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
FE solution too simple?
Yiyj1   9
N a minute 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
a minute ago
interesting function equation (fe) in IR
skellyrah   2
N 2 minutes 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 minutes ago
Complicated FE
XAN4   1
N 4 minutes 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
4 minutes ago
Find all sequences satisfying two conditions
orl   34
N 22 minutes 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
22 minutes ago
IMO Shortlist 2011, G4
WakeUp   125
N 30 minutes 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
30 minutes ago
Z[x], P(\sqrt[3]5+\sqrt[3]25)=5+\sqrt[3]5
jasperE3   5
N an hour 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
an hour ago
IMO problem 1
iandrei   77
N an hour ago by YaoAOPS
Source: IMO ShortList 2003, combinatorics problem 1
Let $A$ be a $101$-element subset of the set $S=\{1,2,\ldots,1000000\}$. Prove that there exist numbers $t_1$, $t_2, \ldots, t_{100}$ in $S$ such that the sets \[ A_j=\{x+t_j\mid x\in A\},\qquad j=1,2,\ldots,100  \] are pairwise disjoint.
77 replies
iandrei
Jul 14, 2003
YaoAOPS
an hour ago
Divisibility on 101 integers
BR1F1SZ   4
N an hour ago by BR1F1SZ
Source: Argentina Cono Sur TST 2024 P2
There are $101$ positive integers $a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_{101}$ such that for every index $i$, with $1 \leqslant i \leqslant 101$, $a_i+1$ is a multiple of $a_{i+1}$. Determine the greatest possible value of the largest of the $101$ numbers.
4 replies
BR1F1SZ
Aug 9, 2024
BR1F1SZ
an hour ago
2^x+3^x = yx^2
truongphatt2668   2
N an hour ago by CM1910
Prove that the following equation has infinite integer solutions:
$$2^x+3^x = yx^2$$
2 replies
1 viewing
truongphatt2668
Yesterday at 3:38 PM
CM1910
an hour ago
Prove perpendicular
shobber   29
N 2 hours ago by zuat.e
Source: APMO 2000
Let $ABC$ be a triangle. Let $M$ and $N$ be the points in which the median and the angle bisector, respectively, at $A$ meet the side $BC$. Let $Q$ and $P$ be the points in which the perpendicular at $N$ to $NA$ meets $MA$ and $BA$, respectively. And $O$ the point in which the perpendicular at $P$ to $BA$ meets $AN$ produced.

Prove that $QO$ is perpendicular to $BC$.
29 replies
shobber
Apr 1, 2006
zuat.e
2 hours ago
The smallest of sum of elements
hlminh   1
N 2 hours ago by nguyenhuybao_06
Let $S=\{1,2,...,2014\}$ and $X\subset S$ such that for all $a,b\in X,$ if $a+b\leq 2014$ then $a+b\in X.$ Find the smallest of sum of all elements of $X.$
1 reply
hlminh
2 hours ago
nguyenhuybao_06
2 hours ago
Inequalities
Scientist10   0
2 hours ago
If $x, y, z \in \mathbb{R}$, then prove that the following inequality holds:
\[
\sum_{\text{cyc}} \sqrt{1 + \left(x\sqrt{1 + y^2} + y\sqrt{1 + x^2}\right)^2} \geq \sum_{\text{cyc}} xy + 2\sum_{\text{cyc}} x
\]
0 replies
+1 w
Scientist10
2 hours ago
0 replies
NT from ukr contest
mshtand1   3
N 2 hours ago by ravengsd
Source: Ukrainian TST for RMM 2021(2) and EGMO 2022 P2
Find the greatest positive integer $n$ such that there exist positive integers $a_1, a_2, ..., a_n$ for which the following holds $a_{k+2} = \dfrac{(a_{k+1}+a_k)(a_{k+1}+1)}{a_k}$ for all $1 \le k \le n-2$.
Proposed by Mykhailo Shtandenko and Oleksii Masalitin
3 replies
mshtand1
Oct 2, 2021
ravengsd
2 hours ago
Posted before ,but no solution
Nuran2010   1
N 2 hours ago by Nuran2010
Source: 1220 Number Theory Problems
Find all positive integers $n$ where $49n^3+42n^2+11n+1$ is a perfect cube
1 reply
Nuran2010
Apr 11, 2025
Nuran2010
2 hours ago
A is the smallest angle
Valentin Vornicu   25
N Jan 14, 2025 by Maximilian113
Source: IMO 1997, Problem 2, IMO Shortlist 1997, Q8
It is known that $ \angle BAC$ is the smallest angle in the triangle $ ABC$. The points $ B$ and $ C$ divide the circumcircle of the triangle into two arcs. Let $ U$ be an interior point of the arc between $ B$ and $ C$ which does not contain $ A$. The perpendicular bisectors of $ AB$ and $ AC$ meet the line $ AU$ at $ V$ and $ W$, respectively. The lines $ BV$ and $ CW$ meet at $ T$.

