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k a May Highlights and 2025 AoPS Online Class Information
jlacosta   0
Yesterday at 11:16 PM
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.

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[*]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
Yesterday at 11:16 PM
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
Triangles in dissections
Assassino9931   0
a few seconds ago
Source: RMM Shortlist 2024 C2
Fix an integer $n\geq 3$ and let $A_1A_2\ldots A_n$ be a convex polygon in the plane. Let $\mathcal{M}$ be the set of all midpoints $M_{i,j}$ of segments $A_iA_j$ where $i\neq j$. Assume that all of these midpoints are distinct, i.e. $\mathcal{M}$ consists of $\frac{n(n-1)}{2}$ elements. Dissect the polygon $M_{1,2}M_{2,3}\ldots M_{n,1}$ into triangles so that the following hold:

(1) The intersection of every two triangles (interior and boundary) is either empty or a common
vertex or a common side.
(2) The vertices of all triangles lie in M (not all points in M are necessarily used).
(3) Each side of every triangle is of the form $M_{i,j}M_{i,k}$ for some pairwise distinct indices $i,j,k$.

Prove that the total number of triangles in such a dissection is $3n-8$.
0 replies
Assassino9931
a few seconds ago
0 replies
IMO Shortlist Problems
ABCD1728   1
N 3 minutes ago by mrtheory
Source: IMO official website
Where can I get the official solution for ISL before 2005? The official website only has solutions after 2006. Thanks :)
1 reply
ABCD1728
Today at 12:44 PM
mrtheory
3 minutes ago
Process on scalar products and permutations
Assassino9931   0
5 minutes ago
Source: RMM Shortlist 2024 C1
Fix an integer $n\geq 2$. Consider $2n$ real numbers $a_1,\ldots,a_n$ and $b_1,\ldots, b_n$. Let $S$ be the set of all pairs $(x, y)$ of real numbers for which $M_i = a_ix + b_iy$, $i=1,2,\ldots,n$ are pairwise distinct. For every such pair sort the corresponding values $M_1, M_2, \ldots, M_n$ increasingly and let $M(i)$ be the $i$-th term in the list thus sorted. This denes an index permutation of $1,2,\ldots,n$. Let $N$ be the number of all such permutations, as the pairs run through all of $S$. In terms of $n$, determine the largest value $N$ may achieve over all possible choices of $a_1,\ldots,a_n,b_1,\ldots,b_n$.
0 replies
Assassino9931
5 minutes ago
0 replies
Tangency geo
Assassino9931   0
9 minutes ago
Source: RMM Shortlist 2024 G1
Let $ABC$ be an acute triangle with $\angle ABC > 45^{\circ}$ and $\angle ACB > 45^{\circ}$. Let $M$ be the midpoint of the side $BC$. The circumcircle of triangle $ABM$ intersects the side $AC$ again at $X\neq A$ and the circumcircle of triangle $ACM$ intersects the side $AB$ again at $Y\neq A$. The point $P$ lies on the perpendicular bisector of the segment $BC$ so that the points $P$ and $A$ lie on the same side of $XY$ and $\angle XPY = 90^{\circ} + \angle BAC$. Prove that the circumcircles of triangles $BPY$ and $CPX$ are tangent.
0 replies
Assassino9931
9 minutes ago
0 replies
Inequalities in real math research
Assassino9931   0
12 minutes ago
Source: RMM Shortlist 2024 A3
For a positive integer $n$ denote $F_n(x_1,x_2,\ldots,x_n) = 1 + x_1 + x_1x_2 + \cdots +x_1x_2\ldots x_n$. For any real numbers $x_1\geq x_2 \geq \ldots \geq x_k \geq 0$ prove that
\[ \prod_{i=1}^k F_i(x_{k-i+1},x_{k-i+2},\ldots,x_k) \geq \prod_{i=1}^k F_i(x_i,x_i,\ldots,x_i)\]
0 replies
Assassino9931
12 minutes ago
0 replies
A folklore polynomial game
Assassino9931   0
15 minutes ago
Source: RMM Shortlist 2024 A1, also Bulgaria Regional Round 2016, Grade 12
Fix a positive integer $d$. Yael and Ziad play a game as follows, involving a monic polynomial of degree $2d$. With Yael going first, they take turns to choose a strictly positive real number as the value of one of the coecients of the polynomial. Once a coefficient is assigned a value, it cannot be chosen again later in the game. So the game
lasts for $2d$ rounds, until Ziad assigns the final coefficient. Yael wins if $P(x) = 0$ for some real
number $x$. Otherwise, Ziad wins. Decide who has the winning strategy.
0 replies
Assassino9931
15 minutes ago
0 replies
Two circles, a tangent line and a parallel
Valentin Vornicu   104
N an hour ago by cubres
Source: IMO 2000, Problem 1, IMO Shortlist 2000, G2
Two circles $ G_1$ and $ G_2$ intersect at two points $ M$ and $ N$. Let $ AB$ be the line tangent to these circles at $ A$ and $ B$, respectively, so that $ M$ lies closer to $ AB$ than $ N$. Let $ CD$ be the line parallel to $ AB$ and passing through the point $ M$, with $ C$ on $ G_1$ and $ D$ on $ G_2$. Lines $ AC$ and $ BD$ meet at $ E$; lines $ AN$ and $ CD$ meet at $ P$; lines $ BN$ and $ CD$ meet at $ Q$. Show that $ EP = EQ$.
104 replies
Valentin Vornicu
Oct 24, 2005
cubres
an hour ago
Austrian Regional MO 2025 P4
BR1F1SZ   2
N 2 hours ago by NumberzAndStuff
Source: Austrian Regional MO
Let $z$ be a positive integer that is not divisible by $8$. Furthermore, let $n \geqslant 2$ be a positive integer. Prove that none of the numbers of the form $z^n + z + 1$ is a square number.

