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
<DPA+ <AQD =< QIP wanted, incircle circumcircle related
parmenides51   41
N 13 minutes ago by Ilikeminecraft
Source: IMo 2019 SL G6
Let $I$ be the incentre of acute-angled triangle $ABC$. Let the incircle meet $BC, CA$, and $AB$ at $D, E$, and $F,$ respectively. Let line $EF$ intersect the circumcircle of the triangle at $P$ and $Q$, such that $F$ lies between $E$ and $P$. Prove that $\angle DPA + \angle AQD =\angle QIP$.

(Slovakia)
41 replies
parmenides51
Sep 22, 2020
Ilikeminecraft
13 minutes ago
Pretty hard functional equation
vralex   5
N 14 minutes ago by jasperE3
Source: National MO, 9th grade
Find all injective functions $ f:\mathbb{Z} \rightarrow \mathbb{Z} $ so that for every $n$ in $\mathbb{Z} ,  f (f (n))-f(n)-1=0$.
5 replies
vralex
Apr 29, 2020
jasperE3
14 minutes ago
Parallelity and equal angles given, wanted an angle equality
BarisKoyuncu   5
N 22 minutes ago by SleepyGirraffe
Source: 2022 Turkey JBMO TST P4
Given a convex quadrilateral $ABCD$ such that $m(\widehat{ABC})=m(\widehat{BCD})$. The lines $AD$ and $BC$ intersect at a point $P$ and the line passing through $P$ which is parallel to $AB$, intersects $BD$ at $T$. Prove that
$$m(\widehat{ACB})=m(\widehat{PCT})$$
5 replies
BarisKoyuncu
Mar 15, 2022
SleepyGirraffe
22 minutes ago
Cyclic points and concurrency [1st Lemoine circle]
shobber   10
N an hour ago by Ilikeminecraft
Source: China TST 2005
Let $\omega$ be the circumcircle of acute triangle $ABC$. Two tangents of $\omega$ from $B$ and $C$ intersect at $P$, $AP$ and $BC$ intersect at $D$. Point $E$, $F$ are on $AC$ and $AB$ such that $DE \parallel BA$ and $DF \parallel CA$.
(1) Prove that $F,B,C,E$ are concyclic.

(2) Denote $A_{1}$ the centre of the circle passing through $F,B,C,E$. $B_{1}$, $C_{1}$ are difined similarly. Prove that $AA_{1}$, $BB_{1}$, $CC_{1}$ are concurrent.
10 replies
shobber
Jun 27, 2006
Ilikeminecraft
an hour ago
Hard functional equation
Jessey   4
N 2 hours ago by jasperE3
Source: Belarus 2005
Find all functions $f:N -$> $N$ that satisfy $f(m-n+f(n)) = f(m)+f(n)$, for all $m, n$$N$.
4 replies
Jessey
Mar 11, 2020
jasperE3
2 hours ago
Vertices of a convex polygon if and only if m(S) = f(n)
orl   12
N 2 hours ago by Maximilian113
Source: IMO Shortlist 2000, C3
Let $ n \geq 4$ be a fixed positive integer. Given a set $ S = \{P_1, P_2, \ldots, P_n\}$ of $ n$ points in the plane such that no three are collinear and no four concyclic, let $ a_t,$ $ 1 \leq t \leq n,$ be the number of circles $ P_iP_jP_k$ that contain $ P_t$ in their interior, and let \[m(S)=a_1+a_2+\cdots + a_n.\]Prove that there exists a positive integer $ f(n),$ depending only on $ n,$ such that the points of $ S$ are the vertices of a convex polygon if and only if $ m(S) = f(n).$
12 replies
orl
Aug 10, 2008
Maximilian113
2 hours ago
Imo Shortlist Problem
Lopes   35
N 2 hours ago by Maximilian113
Source: IMO Shortlist 2000, Problem N4
Find all triplets of positive integers $ (a,m,n)$ such that $ a^m + 1 \mid (a + 1)^n$.
35 replies
Lopes
Feb 27, 2005
Maximilian113
2 hours ago
Inspired by Humberto_Filho
sqing   0
3 hours ago
Source: Own
Let $ a,b\geq 0 $ and $a + b \leq 2$. Prove that
$$\frac{a^2+1}{(( a+ b)^2+1)^2} \geq  \frac{1}{25} $$$$\frac{(a^2+1)(b^2+1)}{((a+b)^2+1)^2} \geq  \frac{4}{25} $$$$ \frac{a^2+1}{(( a+ 2b)^2+1)^2} \geq  \frac{1}{289} $$$$ \frac{a^2+1}{((2a+ b)^2+1)^2} \geq  \frac{5}{289} $$


