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

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

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

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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]
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0 replies
jlacosta
Apr 2, 2025
0 replies
k i A Letter to MSM
Arr0w   23
N Sep 19, 2022 by scannose
Greetings.

I have seen many posts talking about commonly asked questions, such as finding the value of $0^0$, $\frac{1}{0}$,$\frac{0}{0}$, $\frac{\infty}{\infty}$, why $0.999...=1$ or even expressions of those terms combined as if that would make them defined. I have made this post to answer these questions once and for all, and I politely ask everyone to link this post to threads that are talking about this issue.
[list]
[*]Firstly, the case of $0^0$. It is usually regarded that $0^0=1$, not because this works numerically but because it is convenient to define it this way. You will see the convenience of defining other undefined things later on in this post.

[*]What about $\frac{\infty}{\infty}$? The issue here is that $\infty$ isn't even rigorously defined in this expression. What exactly do we mean by $\infty$? Unless the example in question is put in context in a formal manner, then we say that $\frac{\infty}{\infty}$ is meaningless.

[*]What about $\frac{1}{0}$? Suppose that $x=\frac{1}{0}$. Then we would have $x\cdot 0=0=1$, absurd. A more rigorous treatment of the idea is that $\lim_{x\to0}\frac{1}{x}$ does not exist in the first place, although you will see why in a calculus course. So the point is that $\frac{1}{0}$ is undefined.

[*]What about if $0.99999...=1$? An article from brilliant has a good explanation. Alternatively, you can just use a geometric series. Notice that
\begin{align*}
\sum_{n=1}^{\infty} \frac{9}{10^n}&=9\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\frac{1}{10^n}=9\sum_{n=1}^{\infty}\biggr(\frac{1}{10}\biggr)^n=9\biggr(\frac{\frac{1}{10}}{1-\frac{1}{10}}\biggr)=9\biggr(\frac{\frac{1}{10}}{\frac{9}{10}}\biggr)=9\biggr(\frac{1}{9}\biggr)=\boxed{1}
\end{align*}
[*]What about $\frac{0}{0}$? Usually this is considered to be an indeterminate form, but I would also wager that this is also undefined.
[/list]
Hopefully all of these issues and their corollaries are finally put to rest. Cheers.

2nd EDIT (6/14/22): Since I originally posted this, it has since blown up so I will try to add additional information per the request of users in the thread below.

INDETERMINATE VS UNDEFINED

What makes something indeterminate? As you can see above, there are many things that are indeterminate. While definitions might vary slightly, it is the consensus that the following definition holds: A mathematical expression is be said to be indeterminate if it is not definitively or precisely determined. So how does this make, say, something like $0/0$ indeterminate? In analysis (the theory behind calculus and beyond), limits involving an algebraic combination of functions in an independent variable may often be evaluated by replacing these functions by their limits. However, if the expression obtained after this substitution does not provide sufficient information to determine the original limit, then the expression is called an indeterminate form. For example, we could say that $0/0$ is an indeterminate form.

But we need to more specific, this is still ambiguous. An indeterminate form is a mathematical expression involving at most two of $0$, $1$ or $\infty$, obtained by applying the algebraic limit theorem (a theorem in analysis, look this up for details) in the process of attempting to determine a limit, which fails to restrict that limit to one specific value or infinity, and thus does not determine the limit being calculated. This is why it is called indeterminate. Some examples of indeterminate forms are
\[0/0, \infty/\infty, \infty-\infty, \infty \times 0\]etc etc. So what makes something undefined? In the broader scope, something being undefined refers to an expression which is not assigned an interpretation or a value. A function is said to be undefined for points outside its domain. For example, the function $f:\mathbb{R}^{+}\cup\{0\}\rightarrow\mathbb{R}$ given by the mapping $x\mapsto \sqrt{x}$ is undefined for $x<0$. On the other hand, $1/0$ is undefined because dividing by $0$ is not defined in arithmetic by definition. In other words, something is undefined when it is not defined in some mathematical context.

WHEN THE WATERS GET MUDDIED

So with this notion of indeterminate and undefined, things get convoluted. First of all, just because something is indeterminate does not mean it is not undefined. For example $0/0$ is considered both indeterminate and undefined (but in the context of a limit then it is considered in indeterminate form). Additionally, this notion of something being undefined also means that we can define it in some way. To rephrase, this means that technically, we can make something that is undefined to something that is defined as long as we define it. I'll show you what I mean.