(Walther Janous)
2 replies
BR1F1SZ
Apr 18, 2025
NumberzAndStuff
2 hours ago
Austrian Regional MO 2025 P3
BR1F1SZ   1
N 2 hours ago by NumberzAndStuff
Source: Austrian Regional MO
There are $6$ different bus lines in a city, each stopping at exactly $5$ stations and running in both directions. Nevertheless, for every two different stations there is always a bus line connecting these two stations. Determine the maximum number of stations in this city.

(Karl Czakler)
1 reply
BR1F1SZ
Apr 18, 2025
NumberzAndStuff
2 hours ago
Austrian Regional MO 2025 P2
BR1F1SZ   2
N 2 hours ago by NumberzAndStuff
Source: Austrian Regional MO
Let $\triangle{ABC}$ be an isosceles triangle with $AC = BC$ and circumcircle $\omega$. The line through $B$ perpendicular to $BC$ is denoted by $\ell$. Furthermore, let $M$ be any point on $\ell$. The circle $\gamma$ with center $M$ and radius $BM$ intersects $AB$ once more at point $P$ and the circumcircle $\omega$ once more at point $Q$. Prove that the points $P,Q$ and $C$ lie on a straight line.

(Karl Czakler)
2 replies
BR1F1SZ
Apr 18, 2025
NumberzAndStuff
2 hours ago
Austrian Regional MO 2025 P1
BR1F1SZ   2
N 2 hours ago by NumberzAndStuff
Source: Austrian Regional MO
Let $n \geqslant 3$ be a positive integer. Furthermore, let $x_1, x_2,\ldots, x_n \in [0, 2]$ be real numbers subject to $x_1 + x_2 +\cdots + x_n = 5$. Prove the inequality$$x_1^2 + x_2^2 + \cdots + x_n^2 \leqslant 9.$$When does equality hold?