0 replies
sqing
3 hours ago
0 replies
Inequalities
Scientist10   2
N 3 hours ago by arqady
If $x, y, z \in \mathbb{R}$, then prove that the following inequality holds:
\[
\sum_{\text{cyc}} \sqrt{1 + \left(x\sqrt{1 + y^2} + y\sqrt{1 + x^2}\right)^2} \geq \sum_{\text{cyc}} xy + 2\sum_{\text{cyc}} x
\]
2 replies
Scientist10
Yesterday at 6:36 PM
arqady
3 hours ago
$n$ with $2000$ divisors divides $2^n+1$ (IMO 2000)
Valentin Vornicu   65
N 3 hours ago by ray66
Source: IMO 2000, Problem 5, IMO Shortlist 2000, Problem N3
Does there exist a positive integer $ n$ such that $ n$ has exactly 2000 prime divisors and $ n$ divides $ 2^n + 1$?
65 replies
Valentin Vornicu
Oct 24, 2005
ray66
3 hours ago
Find the smallest of sum of elements
hlminh   0
3 hours ago
Let $S=\{1,2,...,2014\}$ and $X=\{a_1,a_2,...,a_{30}\}$ is a subset of $S$ such that if $a,b\in X,a+b\leq 2014$ then $a+b\in X.$ Find the smallest of $\dfrac{a_1+a_2+\cdots+a_{30}}{30}.$
0 replies
hlminh
3 hours ago
0 replies
Easy IMO 2023 NT
799786   133
N 3 hours ago by Maximilian113
Source: IMO 2023 P1
Determine all composite integers $n>1$ that satisfy the following property: if $d_1$, $d_2$, $\ldots$, $d_k$ are all the positive divisors of $n$ with $1 = d_1 < d_2 < \cdots < d_k = n$, then $d_i$ divides $d_{i+1} + d_{i+2}$ for every $1 \leq i \leq k - 2$.
133 replies
799786
Jul 8, 2023
Maximilian113
3 hours ago
Complicated FE
XAN4   2
N 3 hours ago by cazanova19921
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.
2 replies
XAN4
Yesterday at 11:53 AM
cazanova19921
3 hours ago
Cute diophantine
TestX01   0
4 hours ago
Find all sequences of four consecutive integers such that twice their product is perfect square minus nine.
0 replies
TestX01
4 hours ago
0 replies
APMO 2016: Great triangle
shinichiman   26
N Apr 6, 2025 by ray66
Source: APMO 2016, problem 1
We say that a triangle $ABC$ is great if the following holds: for any point $D$ on the side $BC$, if $P$ and $Q$ are the feet of the perpendiculars from $D$ to the lines $AB$ and $AC$, respectively, then the reflection of $D$ in the line $PQ$ lies on the circumcircle of the triangle $ABC$. Prove that triangle $ABC$ is great if and only if $\angle A = 90^{\circ}$ and $AB = AC$.

Senior Problems Committee of the Australian Mathematical Olympiad Committee
26 replies
shinichiman
May 16, 2016
ray66
Apr 6, 2025
APMO 2016: Great triangle
G H J
Source: APMO 2016, problem 1
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
shinichiman
3212 posts
#1 • 10 Y
Y by buratinogigle, rightways, YadisBeles, Kezer, Davi-8191, R8450932, UpvoteFarm, Adventure10, Mango247, Rounak_iitr
We say that a triangle $ABC$ is great if the following holds: for any point $D$ on the side $BC$, if $P$ and $Q$ are the feet of the perpendiculars from $D$ to the lines $AB$ and $AC$, respectively, then the reflection of $D$ in the line $PQ$ lies on the circumcircle of the triangle $ABC$. Prove that triangle $ABC$ is great if and only if $\angle A = 90^{\circ}$ and $AB = AC$.