One example of making something undefined into something defined is the extended real number line, which we define as
\[\overline{\mathbb{R}}=\mathbb{R}\cup \{-\infty,+\infty\}.\]So instead of treating infinity as an idea, we define infinity (positively and negatively, mind you) as actual numbers in the reals. The advantage of doing this is for two reasons. The first is because we can turn this thing into a totally ordered set. Specifically, we can let $-\infty\le a\le \infty$ for each $a\in\overline{\mathbb{R}}$ which means that via this order topology each subset has an infimum and supremum and $\overline{\mathbb{R}}$ is therefore compact. While this is nice from an analytic standpoint, extending the reals in this way can allow for interesting arithmetic! In $\overline{\mathbb{R}}$ it is perfectly OK to say that,
\begin{align*}
a + \infty = \infty + a & = \infty, & a & \neq -\infty \\
a - \infty = -\infty + a & = -\infty, & a & \neq \infty \\
a \cdot (\pm\infty) = \pm\infty \cdot a & = \pm\infty, & a & \in (0, +\infty] \\
a \cdot (\pm\infty) = \pm\infty \cdot a & = \mp\infty, & a & \in [-\infty, 0) \\
\frac{a}{\pm\infty} & = 0, & a & \in \mathbb{R} \\
\frac{\pm\infty}{a} & = \pm\infty, & a & \in (0, +\infty) \\
\frac{\pm\infty}{a} & = \mp\infty, & a & \in (-\infty, 0).
\end{align*}So addition, multiplication, and division are all defined nicely. However, notice that we have some indeterminate forms here which are also undefined,
\[\infty-\infty,\frac{\pm\infty}{\pm\infty},\frac{\pm\infty}{0},0\cdot \pm\infty.\]So while we define certain things, we also left others undefined/indeterminate in the process! However, in the context of measure theory it is common to define $\infty \times 0=0$ as greenturtle3141 noted below. I encourage to reread what he wrote, it's great stuff! As you may notice, though, dividing by $0$ is undefined still! Is there a place where it isn't? Kind of. To do this, we can extend the complex numbers! More formally, we can define this extension as
\[\mathbb{C}^*=\mathbb{C}\cup\{\tilde{\infty}\}\]which we call the Riemann Sphere (it actually forms a sphere, pretty cool right?). As a note, $\tilde{\infty}$ means complex infinity, since we are in the complex plane now. Here's the catch: division by $0$ is allowed here! In fact, we have
\[\frac{z}{0}=\tilde{\infty},\frac{z}{\tilde{\infty}}=0.\]where $\tilde{\infty}/\tilde{\infty}$ and $0/0$ are left undefined. We also have
\begin{align*}
z+\tilde{\infty}=\tilde{\infty}, \forall z\ne -\infty\\
z\times \tilde{\infty}=\tilde{\infty}, \forall z\ne 0
\end{align*}Furthermore, we actually have some nice properties with multiplication that we didn't have before. In $\mathbb{C}^*$ it holds that
\[\tilde{\infty}\times \tilde{\infty}=\tilde{\infty}\]but $\tilde{\infty}-\tilde{\infty}$ and $0\times \tilde{\infty}$ are left as undefined (unless there is an explicit need to change that somehow). One could define the projectively extended reals as we did with $\mathbb{C}^*$, by defining them as
\[{\widehat {\mathbb {R} }}=\mathbb {R} \cup \{\infty \}.\]They behave in a similar way to the Riemann Sphere, with division by $0$ also being allowed with the same indeterminate forms (in addition to some other ones).
23 replies
Arr0w
Feb 11, 2022
scannose
Sep 19, 2022
k i Marathon Threads
LauraZed   0
Jul 2, 2019
Due to excessive spam and inappropriate posts, we have locked the Prealgebra and Beginning Algebra threads.

We will either unlock these threads once we've cleaned them up or start new ones, but for now, do not start new marathon threads for these subjects. Any new marathon threads started while this announcement is up will be immediately deleted.
0 replies
LauraZed
Jul 2, 2019
0 replies
k i Basic Forum Rules and Info (Read before posting)
jellymoop   368
N May 16, 2018 by harry1234
f (Reminder: Do not post Alcumus or class homework questions on this forum. Instructions below.) f
Welcome to the Middle School Math Forum! Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the rules.

Overview:
[list]
[*] When you're posting a new topic with a math problem, give the topic a detailed title that includes the subject of the problem (not just "easy problem" or "nice problem")
[*] Stay on topic and be courteous.
[*] Hide solutions!
[*] If you see an inappropriate post in this forum, simply report the post and a moderator will deal with it. Don't make your own post telling people they're not following the rules - that usually just makes the issue worse.
[*] When you post a question that you need help solving, post what you've attempted so far and not just the question. We are here to learn from each other, not to do your homework. :P
[*] Avoid making posts just to thank someone - you can use the upvote function instead
[*] Don't make a new reply just to repeat yourself or comment on the quality of others' posts; instead, post when you have a new insight or question. You can also edit your post if it's the most recent and you want to add more information.
[*] Avoid bumping old posts.
[*] Use GameBot to post alcumus questions.
[*] If you need general MATHCOUNTS/math competition advice, check out the threads below.
[*] Don't post other users' real names.
[*] Advertisements are not allowed. You can advertise your forum on your profile with a link, on your blog, and on user-created forums that permit forum advertisements.
[/list]

Here are links to more detailed versions of the rules. These are from the older forums, so you can overlook "Classroom math/Competition math only" instructions.
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What belongs on this forum?
How do I write a thorough solution?
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Mathcounts and how to learn

As always, if you have any questions, you can PM me or any of the other Middle School Moderators. Once again, if you see spam, it would help a lot if you filed a report instead of responding :)

Marathons!
Relays might be a better way to describe it, but these threads definitely go the distance! One person starts off by posting a problem, and the next person comes up with a solution and a new problem for another user to solve. Here's some of the frequently active marathons running in this forum:
[list][*]Algebra
[*]Prealgebra
[*]Proofs
[*]Factoring
[*]Geometry
[*]Counting & Probability
[*]Number Theory[/list]
Some of these haven't received attention in a while, but these are the main ones for their respective subjects. Rather than starting a new marathon, please give the existing ones a shot first.

You can also view marathons via the Marathon tag.

Think this list is incomplete or needs changes? Let the mods know and we'll take a look.
368 replies
jellymoop
May 8, 2015
harry1234
May 16, 2018
Bunnies hopping around in circles
popcorn1   22
N a minute ago by awesomeming327.
Source: USA December TST for IMO 2023, Problem 1 and USA TST for EGMO 2023, Problem 1
There are $2022$ equally spaced points on a circular track $\gamma$ of circumference $2022$. The points are labeled $A_1, A_2, \ldots, A_{2022}$ in some order, each label used once. Initially, Bunbun the Bunny begins at $A_1$. She hops along $\gamma$ from $A_1$ to $A_2$, then from $A_2$ to $A_3$, until she reaches $A_{2022}$, after which she hops back to $A_1$. When hopping from $P$ to $Q$, she always hops along the shorter of the two arcs $\widehat{PQ}$ of $\gamma$; if $\overline{PQ}$ is a diameter of $\gamma$, she moves along either semicircle.

