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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]
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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
Continued fraction
tapir1729   11
N 40 minutes ago by Mathandski
Source: TSTST 2024, problem 2
Let $p$ be an odd prime number. Suppose $P$ and $Q$ are polynomials with integer coefficients such that $P(0)=Q(0)=1$, there is no nonconstant polynomial dividing both $P$ and $Q$, and
\[
  1 + \cfrac{x}{1 + \cfrac{2x}{1 + \cfrac{\ddots}{1 +
  (p-1)x}}}=\frac{P(x)}{Q(x)}.
\]Show that all coefficients of $P$ except for the constant coefficient are divisible by $p$, and all coefficients of $Q$ are not divisible by $p$.

Andrew Gu
11 replies
tapir1729
Jun 24, 2024
Mathandski
40 minutes ago
Cycle in a graph with a minimal number of chords
GeorgeRP   1
N an hour ago by Photaesthesia
Source: Bulgaria IMO TST 2025 P3
In King Arthur's court every knight is friends with at least $d>2$ other knights where friendship is mutual. Prove that King Arthur can place his knights around a round table in such a way that every knight is friends with the $2$ people adjacent to him and between them there are at least $\frac{d^2}{10}$ friendships of knights that are not adjacent to each other.
1 reply
GeorgeRP
Yesterday at 7:51 AM
Photaesthesia
an hour ago
Japan MO Finals 2021 P4
maple116   2
N an hour ago by Gauler
Source: Japan MO Finals 2021 P4
Let $a_1,a_2,\dots,a_{2021}$ be $2021$ integers which satisfy
\[ a_{n+5}+a_n>a_{n+2}+a_{n+3}\]for all integers $n=1,2,\dots,2016$. Find the minimum possible value of the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value among $a_1,a_2,\dots,a_{2021}$.
2 replies
maple116
Feb 14, 2021
Gauler
an hour ago
Tangents to a cyclic quadrilateral
v_Enhance   23
N an hour ago by Ilikeminecraft
Source: ELMO Shortlist 2013: Problem G9, by Allen Liu
Let $ABCD$ be a cyclic quadrilateral inscribed in circle $\omega$ whose diagonals meet at $F$. Lines $AB$ and $CD$ meet at $E$. Segment $EF$ intersects $\omega$ at $X$. Lines $BX$ and $CD$ meet at $M$, and lines $CX$ and $AB$ meet at $N$. Prove that $MN$ and $BC$ concur with the tangent to $\omega$ at $X$.

Proposed by Allen Liu
23 replies
v_Enhance
Jul 23, 2013
Ilikeminecraft
an hour ago
Strange angle condition and concyclic points
lminsl   128
N an hour ago by Giant_PT
Source: IMO 2019 Problem 2
In triangle $ABC$, point $A_1$ lies on side $BC$ and point $B_1$ lies on side $AC$. Let $P$ and $Q$ be points on segments $AA_1$ and $BB_1$, respectively, such that $PQ$ is parallel to $AB$. Let $P_1$ be a point on line $PB_1$, such that $B_1$ lies strictly between $P$ and $P_1$, and $\angle PP_1C=\angle BAC$. Similarly, let $Q_1$ be the point on line $QA_1$, such that $A_1$ lies strictly between $Q$ and $Q_1$, and $\angle CQ_1Q=\angle CBA$.

Prove that points $P,Q,P_1$, and $Q_1$ are concyclic.

Proposed by Anton Trygub, Ukraine
128 replies
lminsl
Jul 16, 2019
Giant_PT
an hour ago
Two lines meet at circle
mathpk   51
N an hour ago by Ilikeminecraft
Source: APMO 2008 problem 3
Let $ \Gamma$ be the circumcircle of a triangle $ ABC$. A circle passing through points $ A$ and $ C$ meets the sides $ BC$ and $ BA$ at $ D$ and $ E$, respectively. The lines $ AD$ and $ CE$ meet $ \Gamma$ again at $ G$ and $ H$, respectively. The tangent lines of $ \Gamma$ at $ A$ and $ C$ meet the line $ DE$ at $ L$ and $ M$, respectively. Prove that the lines $ LH$ and $ MG$ meet at $ \Gamma$.
51 replies
mathpk
Mar 22, 2008
Ilikeminecraft
an hour ago
Hard geometry
Lukariman   5
N an hour ago by Lukariman
Given circle (O) and chord AB with different diameters. The tangents of circle (O) at A and B intersect at point P. On the small arc AB, take point C so that triangle CAB is not isosceles. The lines CA and BP intersect at D, BC and AP intersect at E. Prove that the centers of the circles circumscribing triangles ACE, BCD and OPC are collinear.
5 replies
Lukariman
Yesterday at 4:28 AM
Lukariman
an hour ago
P,Q,B are collinear
MNJ2357   29
N 2 hours ago by cj13609517288
Source: 2020 Korea National Olympiad P2
$H$ is the orthocenter of an acute triangle $ABC$, and let $M$ be the midpoint of $BC$. Suppose $(AH)$ meets $AB$ and $AC$ at $D,E$ respectively. $AH$ meets $DE$ at $P$, and the line through $H$ perpendicular to $AH$ meets $DM$ at $Q$. Prove that $P,Q,B$ are collinear.
29 replies
MNJ2357
Nov 21, 2020
cj13609517288
2 hours ago
Factorising and prime numbers...
Sadigly   5
N 2 hours ago by ektorasmiliotis
Source: Azerbaijan Senior MO 2025 P4
Prove that for any $p>2$ prime number, there exists only one positive number $n$ that makes the equation $n^2-np$ a perfect square of a positive integer
5 replies
Sadigly
May 8, 2025
ektorasmiliotis
2 hours ago
IMO 2011 Problem 3
Amir Hossein   85
N 2 hours ago by NerdyNashville
Let $f : \mathbb R \to \mathbb R$ be a real-valued function defined on the set of real numbers that satisfies
\[f(x + y) \leq yf(x) + f(f(x))\]
for all real numbers $x$ and $y$. Prove that $f(x) = 0$ for all $x \leq 0$.