Show that $ AU = TB + TC$.


Alternative formulation:

Four different points $ A,B,C,D$ are chosen on a circle $ \Gamma$ such that the triangle $ BCD$ is not right-angled. Prove that:

(a) The perpendicular bisectors of $ AB$ and $ AC$ meet the line $ AD$ at certain points $ W$ and $ V,$ respectively, and that the lines $ CV$ and $ BW$ meet at a certain point $ T.$

(b) The length of one of the line segments $ AD, BT,$ and $ CT$ is the sum of the lengths of the other two.
25 replies
Valentin Vornicu
Oct 27, 2005
Maximilian113
Jan 14, 2025
A is the smallest angle
G H J
Source: IMO 1997, Problem 2, IMO Shortlist 1997, Q8
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Valentin Vornicu
7301 posts
#1 • 4 Y
Y by nguyendangkhoa17112003, mathematicsy, Adventure10, Mango247
It is known that $ \angle BAC$ is the smallest angle in the triangle $ ABC$. The points $ B$ and $ C$ divide the circumcircle of the triangle into two arcs. Let $ U$ be an interior point of the arc between $ B$ and $ C$ which does not contain $ A$. The perpendicular bisectors of $ AB$ and $ AC$ meet the line $ AU$ at $ V$ and $ W$, respectively. The lines $ BV$ and $ CW$ meet at $ T$.

Show that $ AU = TB + TC$.


Alternative formulation:

Four different points $ A,B,C,D$ are chosen on a circle $ \Gamma$ such that the triangle $ BCD$ is not right-angled. Prove that:

(a) The perpendicular bisectors of $ AB$ and $ AC$ meet the line $ AD$ at certain points $ W$ and $ V,$ respectively, and that the lines $ CV$ and $ BW$ meet at a certain point $ T.$

(b) The length of one of the line segments $ AD, BT,$ and $ CT$ is the sum of the lengths of the other two.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
grobber
7849 posts
#2 • 3 Y
Y by jt314, AllanTian, Adventure10
Let $X$ be the second intersection of $BV$ with the circle. Since $AU,BX$ are symmetric chords in the circle wrt a line which passes through the center (the perpendicular bisector of $AB$), they have equal lengths, so in order to prove that $BT+TC=AU=BX=BT+TX$, it suffices to show that $TX=TC$. A simple angle chase will show that both $\angle TCX$ and $\angle TXC$ are equal to $\angle A$, so we're done.


P.S.

The condition on $\angle A$ ensured the fact that $BX=BT+TX$, and not $BX=TX-BT$, for example.
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
#3 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
I note $x=m(\widehat {BAU}),y=m(\widehat {CAU})$. Thus, $m(\widehat {BTC})=2(x+y)=2A$

and $\frac{TB}{\sin (C-y)}=\frac{TC}{\sin (B-x)}=\frac{a}{\sin 2A}=\frac{R}{\cos A}\Longrightarrow$

$TB+TC=\frac{R}{\cos A}\cdot [\sin (B-x)+\sin (C-y)]=$

$=2R\cdot \cos \frac{B-C-x+y}{2}=2R\sin (C+x)=AU.$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
darij grinberg
6555 posts
#4 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
We also discussed this in the topic http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=32558 (in this topic, the problem was given in the weaker form "prove that $TB+TC\leq 2R$, where R is the circumradius of triangle ABC", but most of the solutions actually solved it in the stronger form).