Determine the maximal possible sum of the lengths of the $2022$ arcs which Bunbun traveled, over all possible labellings of the $2022$ points.

Kevin Cong
22 replies
1 viewing
popcorn1
Dec 12, 2022
awesomeming327.
a minute ago
Iran second round 2025-q1
mohsen   4
N 2 minutes ago by MathLuis
Find all positive integers n>2 such that sum of n and any of its prime divisors is a perfect square.
4 replies
mohsen
Apr 19, 2025
MathLuis
2 minutes ago
ALGEBRA INEQUALITY
Tony_stark0094   0
16 minutes ago
$a,b,c > 0$ Prove that $$\frac{a^2+bc}{b+c} + \frac{b^2+ac}{a+c} + \frac {c^2 + ab}{a+b} \geq a+b+c$$
0 replies
Tony_stark0094
16 minutes ago
0 replies
Dear Sqing: So Many Inequalities...
hashtagmath   37
N 30 minutes ago by hashtagmath
I have noticed thousands upon thousands of inequalities that you have posted to HSO and was wondering where you get the inspiration, imagination, and even the validation that such inequalities are true? Also, what do you find particularly appealing and important about specifically inequalities rather than other branches of mathematics? Thank you :)
37 replies
hashtagmath
Oct 30, 2024
hashtagmath
30 minutes ago
Website to learn math
hawa   43
N 6 hours ago by anticodon
Hi, I'm kinda curious what website do yall use to learn math, like i dont find any website thats fun to learn math
43 replies
hawa
Apr 9, 2025
anticodon
6 hours ago
A twist on a classic
happypi31415   10
N Yesterday at 6:22 PM by Maxklark
Rank from smallest to largest: $\sqrt[2]{2}$, $\sqrt[3]{3}$, and $\sqrt[5]{5}$.

Click to reveal hidden text
10 replies
happypi31415
Mar 17, 2025
Maxklark
Yesterday at 6:22 PM
Show that the expression is divisable by 5
Deomad123   5
N Yesterday at 6:20 PM by Maxklark
This was taken from a junior math competition.
$$5|3^{2009} - 7^{2007}$$
5 replies
Deomad123
Mar 25, 2025
Maxklark
Yesterday at 6:20 PM
easy olympiad problem
kjhgyuio   6
N Yesterday at 6:18 PM by Maxklark
Find all positive integer values of \( x \) such that
\[
\sqrt{x - 2011} + \sqrt{2011 - x} + 10
\]is an integer.
6 replies
kjhgyuio
Apr 17, 2025
Maxklark
Yesterday at 6:18 PM
Mathpath acceptance rate
fossasor   15
N Yesterday at 6:15 PM by ZMB038
Does someone have an estimate for the acceptance rate for MathPath?
15 replies
fossasor
Dec 21, 2024
ZMB038
Yesterday at 6:15 PM
ENTER YOUR CHAPTER INVITATIONAL SCORE
ihatemath123   105
N Yesterday at 6:14 PM by ZMB038
I'll start:
\begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|c|c|}Username&Grade&Sprint&Target&TOTAL \\ \hline
ihatemath123&7&26&6&38 \\


\hline
\end{tabular}
105 replies
ihatemath123
Feb 27, 2021
ZMB038
Yesterday at 6:14 PM
Area of Polygon
AIME15   49
N Yesterday at 5:55 PM by ReticulatedPython
The area of polygon $ ABCDEF$, in square units, is

IMAGE

\[ \textbf{(A)}\ 24 \qquad
\textbf{(B)}\ 30 \qquad
\textbf{(C)}\ 46 \qquad
\textbf{(D)}\ 66 \qquad
\textbf{(E)}\ 74
\]
49 replies
AIME15
Jan 12, 2009
ReticulatedPython
Yesterday at 5:55 PM
Chat in video classroom
rock-star   0
Yesterday at 5:53 PM
asking for a friend who is designing their own video classroom....

think back to when you had online classes with video (like on zoom and stuff):
do you like the chat feature that they have?
what did you use the chat for?
what would you do instead if there wasn't a chat?
what other thoughts do you have about having chat in a video classroom?

0 replies
rock-star
Yesterday at 5:53 PM
0 replies
Bogus Proof Marathon
pifinity   7610
N Yesterday at 4:23 PM by iwastedmyusername
Hi!
I'd like to introduce the Bogus Proof Marathon.

In this marathon, simply post a bogus proof that is middle-school level and the next person will find the error. You don't have to post the real solution :P

Use classic Marathon format:
[hide=P#]a1b2c3[/hide]
[hide=S#]a1b2c3[/hide]


Example posts:

P(x)
-----
S(x)
P(x+1)
-----
Let's go!! Just don't make it too hard!
7610 replies
pifinity
Mar 12, 2018
iwastedmyusername
Yesterday at 4:23 PM
bracelets
pythagorazz   7
N Yesterday at 4:06 PM by H1u2g4o4
Kat designs circular bead bracelets for kids. Each bracelet has 5 beads, all of which are either yellow or green. If beads of the same color are identical, how many distinct bracelets could Kat make?
7 replies
pythagorazz
Apr 14, 2025
H1u2g4o4
Yesterday at 4:06 PM
Chords and tangent circles
math154   27
N Apr 3, 2025 by Learning11
Source: ELMO Shortlist 2012, G4
Circles $\Omega$ and $\omega$ are internally tangent at point $C$. Chord $AB$ of $\Omega$ is tangent to $\omega$ at $E$, where $E$ is the midpoint of $AB$. Another circle, $\omega_1$ is tangent to $\Omega, \omega,$ and $AB$ at $D,Z,$ and $F$ respectively. Rays $CD$ and $AB$ meet at $P$. If $M$ is the midpoint of major arc $AB$, show that $\tan \angle ZEP = \tfrac{PE}{CM}$.