Senior Problems Committee of the Australian Mathematical Olympiad Committee
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by MellowMelon, May 18, 2017, 3:29 AM
Reason: add proposer
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
djmathman
7938 posts
#2 • 10 Y
Y by A_Math_Lover, Ankoganit, ks_789, Tafi_ak, bobjoe123, ike.chen, jrsbr, UpvoteFarm, Adventure10, Mango247
Oh man, a geometric functional equation - interesting.

Solution
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by djmathman, May 16, 2016, 9:39 PM
Reason: reworded something small
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
62861
3564 posts
#3 • 2 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Adventure10
djmathman wrote:
Oh man, a geometric functional equation - interesting.

Solution

You need to show that a 45-45-90 triangle is great as well (which is not completely trivial).
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
djmathman
7938 posts
#4 • 3 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Adventure10, Mango247
Oops that is true. It seems that I have forgotten the first fundamental rule of functional equations - one must always plug the solution back in to make sure it checks!

Fortunately this isn't too bad
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by djmathman, May 16, 2016, 9:46 PM
Reason: mislabeled points in original writeup oops
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
trumpeter
3332 posts
#6 • 3 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Adventure10, Mango247
djmathman wrote:
With this in mind, set $D$ to be the foot of the altitude from $A$ to $\overline{BC}$...

