Happy Memorial Day! Please note that AoPS Online is closed May 24-26th.

G
Topic
First Poster
Last Poster
k a May Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
May 1, 2025
May is an exciting month! National MATHCOUNTS is the second week of May in Washington D.C. and our Founder, Richard Rusczyk will be presenting a seminar, Preparing Strong Math Students for College and Careers, on May 11th.

Are you interested in working towards MATHCOUNTS and don’t know where to start? We have you covered! If you have taken Prealgebra, then you are ready for MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Basics. Already aiming for State or National MATHCOUNTS and harder AMC 8 problems? Then our MATHCOUNTS/AMC 8 Advanced course is for you.

Summer camps are starting next month at the Virtual Campus in math and language arts that are 2 - to 4 - weeks in duration. Spaces are still available - don’t miss your chance to have an enriching summer experience. There are middle and high school competition math camps as well as Math Beasts camps that review key topics coupled with fun explorations covering areas such as graph theory (Math Beasts Camp 6), cryptography (Math Beasts Camp 7-8), and topology (Math Beasts Camp 8-9)!

Be sure to mark your calendars for the following upcoming events:
[list][*]May 9th, 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, Casework 2: Overwhelming Evidence — A Text Adventure, a game where participants will work together to navigate the map, solve puzzles, and win! All are welcome.
[*]May 19th, 4:30pm PT/7:30pm ET, What's Next After Beast Academy?, designed for students finishing Beast Academy and ready for Prealgebra 1.
[*]May 20th, 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Mathcamp 2025 Qualifying Quiz Part 1 Math Jam, Problems 1 to 4, join the Canada/USA Mathcamp staff for this exciting Math Jam, where they discuss solutions to Problems 1 to 4 of the 2025 Mathcamp Qualifying Quiz!
[*]May 21st, 4:00pm PT/7:00pm ET, Mathcamp 2025 Qualifying Quiz Part 2 Math Jam, Problems 5 and 6, Canada/USA Mathcamp staff will discuss solutions to Problems 5 and 6 of the 2025 Mathcamp Qualifying Quiz![/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
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
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
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
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
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
Tuesday, May 6 - Aug 19
Wednesday, Jun 4 - Sep 17
Sunday, Jun 22 - Oct 19
Friday, Jul 18 - Nov 14

Introduction to Geometry
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

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

Intermediate: Grades 8-12

Intermediate Algebra
Sunday, Jun 1 - Nov 23
Tuesday, Jun 10 - Nov 18
Wednesday, Jun 25 - Dec 10
Sunday, Jul 13 - Jan 18
Thursday, Jul 24 - Jan 22

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

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

Precalculus
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
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
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

AIME Problem Series A
Thursday, May 22 - Jul 31

AIME Problem Series B
Sunday, Jun 22 - Sep 21

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
Mon, Tue, Wed & Thurs, Jun 23 - Jun 26 (meets every day of the week!)
0 replies
jlacosta
May 1, 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
Inspired by 2025 SXTB
sqing   1
N 5 minutes ago by sqing
Source: Own
Let $ a,b  $ be real number such that $ a^2+b^2=\frac12. $ Prove that
$$-\frac{\sqrt{9+6\sqrt 3}}{2}\leq(a+1)^2- (b-1)^2\leq\frac{\sqrt{9+6\sqrt 3}}{2}$$Let $ x $ be real number . Prove that
$$-\frac{2\sqrt 2}{3}\leq \frac{x}{x^2+1}+ \frac{ 2x}{x^2+4} \leq\frac{2\sqrt 2}{3}$$
1 reply
sqing
22 minutes ago
sqing
5 minutes ago
Nice "if and only if" function problem
ICE_CNME_4   11
N 15 minutes ago by wh0nix
Let $f : [0, \infty) \to [0, \infty)$, $f(x) = \dfrac{ax + b}{cx + d}$, with $a, d \in (0, \infty)$, $b, c \in [0, \infty)$. Prove that there exists $n \in \mathbb{N}^*$ such that for every $x \geq 0$
\[
f_n(x) = \frac{x}{1 + nx}, \quad \text{if and only if } f(x) = \frac{x}{1 + x}, \quad \forall x \geq 0.
\](For $n \in \mathbb{N}^*$ and $x \geq 0$, the notation $f_n(x)$ represents $\underbrace{(f \circ f \circ \dots \circ f)}_{n \text{ times}}(x)$. )