Ray Li.
27 replies
math154
Jul 2, 2012
Learning11
Apr 3, 2025
Chords and tangent circles
G H J
Source: ELMO Shortlist 2012, G4
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math154
4302 posts
#1 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Circles $\Omega$ and $\omega$ are internally tangent at point $C$. Chord $AB$ of $\Omega$ is tangent to $\omega$ at $E$, where $E$ is the midpoint of $AB$. Another circle, $\omega_1$ is tangent to $\Omega, \omega,$ and $AB$ at $D,Z,$ and $F$ respectively. Rays $CD$ and $AB$ meet at $P$. If $M$ is the midpoint of major arc $AB$, show that $\tan \angle ZEP = \tfrac{PE}{CM}$.

Ray Li.
Z K Y
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yunxiu
571 posts
#2 • 7 Y
Y by Wizard_32, Durjoy1729, MathbugAOPS, srijonrick, Adventure10, Mango247, poirasss
Denote $CD \cap {\omega _1} = G$, then $\angle GDF = \angle CDM = 90^\circ $, so $FG$ is the diameter of ${\omega _1}$, hence $P$ is the homothetic center of ${\omega _1}$ and $\omega $, so the centers of ${\omega _1}$ and $\omega $ are all in the line $PZ$.
Because $D$ is the homothetic center of ${\omega _1}$ and $\Omega $, so $M,D,F$ are collinear. Because $\angle CEF = 90^\circ $, $ \angle FDC=\angle MDC =90^\circ $, $D,F,E,C$ are concyclic, so $MD \cdot MF = ME \cdot MC$, $MZ$ is the radical line of ${\omega _1}$ and $\omega $, so $MZ \bot ZP$, hence $\angle CZM = \angle EZP$, and we have $\Delta CZM \sim \Delta EZP$, so $\tan \angle ZEP = \tan \angle ECZ = \frac{{EZ}}{{CZ}} = \frac{{PE}}{{MC}}$.
Attachments:
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Sardor
804 posts
#3 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Here my solution:
Obviously, $ P $ is exsimilicenter of $ w $ and $ w_1 $, hence $ P,O,O_1,Z $ are collinear, where $ O ,O_1 $ be the centers of $ w,w_1 $, respectively.We have easily that $ \angle PEZ=\angle ZCE $, and $ \angle MZC=\angle PZE $ (because we know that $ MZ $ is common internal tangent of $ w $ and $ w_1 $ ).Thus the triangles $ PZE $ and $ CZM $ are relatively similar.Hence $ tan \angle ZEP=tan \angle ECZ= \frac{ZE}{CZ}=\frac{PE}{CM} $, so we are done !
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Garfield
243 posts
#4 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Homothety that takes $w$ to $\omega$ takes to midpoint of arc $AB$ so we have $C-E-M$ so $CE$ is perpendicular on $AB$ and analogous $D-F-M$.Trivialy $\tan \angle ZEF=\frac{ZE}{ZC}$ so for $\triangle EZP \sim \triangle CZM$ we only need $MZ $ perpendicular $PZ$ and we have that $\angle ZPE=\angle ZCM$, now Mongue de Alambert theorem we have $C$ as center homothety $w$ to $\omega$, $D$ as center of homothety $w_{2}$ to $\omega$ so center of homothety $w$ to $w_{1}$ lies on $CD$,so because $FE$ is common tangent we have $P-O_{1}-Z-O_{2}$.Now we need to prove that $MZ$ is common tangent of $w_1$, $w_{2}$ which is true because $CDEF$ is cyclic so $M$ is on radical axis which is common tangent.
Z K Y
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Delray
348 posts
#5 • 3 Y
Y by AlastorMoody, Adventure10, Mango247
Denote $O_\Omega$, $O_w$ and $O_{w_1}$ as the centers of circles $\Omega$, $w$ and $w_1$. It is well known that the power of $M$, the midpoint of major arc $BC$, with respect to a circle tangent to $BC$ and minor arc $BC$ is equal to $MA^2=MB^2$. It follows that M is on the radical axis of $O_{w_1}$ and $O_w$, implying that $MZ \perp O_{w_1}O_w$. Since $\angle{PEM}=90^{\circ}$, we have that quadrilateral $PZEM$ is cyclic. This means that $\angle{ZPE}=\angle{ZME}$, and since $\angle{ZEP}=\angle{ZCE}$, we have that $\triangle{PZE}$ is similar to $\triangle{ZMC}$, implying that $\frac{PE}{ZE}=\frac{MC}{ZC}$. Rearranging we have that $\frac{PE}{CM}=\frac{ZE}{ZC}$. Since $\angle{CZE}=90^{\circ}$, we have that $\tan{\angle{ZCE}}=\frac{ZE}{ZC}=\frac{PE}{CM}$. However, since $\angle{ZCE}=\angle{ZEP}$, we obtain $\tan{\angle{ZEP}}=\frac{PE}{CM}$ as desired. $\square$
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First
2352 posts
#7 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Pure Angle Chasing
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yayups
1614 posts
#8 • 3 Y
Y by Wizard_32, Adventure10, Mango247
Computational Solution:
Diagram
Solution
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armpist
527 posts
#9 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Dear yayups and MLs,

Very nice solution, in the style of the Great Yetti.