Just to put it out there, it is fairly easy to length-chase to get $AB=AC$ from here by using polynomials.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
navi_09220114
477 posts
#7 • 4 Y
Y by Tafi_ak, UpvoteFarm, Adventure10, Mango247
You can actually take D to be midpoint of BC, then to prove AB=AC will be easier, because then the feet of D to AB and AC is the midline,and D'A will then be parallel to BC... (of course, this is after you proved BAC=90 using angle bisector.)
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by navi_09220114, May 17, 2016, 1:01 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
math90
1476 posts
#8 • 2 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Adventure10
First of all choose $D$ to be the foot of angle bisector from $A$. From here we obtain $\angle BAC=90$ by angle chasing. Now use the first observation and choose $D$ to be the foot of perpendicular from $A$. Now by length chasing and triangle similarity, we obtain $AB=AC$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
WizardMath
2487 posts
#9 • 3 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Adventure10, Mango247
$\phantom{}$
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by WizardMath, Dec 24, 2019, 2:24 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Complex2Liu
83 posts
#10 • 3 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Adventure10, Mango247
First we select $D$ as the intersection of $AO$ and $\overline{BC}.$ Let $E$ denotes the foot from $A$ to $\overline{BC},$ and $D^*,E^*$ denote the reflection of $D,E$ in line $PQ$ respectively. Since $PQ$ is parallel to $BC,$ it's easy to see that $E^*$ is the orthocenter of $\triangle APQ,$ which implies that $E^*$ and $D^*$ are symmetry over the perpendicular bisector of $\overline{BC},$ in other words, \[D^*\text{ lies on the circumcircle of }\triangle ABC\iff\angle BD^*C=\angle BE^*C=\angle A\iff E^*\equiv A.\]Therefore $PQ$ is median line $\implies \angle A=90^\circ.$ This is because $D$ is the intersection of the perpendicular bisector of $\overline{AB}$ and $\overline{AC}.$
[asy]
size(7cm); pointpen=black; pathpen=black; pointfontpen=fontsize(9pt);
void b(){
pair A=D("A",dir(110),dir(110));
pair B=D("B",dir(-150),dir(-150));
pair C=D("C",dir(-30),dir(-30));
pair D=D("D",extension(A,origin,B,C),S);
pair P=D("P",foot(D,A,B),W);
pair Q=D("Q",foot(D,A,C),E);
pair E=D("E",foot(A,B,C),S);
pair D1=D("D^*",2*foot(D,P,Q)-D,dir(120));
pair E1=D("E^*",2*foot(E,P,Q)-E,N);
D(A--B--C--cycle);
D(P--D--Q,magenta);
D(B--E1--C);
D(B--D1--C);
D(P--Q,dashed);
draw(anglemark(B,E1,C,3),deepgreen);
draw(anglemark(B,D1,C,3),deepgreen);
D(E1--E,dotted);
D(D1--D,dotted);
D(circumcircle(A,P,Q),red+linetype("4 4"));
}
b(); pathflag=false; b();
[/asy]
Then we select $D$ as the foot from $A$ to $\overline{BC}.$ By the above result we get $APDQ$ is a rectangle, thus $D^*\in \odot(APDQ),$ and
\[\begin{aligned}D^* \text{ lies on the circumcircle of }\triangle ABC &\iff D^* \text{ sends $\triangle D^*PB$ to $\triangle D^*QC$}\\
&\iff \frac{DP}{PB}=\frac{D^*P}{PB}=\frac{D^*Q}{QC}=\frac{DQ}{QC}\\
&\iff \tan{\angle B}=\tan{\angle C}\\
&\iff \angle B=\angle C. \end{aligned}\]as desired. $\square$
[asy]
size(7cm); pointpen=black; pathpen=black; pointfontpen=fontsize(9pt);
void b(){
pair A=D("A",dir(70),dir(70));
pair B=D("B",dir(180),W);
pair C=D("C",dir(0),E);
pair D=D("D",foot(A,B,C),S);
pair P=D("P",foot(D,A,B),W);
pair Q=D("Q",foot(D,A,C),S);
pair D1=D("D^*",2*foot(D,P,Q)-D,dir(70));
D(P--D--Q,magenta);
D(D--D1,dotted);
D(B--P--D1--cycle,blue+dashed);
D(D1--Q--C--cycle,blue+dashed);
D(A--P--Q--cycle);
D(B--C);
}
b(); pathflag=false; b();
[/asy]
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
babu2001
402 posts
#11 • 6 Y
Y by YadisBeles, Ramanujan_1729, Promi, UpvoteFarm, Adventure10, Mango247
As we have already seen we get $\angle BAC=90^{\circ}$ by setting $D$ to be the foot of angle bisector of $\angle BAC$. Now let $D$ be the midpoint of $BC$, then $P,Q$ are the midpoints of $AB,AC$ respectively as $\angle BAC=90^{\circ}$. Now let $D'$ be the reflection of $D$ in $PQ$. Then $\angle PD'Q=\angle PDQ=\angle PAQ\implies AD'PQ$ is cyclic, thus $D'\equiv\odot(ABC)\cap\odot(APQ)$. But $\odot(APQ)$ is tangent to $\odot(ABC)$ at $A$, hence $D'\equiv A$, hence $AD\perp PQ\implies AB=AC$, as required.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
mjuk
196 posts
#12 • 2 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Adventure10
Let $E$ be reflection of $D$ in $PQ$.
1. Suppose $\triangle ABC$ is great:
Let $D$ be intersection of bisector of $\angle A$ and $BC$. $P,Q$ are symmetric wrt. $AD$, so reflection of $D$ in $PQ$ lies on $AD$. Both $A$ and $E$ lie on $\odot ABC$ and they are on same side of $PQ$, hence $A\equiv E \Longrightarrow \angle PAQ=\angle PDQ$, but since $APDQ$ is cyclic, $\angle PAQ=180^{\circ}-\angle PDQ$, so $\angle BAC=\angle PAQ=90^{\circ}$.
Now let $D$ be midpoint of $BC$. Let line paralel to $BC$ through $A$ intersect $\odot ABC$ at $A'$. Since $APDQ$ is a rectangle, we have $d(A,PQ)=d(D,PQ)=d(E,PQ)$, so $AE\parallel BC\Longrightarrow E\equiv A'$.Let $K,L$ be projections of $A,A'$ on $BC$, $AA'BC$ is isosceles trapezoid, so $K,L$ are symmetric wrt. $D$. Then since $K\equiv D\Longrightarrow L\equiv D\Longrightarrow A=A'$ so $\triangle ABC$ is $A$-isosceles and $\angle A=90^{\circ}$.
2. Suppose $\angle A=90$ and $AB=AC$.
$\angle PEQ=\angle PDQ=90^{\circ} \Longrightarrow PEDQ$ is cyclic. $QE=QD=AP=QC$, and $PE=PD=AQ=PB$. $\angle EQC=\angle EQD+90^{\circ}=180^{\circ}-\angle EPD+90^{\circ}=\angle BPE$ $\Longrightarrow \triangle QEC\sim \triangle PEB $
$\Longrightarrow \angle BEC=\angle PEQ=90^{\circ}\Longrightarrow E\in \odot ABC$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
oceanmath99
48 posts
#13 • 4 Y
Y by MRF2017, UpvoteFarm, Adventure10, Mango247
Sorry!
I read all post on the top carefully
But I have a question with case "ABC is great $\rightarrow$ $\angle A=90^{\circ}$ and $AB=AC$"
If D be a random point on the side BC (is not midpoint BC, foot of the angle bisector of $\angle A$,..) then prove that $\angle A=90^{\circ}$ and $AB=AC$?????