Please do it at 9th grade level. Thank you!
11 replies
ICE_CNME_4
Friday at 7:23 PM
wh0nix
15 minutes ago
IMO Shortlist 2014 G2
hajimbrak   14
N 21 minutes ago by ezpotd
Let $ABC$ be a triangle. The points $K, L,$ and $M$ lie on the segments $BC, CA,$ and $AB,$ respectively, such that the lines $AK, BL,$ and $CM$ intersect in a common point. Prove that it is possible to choose two of the triangles $ALM, BMK,$ and $CKL$ whose inradii sum up to at least the inradius of the triangle $ABC$.

Proposed by Estonia
14 replies
hajimbrak
Jul 11, 2015
ezpotd
21 minutes ago
Divisiblity...
TUAN2k8   0
28 minutes ago
Source: Own
Let $m$ and $n$ be two positive integer numbers such that $m \le n$.Prove that $\binom{n}{m}$ divides $lcm(1,2,...,n)$
0 replies
TUAN2k8
28 minutes ago
0 replies
interesting diophantiic fe in natural numbers
skellyrah   4
N an hour ago by aidan0626
Find all functions \( f : \mathbb{N} \to \mathbb{N} \) such that for all \( m, n \in \mathbb{N} \),
\[
mn + f(n!) = f(f(n))! + n \cdot \gcd(f(m), m!).
\]
4 replies
skellyrah
Yesterday at 8:01 AM
aidan0626
an hour ago
IMO 2010 Problem 4
mavropnevma   128
N an hour ago by ezpotd
Let $P$ be a point interior to triangle $ABC$ (with $CA \neq CB$). The lines $AP$, $BP$ and $CP$ meet again its circumcircle $\Gamma$ at $K$, $L$, respectively $M$. The tangent line at $C$ to $\Gamma$ meets the line $AB$ at $S$. Show that from $SC = SP$ follows $MK = ML$.

Proposed by Marcin E. Kuczma, Poland
128 replies
mavropnevma
Jul 8, 2010
ezpotd
an hour ago
Simple Geometry
AbdulWaheed   5
N an hour ago by Adywastaken
Source: EGMO
Try to avoid Directed angles
Let ABC be an acute triangle inscribed in circle $\Omega$. Let $X$ be the midpoint of the arc $\overarc{BC}$ not containing $A$ and define $Y, Z$ similarly. Show that the orthocenter of $XYZ$ is the incenter $I$ of $ABC$.
5 replies
AbdulWaheed
May 23, 2025
Adywastaken
an hour ago
pairs (m, n) such that a fractional expression is an integer
cielblue   1
N an hour ago by Pal702004
Find all pairs $(m,\ n)$ of positive integers such that $\frac{m^3-mn+1}{m^2+mn+2}$ is an integer.
1 reply
cielblue
Yesterday at 8:38 PM
Pal702004
an hour ago
Serbian selection contest for the IMO 2025 - P6
OgnjenTesic   3
N an hour ago by JARP091
Source: Serbian selection contest for the IMO 2025
For an $n \times n$ table filled with natural numbers, we say it is a divisor table if:
- the numbers in the $i$-th row are exactly all the divisors of some natural number $r_i$,
- the numbers in the $j$-th column are exactly all the divisors of some natural number $c_j$,
- $r_i \ne r_j$ for every $i \ne j$.

A prime number $p$ is given. Determine the smallest natural number $n$, divisible by $p$, such that there exists an $n \times n$ divisor table, or prove that such $n$ does not exist.