Happy New Year to all !

M.T.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by armpist, Jul 8, 2019, 11:09 AM
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jishu2003
340 posts
#10 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
A question, are $C,Z,F$ collinear?
PS: Okay, never mind, I got my doubt clarified myself. :)
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by jishu2003, Nov 30, 2018, 6:48 PM
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anser
572 posts
#11 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
Since $\tan \angle ZEP = \tan \angle ZCE = \tfrac{ZE}{ZC}$, we will prove that $\tfrac{ZE}{ZC}=\tfrac{PE}{CM}$ by showing that $\triangle{ZEP}\sim\triangle{ZCM}$.

By a homothety at $D$ sending $\omega_1$ to $(ABC)$, we know that $D$, $F$, and $M$ are collinear. In addition, $ME\cdot MC=MB^2=MF\cdot MD$ by considering similar triangles $MEB/MBC$ and $MFB/MBD$. Hence, $M$ is on the radical axis of $\omega$ and $\omega_1$. This also means that $\triangle{ZCM}\sim\triangle{EZM}$.

By Monge's Theorem with circles $(ABC)$, $\omega$, and $\omega_1$, $C$, $D$, and $P'$ are collinear, where $P'$ is intersection of the common external tangents of $\omega$ and $\omega_1$. Since $P'$ is on $\overleftrightarrow{CD}$ and $\overleftrightarrow{EF}$, we must have $P'=P$. Then $\angle PZM = 90^{\circ}=\angle PEM$, so $PZEM$ is cyclic. We have that $\angle{EMZ}=\angle{EPZ}$ and $\angle{ZEP}=\angle{EZM}=\angle{ECZ}$, so $\triangle{EZM}\sim\triangle{ZEP}$ (this is actually a congruence).

Therefore, $\triangle{ZEP}\sim\triangle{EZM}\sim\triangle{ZCM}$ and $\tan \angle ZEP = \tan \angle ZCE = \tfrac{ZE}{ZC}=\tfrac{PE}{CM}$, as desired.
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GeronimoStilton
1521 posts
#12 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
Let $O_2$ be the center of $\omega$ and $O_3$ be the center of $\omega_1$.

We first note that because $E$ is the midpoint of $\overline{AB}$ and $M$ is the midpoint of arc $\overline{AB}$, we have that $\angle MEB = 90^\circ$. By the properties of circles inscribed within segments, $M$, $E$, and $C$ are collinear, so $\angle CEB = 90^\circ$. Since $\angle CEB = 90^\circ$ and $\omega$ is tangent to $AB$ at $E$, $CE$ is a diameter of $\omega$.

Since $\angle ZEP = \angle ZCM$, it suffices to show that $\angle EPZ = \angle CMZ$.

Since $\omega$ and $\omega_1$ intersect at just $Z$, their radical axis is the line going through $Z$ that is tangent to both $\omega$ and $\omega_1$.

By the properties of circles inscribed in segments, $\mbox{Pow}_{\omega_1}(M) = MB^2 = \mbox{Pow}_{\omega}(M)$. Thus, $M$ is on the radical axis of $\omega$ and $\omega_1$ and $MZ$ is tangent to both $\omega$ and $\omega_1$.

Let the other intersection of $PC$ with $\omega$ be $C'$. This intersection exists because we would otherwise have that $PC$ is perpendicular to a diameter of $\omega$, $CE$, while $PE$ is also perpendicular to $CE$, making $P$ not exist on the Euclidean plane. By Power of a Point, $PC' \cdot PC = PE^2$, meaning that $\frac{PE}{PC} = \frac{PC'}{PE}$ and $\triangle PEC \sim \triangle PC'E$. Since $\angle CEP = \angle CEB = 90^\circ$, we then have that $\angle EC'P = 90^\circ$. Since $MC$ is a diameter of $\Omega$, $\angle MDC = 90^\circ$. By the properties of circles inscribed in a segment, $M$, $D$, and $F$ are collinear, so $\angle FDC = 90^\circ$.

Now, consider the homothety about $P$ taking $E$ to $F$, $\mathcal{H}$. Since $\angle FDP = 90^\circ = \angle EC'P$, $\mathcal{H}(C') = D$. Since $\omega$ goes through $C'$ and is tangent to $EP$ at $E$ and $\omega_1$ goes through $D$ and is tangent to $FP$ at $F$, we must have that $\mathcal{H}(\omega) = \omega_1$. Thus, we then have that $\mathcal{H}(O_2) = O_3$, meaning that $O_2$, $O_3$, and $P$ are collinear. Since $\omega$ and $\omega_1$ are tangent to each other at $Z$, we have that $O_2$, $Z$, and $O_3$ are collinear. Thus, $P$, $O_3$, and $Z$ are collinear. Since $O_3Z$ is perpendicular to $MZ$, we have that $PZ$ is perpendicular to $MZ$, and so $\angle PZM = 90^\circ$. Since $\angle PZM = 90^\circ$ and $\angle PEM = \angle MEP = \angle MEB = 90^\circ$, we have that $PZEM$ is a cyclic quadrilateral.