darij
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
avatarofakato
42 posts
#5 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Let denote by $X$ a point of intersection of tangents in points $B,C$ to circumcircle of $\Delta ABC$ and by $Y$ an image of $C$ in symetry with respect to an angle bisector of $\angle BAU$ (obviosuly $Y$ lies on circumcircle of $\Delta ABC$). If $\alpha_1=\angle BAU, \alpha_2=\angle UAC$ then by simple angle chasing we get that $\angle WVT=2\alpha_1$ and $\angle VWT=2\alpha_2\Longrightarrow \angle BTC=2(\alpha_1+\alpha_2)=\angle BOC$. Now it is easy to see that $TBCX$ is cyclic so by Ptolemy's theorem we get: $BC\cdot TX = CT\cdot BX+BT\cdot CX=(BT+TC)BX$. But $\angle YAU=\angle BTX$, $\angle AUY=\angle BXT$ hence $\Delta AUY$ is similar to $\Delta TXB \Longrightarrow$ $\frac{TX}{BX}=\frac{AU}{BC}\iff \frac{BC\cdot TX}{BX}=AU \Longrightarrow AU=BT+TC$. qed
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
sayantanchakraborty
505 posts
#6 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Too easy for an IMO, isn't it! Just trigonometry.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Wolowizard
617 posts
#7 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
I found really good solution:
Consider $X$ intersection $BT$ with cicrle around $ABC$. Now by easy angle chase we have $TX=TC$ . Now because $BVA$ is isosceles so is $VUX$ . Now we have $BX=AU$ and $BX=BT+TX=BT+TC$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
larkl
27 posts
#8 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
It's also necessary to argue that T is inside the circle. If the angle BAC isn't the smallest in the triangle, T could be outside the circle, and then BT + TC > AU. That's easy to see.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
e_plus_pi
756 posts
#9 • 3 Y
Y by Satops, Adventure10, Mango247
My solution ( essentially the same as Wolowizard but still posting as it is an IMO problem :P ).

Proof. Firstly let us define a useful point. Let $K =^{Def} BT \cap (ABC)$. We proceed by the following claim.

Claim: $TK = TC$.
$\rightarrow$ $TK=TC \iff \angle TCK = \angle TKC$. Since $ K \in (ABC) \implies \angle TKC = \angle BKC = \angle BAC$. Hence it suffices to show that $\angle TCK = \angle A$. Since $ \triangle WAC$ is isosceles and so $\angle WCA= \angle CAW \implies \angle TCA = \angle CAW $. So it is now sufficient to prove that $\angle ACK = \angle BAV$. Which is again true as $\triangle VBA$ is isosceles.

Now we just need to show that $AU = BK$. $\triangle VAB \sim \triangle VKU \implies \triangle VKU$ is isosceles. Therefore $\boxed { AU = AV + VU = VB + VK = BK = BT + TK = BT +TC} \blacksquare$
Note: For those who are thinking that where was the first condition used, as larkl correctly points out that if $\angle BAC$ is not the smallest then $T$ may lie outside $(ABC)$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
winnertakeover
1179 posts
#10 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
Let $CW$ meet $(ABC)$ again at $B'$. Simple angle chasing shows that $WB'=WU$. So, $AU=AW+WU=AW+WB'=CW+WB'=TC+TB'$. Extend $BT$ to meet $(ABC)$ again at $X$. Then, $$\angle B'BT=\angle B'BA+\angle ABT=\angle B'BA+\angle BAU=\angle B'CA+\angle BAU=\angle CAU+\angle BAU=\angle BAC=\angle BB'C=\angle BB'T$$Hence, triangle $BB'T$ is isosceles. Thus, $AU=TC+TB'=TC+TB$ as wanted.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
zuss77
520 posts
#11 • 2 Y
Y by Mango247, Mango247
Almost feel bad for reviving it, but nobody mentioned that this is just follows from symmetry, no angle chase necessary. Just can't pass by.

Let $BV, CW$ meet $(ABC)$ at $X,Y$. Then $BX=CY$ like reflections of the same chord $AU$. So it's obvious that $BT+TC=BX=AU$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
guptaamitu1
656 posts
#12 • 2 Y
Y by Mango247, Math_.only.
Let $L,M,N$ be the midpoints of segments $\overline{AU},\overline{AB},\overline{AC}$, respectively.