Please answer this my question!
Thanks all!
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by oceanmath99, May 28, 2016, 8:13 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
djmathman
7938 posts
#15 • 5 Y
Y by oceanmath99, sabkx, UpvoteFarm, Adventure10, Mango247
^^ That doesn't matter. We've shown that by setting $D$ to be the foot of the angle bisector or the midpoint of $BC$ or the foot of the altitude or whatever that the only triangle $\triangle ABC$ can possibly be is an isosceles right triangle. Thus, we don't have to test all the other points to conclude this.

Let's go off on what seemingly might be a tangent. Consider the following functional equation: find all functions $f$ such that \[f(x)+f(y)=x^2+y^2\]for all real $x$ and $y$. This FE has a very simple solution: substitute $y=x$ to obtain \[2f(x) = 2x^2\quad\implies\quad f(x) = x^2.\]Now we just need to check that $f(x)$ always works, which it does.

This may seem like a strange example, but the point is made clear: in order to show that $f(x)=x^2$ is the only possible function which satisfies the given conditions, all we need to do is to look at the case where $x=y$. Once we have that, we just need to check that $f(x)=x^2$ works.

The same thing goes with this problem. In all the posts above, we use the special cases of $D$ being the angle bisector/midpoint/etc. to deduce that $\triangle ABC$ must be an isosceles right triangle. Once we have that, we just need to check that indeed $\triangle ABC$ is great - which I do in post 4.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
oceanmath99
48 posts
#16 • 3 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Adventure10, Mango247
Dear djmathman,
Thanks you very much! I understand this problem is a geometric functional equation!

But,
Sorry, I still a small question.
I think we must see only case such as midpoint or angle bisrctor or...
No need see all case.
:)
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
rkm0959
1721 posts
#17 • 3 Y
Y by PWuSinaisGod, UpvoteFarm, Adventure10
First, we prove the if direction. Denote the reflection of $D$ wrt $PQ$ be $D'$.

Clearly $D'AQP$ is cyclic, so $\angle D'PB = \angle D'QC$.
Using $D'P =PD = BP$ and $D'Q=QD=QC$ gives $\triangle D'PB \sim \triangle D'QC$, so $\angle BD'C = \angle PD'Q=90$.
This implies that $AD'BC$ is cyclic. We are done.

Now we prove the only if direction.
First, take $D$ where $AD$ bisects $\angle A$. Then $\triangle PAD \equiv \triangle QAD$, so $D'$ lies on $AD$.
So if $AD'CB$ cyclic gives $A=D'$, so $AQDP$ is a square, so $\angle A = 90$.
Take $D$ be the perpendicular from $A$ to $BC$. $D'$ being on $(ABC)$ is equivalent to $\triangle D'PB \sim \triangle D'QC$.
This is equivalent to $\frac{DP}{PB} = \frac{DQ}{DC}$, or $\angle B = \angle C$. 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.
Tommy2000
715 posts
#18 • 2 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Adventure10
Let $D'$ denote the reflection of $D$ in $PQ$. First, take the foot of the angle bisector from $A$. Then we see that $\angle A = 90^\circ$ as $A$ and $D'$ lie on the same side of $BC$.