Now, we have that $\angle EPZ = \angle EMZ = \angle CMZ$. Because $\angle ZEP = \angle ZCM$, we have that $\triangle ZEP \sim \triangle ZCM$. Then, we have that $\frac{EZ}{CZ} = \frac{PE}{CM}$. Since $\angle CZE = 90^\circ$, we have that $\frac{EZ}{CZ} = \tan \angle ZCE = \tan \angle ZEP$. Thus, we have that $\tan \angle ZEP = \frac{PE}{CM}$, and we are done. $\fbox{}$
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jj_ca888
2726 posts
#13 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
Let $O_1$ and $O_2$ be the centers of $\omega$ and $\omega_1$. First of all note that by Archimedes + Shooting Lemma we have $CE \cap DF = M$ and $$MA^2 = MB^2 = ME \cdot MC = MF \cdot MD$$so $EFDC$ is cyclic.

Claim: $O_1,Z,O_2,P$ are collinear.
Proof: Let $E'$ and $F'$ be the reflections of $E$ and $F$ across $O_1ZO_2$ (which we know to be collinear). By PoP we have$$PF \cdot PE = PF' \cdot PE' =PD \cdot PC$$hence $E'F'DC$ is cyclic. By definition we know $EFF'E'$ is isosceles trapezoid so it is cyclic. We use radical axis theorem on the three circles $(EFF'E'), (EFDC), (E'F'DC)$ to obtain $E'F', EF, CD$ concur at $P$. Obviously $E'F', O_1O_2, EF$ must concur so $O_1O_2$ passes through $P$ as desired. $\square$

Since $E$ is the midpoint of $AB$ we know $CE$ is the diameter of $\omega$. Since $AB$ tangent to $\omega$, we know$$\angle ZEP = \angle ZCM$$and since $CEDF$ is cyclic, $M$ lies on the tangent at $Z$. Therefore, by angle chasing with $MZ$ tangent to $\omega$, we get$$\angle CZM = 180^{\circ} - \angle CEZ = 180^{\circ} - \angle O_1ZE = \angle EZP$$since $O_1, Z, P$ collinear from our claim.

Therefore, by AA similarity we have $\triangle CZM \sim \triangle EZP$ so therefore$$\tan{\angle ZEP} = \tan{\angle ZCM} = \frac{EZ}{ZC} = \frac{PE}{CM}$$as desired. $\blacksquare$


reeeeeeee
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lilavati_2005
357 posts
#16 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
I have used Yayups' diagram
Diagram
Definitions

Claim 1 : $\overline {C - E - M}$ and $\overline {D - F - M}$
Proof : This follows from Shooting Lemma.

Claim 2 : $CEFD$ is a cyclic quadrilateral .
Proof : $MZ$ is the radical axis of $\omega_1$ and $\omega$. Now it is just Radical Axis Theorem.

From Claim 2 $\angle CEP = \angle CDF = 90^{\circ} \Longrightarrow CM$ is the diameter of $\Omega$ and $FG$ is the diameter of $\omega_1$. So, there is a homothety centred at $P$ mapping $\omega_1 \mapsto \omega \Longrightarrow \overline{P - Z - T}$
Thus, $\angle PZM = 90^{\circ} \Longrightarrow PEZ\sim MCZ \Longrightarrow \tan \angle ZEP = \frac{EZ}{ZC} = \frac{PE}{CM}$
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by lilavati_2005, Feb 2, 2021, 3:42 AM
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sankha012
147 posts
#17 • 4 Y
Y by lilavati_2005, Pi-is-3, Adventure10, Mango247
Note that $\angle ZEP=\angle ZCE$ and $PE=CE\tan\angle DCE$. As $\angle MDC=\frac{\pi}{2}$, we have $\tan\angle DCE=\frac{MD}{DC}$. Hence $PE=CE\frac{MD}{DC}$.
Now consider an inversion $f$ with centre at $C$ and radius 1. The resulting diagram is attached.
Clearly, $|f(Z)f(E)|=|f(D)f(M)|$. Hence $\tan\angle ZCE=\tan\angle f(E)Cf(Z)=\frac{|f(Z)f(E)|}{|f(E)C|}=\frac{|f(D)f(M)|}{|f(E)f(M)|+|f(M)C|}=\frac{\frac{MD}{CM\cdot CD}}{\frac{EM}{CE\cdot CM}+\frac{1}{CM}}=\frac{\frac{MD}{DC}}{\frac{CM}{CE}}=\frac{\frac{PE}{CE}}{\frac{CM}{CE}}=\frac{PE}{CM}$.

QED
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Reason: latex error
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Stormersyle
2786 posts
#18
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Let $O_1$ be the center of $\Omega$, $O_2$ be the center of $\omega$, and $O_3$ be the center of $\omega_1$. Also, let $G$ be the point on $\omega$ diametrically opposite to $F$.

Lemma: $O_2, Z, O_3, P$ are collinear, $C, Z, F$ are collinear, $E, Z, G$ are collinear, and $D, F, M$ are collinear.

Proof: It is well-known that $D, F, M$ are collinear (quick sketch of the proof: the homothety about $D$ sending $\omega_1$ to $\Omega$ sends $F$ to $M$). $C, Z, F$ are collinear and $E, Z, G$ are collinear because the negative homothety about $Z$ sending $O_2$ to $O_3$ sends $C$ to $F$ and $e$ to $G$. It is obvious that $O_2, O_3, Z$ are collinear, and the homothety about $P$ sending $\triangle{PFG}$ to $\triangle{PEC}$ sends $O_2$ to $O_3$ (since they are midpoints of $GF, CE$ respectively), so $P, O_2, O_3$ are collinear, and we have proven all four parts of the lemma. End lemma.