Claim: $O$ is the $T \text{-excenter}$ of $\triangle TVW$.

proof: An easy angle chase gives that $\overline{OV},\overline{OW}$ are the external angle bisectors of $\angle OVT,\angle OWT$, respectively. This proves the claim $\square$


Now as $L$ is the foot of perpendicular from $O$ onto line $\overline{VW}$, so it follows that $TV + VL = TW + WL = \text{semiperimeter of } \triangle TVW$. So we obtain that
\begin{align*}
BT + CT &= (BV-TV) + (CW + TW) = BV + CW + (TW - TV) = AV + AW + (VL - WL) \\
& = (AV + VL) + (AW - WL) = AL + AL = 2AL = AU
\end{align*}This completes the proof of the problem. $\blacksquare$

[asy]
size(300);
pair C = dir(-30), B = dir(-140), A = dir(110), U = dir(-110) ;
dot("$A$",A,dir(90));
dot("$B$",B,dir(B));
dot("$C$",C);
draw(unitcircle);
pair O = (0,0), M = 0.5*A + 0.5*B, N = 0.5*A + 0.5*C ;
dot("$O$",O);
dot("$M$",M,dir(180));
dot("$N$",N);
draw(B--A--C);
dot("$U$",U,dir(-90));
draw(A--U);
pair V = extension(A,U,O,M), W = extension(A,U,O,N), T = extension(B,V,C,W);
dot("$V$",V,dir(30));
dot("$W$",W,dir(-140));
dot("$T$",T,dir(100));
draw(B--V);
draw(C--T);
draw(O--M);
draw(W--N);
pair L = 0.5*A + 0.5*U ; 
dot("$L$",L,dir(-40));
draw(O--L);
draw(B--C);
[/asy]
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by guptaamitu1, Jun 29, 2021, 9:24 AM
Reason: .
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
guptaamitu1
656 posts
#13
Y by
avatarofakato wrote:
Let denote by $X$ a point of intersection of tangents in points $B,C$ to circumcircle of $\Delta ABC$ and by $Y$ an image of $C$ in symetry with respect to an angle bisector of $\angle BAU$ (obviosuly $Y$ lies on circumcircle of $\Delta ABC$). If $\alpha_1=\angle BAU, \alpha_2=\angle UAC$ then by simple angle chasing we get that $\angle WVT=2\alpha_1$ and $\angle VWT=2\alpha_2\Longrightarrow \angle BTC=2(\alpha_1+\alpha_2)=\angle BOC$. Now it is easy to see that $TBCX$ is cyclic so by Ptolemy's theorem we get: $BC\cdot TX = CT\cdot BX+BT\cdot CX=(BT+TC)BX$. But $\angle YAU=\angle BTX$, $\angle AUY=\angle BXT$ hence $\Delta AUY$ is similar to $\Delta TXB \Longrightarrow$ $\frac{TX}{BX}=\frac{AU}{BC}\iff \frac{BC\cdot TX}{BX}=AU \Longrightarrow AU=BT+TC$. qed

can someone please tell what was the motivation behind constructing $Y$ ?
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
rafaello
1079 posts
#14
Y by
Let $D=BT\cap (ABC)$ and $E=CT\cap (ABC)$. Note that $\angle TCD=\angle ECD=\angle ECA+\angle ACD=\angle ABV+\angle WCA=\angle CAW+\angle WAB=\angle CAB=\angle CDT$, thus $TC=TD$, similarly $TB=TE$. Also as $CAEU$ is a isosceles trapezoid, hence $$AU=UW+AW=CW+WE=TC+TW+WE=TC+TE=TC+TB.$$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.
BVKRB-
322 posts
#15
Y by
Evan's video made me try this. I agree with him, this might be the easiest (kinda) recent IMO #2
Let $BT \cap \odot(ABC) = X$
Notice that $ABUX$ is an isosceles trapezoid because $$\angle BAU = \angle BAV = \angle ABV = \angle ABU$$Now $\angle BTC = 2 \cdot \angle BAC$ which follows trivially from angle chasing. This implies that $$\angle BTC = 2\cdot \angle TXC \implies TB=TC$$Now $$AU = BX = TB + TC \ \blacksquare$$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Mogmog8
1080 posts
#16 • 1 Y
Y by centslordm
Let $D=\overline{BT}\cap (ABC).$ Since $$\angle BAU=\angle VBA=\angle DUA,$$$ABUD$ is a cyclic isosceles trapezoid. Thus, $$\angle TDC=\angle BAU+\angle UAC=\angle ACD+\angle ACW=\angle DCT$$and $TC=TD.$ Then, $$AU=AV+VU=TB+VT+VD=TB+VT+TC-VT=TB+TC.$$$\square$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
ike.chen
1162 posts
#17
Y by
Let $BT$ meet $(ABC)$ again at $B_1$. Observe that $$\angle BTC = 180 - \angle TBC - \angle TCB = \angle BAC + \angle ABT + \angle ACT$$$$= \angle BAC + \angle BAV + \angle CAW = 2 \angle BAC$$and $$\angle TB_1C = \angle BB_1C = \angle BAC$$so $$\angle TCB_1 = \angle BTC - \angle TB_1C = 2 \angle BAC - \angle BAC = \angle BAC = \angle TB_1C$$which yields $TB_1 = TC$. Thus, we know $$TB + TC = TB + TB_1 = BB_1$$so it suffices to show $ABUB_1$ is an isosceles trapezoid. Indeed, we have $$\angle ABB_1 = \angle ABV = \angle VAB = \angle UAB = \angle UB_1B$$so $AB \parallel UB_1$, which finishes since $ABUB_1$ is cyclic. $\blacksquare$


