B_1 \cdot A'B = A'C_1 \cdot A'C$, which finishes.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
cursed_tangent1434
597 posts
#37
Y by
No midpoint solution just dropped. It is immediate the $X$ lies on the circle $(AH)$. We start off by proving the following key claim using trigonometry.

Claim : Lines $\overline{EF}$ and $\overline{B_1C_1}$ are parallel.

Proof : We start off with some angle chasing. Note that,
\[\measuredangle CC_1E = \measuredangle CEC_1 + \measuredangle C_1CE = \measuredangle AEX + \measuredangle BAC = 2\measuredangle BCA\]A similar angle chase shows that $\measuredangle FBB_1 = 2\measuredangle CBA$. Now, we invoke our trigonometry. Applying the Sine Rule on $\triangle AEX$ and $\triangle EC_1C$,
\[XE = \frac{AE \sin \angle XAE }{\sin \angle AXE}\]and
\[EC_1 = \frac{EC \sin \angle C_1CE}{\sin \angle CC_1E}\]So,
\[\frac{XE}{CC_1}= \frac{AE}{EC} \cdot \frac{\sin B \sin 2C}{\sin C \sin A}\]A similar calculation also yeilds,
\[\frac{XF}{FB_1} = \frac{AF}{FB} \cdot \frac{\sin C \sin 2B}{\sin B \sin A}\]Thus,
\begin{align*}
        \frac{XE}{EC_1} \div \frac{XF}{FB_1} &= \frac{AE \cdot FB}{AF \cdot EC} \cdot \frac{\sin^2B \sin 2C}{\sin ^2 C \sin 2B}\\
        &=  \left(\frac{AE}{\sin C} \cdot \frac{\sin B}{AF}\right) \cdot \frac{FB}{EC} \frac{\cos C}{\cos B}\\
        &= \frac{FB}{EC} \cdot \frac{\cos C}{\cos B}\\
        &=1
    \end{align*}which indeed implies that $EF \parallel B_1C_1$ as claimed.

Now, let $A' = \overline{BB_1} \cap \overline{CC_1}$. It is easy to see that $ABA'C$ is a parallelogram by definition. Now we also observe the following claim.

Claim : Points $X$ , $H$ and $A'$ are collinear.

Proof : Since $A'$ is the reflection of $A$ across the midpoint of $BC$, $A'$ lies on $(BHC)$. Thus,
\[\measuredangle A'HB = \measuredangle A'CB = \measuredangle ABC = \measuredangle FEA = \measuredangle XAE = \measuredangle XHE\]which implies the claim.

Now, let $T$ be the second intersection of circles $(BB_1H)$ and $(CC_1H)$. Note that,
\[\measuredangle B_1TH + \measuredangle HTC_1 = \measuredangle HBB_1 + \measuredangle HCC_1 = \pi\]so points $B_1$ , $T$ and $C_1$ are collinear. Now, since $XH \perp AX \parallel EF \parallel B_1C_1$, $XH \perp B_1C_1$. But since $HT ]perp B_1C_1$ as well this implies that points $X$ , $H$ and $T$ must be collinear. This means $A'$ lies on the radical axis of circles $(BB_1H)$ and $(CC_1H)$, so
\[AB_1\cdot AB = AT \cdot AH = AC_1 \cdot AC \]which implies that points $B$ , $C$ , $B_1$ and $C_1$ are concyclic, as desired.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid
372 posts
#38 • 2 Y
Y by MihaiT, centslordm
Sketch:

Let $\overline{BB_1}$ and $\overline{CC_1}$ intersect at $A'$. It suffices to show $\overline{B_1C_1} \parallel \overline{EF}$. This reduces to
\[\frac{\operatorname{dist}(X,\overline{A'B})}{\operatorname{dist}(F,\overline{A'B})}=\frac{\operatorname{dist}(X,\overline{A'C})}{\operatorname{dist}(E,\overline{A'C})}.\]By angle chasing, we know $X$, $H$, and $A'$ are collinear. This gives
\[\frac{\operatorname{dist}(X,\overline{A'B})}{\operatorname{dist}(H,\overline{A'B})}=\frac{\operatorname{dist}(X,\overline{A'C})}{\operatorname{dist}(H,\overline{A'C})}\]From $BHF \sim CHE$, $\overline{BH} \perp \overline{A'B}$, and $\overline{CH} \perp \overline{A'C}$, we have
\[\frac{\operatorname{dist}(H,\overline{A'B})}{\operatorname{dist}(F,\overline{A'B})}=\frac{\operatorname{dist}(H,\overline{A'C})}{\operatorname{dist}(E,\overline{A'C})}.\]Multiplying these two equations gives us the desired result. $\blacksquare$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
MihaiT
748 posts
#39
Y by
CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid wrote:
Sketch:

Let $\overline{BB_1}$ and $\overline{CC_1}$ intersect at $A'$. It suffices to show $\overline{B_1C_1} \parallel \overline{EF}$. This reduces to
\[\frac{\operatorname{dist}(X,\overline{A'B})}{\operatorname{dist}(F,\overline{A'B})}=\frac{\operatorname{dist}(X,\overline{A'C})}{\operatorname{dist}(E,\overline{A'C})}.\]By angle chasing, we know $X$, $H$, and $A'$ are collinear. This gives
\[\frac{\operatorname{dist}(X,\overline{A'B})}{\operatorname{dist}(H,\overline{A'B})}=\frac{\operatorname{dist}(X,\overline{A'C})}{\operatorname{dist}(H,\overline{A'C})}\]From $BHF \sim CHE$, $\overline{BH} \perp \overline{A'B}$, and $\overline{CH} \perp \overline{A'C}$, we have
\[\frac{\operatorname{dist}(H,\overline{A'B})}{\operatorname{dist}(F,\overline{A'B})}=\frac{\operatorname{dist}(H,\overline{A'C})}{\operatorname{dist}(E,\overline{A'C})}.\]Multiplying these two equations gives us the desired result. $\blacksquare$

nice sketch!
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
awesomeming327.
1699 posts
#40
Y by
Let $EX$ intersect $AB$ at $P$ and $FX$ intersect $AC$ at $Q$.

Claim 1: $XAFE$ is an isosceles trapezoid.
It's clearly a trapezoid, and it's isosceles because
\[\angle HXA=90^\circ=\angle HEA=\angle HFA\]which proves that $XAEF$ is cyclic with diameter $AH$, and a cyclic trapezoid is isosceles.
It is immediate that $\triangle FPE$ and $\triangle FQE$ are isosceles triangles.

Claim 2: $EF\parallel B_1C_1$.
Note that since $\angle QFE=\angle QEF=\angle AEF=\angle ABC$, we have
\begin{align*}
FB\cdot FQ &= FB\cdot \frac12 EF \sec(\angle QFE) \\
=\frac{1}{2} EF\cdot BC\cos(\angle ABC) \sec(\angle ABC) \\
=\frac{1}{2} EF\cdot BC
\end{align*}which is symmetric, so it is also equal to $EC\cdot EP$. We also have $XF\cdot AF=AE\cdot XE$, so
\[\frac{XF}{FQ}\cdot \frac{AF}{FB}=\frac{AE}{EC}\cdot \frac{XE}{EP}\]The left hand side is
\[\frac{XF}{FQ}\cdot \frac{AF}{FB}=\frac{XF}{FQ}\cdot \frac{QF}{FB_1}=\frac{XF}{FB_1}\]and the right hand side is
\[\frac{XE}{EP}\cdot \frac{AE}{EC}=\frac{XE}{EP}\cdot \frac{PE}{EC_1}=\frac{XE}{EC_1}\]and the two are equal, which proves the claim.
Let $BB_1$ and $CC_1$ intersect at $A'$. $ABA'C$ is a parallelogram.