Now note that $\angle{ZCE}=\angle{ZEP}$, so it suffices to show that $\tan{\angle{ZCE}}=\frac{PE}{CM}$. But $\tan{\angle{ZCE}}=\frac{EZ}{CZ}$, so thus it suffices to prove that $\frac{EZ}{PE}=\frac{CZ}{CM}$. But note since $\angle{ZCE}=\angle{ZEP}$, this is equivalent to proving $\triangle{PEZ}~\triangle{MCZ}$, which in turn is equivalent to proving $\angle{CMZ}=\angle{EPZ}$. But note that we have $\angle{ECZ}=\angle{O_2ZC}=\angle{PZF}$, and we also have $\angle{ECZ}=\angle{ZEP}=\angle{EZM}$, meaning that $\angle{EZM}=\angle{PZF}$, so thus $\angle{PZM}=90$ because $\angle{EZF}=90$. But since $\angle{PEM}=90$, we have $PZEM$ is cyclic, so thus $\angle{EMZ}=\angle{CMZ}=\angle{EPZ}$, and hence we are done.
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VulcanForge
626 posts
#19 • 1 Y
Y by Mango247
It's well known $DFM$ collinear, and it's clear this line is perpendicular to $CP$, hence $F$ is the orthocenter of $\triangle CMP$. Considering the homothety at $Z$ sending $\omega_1$ to $\omega_2$ we see $CZF$ are collinear, and this line is perpendicular to $PM$ by our previous observations. Since $CEDF$ is cyclic by radical axis we have $MZ$ is tangent to $\omega_1,\omega_2$, so $\angle EZM = \angle ZEP$. In addition, $EZ \perp CZ \perp MP$ so $EZPM$ is an isosceles trapezoid. To finish, we have $$\tan(\angle ZEP) = \tan(\angle ECF) = \tan(90^\circ - \angle CMP) = \frac{EM}{EP}$$so it suffices to show $\frac{EM}{EP}=\frac{PE}{CM}$, which follows since $EM \cdot CM = MZ^2 = PE^2$.
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IAmTheHazard
5001 posts
#20 • 4 Y
Y by centslordm, Mango247, Mango247, Mango247
Quite nice, although it's a bit tricky to pick which length ratio to focus on (I originally tried to do $\frac{PF}{PE}=\frac{EM}{CM}$ which failed). Needed a few hints to solve.

Since $\angle CEF=\angle EZC=90^\circ$, we have $\triangle CZF \sim \triangle CEF \sim \triangle EZF$, so $\tan\angle ZEP=\tan\angle ZEF=\tan\angle ECZ=\frac{EZ}{CZ}$. Hence we just have to prove:
$$\frac{EZ}{CZ}=\frac{PE}{MC}.$$Now let $G \neq D$ denote the point where $\overline{CP}$ intersects $\omega_1$. We then have $\angle GDF=\angle CDM=90^\circ$, hence $\overline{FG}$ is a diameter. This implies that the homothety sending $\omega_1$ to $\omega$ is centered at $P$.
Observe that the homothety sending $\omega$ to $\Omega$ sends $E$ to $M$ and is centered at $C$, hence $C,E,M$ are collinear. Similarly, $D,F,M$ are collinear. Also, as $\angle CEF=\angle CDF=90^\circ$, we have $C,D,E,F$ concyclic. Thus $ME\cdot MC=MF \cdot MD$, so $M$ lies on the radical axis of $\omega$ and $\omega_1$. As the perpendicular to the radical axis (passing through the centers) also passes through $P$, we obtain $\overline{PZ} \perp \overline{ZM}$. Since $\angle CZE=90^\circ$, we have $\angle CZM=\angle PZE$. We can also obtain that $\angle PEZ=\angle MCZ$ from the fact that $\triangle CEF$ is right with $Z$ as the foot of the $E$-altitude, hence $\triangle PZE \sim \triangle MZC$, from which we obtain $\frac{EZ}{CZ}=\frac{PE}{MC}$ as desired. $\blacksquare$
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by IAmTheHazard, May 17, 2021, 1:39 PM
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Pleaseletmewin
1574 posts
#21
Y by
i am definitely not sleep-deprived while writing this. also had the same issue as @above, focused on the wrong ratio at first
Since $\angle ZEP=\angle ZCE$, it suffices to prove
\begin{align*}
    \frac{PE}{CM}=\frac{ZE}{CM}\implies\frac{PE}{ZE}=\frac{CM}{CZ},
\end{align*}or $\triangle PEZ\sim\triangle MCZ$. Manipulating ratios, we have
\begin{align*}
    \frac{PZ}{ZE}=\frac{MZ}{CZ}\implies\frac{PZ}{MZ}=\frac{ZE}{CZ},
\end{align*}which means it is the same to prove $\triangle MZP\sim\triangle CZE$. However, this is also the same as proving $MEZP$ is cyclic, as if so, then $\angle MZP=\angle MEP=90^\circ=\angle CZE$ and $\angle ZEP=\angle ZEB=\angle ECZ$. Moreover, proving that $MZ$ is tangent to $\omega$ finishes, as if so, $\angle MZP=90^\circ=\angle MEP$ which implies the cyclicity as needed. Indeed, note that $M$ is on the radical axis of $\omega$ and $\omega_1$ since $MA^2=ME\cdot MC=MF\cdot MD$ by Shooting Lemma. $Z$ is trivially on the radical axis as well, and since $\omega$ and $\omega_1$ are externally tangent so we may conclude.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by Pleaseletmewin, Jul 10, 2021, 6:32 AM
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Mogmog8
1080 posts
#22 • 2 Y
Y by centslordm, hussien
Solution
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lazizbek42
548 posts
#23
Y by
$C,E,M$ collinear
$D,F,M$ collinear
$C,Z,F$ collinear
Remaining sinus Law
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pinkpig
3761 posts
#24 • 1 Y
Y by hungrypig
Solution
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YaoAOPS
1519 posts
#25 • 2 Y
Y by Mango247, Mango247
Solution
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bobthegod78
2982 posts
#26 • 1 Y
Y by Jndd
It is easy to see that $\angle ZEP \cong \angle ZCM$. Then $\tan \angle ZEP = \tan \angle ZCM = \tan \angle ZCE = \frac{EZ}{ZC}$. We need to show this is the same as $\frac{PE}{CM}$. Notice that the power of $M$ w.r.t to $\omega_1, \omega_2$ is $MA^2=MB^2$, so $M$ lies on the radical axis, along with $Z$. Then $\angle MZO_1 = 90$, so $\angle CMZ  = \angle O_1 MZ = 90 - \angle ZO_1 M  = 90 - \angle PO_1 E = \angle O_1 P E = \angle ZPE$. Then by AA, $\triangle EZP \sim \triangle CZM$, so $\frac{EZ}{ZC} = \frac{PE}{CM}$, as desired.
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Jndd
1416 posts
#27
Y by
Let $O$ and $O_1$ be the centers of $\omega$ and $\omega_1$ respectively, and let $X$ be the intersection of $PC$ with $\omega_1$ with $X\neq D$ and $Y$ be the foot of the perpendicular from $X$ to $EC$. $C, E, M$ are collinear and it's well known that $D, F, M$ are collinear. $C, Z, F$ are collinear because $\angle{O_1ZF}=\angle{O_1FZ}=\angle{ZCO}=\angle{OZC}$ because $FX\parallel EC$. Since $\triangle{ZEF}\sim\triangle{ECF}$, $\angle{ZEP}=\angle{ECF}$. Call $H$ the orthocenter of $\triangle{CEX}$. Because $\triangle{CHX}\sim\triangle{CFP}$ and $\triangle{CEH}\sim\triangle{CMF}$, we get $\frac{CX}{CP}=\frac{CH}{CF}=\frac{CE}{CM}$ which means $\triangle{CEX}\sim\triangle{CMP}$.
Hence, $\tan{\angle{ZEP}}=\tan{\angle{ECF}}=\frac{FE}{CE}=\frac{XY}{CE}=\frac{PE}{CM}$, as desired.
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PNT
320 posts
#29
Y by
Sardor wrote:
Here my solution:
Obviously, $ P $ is exsimilicenter of $ w $ and $ w_1 $, hence $ P,O,O_1,Z $ are collinear, where $ O ,O_1 $ be the centers of $ w,w_1 $, respectively.We have easily that $ \angle PEZ=\angle ZCE $, and $ \angle MZC=\angle PZE $ (because we know that $ MZ $ is common internal tangent of $ w $ and $ w_1 $ ).Thus the triangles $ PZE $ and $ CZM $ are relatively similar.Hence $ tan \angle ZEP=tan \angle ECZ= \frac{ZE}{CZ}=\frac{PE}{CM} $, so we are done !