Proposed by Igor Voronovich, Belarus
85 replies
Amir Hossein
Jul 18, 2011
NerdyNashville
2 hours ago
Angle Relationships in Triangles
steven_zhang123   0
3 hours ago
In $\triangle ABC$, $AB > AC$. The internal angle bisector of $\angle BAC$ and the external angle bisector of $\angle BAC$ intersect the ray $BC$ at points $D$ and $E$, respectively. Given that $CE - CD = 2AC$, prove that $\angle ACB = 2\angle ABC$.
0 replies
steven_zhang123
3 hours ago
0 replies
acute triangle and its circumcenter and orthocenter
N.T.TUAN   6
N 4 hours ago by MathLuis
Source: USA TST 2005, Problem 2
Let $A_{1}A_{2}A_{3}$ be an acute triangle, and let $O$ and $H$ be its circumcenter and orthocenter, respectively. For $1\leq i \leq 3$, points $P_{i}$ and $Q_{i}$ lie on lines $OA_{i}$ and $A_{i+1}A_{i+2}$ (where $A_{i+3}=A_{i}$), respectively, such that $OP_{i}HQ_{i}$ is a parallelogram. Prove that
\[\frac{OQ_{1}}{OP_{1}}+\frac{OQ_{2}}{OP_{2}}+\frac{OQ_{3}}{OP_{3}}\geq 3.\]
6 replies
N.T.TUAN
May 14, 2007
MathLuis
4 hours ago
Nice one
imnotgoodatmathsorry   3
N 4 hours ago by Bergo1305
Source: Own
With $x,y,z >0$.Prove that: $\frac{xy}{4y+4z+x} + \frac{yz}{4z+4x+y} +\frac{zx}{4x+4y+z} \le \frac{x+y+z}{9}$
3 replies
1 viewing
imnotgoodatmathsorry
May 2, 2025
Bergo1305
4 hours ago
Imtersecting two regular pentagons
Miquel-point   2
N 4 hours ago by ohiorizzler1434
Source: KoMaL B. 5093
The intersection of two congruent regular pentagons is a decagon with sides of $a_1,a_2,\ldots ,a_{10}$ in this order. Prove that
\[a_1a_3+a_3a_5+a_5a_7+a_7a_9+a_9a_1=a_2a_4+a_4a_6+a_6a_8+a_8a_{10}+a_{10}a_2.\]
2 replies
1 viewing
Miquel-point
Yesterday at 6:27 PM
ohiorizzler1434
4 hours ago
Tilted Students Thoroughly Splash Tiger part 2
DottedCaculator   19
N Yesterday at 2:12 PM by ihatemath123
Source: ELMO 2024/5
In triangle $ABC$ with $AB<AC$ and $AB+AC=2BC$, let $M$ be the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$. Choose point $P$ on the extension of $\overline{BA}$ past $A$ and point $Q$ on segment $\overline{AC}$ such that $M$ lies on $\overline{PQ}$. Let $X$ be on the opposite side of $\overline{AB}$ from $C$ such that $\overline{AX} \parallel \overline{BC}$ and $AX=AP=AQ$. Let $\overline{BX}$ intersect the circumcircle of $BMQ$ again at $Y \neq B$, and let $\overline{CX}$ intersect the circumcircle of $CMP$ again at $Z \neq C$. Prove that $A$, $Y$, and $Z$ are collinear.

Tiger Zhang
19 replies
DottedCaculator
Jun 21, 2024
ihatemath123
Yesterday at 2:12 PM
Tilted Students Thoroughly Splash Tiger part 2
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: ELMO 2024/5
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DottedCaculator
7355 posts
#1 • 9 Y
Y by NO_SQUARES, centslordm, crazyeyemoody907, bjump, Rounak_iitr, nmoon_nya, ehuseyinyigit, chirita.andrei, MS_asdfgzxcvb
In triangle $ABC$ with $AB<AC$ and $AB+AC=2BC$, let $M$ be the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$. Choose point $P$ on the extension of $\overline{BA}$ past $A$ and point $Q$ on segment $\overline{AC}$ such that $M$ lies on $\overline{PQ}$. Let $X$ be on the opposite side of $\overline{AB}$ from $C$ such that $\overline{AX} \parallel \overline{BC}$ and $AX=AP=AQ$. Let $\overline{BX}$ intersect the circumcircle of $BMQ$ again at $Y \neq B$, and let $\overline{CX}$ intersect the circumcircle of $CMP$ again at $Z \neq C$. Prove that $A$, $Y$, and $Z$ are collinear.

Tiger Zhang
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by DottedCaculator, Jun 21, 2024, 4:17 PM
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YaoAOPS
1541 posts
#2 • 4 Y
Y by centslordm, crazyeyemoody907, Rounak_iitr, MS_asdfgzxcvb
Quite shrimple?


Claim: $BC = CQ$, and similarly $BP = BC$.
Proof. By directed lengths, we get that $BQ = b \cdot \frac{\frac{a}{2}}{a \cdot \frac{b}{b+c}} = \frac{b+c}{2}$. $\blacksquare$

Claim: $BQ, PC, AX$ concur on $(XPQ)$.
Proof. Note that $\measuredangle (AX, QB) = \measuredangle CBQ = \measuredangle BQC = \measuredangle (BQ, QA)$. This implies that $W = BQ \cap AX$ lies on $(XPQ)$. By symmetry, we similarly get $W$ lies on $PC$. $\blacksquare$
As such, it follows that $\measuredangle QBM + \measuredangle BCP = \measuredangle QWP$ which implies that the circles $(BMQ), (CMP), (PXQ)$ concur at some point $D$. Now, by triangle Miquel on $BXC$ we get that $(XYZD)$ is cyclic.