(Walther Janous)
2 replies
BR1F1SZ
Apr 18, 2025
NumberzAndStuff
2 hours ago
positive integers forming a perfect square
cielblue   0
3 hours ago
Find all positive integers $n$ such that $2^n-n^2+1$ is a perfect square.
0 replies
cielblue
3 hours ago
0 replies
Function equation
LeDuonggg   6
N 3 hours ago by MathLuis
Find all functions $f: \mathbb{R^+} \rightarrow \mathbb{R^+}$ , such that for all $x,y>0$:
\[ f(x+f(y))=\dfrac{f(x)}{1+f(xy)}\]
6 replies
LeDuonggg
Yesterday at 2:59 PM
MathLuis
3 hours ago
A nice and easy gem off of StackExchange
NamelyOrange   0
3 hours ago
Source: https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/3818796/
Define $S$ as the set of all numbers of the form $2^i5^j$ for some nonnegative $i$ and $j$. Find (with proof) all pairs $(m,n)$ such that $m,n\in S$ and $m-n=1$.
0 replies
NamelyOrange
3 hours ago
0 replies
Problem3
samithayohan   114
N Apr 20, 2025 by Retemoeg
Source: IMO 2015 problem 3
Let $ABC$ be an acute triangle with $AB > AC$. Let $\Gamma $ be its circumcircle, $H$ its orthocenter, and $F$ the foot of the altitude from $A$. Let $M$ be the midpoint of $BC$. Let $Q$ be the point on $\Gamma$ such that $\angle HQA = 90^{\circ}$ and let $K$ be the point on $\Gamma$ such that $\angle HKQ = 90^{\circ}$. Assume that the points $A$, $B$, $C$, $K$ and $Q$ are all different and lie on $\Gamma$ in this order.

Prove that the circumcircles of triangles $KQH$ and $FKM$ are tangent to each other.

Proposed by Ukraine
114 replies
samithayohan
Jul 10, 2015
Retemoeg
Apr 20, 2025
Problem3
G H J
G H BBookmark kLocked kLocked NReply
Source: IMO 2015 problem 3
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Thapakazi
59 posts
#127
Y by
Let $X$ be the antipode of $A$. It can easily be shown that $X,M,H,Q$ are collinear. Let $P$ be the intersection of $AF$ with $\Gamma$.

Claim $1$ : $(XHP)$ and $(MHF)$ are internally tangent, and also externally tangent to $(HKQ)$.

Follows from the fact that $XH$, $MH$ and $HQ$ are the diameters of the respective circles and all four points are collinear.

Claim $2$ : $(HKP)$ is tangent to line $XQ.$

Let $I$ be the antipode of $Q$ w.r.t $\Gamma.$ Then $Q,O,I$ and $K,H,I$ are collinear. Note that $AQXI$ is a rectangle. Thus,

$$ \angle XHP = \angle MHP = \angle IAP = \angle IKP = \angle HKP,$$
as needed.

Let $N$ be the center of $(PHK).$ Note that $N$ lies on $BC$ as $MH = MP$. Furthermore, by claim $2$ it follows $NH$ and $NK$ is tangent to $(HKQ)$. Thus $NH^2 = NK^2$. Furthermore, by claim $1$, we get that $NH^2 = NF \cdot NM$. Hence, $NK^2 = NF \cdot NM.$ Which gives our desired tangency.
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leader
339 posts
#128
Y by
Let $QT,AD$ be diameters of $\Gamma$ and let $S$ be the midpoint of $HT$. Since $BHCD$ is a parallelogram $D,M,H$ are collinear and $\angle DQA=90$ so $D,M,Q,H$ are collinear. Since $\angle TKQ=90$ we have $T,H,K$ collinear. We have $HQ\cdot HM=HQ\cdot HD/2=HK\cdot HT/2=HK\cdot HS$ so $QKMS$ is cyclic. Also $\angle MQA=\angle MFA=90$ so $MFQA$ is cyclic. Since $OS||QH$ and $\angle HQA=90$, $OS$ is the perpendicular bisector of $AQ$. Thus $\angle SAQ=\angle SQA=\angle MSQ$ (since $MS||TD||AQ$). Let $AH$ meet $\Gamma$ again at $L$. We have $HF\cdot HA=HL\cdot HA/2=HK\cdot HT/2=HK\cdot HS$ and so $KFSA$ is cyclic. Now we have that $$\angle KMF+\angle FKH=\angle HMF-\angle HMK+\angle FAS=\angle HAQ-\angle QSK+\angle FAS=\angle SAQ-\angle QSK=\angle QSM-\angle QSK=\angle MSK=\angle KQH$$.