Remarks: This problem seems scarier than it actually is. Once you find $\angle BTC = 2 \angle A$, however, adding $B_1$ follows somewhat naturally, since we'd like to force $\angle BTC$ to be an exterior angle in order to form some isosceles triangle(s).
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
HamstPan38825
8857 posts
#18
Y by
All you need to do is to construct a parallelogram isosceles trapezoid!

Let $D = \overline{BT} \cap (ABC)$ and $E = \overline{CT} \cap (ABC)$. Observe that both $ABCD$ and $ABCE$ are isosceles trapezoids. Furthermore, by a simple arc chase, $DEBC$ is an isosceles trapezoid too. Ergo $$BT+CT=CE=AU.$$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
john0512
4184 posts
#19
Y by
Let $\angle BAU=\theta_b$ and $\angle CAU=\theta_c$. Of course, $$\angle ABT=\angle BCU=\theta_b$$and $$\angle ACT=\angle CBU=\theta_c.$$Note that $\theta_b+\theta_c=\alpha.$ We have $$\angle TBC=\beta-\theta_b$$and $$\angle TCB=\gamma-\theta_c,$$which means that $$\angle BTC=180-\beta-\gamma+\theta_b+\theta_c=2\alpha,$$so $BTOC$ is cyclic.

WLOG the circumradius of $\triangle ABC$ is $\frac{1}{2}$. Then, $a=\sin\alpha$ etc. Thus, by law of sines, $$BT+CT$$$$=a(\frac{\sin\beta-\theta_b+\sin\gamma-\theta_c}{\sin2\alpha})$$and $$AU=\sin\angle ABU=\sin\beta+\theta_c.$$Since $$\sin2\alpha=2\sin\alpha\cos\alpha=2a\cos\alpha$$, it suffices to show that $$\frac{\sin\beta-\theta_b+\sin\gamma-\theta_c}{2\cos\alpha}=\sin\beta+\theta_c.$$By sum to product, we have $$\sin\beta-\theta_b+\sin\gamma-\theta_c$$$$2\sin(\frac{\beta+\gamma-\alpha}{2})\cos(\frac{\beta-\theta_b-\gamma+\theta_c}{2})$$$$=2\cos\alpha\cos(\frac{\beta-\theta_b-\gamma+\theta_c}{2}).$$Therefore, the desired equation simplifies to just $$\cos(\frac{\beta-\theta_b-\gamma+\theta_c}{2})=\sin\beta+\theta_c.$$However, we have $$(\beta+\theta_c)-(\frac{\beta-\theta_b-\gamma+\theta_c}{2})$$$$=\frac{\beta+\gamma+\theta_b+\theta_c}{2}=90,$$hence done.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
bjump
1018 posts
#20
Y by
sketch
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
kamatadu
478 posts
#21 • 1 Y
Y by GeoKing
Sketch:

$\ell_1$ and $\ell_2$ denote the perpendicular bisectors of $AB$ and $AC$ respectively.

Reflect $U$ over $\ell_1$ to get $U'$ and over $\ell_2$ to get $U''$.

$UCAU''$ and $UBAU'$ are isosceles trapeziums.

We also get that $\overline{T-C-U''}$ and $\overline{T-B-U'}$ are collinear from a litlil bit of angel chessing.