Claim: $AX, AD$ are tangents to $(XYZD)$.
Proof. Since $\measuredangle MDQ = \measuredangle MBW = \measuredangle XWQ = \measuredangle XDQ$ we get that $M$ lies on $XD$.
Note that since $\measuredangle AXD = \measuredangle AXM = \measuredangle DMB = \measuredangle DYB = \measuredangle DYX$, it follows that $AX$ is a tangent.
By orthogonality it follows that $AD$ must also be a tangent. $\blacksquare$
As such, since \[ (BC;M\infty) \overset{X}= (YZ;DX) = -1 \]this implies $A$ lies on $YZ$.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by YaoAOPS, Jun 21, 2024, 4:19 PM
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CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid
372 posts
#3 • 11 Y
Y by centslordm, CT17, khina, crazyeyemoody907, iamnotgentle, v4913, Rounak_iitr, cosdealfa, Yiyj1, Sedro, mrtheory
My problem!

[asy]
// ELMO 2024/5
size(9cm); defaultpen(0.8); defaultpen(fontsize(9pt)); dotfactor*=0.6;
pen greenfill,greendraw,lightbluedraw,bluedraw,purpledraw,pinkdraw;
greenfill = RGB(204,255,204);
greendraw = RGB(0,187,0);
lightbluedraw = RGB(85,187,255);
bluedraw = RGB(0,102,255);
purpledraw = RGB(170,34,255);
pinkdraw = RGB(255,17,255);
pair A,B,C,M,P,Q,X,Y,Z,R;
path c,d,e;
A = (-4/5,3*sqrt(7)/5);
B = (-1,0);
C = (1,0);
M = (B+C)/2;
c = circle(A,(distance(A,C)-distance(A,B))/2);
P = intersectionpoints(c,A--2*A-B)[0];
Q = intersectionpoints(c,A--C)[0];
X = intersectionpoints(c,A--A+B-C)[0];
d = circumcircle(B,M,Q);
e = circumcircle(C,M,P);
Y = intersectionpoints(d,B--X)[0];
Z = intersectionpoints(e,C--X)[0];
R = intersectionpoints(d,e)[0];
filldraw(c,greenfill,greendraw);
draw(d,purpledraw);
draw(e,purpledraw);
draw(circumcircle(X,Y,Z),pinkdraw);
draw(P--A--B--C--A,bluedraw);
draw(M--P,lightbluedraw);
draw(A--X,lightbluedraw);
draw(A--R,lightbluedraw);
draw(A--Y,lightbluedraw);
draw(B--X,lightbluedraw);
draw(C--X,lightbluedraw);
draw(M--X,lightbluedraw);
dot("$A$",A,dir(40));
dot("$B$",B,dir(230));
dot("$C$",C,dir(290));
dot("$M$",M,dir(275));
dot("$P$",P,dir(110));
dot("$Q$",Q,1.7*dir(25));
dot("$X$",X,dir(130));
dot("$Y$",Y,dir(320));
dot("$Z$",Z,dir(190));
dot("$R$",R,1.6*dir(245));
[/asy]

Let $\measuredangle$ denote directed angles modulo $180^\circ$.

By Menelaus, we have
\[\frac{BP}{PA} \cdot \frac{AQ}{QC} \cdot \frac{CM}{MB}=1,\]and since $BM=CM$ and $AP=AQ$, this gives $BP=CQ$. If we let $BP=CQ=x$ and $AP=AQ=y$, then we have $x-y=AB$ and $x+y=AC$, so $x=\tfrac{AB+AC}{2}=BC$.

Let circle centered at $A$ through $X$, $P$, and $Q$ intersect $\overline{XM}$ again at $R$.

Claim: $R$ lies on the circumcircles of $BMQ$ and $CMP$.
Proof: We have
\[\angle MRQ=180^\circ-\angle XRQ=\frac{\angle XAQ}{2}=\frac{180^\circ-\angle ACB}{2}=\angle MBQ,\]so $BMQR$ is cyclic. Analogously, $CMRP$ is cyclic. $\square$

Claim: $XYRZ$ is cyclic and its circumcircle is tangent to $\overline{AX}$.
Proof: We have
\[\measuredangle XYR=\measuredangle BYR=\measuredangle BMR=\measuredangle AXR,\]so the circumcircle of $XRY$ is tangent to $\overline{AX}$. Analogously, the circumcircle of $XRZ$ is tangent to $\overline{AX}$, so the circle through $X$ and $R$ tangent to $\overline{AX}$ passes through $Y$ and $Z$, as desired. $\square$