Proposed by Pavle Martinović
3 replies
OgnjenTesic
May 22, 2025
JARP091
an hour ago
IMO Genre Predictions
ohiorizzler1434   74
N an hour ago by Giant_PT
Everybody, with IMO upcoming, what are you predictions for the problem genres?


Personally I predict: predict
74 replies
ohiorizzler1434
May 3, 2025
Giant_PT
an hour ago
Inspired by 2025 Beijing
sqing   5
N 2 hours ago by sqing
Source: Own
Let $ a,b,c,d >0  $ and $ (a^2+b^2+c^2)(b^2+c^2+d^2)=36. $ Prove that
$$ab^2c^2d \leq 8$$$$a^2bcd^2 \leq 16$$$$ ab^3c^3d \leq \frac{2187}{128}$$$$ a^3bcd^3 \leq \frac{2187}{32}$$
5 replies
sqing
Yesterday at 4:56 PM
sqing
2 hours ago
An incentre is all it takes to replace the compass
starchan   8
N 2 hours ago by Giant_PT
Source: Sharygin Correspondence Round 2024 P19
A triangle $ABC$, its circumcircle, and its incenter $I$ are drawn on the plane. Construct the circumcenter of $ABC$ using only a ruler.
8 replies
starchan
Mar 6, 2024
Giant_PT
2 hours ago
Serbian selection contest for the IMO 2025 - P3
OgnjenTesic   2
N 2 hours ago by korncrazy
Source: Serbian selection contest for the IMO 2025
Find all functions $f : \mathbb{Z} \to \mathbb{Z}$ such that:
- $f$ is strictly increasing,
- there exists $M \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $f(x+1) - f(x) < M$ for all $x \in \mathbb{N}$,
- for every $x \in \mathbb{Z}$, there exists $y \in \mathbb{Z}$ such that
\[
            f(y) = \frac{f(x) + f(x + 2024)}{2}.
        \]Proposed by Pavle Martinović
2 replies
OgnjenTesic
May 22, 2025
korncrazy
2 hours ago
A sharp one with 4 var
mihaig   0
3 hours ago
Source: Own
Let $a,b,c,d\geq0$ satisfying
$$\left(a+b+c+d-1\right)^2+7\leq\frac83\cdot\left(ab+bc+ca+ad+bd+cd\right).$$Prove
$$\frac1{a+1}+\frac1{b+1}+\frac1{c+1}+\frac1{d+1}\leq2.$$
0 replies
mihaig
3 hours ago
0 replies
convex quadrilateral and centroids
Valentin Vornicu   28
N Jul 31, 2021 by hydo2332
Source: Romanian Nationals RMO 2005 - grade 9, problem 1
Let $ABCD$ be a convex quadrilateral with $AD\not\parallel BC$. Define the points $E=AD \cap BC$ and $I = AC\cap BD$. Prove that the triangles $EDC$ and $IAB$ have the same centroid if and only if $AB \parallel CD$ and $IC^{2}= IA \cdot AC$.

Virgil Nicula
28 replies
Valentin Vornicu
Mar 31, 2005
hydo2332
Jul 31, 2021
convex quadrilateral and centroids
G H J
Source: Romanian Nationals RMO 2005 - grade 9, problem 1
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Valentin Vornicu
7301 posts
#1 • 3 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247, and 1 other user
Let $ABCD$ be a convex quadrilateral with $AD\not\parallel BC$. Define the points $E=AD \cap BC$ and $I = AC\cap BD$. Prove that the triangles $EDC$ and $IAB$ have the same centroid if and only if $AB \parallel CD$ and $IC^{2}= IA \cdot AC$.