Now if $l$ is tangent to the circumcircle of $KFM$ at $K$ with a point $P$ on $l$ on the same side of $KF$ as $L$ we get $\angle PKH=\angle FKH+\angle FKP=\angle FKH+\angle KMF=\angle KQH$ and hence $l$ is tangent to the circumcircle of $KQH$ so the $2$ circles are tangent.
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ohhh
46 posts
#130
Y by
Define $AH \cap BC = D$, $BH \cap AC = E$ and $CH \cap AB = F$, $EF \cap BC = T$, $A´$ the $A$-antipode, $U = BB \cap CC$.
Also, let $S$ be the non-$A$ point on $(ABC)$ such that $TA=TS$, $TS \cap (ABC) = R$ and $TK \cap (ABC) = L$.

By simple angle chasing, we obtain:
$(QKH)$ tangent to $(KDML)$ $\leftrightarrow$ $\angle KDL = \angle QHK + \angle QKL $.
So, it´s enough to prove that D is $LR \cap KS$, because it´s implies
$\angle KDL = \widehat{RS} + \widehat{KL} \implies \angle KDL = \angle QHK + \angle QKL$.

Now, let´s again reduce the problem:
$D$ is $LR \cap KS$ $ \leftrightarrow$ $KR \cap LS$ = $U$ (Consequence of Brocard´s theorem)
And $KR \cap LS = U \leftrightarrow K-R-U$ (Can easily be proved projecting through T or by ratio lemma)

Then, our main objective is to prove $K-R-U$ i.e. prove that line $KR$ is symmedian of $\triangle BKC$
$\leftrightarrow \angle BKR = \angle MKC \leftrightarrow \widehat{BR} = \angle MKH - \angle CKH \leftrightarrow \widehat{BR} = \angle MKH - (\widehat{QA} - \widehat{CA`}$ $(@)$
Notice that we can obtain $\widehat{BR}$ as follows:
$\angle TAS =  90 - \angle ATO \implies \widehat{SQ} = 90 - \angle ATO \implies \widehat{BR} = 90 - \angle ATO - \widehat{QB} - \widehat{RS} \implies \widehat{BR} = 90 - \angle ATO - \widehat{QB} - \widehat{QA} \implies \widehat{BR} = 90 - \angle ATO - \angle C$

Replacing in $(@)$, we need to prove:
$ 90 - \angle ATO - \angle C = \angle MKH - (\widehat{QA} - 90 + \angle B) \leftrightarrow 90 - (\angle ATC - \angle OTM) - \angle C = \angle MKH - \widehat{QA} + 90 - \angle B \leftrightarrow 90 - (\angle B - \widehat{QB} -\angle OTM) - \angle C = \angle MKH -\widehat{QA} + 90 - \angle B \leftrightarrow  90 + \widehat{QB} - \angle B + \angle OTM = 90 + (\angle C - \widehat{QA}) - \angle B + \angle MKH \leftrightarrow \angle OTM = \angle MKH $
But it is well known that D is the ortocenter of $\triangle OTU \implies \angle OTM = \angle DUM $, so it´s suffices prove $\angle MUD = \angle MKH$!!!!!

Final part: Trigonometry :D
$\angle QCA = x$, $\angle MKH = y$, $\angle DLM = z$ and WLOG the radius of $(ABC) = 1/2$
LS=Law of sines