Let $\infty_{BC}$ be the point at infinity on $\overline{BC}$. We have $(X,R;Y,Z)\overset{X}{=}(\infty_{BC},M;B,C)=-1$, so $XRYZ$ is harmonic. Since $\overline{AX}$ is tangent to its circumcircle, we know that $\overline{AR}$ is tangent as well, so $A$, $Y$, and $Z$ are collinear by the symmedian configuration. $\blacksquare$
This post has been edited 7 times. Last edited by CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid, Sep 2, 2024, 10:04 PM
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DottedCaculator
7355 posts
#4 • 3 Y
Y by centslordm, parola, mrtheory
By lengths, $AP=AQ=\frac{b-c}2$ so $BP=CQ=a$, which gives $P=(2a:c-b:0)$ and $Q=(2a:0:b-c)$. We get $X=(2a:b-c:c-b)$. The circumcircle of $BMQ$ is $-a^2yz-b^2zx-c^2xy+(x+y+z)\left(\frac{(2b-a)(b-c)}4x+\frac12a^2z\right)=0$ so line $BX$ intersects this at $(2a:y:c-b)$, implying
$$y(-a^2(c-b)-2ac^2)-2ab^2(c-b)+\frac14(2a+c-b+y)((2b-a)(b-c)2a+2a^2(c-b))=0$$or
$$y=\frac{(b-c)(c-2b)}{(b-2c)}.$$
Similarly, $CX$ intersects this at $(2a:b-c:z)$ where $z=\frac{(c-b)(b-2c)}{c-2b}$, so $A$, $Y$, and $Z$ collinear is equivalent to $\frac y{c-b}=\frac{b-c}z$, or $yz=-(b-c)^2$, which is true.
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NO_SQUARES
1132 posts
#5 • 1 Y
Y by centslordm
Nice problem!
First we will prove that $BP=BC=CQ$. Note that by Menelaus's theorem we have \[ 1=\frac{BM}{MC} \cdot \frac{CQ}{QA} \cdot \frac{AP}{PB} = \frac{CQ}{PB},\]so $CQ=PB$. Also $CQ+PB=(CQ+QA)+(PB-PA)=AC+AB=2BC \Rightarrow CQ=PB=BC.$

Let $D=(BMQ) \cap (CMP)$. Now we will prove that $AD=AP=AQ$. Note that this condition is equivalent to condition that $A$ is center of circle $(PQD)$. Since $AP=AQ$, it's enough to prove that $\angle PAQ=2 \angle PDQ$. Note that $D$ is center of spiral similarity of segments $PQ$ and $CB$, so $\angle PQD=\angle BCD$ and $\angle PCD=\angle QBD$, so $\angle BDC=180^\circ-\angle DBC-\angle DCB=180^\circ - (\angle CBQ + \angle BCP)=180^\circ-(90^\circ - \frac{1}{2}\angle BCA + 90^\circ - \frac{1}{2}\angle CBA)=\frac{1}{2} (\angle ABC + \angle ACB)=\frac{1}{2}\angle QAP.$ So, really $\angle PAQ=2 \angle PDQ$ and $AP=AQ=AD$.

Note that if $BQ \cap AX=E$, then $\angle AEQ=\angle CBQ=\angle CQB=\angle AQE$ and so $AQ=AE \Rightarrow E \in (PQD).$ Now note that since $AD=AE=AP=AQ=AX$, $PEQDX$ is cyclic and then $\angle AXD = \angle DQB = \angle DMB$ and so $M,D,X$ are collinear. By PoP we get $XY \cdot XB = XD\cdot XM = XC \cdot XZ$, so $BYZC$ is cyclic.

We have $\angle DYX = \angle BMD = \angle CZD$, so $XYDZ$ is cyclic. Now $\angle AXZ = \angle XCB = \angle ZYX$, so $AX$ is tangent to circle $(XYDZ)$. Since $AD=AX$, line $AD$ is also tangent to circle $(XYDZ)$. By this reason it is enough to prove that $XYDZ$ is harmonic quadrilateral.

Note that $\Delta XZD \sim \Delta XMC$ and $\Delta XDY \sim \Delta XBM$, so \[ \frac{XZ}{ZD}=\frac{XM}{MC}=\frac{XM}{MB}=\frac{XY}{YD} \Rightarrow XZ \cdot DY = XY \cdot ZD\]and so we are done!
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MarkBcc168
1595 posts
#6 • 4 Y
Y by centslordm, Number_theory060222, GeoKing, Muaaz.SY
First, notice that $P$ and $Q$ both lie on line through $M$ parallel to the angle bisector of $\angle BAC$. Thus, if $P_1 = 2P-B$ and $Q_1=2Q-C$, then $AP_1=AC$ and $AQ_1=AB$. Thus, $BP = CQ = \tfrac{AB+AC}2 = BC$

Now, let $XM$ intersect $\odot(XPQ)$ at $T$. We have
$$\angle QTM = 180^\circ - \angle QTX = \frac{\angle QAX}2 = 90^\circ - \frac{\angle C}2 = \angle QBM,$$so $T\in\odot(BMQ)$. Similarly, $T\in\odot(CMP)$. By power of point from $X$, we get $BCYZ$ concyclic. Moreover, by Miquel's theorem, we get $XYZT$ concyclic.

Finally, notice that since $XM$ is median of $\triangle XBC$, we get that $XT$ is symmedian of $\triangle XYZ$. Thus, $XYZT$ is harmonic quadriltaral. Since we have $XA$ tangent to $\odot(XYZ)$ and $AX=AT$, it follows that $A\in YZ$, done.
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math_comb01
662 posts
#7 • 4 Y
Y by centslordm, Number_theory060222, Rounak_iitr, ehuseyinyigit
Nice Problem! Looks like I over-complicated lol.
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If $I_A$ is the excenter of $\triangle ABC$ and $W$ is reflection of $I_A$ in $M$. Let $BW \cap AC = Q'$ and $CW \cap AB = P'$

$\textbf{Claim 1:}$ $P' \equiv P$ and $Q' \equiv Q$.

$\textbf{Proof:}$ By reflection $\measuredangle Q'CB = 90 - \frac{C}{2}$ so $BC = CQ' = BP'$; $$AP = BC-AB = AC-BC = AQ$$and by converse of menelaus : $$\frac{BM}{MC} \cdot \frac{BP}{AP} \cdot \frac{AQ}{CQ} = 1$$, we get $M,P,Q$ are collinear which implies the claim as there exists an unique choice of $P,Q$.