Virgil Nicula
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
chavez
53 posts
#2 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
nice problem.. complex numbers is good to this?
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Myth
4464 posts
#3 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
An easy task for mass point geometry.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
mecrazywong
606 posts
#4 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Won't it be too simple for grade 9 student? I solved it immediately tonight...
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
chavez
53 posts
#5 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
please, post your solutions :lol:
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
yetti
2643 posts
#6 • 3 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247, and 1 other user
If the points $E, A, D$ and $E, C, B$ follow on the lines $DA, BC$ in this order, the triangles $\triangle EDC, \triangle IAB$ do not have a common point and the proposition is trivial. Assume that the points $E, D, A$ and $E, B, C$ follow on the lines $DA, BC$ in this order. Assume that the lines $AB, CD$ are not parallel - they intersect at a point $F \equiv AB \cap CD$. WLOG, assume that the points $A, B, F$ and $D, C, F$ follow on the lines $AB, CD$ in this order. Let $M, N$ be the midpoints of the segments $AB, CD$ and $K \equiv EM \cap AB$. In a central projection of the line $AB$ to the line $CD$, the cross-ratio of 4 points is preserved:

$\frac{\frac{ND}{NC}}{\frac{FD}{FC}} = \frac{\frac{KA}{KB}}{\frac{FA}{FB}}$

Let $B'$ be the intersection the line $AB$ of a line through the point $C$ parallel to the line $DA$. Obviously, $FB > FB'$. Since $\frac{ND}{NC} = 1$,

$\frac{KA}{KB} = \frac{\frac{FA}{FB}}{\frac{FD}{FC}} = \frac{FA}{FD} \cdot \frac{FC}{FB} < \frac{FA}{FD} \cdot \frac{FC}{FB'} = 1$

Consequently, $KA < MA, KB > MB$ and the points $A, K, M, B$ follow on the segment $AB$ in this order. Let $P, Q$ be the intersections of the line $EI$ with the lines $AB, CD$, respectively. Project the point $F$ to infinity. The projected lines $A'B', C'D'$ become parallel and the projected points $P', Q'$ become the midpoints of the projected segments $A'B', C'D'$. Again, the cross ratios of 4 points are preserved:

$\frac{\frac{PA}{PB}}{\frac{MA}{MB}} = \frac{\frac{P'A'}{P'B'}}{\frac{M'A'}{M'B'}}$, $\frac{\frac{FA}{FB}}{\frac{MA}{MB}} = \frac{\frac{F'A'}{F'B'}}{\frac{M'A'}{M'B'}}$

Since $\frac{MA}{MB} = \frac{P'A'}{P'B'} = 1$ and $\frac{F'A'}{F'B'} \rightarrow 1$,

$\frac{PA}{PB} = \frac{M'B'}{M'A'} = \frac{FA}{FB} > 1$

Consequently, $PA > MA, PB < MB$ and the points $A, M, P, B$ follow on the segment $AB$ in this order. Similarly, it can be shown that the points $C, N, Q, D$ follow on the segment $CD$ in this order. Thus the segments $PQ, KN$ do not have a common point and consequently, the median segments $EN, IM$ of the triangles $\triangle ECD, \triangle IAB$ do not have a common point either. Hence, these 2 triangles cannot have a common centroid.

Assume that the lines $AB \parallel CD$ are parallel and let $M, N$ be the intersections of the line $EI$ with the lines $AB, CD$. From similarity of the triangles $\triangle EBA \sim \triangle ECD$, we have

$\frac{DA}{DE} = \frac{BC}{BE}$

By Ceva's theorem for concurrent cevians $EM, AC, BD$ of the triangle $\triangle ECD$

$\frac{ND}{NC} \cdot \frac{BC}{BE} \cdot\frac{DE}{DA} = 1$

and consequently $ND = NC$, i,e., $N$ is the midpoint of the segment $CD$. From similarity of the triangles $\triangle EBA \sim \triangle ECD$, $M$ is also the midpoint of the segment $AB$. Thus the median lines $EN \equiv IM$ of of the triangles $\triangle EBA, \triangle ECD$ are coincident.