1) Calculating $cotgy$ in function of $cotg x$

Classic ratio lemma in $\triangle HKA'$ with $KM$;
$1 = \frac{KA´}{KH} \cdot \frac{sen(x-y)}{seny}$ ($\frac{KA´}{KH} = \frac{AA´}{QH}$ because $\triangle AKA´ \sim \triangle KQH$)
$\implies 1 = \frac{AA´}{QH} \cdot \frac{sen(x-y)}{seny} \implies QH = \frac{sen(x-y)}{seny}$
But $ QH \cdot HM = AH \cdot HD \implies QH = \frac{AH}{HA´} \cdot 2HD$, using LS in $\triangle AHA´$,
$\implies \frac{senx}{sen(\angle B - \angle C)} \cdot 2HD = \frac{sen(x-y)}{seny}$ (EZ to get $HD = cos\angle B \cdot cos \angle C$)
$\implies \frac{2senx}{sen(\angle B - \angle C)} \cdot cos\angle B \cdot cos\angle C = senx \cdot cotgy - cosx$

Finally: $cotgy = \frac{2cos\angle B \cdot cos\angle C}{sen(\angle B - \angle C)} + cotgx$.

2) Calculating $cotgx$

LS in $\triangle CEQ$;
$\frac{QE}{senx} = \frac{QC}{sen(\angle B - \angle C + x)} \implies \frac{sen(\angle B - \angle C + x)}{senx} = \frac{QC}{QE}$
But $\triangle QEF \sim \triangle QCB \implies \frac{QC}{QE} = \frac{BC}{EF} = \frac{1}{cos \angle A}$, doing the same generic procedure:
$cotgx = \frac{\frac{1}{cos \angle A} - cos(\angle B -\angle C)}{sen(\angle B - \angle C)}$
Consequently
$cotgy = \frac{2cos \angle B \cdot cos \angle C - cos(\angle B - \angle C) + \frac{1}{cos \angle A}}{sen(\angle B - \angle C)}$

$\implies cotgy = \frac{sen \angle A}{cos \angle A \cdot sen(\angle B - \angle C)}$

3) Calculating $cotgz$

Ratio lemma in $\triangle LMB$ with $LD$;
$\frac{BD}{DM} = \frac{BL}{BM} \cdot \frac{sen(\angle (90 - A) - z)}{senz}$
$...$
$\implies cotgz = sen \angle A \cdot \frac{\frac{2sen\angle C cos\angle B}{sen \angle A - 2sen \angle C sen \angle B} + 1}{cos \angle A}$

4) Concluding $y = z$

$\leftrightarrow cotgy = cotgz$
$\leftrightarrow sen \angle A \cdot \frac{\frac{2sen\angle C cos\angle B}{sen \angle A - 2sen \angle C sen \angle B} + 1}{cos \angle A} = \frac{sen \angle A}{cos \angle A \cdot sen(\angle B - \angle C)}$
$\leftrightarrow 2sen\angle C cos\angle B sen(\angle B - \angle C) = (sen\angle A - 2sen\angle C cos\angle B)(sen\angle A - sen\angle (\angle B - \angle C))$

Using $sen\angle A = sen\angle (\angle B + \angle C)$:

$\leftrightarrow 2sen\angle C cos\angle B sen(\angle B - \angle C) = (sen\angle (\angle B + \angle C) - 2sen\angle C cos\angle B) \cdot 2sen\angle C cos \angle B$

$\leftrightarrow sen\angle (\angle B - \angle C) = sen\angle B cos\angle C - sen\angle C cos\angle B$, which is true $\implies$ in fact $\angle MUD = \angle MKH$ :D
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awesomehuman
499 posts
#131 • 2 Y
Y by crazyeyemoody907, OronSH
Let $X$ be the second intersection of $(QKH)$ and $(BHC)$. An inversion $\phi$ at $M$ with radius $MB$ swaps $(BHC)$ with $(BAC)$. It is well-known that $Q$, $H$, and $M$ are collinear. Thus the inversion sends $(QKH)$ to $(QKH)$. Therefore, $K$ and $X$ are swapped, so $K$, $X$, and $M$ are collinear. Thus, $M=QH\cap KX$.

Let $P=QX\cap KH$. Let $N=QK\cap HX$. By the radical center theorem, $N$ is on $BC$. By Brocard's theorem, the polar of $P$ wrt $(QKH)$ is $MN$, which is $BC$. Let $F'$ be the pole of $QX$ with respect to $(QKH)$. By La Hire's theorem, since $P$ is on $QX$, $F'$ is on $BC$.