$\textbf{Claim 2:}$ $AW \parallel BC$, $AW = AP=AQ$

$\textbf{Proof:}$ let $M_A$ denote the arc midpoint of arc $BC$, by ptolemy $M_AB(AB+AC) = AM_A(BC)$ so $2M_AB=AM_A$ which implies $M_AI_A=M_AI=AI$ by incenter-excenter lemma.Let $AI \cap BC = D$, then it is well known that $$-1=(BA,BD;BI,BI_A) = (AD;II_A) = \frac{IA}{ID} \cdot \frac{I_AD}{I_AA} = \frac{3 \cdot ID}{I_AD}$$, therefore $AD = I_AD$, now reflect $I_A$ about $B,C$ to get $I_A'$ and $I_A''$ then $\overline{AI_A'I_A''}$ is collinear and parallel to $BC$ as $I_AD=AD$ so we conclude $AW \parallel BC$, now for $AW=AP$ consider homothety of half at $I_A$ to get $AW = 2MD = BC-AC=AP=AQ$

Let $L = CW \cap MM_A$, let $D \in (ABC)$ such that $AD \parallel BC$, let $T = PQ \cap AD$, let $S = AD \cap MM_A$.

$\textbf{Claim 3:}$ $L \in (CMPY)$ and $\overline{LPX}$ are collinear.

$\textbf{Proof:}$ $$\measuredangle CLM = \measuredangle C/2 = \measuredangle (90- A/2 - B/2) = \measuredangle BPC - \measuredangle APQ = \measuredangle CPM $$. $$90^{\circ}= \measuredangle CPL = \measuredangle (90-B/2) + \measuredangle (B/2) = \measuredangle CPB + \measuredangle BPX = \measuredangle CPX $$
$\textbf{Claim 4:}$ $APQSM_{BC}$ is cyclic where $M_{BC}$ is arc midpoint of $BC$ containing $A$.

$\textbf{Proof:}$ $APQM_{BC}$ is cyclic as $M_{BC}QC \equiv M_{BC}PB$, notice that $\overline{MPQ}$ is simson line of $M_{BC}$ as $\measuredangle AQM_{BC} = 180-\measuredangle (90-A/2)-\measuredangle A/2 = 90 $ so $(APQ)$ is circle with diameter $M_{BC}A$ which implies $S \in (APQ)$ as well.

$\textbf{Claim 5:}$ $PXYT$ is cyclic.

$\textbf{Proof:}$ $$\measuredangle TPY = \measuredangle MPY = \measuredangle MCY = \measuredangle MCX = \measuredangle TXY $$
$\textbf{Claim 6:}$ $STYZM$ is cyclic.

$\textbf{Proof:}$ It suffices to prove that $STYM$ is cyclic and the conclusion follows by symmetry.
$$\measuredangle MYT = \measuredangle MYP - \measuredangle PYT = 180- \measuredangle MCP $$$$- \measuredangle PXA = 180-\measuredangle (90-B/2) - \measuredangle (B/2) = 90^{\circ} = \measuredangle MST $$
$\textbf{Claim 7:}$ $BCYZ$ is cyclic.

$\textbf{Proof:}$ $$\measuredangle YSW = \measuredangle YST = \measuredangle YMP = \measuredangle  YCW$$so $CSWY$ is cyclic, and similarly $SQZB$ is cyclic, so $XC \cdot XY = XS \cdot XW =XB \cdot XZ$

$\textbf{Claim 8:}$ $AX$ is tangent to $(XYZ)$

$\textbf{Proof:}$ $$\measuredangle AXY = \measuredangle YCB = \measuredangle XZY$$
Now we note that $S,T$ are inverses WRT $(APQ)$ because $A,S,T$ are collinear and $S \in (APQ)$ so $$AS \cdot AT = AX^2$$so $A$ lies on radical axes of $(STYZM)$ and $(XYZ)$, that is $YZ$, hence we're done. $\blacksquare$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by math_comb01, Jun 21, 2024, 4:50 PM
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VicKmath7
1390 posts
#8 • 1 Y
Y by Rounak_iitr
Solution
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OronSH
1745 posts
#9 • 2 Y
Y by ihatemath123, Jack_w
Very nice, just add the reflection $T$ of $X$ over $A,$ the reflection of $A$ over $T,$ the midpoint of $AT,$ the reflection of $B$ over $C,$ the intersections of the perpendicular bisector of $BC$ with lines $BQ$ and $CP,$ the foot from $A$ to $BC,$ the intouch point, the extouch point, the incenter, the orthocenter, the centroid, the circumcenter and the nagel point and now it is trivial (what I did in contest)
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ddami
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#10
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Similarly to others we can prove that lines BQ and CP meet at a point D at the circumcircle of XPQ. Here is another way to finish

Let T be the intersection of PQ with AX.
Let A' and X' be the reflections of A and X through D, respectively
Let W be the reflection of X through A'.

After a few computations we can get A'M perpendicular to BC. Thus DX'CB is a trapezoid.
Note that XYQT and XZTP are cyclic
Then angles CZT, XPT, XDQ and the supplementary of DX'C are equal. Hence TZCX' is cyclic
Then XZ * XC = XT * XX' = XA * XW and thus angles XAZ and WCX are equal
Likewise we obtain angles XAY and WBX are equal.
Since XBCW is a trapezoid we get that angles WCX and WBX are equal, thus angles XAZ and XAY are equal. Conclusion follows