Now, we know $\angle PDQ = 90^\circ$, so it suffices to show $\angle BD'P = \angle CD'Q$. However we already know that $\angle D'PB = \angle D'QC$ as $AD'PQD$ is cyclic, so this is equivalent to the condition
\[ \frac{D'P}{PB} = \frac{DP}{PB} = \frac{DQ}{QC} = \frac{D'Q}{QC}\]However, we have
\[ \frac{DP}{PB} = \frac{QC}{DQ}\]since $PD \parallel AC$, so this is equivalent with $BPD$ and $CQD$ being isosceles right. But they are similar to the original, so the original condition is equivalent with $ABC$ being isosceles right with $\angle A = 90^\circ$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
ta2341
9 posts
#19 • 3 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Adventure10, Mango247
Can we use continuity to argue that A must be the image of some point on BC? As B is its own image, and so is C, and we can argue that the image of a point on BC that is very close to B must lie on arc BAC, very close to B, so as point D travels from B to C on BC, its image travels from B to C on arc BAC, and therefore its image must overlap with A at some point. Is this valid?
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by ta2341, Mar 3, 2018, 11:03 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Math-wiz
6107 posts
#20 • 2 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Adventure10
shinichiman wrote:
We say that a triangle $ABC$ is great if the following holds: for any point $D$ on the side $BC$, if $P$ and $Q$ are the feet of the perpendiculars from $D$ to the lines $AB$ and $AC$, respectively, then the reflection of $D$ in the line $PQ$ lies on the circumcircle of the triangle $ABC$. Prove that triangle $ABC$ is great if and only if $\angle A = 90^{\circ}$ and $AB = AC$.

Senior Problems Committee of the Australian Mathematical Olympiad Committee

Anyone tried coordinate bash? Taking $A(0,0),B(0,y_1)$ and $C(x_2,y_2)$ simplifies the problem quite well, and it is easier to interpret reflection in tje Cartesian plane. I will post the solution as soon as I find one.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Math-wiz, Dec 22, 2019, 7:44 PM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
508669
1040 posts
#21 • 2 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Mango247
shinichiman wrote:
We say that a triangle $ABC$ is great if the following holds: for any point $D$ on the side $BC$, if $P$ and $Q$ are the feet of the perpendiculars from $D$ to the lines $AB$ and $AC$, respectively, then the reflection of $D$ in the line $PQ$ lies on the circumcircle of the triangle $ABC$. Prove that triangle $ABC$ is great if and only if $\angle A = 90^{\circ}$ and $AB = AC$.

Senior Problems Committee of the Australian Mathematical Olympiad Committee

Easy problem for APMO.

Let $D = BC \cap$ Angle Bisector of $\angle BAC$. It can be also seen that $D_1$ lies on $AD$. Since $A, D$ lie on opposite sides if $PQ$, $A, D_1$ lie on same side of $PQ$. But these assertion imply that $A = D_1$ which means that
$APDQ$ is a square which means that $\angle BAC = 90^\circ$.

Consider $D$ on $BC$ such that $\angle ADB = 90^\circ$. Then using the previous condition and this condition we get that $AB=AC$ in two steps because we get that $D = \odot (ABC) \cap \odot (APQ)$.

Now to prove this claim works, observe that it is angle chasing after noticing that $P, Q$ are circumcenter of $\triangle BDD_1$ and $\triangle CDD_1$ respectively.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
CANBANKAN
1301 posts
#22 • 4 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, Mango247, Mango247, Mango247
Why is this so hard? I sincerely found it much harder than APMO 16 P2,4,5

Let $D'$ be the reflection of $D$ over $PQ$.

If: note $\angle PDB=\angle QDC=45^{\circ}$, so $\angle PDQ=\angle PD'Q=90^{\circ}$ note $BP=PD=PD'$, and $CQ=DQ=D'Q$. We can see that $\angle BD'C=\angle PD'Q-\angle PD'B+\angle QD'C$. Since $BP=PD', D'Q=QC$, $\angle PD'B=\frac 12 \angle APD'$ and $\angle QD'C=\frac 12 \angle AQD'$. Since $\angle BAC=\angle PAQ=\angle PD'Q=90^{\circ}$, $APD'Q$ is cyclic, so $\angle APD'=\angle AQD'$, as desired.

Only if: let $D$ be the foot of the $\angle A$'s bisector. Then $\angle PAD=\angle QAD, AD=AD, \angle APD=\angle AQD$, so $APD$ is congruent to $AQD$, so $PD=QD$. This implies $AD$ perpendicularly bisect $PQ$, so $PR=RQ$. Therefore, $D'$ lies on $AD$, so $D'=A$, and $AR=RD$, so $\angle BAC=90^{\circ}$. Furthermore, $APDQ$ is actually a square.