Let a line through the point $D$ and parallel to the line $EN$ intersect the lines $AC, BC$ at points $K, L$. Since $ND = NC$, from similarity of the triangles $\triangle ICN \sim \triangle KCD$ and $\triangle ECN \sim \triangle LCD$ we deduce that $IK = IC$ and $EL = EC$. The cross ratio of 4 points is preserved in a central projection of the line $AC$ to the line $BC$ from the point $D$. Thus

$\frac{\frac{AC}{AI}}{\frac{KC}{KI}} = \frac{\frac{EC}{EB}}{\frac{LC}{LB}}$

$\frac 1 2 \frac{AC}{AI} = \frac 1 2 \frac{LB}{EB}$

$\frac{AI + IC}{AI} = \frac{LE + EB}{EB} = \frac{EC + EB}{EB}$

$1 + \frac{IC}{AI} = 1 + \frac{EC}{EB}$

$\frac{IC}{AI} = \frac{EC}{EB}$

From similarity of the triangles $\triangle EBM \sim \triangle ECN$ and $\triangle IAM \sim \triangle ICN$, it follows that

$\frac{IN}{IM} = \frac{IC}{AI} = \frac{EC}{EB} = \frac{EN}{EM}$

$\frac{IM}{IN} = \frac{EN - MN}{EN} = 1 - \frac{MN}{EN}$

Let $G, H$ be the centroids of the triangles $\triangle IAB, \triangle ECD$. Since the centroids cuts the medians $IM, EN$ in the ratio $IG : GM = 2 : 1$, $EH : HN = 2 : 1$. For coincidence of the centroids $G, H$, it is necessary and sufficient that

$HN + GM = MN = IN + IM$

$\frac{EN}{3} + \frac{IM}{3} = IN + IM$

Substituting $EN = \frac{MN}{1 - \frac{IM}{IN}} = IN \cdot \frac{1 + \frac{IM}{IN}}{1 - \frac{IM}{IN}}$, we obtain a quadratic equation for the ratio $x = \frac{IM}{IN}$

$\frac 1 3 \cdot \frac{1 + x}{1 - x} + \frac{x}{3} = 1 + x$

$1 + x + x(1 - x) = 3(1 - x^2)$

$x^2 + x - 1 = 0$

$x = \frac{-1 \pm \sqrt{5}}{2}$

The negative root is not acceptable and $x = \frac{IM}{IN} = \frac 1 g$, where $g = \frac{1 + \sqrt 5}{2}$ is the golden ratio. From similarity of the triangles $\triangle IAM \sim \triangle ICN$,

$\frac{IC}{AI} = \frac{IN}{IM} = \frac 1 x = g$

$\frac{AC}{IC} = \frac{AI + IC}{IC} = \frac 1 g + 1 = g$

and as a result,

$\frac{IC}{AI} = g = \frac{AC}{IC}$

$IC^2 = AI \cdot AC$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Myth
4464 posts
#7 • 3 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247, and 1 other user
Ops :huh:
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
pestich
179 posts
#8 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
:?
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by pestich, May 11, 2005, 3:08 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
yetti
2643 posts
#9 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Myth wrote:
Ops :huh:

What do you mean, Myth :?: Did I make errors, misunderstand the problem, or is the proof just too long ?

yetti
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Myth
4464 posts
#10 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
tooo long :)
Never mind
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
perfect_radio
2607 posts
#11 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Myth wrote:
An easy task for mass point geometry.

may i ask what is mass point geometry ?
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
perfect_radio
2607 posts
#12 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
perfect_radio wrote:
Myth wrote:
An easy task for mass point geometry.

may i ask what is mass point geometry ?