Note: The computations I did to get A'M perpendicular to BC involve the hypothesis AC + AB = 2BC. Thus if the tangency point of BC with the incircle of ABC divides BC in two segments of lenghts 2b < 2c, then AB = 3b + c, AC = b + 3c, AA' = 2c - 2b, and from there we may compute AM and the altitude from A to BC
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by ddami, Jun 21, 2024, 9:58 PM
Reason: misspelled
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Ywgh1
139 posts
#11 • 1 Y
Y by Sedro
Any explanation to the title ? :)
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r00tsOfUnity
695 posts
#12
Y by
YouTube video
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X.Allaberdiyev
104 posts
#13 • 1 Y
Y by Rounak_iitr
Let me also add one sol. without details)
One can easily observe that $PB=BC=CQ$(by Menelaus th). Let $BQ \cap PC=T$, by cheva we have $X - A - T$ and simply we have $(XPQT)$ is cyclic. Next step is proving $(BYZC)$ is cyclic. Take the miquel point of $BMCTPQ$ and call that point $R$. By angle chasing we have $\angle XRT=\angle TRM=90$, so $X - R - M$. Then by PoP $(BYZC)$ is cyclic, then $AX$ is tangent to $(XYZ)$. Since $AX=AQ$, it is enough to prove that $\angle AQZ=\angle ZYQ$(because by proving this, we will prove that $A$ lies on radical axes of circles $(XYZ)$ and $(YZQ)$, which means $A - Y - Z$). Let $PM \cap XT=F$ and $PM \cap CX=G$, then $(PFZX)$ and $(YZQG)$ are cyclic, and rest follows from angle chasing, so we are done:).
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by X.Allaberdiyev, Jun 23, 2024, 1:16 PM
Reason: Typo
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Awesome3.14
1733 posts
#14 • 2 Y
Y by ehuseyinyigit, Rounak_iitr
CyclicISLscelesTrapezoid wrote:
My problem!

Let $\measuredangle$ denote directed angles modulo $180^\circ$.

By Menelaus, we have
\[\frac{BP}{PA} \cdot \frac{AQ}{QC} \cdot \frac{CM}{MB}=1,\]and since $BM=CM$ and $AP=AQ$, this gives $BP=CQ$. If we let $BP=CQ=x$ and $AP=AQ=y$, then we have $x-y=AB$ and $x+y=AC$, so $x=\tfrac{AB+AC}{2}=BC$.

Let $T$ be the reflection of $X$ over $A$. Notice that $APT \sim BPC$ and $AQT \sim CQB$ by SAS, so $\overline{BQ}$ and $\overline{CP}$ intersect at $T$. Let the circumcircles of $BMQ$ and $CMP$ intersect again at $R$.

Claim: $R$ lies on the circle centered at $A$ through $P$, $Q$, $X$, and $T$.
Proof: We have
\[\measuredangle PRQ=\measuredangle PRM+\measuredangle MRQ=\measuredangle PCM+\measuredangle MBQ=\measuredangle CTB=\measuredangle PTQ,\]so $PTQR$ is cyclic, as desired.

Since $\measuredangle BMR=\measuredangle BQR=\measuredangle TQR=\measuredangle TXR$, we obtain that $X$, $R$, and $M$ are collinear.

Claim: $XYRZ$ is cyclic and its circumcircle is tangent to $\overline{AX}$.
Proof: We have
\[\measuredangle XYR=\measuredangle BYR=\measuredangle BMR=\measuredangle AXR,\]so the circumcircle of $XRY$ is tangent to $\overline{AX}$. Analogously, the circumcircle of $XRZ$ is tangent to $\overline{AX}$, so the circle through $X$ and $R$ tangent to $\overline{AX}$ passes through $Y$ and $Z$, as desired.

Let $\infty_{BC}$ be the point at infinity on $\overline{BC}$. We have $(X,R;Y,Z)\overset{X}{=}(\infty_{BC},M;B,C)=-1$, so $XRYZ$ is harmonic. Since $\overline{AX}$ is tangent to its circumcircle, we know that $\overline{AR}$ is tangent as well, so $A$, $Y$, and $Z$ are collinear by the symmedian configuration.

ADMITS
*throws water balloon*
i didnt see anyone throw water balloons at MOP this year, can someone confirm that tiger was hit with a water balloon?
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Awesome3.14, Jul 5, 2024, 8:15 PM
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GrantStar
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#15
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Define $K$ and $L$ such that
  • $LB=LC$ and $KB=KC$,
  • $A,K,L$ lie on the same side of $BC$,
  • $\angle BLC=\angle ABC$ and $\angle BKC=\angle ACB$.

Claim: $CQ=BC=BP$.
Proof. By menelaus on $ABC$ and $P,Q,M$, \[1=\frac{BM}{MC}\cdot \frac{CQ}{QA}\cdot \frac{AP}{PB}=\frac{CQ}{PB}\]so $CQ=PB=y$ since $BM=MC$, $AP=AQ=x$. Now, $AB=BP-AP=y-x$ and $AC=y+x$ so $AB+AC=2y=2BC$ so $y=BC$. $\blacksquare$

Claim: $K$ lies on $XP, BQ$, and $(PMC)$.
Proof. Since $\angle QBA=90^{\circ} - \angle \frac{\angle C}{2}$ from $CQ=CB$, $K$ lies on $BQ$ as $\angle KBC=90^{\circ} - \frac{\angle C}{2}$. Now, $\angle MQC=\frac{\angle A}{2}$ as $AP=AQ$. Thus $\angle CMP = \angle CMQ = 180^{\circ} - \frac{\angle A}{2}-\angle C$. As $\angle PCM=90^{\circ} - \frac{\angle B}{2}$, \[\angle MPC=180^{\circ} - \angle CMP - \angle PCM = \frac{\angle C}{2}\]But since $\angle MKC = \frac{\angle C}{2}$, $K$ lies on $(CMP)$.
Now, as $A$ is the circumcenter of $XPQ$ and $\angle XAQ=180^{\circ} - \angle C$, we get $\angle XPQ=90^{\circ} - \frac{\angle C}{2}$. But \[\angle MPK=180^{\circ} - \angle KMC = 180 ^{\circ} - \left(90^{\circ} - \frac{\angle C}{2}\right) = 180 ^{\circ} - \angle XPQ,\]so $K$ lies on $XP$. $\blacksquare$

Similar results hold for $L$, so since \[\measuredangle QLK=\measuredangle QLM=\measuredangle QBM=\measuredangle KBC=\measuredangle MCK=\measuredangle MPK=\measuredangle QPK,\]$PKQL$ is cyclic, so by radical axis, $X$ lies on the radical axis of $(PCM)$, $(BMQ)$, $(PKQL)$.