Why $P, O_1, Z$ and $P$ are collinear?
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by PNT, Dec 7, 2022, 1:24 PM
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gracemoon124
872 posts
#30
Y by
@above There is a homothety that takes $\omega _1$ to $\omega$. Lilavati's solution explains it well.
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Bigtaitus
73 posts
#31 • 1 Y
Y by Vahe_Arsenyan
Clarly $C-E-M$ by shooting lemma, so as $E$ is the midpoint of $AB$ we get that $CM$ is diameter of $\Omega$ and $CE$ is diameter of $\omega.$ Now notice that $\angle ZEP=\angle ZCE,$ and $\tan \angle ZCE=\frac{ZC}{CE}.$ We will show that $\triangle ZEP\sim \triangle ZCM,$ which will trivially imply that we are done. As $\angle ZEP=\angle ZCE$ we just need to show $\angle PZE=\angle MZC:$

For this invert at $M$ with radius $MA=MB.$ Clarly $\omega \to \omega, AB\to \Omega, \Omega\to AB.$ So this shows that $(DZF)\to(DZF),$ implying that $MZ$ is tangent to both $\omega, (DZF).$ We now claim that $\angle PZM=90^\circ.$ Notice that by the tangency, to show this is equivalent to showing that $PZ$ passes through the centers of $(DZF)$ and $\omega.$ But this is true by Monge d'Alembert on $(DZF), \omega, \Omega,$ as this shows that $P$ is the exscimillicenter of $(DZF), \omega.$ Now just end the problem by computing $\angle PZE=90^\circ+\angle MZE=\angle MZC,$ solving the problem.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Bigtaitus, Sep 1, 2023, 10:12 PM
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Learning11
259 posts
#32
Y by
Note first that the points $P$, $D$, $E$, and $M$ are concyclic because $\angle{PDM}=\angle{PEM}=90$.

Claim: $Z$ lies on $(PDEM)$.

Proof: It suffices to show that $\angle{PZM}=90$. Since $M$ is the midpoint of major arc $AB$, $MZ$ is tangent to $\omega$ and $\Omega$, and since $P$ is the center of a homothety mapping $\omega$ to $\Omega$, $PZ$ passes through the centers of both circles.

Extend $CZ$ to point $P’$ such that the foot of the altitude from $P’$ to $CE$ is $M$. Note that $\triangle CZE \sim \triangle CMP’$, so $\frac{CZ}{CM}=\frac{CE}{CP’}\implies CZ(CP’)=CE(CM)$. By power of a point, $Z$, $P’$, $M$, and $E$ are concylic, meaning $P’$ lies on $(PDZEM)$. Since $PM$ is a diameter, $\angle{PP’M}=90$, implying $PP’ME$ is a rectangle. Finally, $\tan{ZEP}=\tan{ZCM}=\frac{P’M}{CM}=\frac{PE}{CM}$, as desired.
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