To show $AB=AC$, I take $D=O$, the midpoint of $BC$. Then notice $OP,OQ$ are the midlines of $\triangle ABC$, and so is $PQ$. The key observation is $AD'||BC$. Indeed, let $R=AQ\cap D'P$, we can see $AR+RQ=D'R+RP$ and $AR\cdot RQ=D'R\cdot RP$, so it follows that $AR=D'R, QR=PR, AD||PQ||BC$. Furthermore, $D'O\perp BC$, so if $D'$ is on the circumcircle and $BC$ is horizontal, $D'$ is the highest point (or the lowest point) on the circle. Since $AD'||BC$, it follows that $A=D'$.
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by CANBANKAN, Mar 17, 2021, 1:00 AM
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Mahdi_Mashayekhi
694 posts
#23 • 1 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm
First we'll prove other triangles are not Great then we'll prove 90-45-45 is Great.

we just need to find special points as D. Let AD be angle bisector of ∠A. It's well known AD is perpendicular bisector of PQ so D' must be A. ∠PAQ = ∠PDQ = ∠ACB + ∠ABC so ∠PAQ = 90 so ∠A = 90. Now let AD be altitude. APDQ is rectangle so AD'PQ is isosceles trapezoid. ∠D'AP = ∠APQ = ∠ACB so if AD'BC is cyclic we have ∠AD'B = 180 - ∠ACB = 180 - ∠D'AP so D' lies on AB and is A so AD is perpendicular to APDQ so APDQ is square so AB = AC.

Let ABC be a 90-45-45 triangle and D a random point on BC. PB = PD = PD' and QC = QD = QD' so P and Q are center of BD'D and CD'D. ∠BD'C = ∠BD'D + ∠CD'D = 45 + 45 = 90 so BAD'C is cyclic.
we're Done.
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
#24 • 3 Y
Y by centslordm, megarnie, UpvoteFarm
Claim: $\angle A=90$ and $AB=AC$ is necessary.
Proof. For each $D_i$ let $P_i$ and $Q_i$ be the feet from $D_i$ to $\overline{AB}$ and $\overline{AC}.$ Let $D_1$ be the foot of the angle bisector from $A$ and note that $D_1'$ lies on $\overline{AD_1}.$ Hence, $D_1'=A$ and since $AP_1D_1Q_1$ is cyclic, $$2\angle BAC=\angle P_1AQ_1+\angle P_1D_1Q_1=180$$and $\angle A=90.$ Let $D_2$ be the foot from $A$ to $\overline{BC}.$ Then, $D_2'$ lies on $(P_2D_2Q_2)$ and $(ABC)$ so $D_2'=A.$ Hence, $AP_2D_2Q_2$ is a square and $AB=AC.$ $\blacksquare$

Claim: $\angle A=90$ and $AB=AC$ is sufficient.
Proof. Notice $D'P=DP=BP$ so $\angle DD'B=\tfrac{1}{2}\angle DPB=45.$ Similarly, $\angle DD'C=45$ so $\angle CD'B=90=\angle A.$ $\blacksquare$ $\square$
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
#25 • 1 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm
First, we assume $ABC$ is great. Let $D_1$ denote the reflection of $D$ in $PQ$.

Suppose $D$ is the foot of the internal bisector of $\angle BAC$. Then, we clearly have $DP = DQ$, so $APDQ$ is a kite. It follows that $AD \perp PQ$, so $A$ and $D_1$ must coincide. Thus, $$PA = PD = QD = QA$$which means $APDQ$ is a square, as $AD \perp PQ$. As a result, we know $\angle A = 90^{\circ}$ must hold.

Now, suppose $D$ is the midpoint of $BC$. Because $APDQ$ is a rectangle, $$\angle PD_1Q = \angle PDQ = 90^{\circ} = \angle PAQ$$so $APDQD_1$ is cyclic with diameter $PQ$. Moreover, $$\angle APQ = \angle PQD = \angle PQD_1 = \angle PAD_1$$implies $AD_1QP$ is a cyclic isosceles trapezoid. Hence, $AD_1$ and $PQ$ have the same perpendicular bisector, so $DP = DQ$ follows from $DA = R = DD_1$. Thus, $$AB = 2 \cdot DQ = 2 \cdot DP = AC$$which means the only possible solution is $\angle A = 90^{\circ}$ and $AB = AC$.