i have found on the net that mass point geometry is another name for barycentric coordinates

i'd like to know how do you use the coordinates to solve it :?
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
M@re
274 posts
#13 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Are there somewhere on the net some articles or books (but only if i can download them, not to buy) where i can find things like mass geometry, or complex numbers geometry (i know only the general stuf about this two)...? Chavez you said that complex numbers are good for this problem if you have solution via complex number can you post it
Thanx

m@re
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Virgil Nicula
7054 posts
#14 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Thanks, Yeti!. May be tediously a vectorial solution or the Yeti's solution, however the conclusion of this problem is interestingly and it has a great use in physics in the equilibrium problems. Sir Chavez, afterwards I will present my vectorial solution, abviously ! See and http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=47616
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Virgil Nicula
7054 posts
#15 • 3 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247, and 1 other user
Let $I$ be the origin of the vectorial system, i.e. for any $X$ we have the vectors $X=\overrightarrow{IX},\ I=\overrightarrow 0$. Thus,

$\ (\exists ) m,n\in R^{+}- \{ 0,1\},\ IC=m\cdot IA,\ ID=n\cdot IB\Longleftrightarrow C=-mA,D=-nB$.

Therefore, $E\in AD\cap BC\Longleftrightarrow (\exists )x,y\in R,\ x,y\not\in \{ 0,1\}$ such that

$E=(1-x)B+xC=(1-y)A+yD\Longleftrightarrow E=-xmA+(1-x)B=$ $(1-y)A-ynB\Longrightarrow$

$x=\frac{1+n}{1-mn},\ y=\frac{1+m}{1-mn},\ E=\frac{m(1+n)}{mn-1}\cdot A+\frac{n(1+m)}{mn-1}\cdot B.$

The triangles $ABI$ and $CDE$ have the same centroid $\Longleftrightarrow E+C+D=A+B\Longleftrightarrow $

$\frac{m(1+n)}{mn-1}\cdot A+\frac{n(1+m)}{mn-1}\cdot B-mA-nB=A+B\Longleftrightarrow$

$mn^2=2n+1\ \wedge \ nm^2=2m+1\Longleftrightarrow m=n\ \wedge \ n^3=2n+1\Longleftrightarrow m=n\ \wedge \ n^2=n+1$

$\Longleftrightarrow AB\parallel CD\ \wedge\ \left( \frac{IC}{IA}\right) ^2=\frac{IC}{IA} +1\Longleftrightarrow AB\parallel CD\ \wedge \ IC^2=IA\cdot AC.$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Virgil Nicula, Aug 12, 2005, 12:07 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
perfect_radio
2607 posts
#16 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
you write $\overrightarrow{AB}$

\overrightarrow{AB}


i don't have time right now to look over your solution (seems nice and correct at first sight), but i'll do it tomorrow
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Virgil Nicula
7054 posts
#17 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Thank you, perfect_radio !. With you I am learning better LaTeX.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
indybar
398 posts
#18 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
The solutions are great! Are there any more interesting ones? (I mean, looking at what Myth said...)
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
silouan
3952 posts
#19 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Which is the official solution to this problem ?The vectorial one ?There exist solution with plain geometry ?Thanks for all
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Virgil Nicula
7054 posts
#20 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
This problem had officially four solutions: syntetic (with Ceva, Menelaus,...), vectorial, with complex numbers and analytical. The student makes choice of the best suitable method. In my opinion, the best is the vectorial method !.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
perfect_radio
2607 posts
#21 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
The official solution is Virgil Nicula's one. This is actually his problem... as you can well see.

[yeah, you're right. typo]
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by perfect_radio, Dec 4, 2005, 9:06 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Cezar Lupu
1906 posts
#22 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Actually it is Virgil Nicula. :P
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
indybar
398 posts
#23 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Is there a synthetic one shorter than Yetti?
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
pontios
777 posts
#24 • 3 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247, and 1 other user
Lemma 1
Quote:
Let $ABCD$ be a trapezoid $(AB \parallel CD)$.
Let the points $E\in AD \cap BC$ and $I \in AC \cap BD$.
$M,N$ are the midpoints of $AB,CD$ respectively.
It is known that the points $E,M,I,N$ are collinear.

Prove that the division $(E,M,I,N)$ is harmonic (that is, $\frac{EM}{EN}= \frac{IM}{IN}$)

P.S. It can be applied also to a parallelogram $ABCD$
http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=106811


Lemma 2
Quote:
Let $(E,M,I,N)$ be an harmonic division with ratios $\frac{EM}{EN}= \frac{IM}{IN}= \lambda$.