Since $F'Q$ is tangent to $(QKH)$, we have $\angle MQF'=\angle HQF'=90=\angle MFH$. Since $\phi$ swaps $H$ and $Q$, it also swaps $F$ and $F'$. Also, $\phi$ sends $K$ to $X$. Therefore, $\phi$ sends $(KFM)$ to $F'X$. It suffices to show $F'X$ is tangent to $(QKH)$. This is true because $F'$ is the pole of $QX$.
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Ywgh1
139 posts
#133
Y by
2015 IMO p3

Consider negative inversion at $H$, Let $R$ be the midpoint of $HQ$, let $H’$ be the midpoint of $AF$, Let $M$ be the midpoint of $BC$, $N$ be a point on nine point circle such that $QH \perp NM$.

Our inversion will send $A$ to $F$, $K$ to $N$ $Q$ to $M$.
We want to show that $MN$ is tangent to $(QAN)$.

We claim that $NMRH’$ is a rectangle, proving that we get that $NA=NQ$, as $MN \| AQ$, this implies the problem.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Ywgh1, Aug 24, 2024, 4:26 PM
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Eka01
204 posts
#134 • 1 Y
Y by Sammy27
Basically the same as Evan's solution in $EGMO$. I originally had a different finish after the inversion but then I never got around to writing the solution until $OTIS$ causing me to forget what I'd done so this is just for storage basically.

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This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by Eka01, Aug 27, 2024, 4:15 PM
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Shreyasharma
679 posts
#135
Y by
20 minute solve, took time to find the right inversion.
Note that $Q$, $H$ and $M$ are collinear from reflecting $H$ about $M$ to $H'$ and noting that $AH'$ is a diameter of $(ABC)$. Now consider the inversion with power $AH \cdot HF$, which swaps the following pairs of points:
  • The pairs $(A, F)$, $(B, E)$ and $(C, D)$ where $D$ and $E$ are the feet from $B$ and $C$ to $AC$ and $AB$ respectively.
  • The pair $(Q, M)$, as $\angle HQA = \angle HFM = 90$.
  • The pair $(K, N)$, where $N$ denotes the point on $(DEF)$ such that $\angle HMN = 90$.
Hence we wish to show $MN$ is tangent to $(NAQ)$ - however noting that $MN \parallel AQ$ as they are both perpendicular to $QM$, it follows that it suffices to show $NA = NQ$. This would follow immediately if we could show $2MN = AQ$, yet this is clear from the homothety at $H$ with scale factor $2$ sending $(DEF)$ to $(ABC)$, finishing. $\square$
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Mathandski
756 posts
#136
Y by
I inverted at H
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SomeonesPenguin
128 posts
#137 • 1 Y
Y by zzSpartan
So this took about 10 minutes.

Let $O$ be the circumcenter, $A'$ be the $A$ antipode, $N$ be the midpoint of $AH$ and $T$ lies on the nine-point circle such that $TM\perp HM$.

It is known that $\overline{A'-M-H-Q}$. Now invert at $H$ with radius $\sqrt{-HA\cdot HF}$. It's easy to see that $Q\mapsto M$, $K\mapsto T$ and $A\mapsto F$.

After inversion, it suffices to prove that $MT$ is tangent to $(AQT)$. From middle lines, $ON$ is parallel to $A'Q$, hence $ON\perp AQ$ so $ON$ is the perpendicular bisector of $AQ$. Now notice that $NM$ is a diameter in the nine-point circle so $\angle NTM=\angle TMH=90^\circ$ , or $NT\parallel MH$. Therefore, we get $\overline{T-O-N}$ and since $ON$ is the perpendicular bisector of $AQ$, we get the desired conclusion. $\blacksquare$
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ihatemath123
3446 posts
#138 • 1 Y
Y by OronSH
Invert at $H$.