Now, invert at $X$ with radius $\sqrt{\operatorname{pow}_{(PKQL)}X}$ which fixes $(PCM)$, $(BMQ)$, $(PKQL)$. It sends $Y$ to $B$, $Z$ to $C$, and $(XPQ)$ to $KL$, the perpendicular bisector of $BC$. As $A$ is the circumcenter of $XPQ$, $A$ goes to $X'$, the reflection of $X$ over $KL$. Thus $AYZ$ inverts to $XBCX'$, an isosceles trapezoid, so inverting back we conclude.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by GrantStar, Sep 2, 2024, 10:38 PM
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Muaaz.SY
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#16
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Let $E=\overline{XQ}\cap (BMQ)$ , $F=\overline{XP}\cap (CMP)$
note that $\overline{PQ}\parallel \overline{AD}$ where $D$ is the intersection of $\angle BAC$ bisector and $BC$
from $\frac{CQ}{CA}=\frac{CM}{CD}$ we can get $CQ=BC=BP$
some angle chase shows that $M$, $E$, $F$ are collinear, $BYZC$ is cyclic and $\overline{BEF} \perp \overline{BC}$
Now let $R$ be the reflection of $X$ over $\overline {ME}$, abviously $XBCR$ is cyclic.
$\angle QER=\angle XER=2\angle XEF=2\angle QBM=180-\angle QAX$
so $XA.XR=XY.XB$
To finish note that he inversion centered at $X$ with radius $\sqrt{XY.XB}$ sends $(XBCR)$ to a line $\overline{YZA}$ as needed.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Muaaz.SY, Nov 9, 2024, 4:44 PM
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awesomeming327.
1719 posts
#18
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Claim 1: $BP=BC=QC$.
By Menelaus, we have
\[\frac{AP}{BP}\cdot \frac{BM}{CM}\cdot \frac{CQ}{AQ}=1\]But since $AP=AQ$ and $BM=CM$, we must have $BP=CQ$. Then note that
\[BP+CQ=BA+AP+CA-CQ=BA+CA=2BC\]so our claim is proved.
Let $D$ be the reflection of $X$ across $A$, which is on $(XPQ)$. Then $\triangle PAD$ and $\triangle PBC$ are similar and $AD\parallel BC$ so $D$ lies on $CP$. Similarly, it lies on $BQ$. Then, by Miquel Point on complete quadrilateral $PDCMBQ$: $(BQM)$, $(CMP)$, $(DPQ)$, $(DBC)$ concur at a point, call it $S$. We have
\[\angle SYX=\angle SMB=\angle SZC\]so $(XYZ)$ also passes through $S$.

Claim 2: $BCZY$ cyclic.
Note that since
\[\angle DXS=\angle CPS=\angle BMS\]we have $S$ lies on $XM$. Thus by radical axis we are done.
Claim 3: $AX$ and $AS$ are tangent to $(XYZ)$.
We have $\angle AXZ=\angle XCB=\angle XYZ$, so $AX$ is tangent. Since $AX=AS$, $AS$ is also tangent.
Claim 4: $XYSZ$ is harmonic.
Note that since $\tfrac{XY}{XZ}=\tfrac{XC}{XB}$ it suffices to show that $SZ\cdot CX=SY\cdot BX$. This is clear:
\[SZ\cdot CX=[SXC]\csc(\angle SZX)=[SXB]\csc(\angle SYX)=SY\cdot BX\]because $XS$ is the median and because $\angle SZX$ and $\angle SYX$ are supplements.
Since $XYSZ$ is harmonic, $YZ$ passes through $A$. We are done.
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HoRI_DA_GRe8
598 posts
#20
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It's not all over , we are not rusted to dust :wallbash_red:
ELMO 2024 P5 wrote:
In triangle $ABC$ with $AB<AC$ and $AB+AC=2BC$, let $M$ be the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$. Choose point $P$ on the extension of $\overline{BA}$ past $A$ and point $Q$ on segment $\overline{AC}$ such that $M$ lies on $\overline{PQ}$. Let $X$ be on the opposite side of $\overline{AB}$ from $C$ such that $\overline{AX} \parallel \overline{BC}$ and $AX=AP=AQ$. Let $\overline{BX}$ intersect the circumcircle of $BMQ$ again at $Y \neq B$, and let $\overline{CX}$ intersect the circumcircle of $CMP$ again at $Z \neq C$. Prove that $A$, $Y$, and $Z$ are collinear.

Tiger Zhang

Note that if $I$ is the Incentre ,then $PQ \parallel AI$, using angle bisector theorem and parallel ratios we get $AP=AQ=AX=AX'=c-b$, where $A$ is the midpoint of $XX'$.This also gives $BP=BC=CQ$

Claim : $\overline{B-X'-Q}$ and $\overline{C-X'-P}$
Proof : Note that,
$$\angle BQC=\frac{180^{\circ}-\angle ACB}{2}=90^{\circ}-\frac{\angle QCB}{2}=90^{\circ}-\frac{\angle QAX'}{2}=\angle AX'Q \implies B-X'-Q$$Similarly we also have $C-X'-P$ and hence our claim is proved $\square$

Now using miquel on complete quadrilateral $QX'CM$ we have that $\odot(\triangle BMQ),\odot(\triangle CMP),\odot(PX'QX)$ meet at a certain point.Call it $D$.

Now we observe that ,
$$\angle XDP=\angle XX'P=\angle MCP=180^{\circ}-\angle PDM \implies X \in MD$$From here using power of point gives, $XZ\cdot XC=XD \cdot XM=XY \cdot XB \implies BYZC$ is cyclic.