$Z$ is a point $\in (MI)$ which divides the segments $MI,NE$ in the same ratio $\frac{ZM}{ZI}= \frac{ZN}{ZE}= \mu$

Then $\boxed{\mu = \frac{1}{2}(\frac{1}{\lambda}-\lambda)}$
http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=106817



Proof
Suppose that $AB \parallel CD$ and $IC^{2}=IA \cdot AC$. We will show that the triangles $EDC,IAB$ have the same centroid

from the Lemma 1 we get that $\frac{EM}{EN}= \frac{IM}{IN}= \lambda$, for some $\lambda>0$

From the parallel lines $AB,CD$ we get that $\frac{IA}{IC}= \frac{IM}{IN}$

So, $IA = \lambda \cdot IC$

$\boxed{IC^{2}=IA \cdot AC}\Rightarrow$

$\lambda^{2}\cdot IC^{2}= \lambda \cdot IC(1+\lambda) IC \Rightarrow$

$\lambda^{2}= \lambda(1+\lambda) \Rightarrow \boxed{\lambda = \frac{\sqrt{5}-1}{2}}$, because $\lambda>0$

As yetti noticed, $\lambda=\frac{1}{\phi}$, where $\phi$ is the golden ratio.

From the Lemma 2 we get that the point $Z$ wich divides the segment $MI$ in the ratio $\mu=\frac{1-\lambda^{2}}{2\lambda}$, divides the segment $NE$ in the same ratio

$\lambda=\frac{1}{\phi}\Rightarrow$
$\mu=\frac{1}{2}(\frac{1}{\lambda}-\lambda) = \frac{1}{2}(\phi-\frac{1}{\phi})=\frac{1}{2}$.

So $\frac{ZM}{ZI}= \frac{ZN}{ZE}= \frac{1}{2}$, which means that the point $Z$ is the centroid of $\triangle IAB$ and $\triangle ECD$.



(=>)

We suppose that the triangles $EDC$ and $IAB$ have the same centroid.
We'll prove that $AB\parallel CD$ and $IC^{2}=IA \cdot AC$

Let $G$ be te common centroid.

From the Gauss line theorem we get that the points $M,N$ and the midpoint of $EI$ are collinear.

But $\frac{GM}{GI}= \frac{GN}{GE}\Rightarrow MN \parallel EI$

The midpoint of $EI$ belongs both to the lines $MN,EI$, so the only possible result is that the points $M,N,E,I$ are collinear.

So the median $EN$ of the triangle $ECD$ is also median for the triangle $EAB$.
And $A\in (ED, B\in (EC$
This concludes that $AB \parallel CD$. So $ABCD$ is a trapezoid.


According to the Lemma 1 we have $\frac{EM}{EN}= \frac{IM}{IN}= \lambda$, for aome $\lambda>0$
According to the Lemma 2, there is a unique point $Z$ in $(MI)$ which divides the segments $MI,NE$ at the same ratio, and the ratio is $\mu = \frac{1-\lambda^{2}}{2\lambda}$

$G$ is the one with this property, and the value of $\mu$ is $\frac{1}{2}$

$\frac{1}{2}(\frac{1}{\lambda}-\lambda) = \frac{1}{2}\Rightarrow$

$\frac{1}{\lambda}-\lambda) = 1 \Rightarrow$

$\lambda^{2}+\lambda-1 = 0 \Rightarrow \lambda = \frac{-1+\sqrt{5}}{2}$, because $\lambda$ is positive

So $\frac{IA}{IC}= \frac{-1+\sqrt{5}}{2}$, which yields $IC^{2}=IA \cdot AC$

Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Virgil Nicula
7054 posts
#25 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Pontios wrote:
From the Gauss line theorem we get that the points $M,N$ and the midpoint of $EI$ are collinear. But $\frac{GM}{GI}= \frac{GN}{GE}\Rightarrow MN \parallel EI$.
The midpoint of $EI$ belongs both to the lines $MN,EI$, so the only possible result is that the points $M,N,E,I$ are collinear.