Let $N^*$ be the minor arc midpoint of arc $B^{*}C^*$ in $(A^*B^*C^*)$. Since $N^*$ and $Q^*$ are antipodal arc midpoints in $(A^*B^*C^*)$, it follows that $\angle N^* K^* Q^* = 90^{\circ}$. We also have $\angle K^* Q^* H = 90^{\circ}$ by definition. It's well known that the uninverted $M$, $H$ and $Q$ are collinear, so $M^*$, $H$ and $Q^*$ are collinear – since $M^*$ lies on $(HB^*C^*)$, it follows that $M^*$ is the foot from $F^*$ to line $HQ^*$.

Now, what we want to show is clearly true: $\overline{Q^*K^*} \parallel \overline{M^* F^*}$ and $M^* K^* = F^* K^*$ since line $N^* K^*$ is the perpendicular bisector of $\overline{M^* F^*}$. Therefore, $(F^* K^* M^* )$ is tangent to line $KQ$.
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iStud
268 posts
#140
Y by
reim's spam lol

Note that it suffices to prove that $\angle{MFK}-\angle{QHK}=\angle{MKQ}=90^\circ+\angle{HKM}$.

Let $O$ be the circumcenter of $\triangle{ABC}$. Define $A',Q'$ to be the antipodes of $A,Q$, respectively .Notice that $Q$ is the $A$-queue point of $\triangle{ABC}$, so it's well known that $\overline{Q,H,M,A'}$. Moreover, $\overline{K,H,Q'}$. Let $J$ be the midpoint of $Q'H$. Note that $AF\cap(ABC)$ is the reflection of $H$ over $BC$ and $A'$ is the reflection of $H$ over $M$. Using Reim's Theorem 2 times, we conclude that $AJFK$ and $MJQK$ are cyclic.

Let $\angle{HQK}=\alpha$ and $\angle{JQM}=\beta$. Note that $J$ must be lying on the mid parallel line of $AQ$ and $A'Q'$ (which passes through $O$), so $\angle{AJQ}=2\angle{JQM}=2\beta$. We have $JO\parallel HQ$, so $\angle{AFK}=\angle{AJK}=\angle{AJO}+\angle{OJK}=\frac{\angle{AJQ}}{2}+\angle{QHK}=90^\circ-\alpha-\beta$, then $\angle{MFK}=90^\circ+\angle{AFK}=180^\circ-\alpha+\beta$. Lastly, using information that $\angle{QHK}=90^\circ-\alpha$, we can have $\angle{MFK}-\angle{QHK}=90+\beta=90^\circ+\angle{JQM}=90^\circ+\angle{JKM}=90^\circ+\angle{HKM}$, as desired. $\blacksquare$

P2 of GOWACO 2021 was definitely much harder than this one :P
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Ilikeminecraft
611 posts
#141
Y by
rename appropriately first($F \to D, Q\to D$).
Invert about $H$ first with radius $-\sqrt{AH\cdot HD}.$ Then, the circumcircle maps onto the 9-point circle, $K$ maps to intersection of 9 point circle and the line perpendicular to $GM$ that passes through $M.$ Clearly, $G\leftrightarrow M$. Problem simplifies to proving that $(AGK^*)$ is tangent to $MK^*.$
Then, reflect $H$ across $K^*$ and $M,$ and they both land on the circumcircle. In fact, they form a rectangle. This finishes.
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cj13609517288
1900 posts
#142 • 1 Y
Y by MS_asdfgzxcvb
This works????????

Let $\ell$ be the line through $M$ perpendicular to $HM$, and let $S$ be the point on $\ell$ such that $(QAS)$ is tangent to $\ell$. Since $QA\perp QM$, $S$ is the projection of the midpoint of $QA$ onto $\ell$. So in complex coordinates with $(ABC)$ as the unit circle,
\[s=m+\frac{a-q}{2}\Longrightarrow 2s-h=2m+a-q-h=-q.\]Therefore, the reflection of $H$ over $S$ is exactly the $Q$-antipode, meaning that $K$ lies on $HS$.