Claim : $XYDZ$ is cyclic and $AX$ is tangent to the circle.
Proof : We can angle chase both the parts;
$$\angle XYD=\angle BMD=\angle CZD=180^{\circ}-\angle XZD \implies \text{ Part 1 }$$$$\angle AXD=\angle XMB=\angle DMB=\angle XYD \implies \text{ Part 2 } \square $$Note that since $AX=AD$ ($A$ is the centre of $(PX'QDX)$) , we get that $AD$ is tangent to $(XYDZ)$ . So it suffices to prove that the quadrilateral $XYDZ$ is harmonic. That directly follows from ,
$$(Y,Z;X,D) \stackrel{X}=(B,C;M, \infty_{BC})=-1 \text{        } \blacksquare$$
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MathLuis
1527 posts
#21
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Let $H$ the orthocenter of $\triangle BIC$ where $I$ is the incenter of $\triangle ABC$, let $HI \cap BC=D$ and let $D'$ reflection of $D$ over $I$, redefine $IM \cap AH=X$, also let altitude from $A$ to $BC$ hit $IM, BC$ at $G, L$ while letting $AI \cap BC=K$ and also let $AD' \cap BC=T$, and let $I_A$ the A-excenter.
Claim 1: $AH \parallel BC$.
Proof: First notice that from homothety $I_AT \perp BC$ so $-1=(A, K; I, I_A) \overset{\infty_{BC}}{=} (L, K; D, T)$ but we also have that $\frac{LD}{DK}=\frac{AI}{IK}=2$ so from the cross ratio we have $LK=KT$ thus from homothety also trivially notice $IM \parallel AT$ so $AGID'$ is a parallelogram where $AK$ bisects $GD'$ too which means that $GD' \parallel BC$ and thus from parallelograms we have $LD=GD'=TM$ and thus $DK=KM$ which gives that $MD' \parallel AI$ also remember it is well known that $ID, EF, AM$ are concurren at $J$ (you can drop parallel from $J$ to $BC$ and angle chase to win) and in addition since we now have $AD'MI$ is a parallelogram it happens that $J$ is the intersection of its diagonals and thus $AJ=JM$ and $IJ=JD$ however this means that $J$ lies on the A-midbase which from Iran Lemma spam is well-known to be the polar of $H$ w.r.t. incircle and we are done as by La'Hire it means $AH$ is polar of $J$ w.r.t. incircle and as seen to lie on $ID$ you can conclude $AH \perp ID$ so $AH \parallel  BC$ as desired.
Claim 2: $BH \cap AC=Q$ and $CH \cap AB=P$.
Proof: Define those points as seen above, then it is clear that $BP=BC=CQ$ by reflections and however from thales we can also have $AP=AQ=AH$ and now to finish you simply throw menelaus to see that $P,Q,M$ are colinear and in fact $D'$ lies on this line too as seen above.
The finish: Now just note that since $DK=KM$ from thales we have $XA=AH$ so $X$ is also the one from the problem statement and now if you let $N$ to be the H-queue point of $\triangle BHC$ then as $\angle XNH=90$ we have $AN=AH=AX$ too but also notice that $N$ is miquelpoint of $BPQC$ as a result and thus it lies on both $(CMP), (BMQ)$ and also on $IM$ too.
So now just notice from Miquelpoint theorem and PoP that $BYNM, MNZC, BYZC, XYNZ$ are all cyclic so we also have that $AX$ is tangent to $(XYNZ)$ but also $-1=(B, C: M, \infty_{BC}) \overset{X}{=} (Y, Z; N, X)$ which shows that not only $AN$ is tangent to $(XYNZ)$ it now also with this shows that $Y,Z,A$ are colinear as desired thus we are done :cool:.
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ihatemath123
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#22
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Nice problem :love:

By Ceva's theorem, we have $PB = BC = CQ$ (see 2022 AIME I P14).

Let $R$ be the intersection of lines $BQ$ and $CP$equivalently, $R$ is the orthocenter of $\triangle BIC$. By angle chasing, $R$ lies on $(PQX)$. Let $W$ be the second intersection of $(MBQ)$ and $(MCP)$, so $W$ is the Miquel point of $PQBC$. In particular, $W$ lies on $(PQX)$ and $(BRC)$.

Claim: $W$ is the $R$-queue point in $\triangle RBC$.
Proof: Let $Q'$ and $P'$ be the midpoint of $\overline{BQ}$ and $\overline{CP}$, respectively. Then, since $W$ is the Miquel point of quadrilateral $PQBC$, it is also the Miquel point of quadrilateral $P'Q'BC$. But $P'$ and $Q'$ are the feet from $B$ and $C$ to opposite sides in $\triangle RBC$, so by definition $W$ is the $R$-queue point.

Claim: Points $W$, $X$ and $M$ are collinear.
Proof: From the above claim, it follows that $W$, $I$ and $M$ are collinear. So, it suffices to show that $M$, $I$ and $X$ are collinear. Let $N$ be the circumcenter of $\triangle BIC$. Point $R$ lies on line $AX$ because $IR = 2MN$ and then some dumb $AB + AC = 2BC$ stuff. So, $R$ and $X$ are reflections about $A$. Some dumb mass point stuff probably finishes.

Claim: We have that $(XYZ)$ is tangent to $\overline{AX}$.
Proof: We have $\measuredangle XYZ = \measuredangle BCX = \measuredangle AXZ$.

Point $W$ lies on $(XYZ)$ by Miquel's theorem on $\triangle XBC$. Projecting $BMC \infty$ through $X$ onto $(XYZ)$ gives us that $XYWZ$ is harmonic. Since $\overline{XA}$ is tangent to $(XYZ)$ and $AX = AW$, it follows that $\overline{WA}$ is also tangent to $(XYZ)$. The collinearity follows.

remark
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