Then chasing some more angels, we get $BCU'U''$ is also an isosceles trapezium $\implies AU = U''C = U''T + TC = TB + TC$. :yoda:
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Asynchrone
65 posts
#22
Y by
Let $CT$ meet the circumcircle of $ABC$ at another point $C'$, we claim that $UC'AC$ is an isoceles trapezoid :
Proof :
This follows from $\angle{UCA} = \angle{UCC'} + \angle{C'CA} = \angle{UAC'} + \angle{WCA} = \angle{UAC'} + \angle{WAC} = \angle{UAC'} + \angle{UAC} = \angle{C'AC}$ and the fact that $U$ and $C'$ are on the same side of $AC$.
Now an isoceles trapezoid has equal diagonals, thus $CC' = AU$ and thus $CT + TC' = AU$, hence we need to prove that $TC' = BT$
Proof :
This follows from $\angle{TBC'} = \angle{TBA} + \angle{ABC'} = \angle{LBA}  + \angle{ACC'} = \angle{LAB} +\angle{ACW}  = \angle{UAB} + \angle{WAC} = \angle{UAB} + \angle{UAC} = \angle{BAC} = \angle{BC'C} = \angle{BC'T}$
Thus triangle $TBC'$ is isoceles at $T$, hence $TB = TC'$
Summarizing : $AU = CC' = CT + TC' = TC + TB$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Asynchrone, May 25, 2024, 3:20 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Math_.only.
22 posts
#23
Y by
Virgil Nicula wrote:
I note $x=m(\widehat {BAU}),y=m(\widehat {CAU})$. Thus, $m(\widehat {BTC})=2(x+y)=2A$

and $\frac{TB}{\sin (C-y)}=\frac{TC}{\sin (B-x)}=\frac{a}{\sin 2A}=\frac{R}{\cos A}\Longrightarrow$

$TB+TC=\frac{R}{\cos A}\cdot [\sin (B-x)+\sin (C-y)]=$

$=2R\cdot \cos \frac{B-C-x+y}{2}=2R\sin (C+x)=AU.$

Why BTC are equal 2x+2y ?
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Math_.only.
22 posts
#24
Y by
guptaamitu1 wrote:
Let $L,M,N$ be the midpoints of segments $\overline{AU},\overline{AB},\overline{AC}$, respectively.


Claim: $O$ is the $T \text{-excenter}$ of $\triangle TVW$.

proof: An easy angle chase gives that $\overline{OV},\overline{OW}$ are the external angle bisectors of $\angle OVT,\angle OWT$, respectively. This proves the claim $\square$


Now as $L$ is the foot of perpendicular from $O$ onto line $\overline{VW}$, so it follows that $TV + VL = TW + WL = \text{semiperimeter of } \triangle TVW$. So we obtain that
\begin{align*}
BT + CT &= (BV-TV) + (CW + TW) = BV + CW + (TW - TV) = AV + AW + (VL - WL) \\
& = (AV + VL) + (AW - WL) = AL + AL = 2AL = AU
\end{align*}This completes the proof of the problem. $\blacksquare$

[asy]
size(300);
pair C = dir(-30), B = dir(-140), A = dir(110), U = dir(-110) ;
dot("$A$",A,dir(90));
dot("$B$",B,dir(B));
dot("$C$",C);
draw(unitcircle);
pair O = (0,0), M = 0.5*A + 0.5*B, N = 0.5*A + 0.5*C ;
dot("$O$",O);
dot("$M$",M,dir(180));
dot("$N$",N);
draw(B--A--C);
dot("$U$",U,dir(-90));
draw(A--U);
pair V = extension(A,U,O,M), W = extension(A,U,O,N), T = extension(B,V,C,W);
dot("$V$",V,dir(30));
dot("$W$",W,dir(-140));
dot("$T$",T,dir(100));
draw(B--V);
draw(C--T);
draw(O--M);
draw(W--N);
pair L = 0.5*A + 0.5*U ; 
dot("$L$",L,dir(-40));
draw(O--L);
draw(B--C);
[/asy]

Wonderful solution, thank you
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
fearsum_fyz
48 posts
#26
Y by
Let $BV$ meet the circumcircle again at $C'$.

Claim: $TC = TC'$
Proof. Angle chasing.

Then we have:
$AU = AV + VU = BV + VC' = BC' = BT + TC' = TB + TC$ as desired.

https://i.imgur.com/wdiW91L_d.webp?maxwidth=1520&fidelity=grand
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Maximilian113
550 posts
#27
Y by
WLOG assume that $W$ is between $T, C.$

Let $D=BV \cap (\triangle ABC), E=CW \cap (\triangle ABC).$ Then due to symmetry from the perpendicular bisectors we have that arcs $AE=CU,$ and arcs $AD=BU.$ Adding these yields arcs $ED=BC,$ therefore $TE=TB.$ But note that $$TB+TC=AU \iff TB+TC=CE \iff TB=TE,$$so we are done. QED
Attachments:
Z K Y
N Quick Reply
G
H
=
a