Now consider the negative inversion centered at $H$ swapping $A$ and $F$. Then it also swaps $Q$ and $M$, and $K$ and $S$ because they are collinear with $H$ and also $\ell$ swaps with $(QH)$. So since $(QAS)$ is tangent to $\ell$, we get $(MFK)$ is tangent to $(QH)$. $\blacksquare$
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VideoCake
9 posts
#143
Y by
Solution. Let \(A'\) be the antipode of \(A\) on \(\Gamma\). Observe that \(H, M, A'\) are collinear (as \(M\) is known to be the midpoint of \(HA'\)) and observe that \(Q, H, A'\) are collinear (as \(AQ \perp QH\)). Thus, \(Q, M, H\) are collinear. Let \(D, E\) be the foots of the altitudes from \(B, C\).
Perform an inversion around a circle with center \(H\). Denote \(X^*\) to be the inverted image of \(X\). We get that
  • \(F^*D^*E^*\) is a triangle with orthic triangle \(A^*B^*C^*\) and orthocenter \(H^*\).
  • \(Q^*\) lies on the line \(A^*D^*\) and on the circle \((A^*B^*C^*)\), as \(AQDH\) is cyclic.
  • \(K^*\) is on the perpendicular line to \(H^*Q^*\) through \(Q^*\) and on \((A^*B^*C^*)\), as \(K\) lies on the circle with diameter \(QH\).
  • \(M^*\) is the intersection of \((H^*B^*C^*F^*)\) and \(Q^*M^*\), as line \(BC\) goes to the circle \((H^*B^*C^*)\).
It is enough to show that \((M^*F^*K^*)\) is tangent to \(Q^*K^*\). For simplicity, we remove the \(*\) symbols from the points and solve the remaining problem. Let \(O\) be the circumcenter of \((BMFCH)\).
First, it is known that \(H\) is the incenter of \(\Delta ABC\), and that \(D\), \(E\) and \(F\) are the three excenters of \(\Delta ABC\). This means that \(O\) is the \(A\)-southpole and lies on the circle \((ABC)\). In particular, \(O\) is the midpoint of \(HF\). As \(FM \perp MH\), we have \(OMF\) isosceles. As \(AQ\) is the exterior angle bisector of \(\angle BAC\), we know that \(Q\) is the northpole. Therefore, \(OQ\) is the diameter of \(ABC\), meaning \(QK \perp KO\). Notice that \(KO\) is also the perpendicular bisector of \(MF\), so \(KMF\) is isosceles. Notice that \(FM \perp MQ \perp QK \implies MF \parallel QK\). Thus, \(\angle QKM = \angle FMK = \angle KFM\), and \((MFK)\) is indeed tangent to \(QK\), as desired.
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Retemoeg
57 posts
#144
Y by
Let $AF$ intersect $(O)$ twice at $H'$. Denote $L$ the orthogonal projection of $Q$ onto $AD$. We'll call the midpoints of segments $QL, QA, QH$, $Y, X, I$ resp. Let $Z$ be the center of $(KDM)$. Denote $A'$ the antipodal point of $A$ in $(O)$.

We readily notice that $\angle AQH = \angle AQA' = 90^{\circ}$, thus $Q, H, A'$ are collinear. From a common result: $H, M, A'$ are collinear. Hence all these four points lies on a straight line. We'll show that $\angle MKI = \angle ZKM$, i.e $\angle MKI = \angle KFA = \angle H'KF + \angle KH'F$. A spiral similarity $\phi$ centered at $K$ sends $Q$ to $A$ and $H$ to $A'$, thus:
\[ \angle MKI = \angle MKH + \angle HKI = \angle MKH + \angle QHK = \angle MKH + \angle AA'K = \angle MKH + \angle AH'K \]So we'll aim to show that $\angle MKH = \angle H'KF$.
Observe that $\phi$ also sends $F$ to $Y$, $H'$ to $L$, $M$ to $X$. Thus, $\angle MKH = \angle XKQ$ and $\angle H'KF = \angle LKY$. And to finish off the problem, $X$ is the intersection of the two tangents from $Q$ and $L$ w.r.t $(I)$. Thus $KX$ is the $K$-symmedian w.r.t $\triangle QKL$, hence $\angle QKX = \angle LKY$ and we are done.

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