Claim 3: $\triangle A'B_1C_1\sim\triangle A'CB$.
First note that
\[\measuredangle XC_1A'=\measuredangle XC_1C=\measuredangle XPF=2\measuredangle XEF=2\measuredangle XC_1B_1\]so $B_1C_1$ bisects $\angle XC_1A$ and similarly bisects $\angle XB_1A$. Thus, $X$ is the reflection of $A$ across $B_1C_1$. Thus, we have
\[\triangle A'B_1C_1\sim\triangle XB_1C_1\sim\triangle XFE\sim\triangle AEF\sim\triangle ABC\sim\triangle A'CB\]as desired.
We thus have $AB_1/AC_1=AC/AB$ which rearranges to $AB\cdot AB_1=AC\cdot AC_1$ so by power of a point, we are done.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by awesomeming327., Feb 7, 2025, 12:46 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
pi271828
3368 posts
#41
Y by
Rewrite $B_1$ and $C_1$ to be $B'$ and $C'$ respectively. Let $BB'$ and $CC'$ intersect at $A'$. It is clear that $ABCA'$ is a parallelogram.

Claim: $X$ lies on $(AEHF)$, and therefore $AXFE$ is an isosceles trapezoid.

Proof. Note that $\angle HXA = \angle HFA$, so $X$ lies on $(AEHF)$. Since $AX \parallel EF$, we have that $AXFE$ must be an isosceles trapezoid. $\square$

Claim: $A'$ lies on $HX$.

Proof. Note that $\angle ( \overline{HX}, \overline{BA'} ) = \angle( \overline{HX}, \overline{CA}) = 90^{\circ} - \angle B.$ Clearly, $HBA'C$ cyclic, which readily implies $\angle HA'B = 90^{\circ} - \angle B$, so we are done. $\square$

Now, \begin{align*} \angle A'XB' = \angle HXB' = \angle HXF = 90^{\circ} - \angle B = \angle HA'B' \end{align*}Therefore $\triangle A'XB'$ is isosceles and likewise, $\triangle A'XC'$ is isosceles. This implies that $\triangle A'B'C'$ is simply the reflection of $\triangle XB'C'$ over $\overline{B'C'}$. By simple angle chase, we have that $\angle A'B'X = 2\angle B$ and $\angle A'C'X = 2\angle C$, so we must have $\angle A'B'C' = \angle B$ and $\angle A'C'B' = \angle C$. Therefore $\triangle A'B'C'$ is similar to $\triangle A'BC$, and the result readily follows.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
E50
7 posts
#42
Y by
Let $BB_1$ and $CC_1$ intersect at $D$
Consider $\angle BHC + \angle BDC = \angle BAC+\angle FHE=180^{\circ} \Longrightarrow B,H,C,D$ concyclic

Since $AX \parallel EF$ and $A,X,F,E$ concyclic $\Longrightarrow \square XAEF$ is isosceles trapezoid

$\angle XHE = \angle XFE = \angle AEF = \angle ABC = \angle BCD = \angle BHD \Longrightarrow X,H,D$ collinear

$\angle B_1XD = \angle FXH = \angle FEH = \angle FCB = \angle HCB = \angle HDB = \angle B_1DX \Longrightarrow B_1X=B_1D$. Likewise, $C_1X = C_1D$
$\Longrightarrow B_1C_1 \bot XD$

Since $HD=HX \bot XA \Longrightarrow HD \bot FE \Longrightarrow FE \parallel B_1C_1$

$\therefore$ $\angle B_1C_1C = \angle B_1C_1D = \angle B_1C_1X = \angle FEX = \angle AFE = \angle ACB = \angle CBD = \angle B_1BC \Longrightarrow B,C,B_1,C_1$ concyclic.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by E50, Apr 2, 2025, 12:03 AM
Reason: typo
Z K Y
N Quick Reply
G
H
=
a