Congratulations, Pontios, for your nice solution ! It is and the background (spring) of the my idea for set up this problem.
Now, Siluan and Indybar have a nice and short synthetical solution. In the their name, thanks, Pontios !
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
pontios
777 posts
#26 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Virgil Nicula wrote:
Congratulations, Pontios, for your nice solution !
Congratulations for your nice problem!!! :)
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
hucht
230 posts
#27 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
here I've got a solution with barycentric coordinates :D

Let $A=(1: 0: 0)$, $B=(0: 1: 0)$, $C=(0: 0: 1)$, $D=(x: y: z)$. So the line $BD=[-z: 0: x]$ and the line $AC=[0: 1: 0]$. This follows that $I=(x: 0: z)$. Similary we have that the line $BC=[1: 0: 0]$ and $AD=[0:-z: y]$. Thus $E=(0: y: z)$.

As we have got the points let us do it.

let $G_{1}$ and $G_{2}$ be the barycenters of $\triangle ABI$ and $\triangle ECD$ so $3G_{1}=(1: 0: 0)+(0: 1: 0)+\frac{(x: 0: z)}{x+z}$ and $3G_{2}=\frac{(0: y: z)}{y+z}+(0: 0: 1)+\frac{(x: y: z)}{x+y+z}$ then if $G_{1}=G_{2}$

Let's asume that $x+y+z=1$, it means that $D=(x: y: z)$ is in normalized coordinates.

$\frac{(2x+z: x+z: z)}{(x+z)}=\frac{(xy+xz: y^{2}+yz+y: z^{2}+2z+yz+y)}{(y+z)}$

Thus $2x+z=x(x+z)$, $y+z=y^{2}+yz+y$ and $z(y+z)=(z^{2}+2z+yz+y)(x+z)$.

so the solutions are $x=\frac{(1+\sqrt[]{5})}{2}$, $y=-\frac{(1+\sqrt[]{5})}{2}$, $z=1$. This follows $\overrightarrow{CD}=(x: y: z-1)=(\frac{(1+\sqrt[]{5})}{2}:-\frac{(1+\sqrt[]{5})}{2}: 0)=-\frac{(1+\sqrt[]{5})}{2}(-1: 1: 0)=\frac{(1+\sqrt[]{5})}{2}\overrightarrow{AB}$. That's $AB//CD$

Let $\lambda$ be $\frac{(1+\sqrt[]{5})}{2}$, so $x=\lambda$, $y=-\lambda$ and $z=1$

Now, we have got that $I=(\lambda: 0: 1)$ and $E=(0:-\lambda: 1)$.

$IC^{2}=S_{A}(\lambda)^{2}+S_{B}(0)^{2}+S_{C}(0)^{2}=\lambda^{2}S_{A}$

Now $IA^{2}=S_{A}(\lambda-1)^{2}+S_{B}(0)^{2}+S_{C}(1)^{2}$ and $AC^{2}=S_{A}+S_{C}$ so $IA^{2}.AC^{2}=((\lambda-1)^{2}S_{A}+S_{C})(S_{A}+S_{C})$ and with some betrayals we get $IC^{4}=IA^{2}AC^{2}$ and we get $IC^{2}=IA.AC$.

$\bigstar$ Capitán Mandarina
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
hucht
230 posts
#28 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
What do u think? :icecream:

$\bigstar$ Capitán Mandarina
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
hydo2332
435 posts
#29
Y by
Virgil Nicula wrote:
This problem had officially four solutions: syntetic (with Ceva, Menelaus,...), vectorial, with complex numbers and analytical. The student makes choice of the best suitable method. In my opinion, the best is the vectorial method !.

Can you post here those official?
Z K Y
N Quick Reply
G
H
=
a