Now, we show that $ABC$ is indeed great when $\angle A = 90^{\circ}$ and $AB = AC$. Let $M$ be the circumcenter of $ABC$. It's clear that $AD_1QP$ is still an isosceles trapezoid. Now, since $BDP$ and $CDQ$ are also isosceles right triangles, we have $$BP \cdot PA = PD \cdot DQ = AQ \cdot QC$$so $$MP^2 = Pow_{(ABC)}(P) + R^2 = Pow_{(ABC)}(Q) + R^2 = MQ^2.$$Thus, $MA = MD_1$ follows from $MP = MQ$, which finishes. $\blacksquare$


Remarks: The flavor of this question is similar to that of ISL 2020/G1. In fact, attempting to solve that problem definitely helped me solve this question.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
IAmTheHazard
5001 posts
#26 • 2 Y
Y by UpvoteFarm, centslordm
Send $D$ to $B$ and $C$ respectively, and the reflection $D'$ gets sent to $B$ and $C$ respectively as well. Therefore, by continuity, there exists some choice of $D$ such that $D'$ has the same "x-value" as $A$ if the x-axis is set to $\overline{BC}$ (i.e. $\overline{AD'} \perp \overline{BC}$ or $A=D'$). This clearly means that $D'=A$, since $D'$ is clearly not the second intersection of the $A$-altitude with $(ABC)$. But on the other hand, $\angle PD'Q=\angle PDQ=180^\circ-\angle PAQ$, so we must have $\angle A=90^\circ$.

Now, if $\triangle ABC$ is right, let $D$ be the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$, so $P$ and $Q$ are the midpoints of their respective sides as well. Then $d(D',\overline{BC})=2d(D,\overline{PQ})=d(A,\overline{BC})$. Since $D'B=D'C$, this is bad unless $A$ is the arc midpoint of $\overline{BC}$, i.e. $AB=AC$. $\blacksquare$
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
Inconsistent
1455 posts
#27
Y by
When $D = B$, we have $D' = B$ and when $D = C$, we have $D' = C$. Thus move $D$ continuously from $B$ to $C$, then since $D'$ lies on the same side of $BC$ as $A$, there exists $E$ on $BC$ so that when $D = E$, we have that $D' = A$. However this implies $A, E$ are equidistant from $P, Q$ when $D = E$, so $PQ$ passes through their midpoint, however $AE$ is a diameter of $(APEQ)$ so it follows that $\angle BAC = \angle PAQ = 90^{\circ}$.

Now, set $D$ to be the midpoint of $BC$, then the reflection of $D$ over $PQ$ is the projection of $A$ onto the perpendicular bisector of $BC$, since this must lie on $(ABC)$, it follows that $A$ lies on the horizontal bisector of $BC$, as desired.

Now to complete the case, when $ABC$ is as desired, we have that $AD$ passes through the center of $(APQ)$, so it is isogonal in $\angle A$ to the perpendicular to $PQ$. Thus if $A'$ is the reflection of $A$ over $BC$, it follows that $DA', AD$ are isogonal in $\angle A$ so $DA' \perp PQ$. Let $S = DA' \cap (ABC)$, then it follows that $SA \parallel PQ$. Since $PQ$ is a diameter of $(APQD)$, it also follows that $A, D'$ lie on the same side of $PQ$ and $d(A, PQ) = d(D', PQ)$, so we have $AD' \parallel PQ$ as well. Thus $S = D'$, finishing.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
DottedCaculator
7343 posts
#28 • 1 Y
Y by ihatemath123
If $D$ is arbitrarily close to $B$, then the reflection of $D$ over $PQ$ lies on a line arbitrarily close to the reflection of $BC$ over the $B$-altitude and is arbitrarily close to $B$, which means that the $B$-altitude is the angle bisector of the tangent to $B$ is the angle bisector of $BC$, so $\angle B=\frac12\angle A$. Similarly, $\angle C=\frac12\angle A$, so $ABC$ is an isosceles right triangle. If $ABC$ is an isosceles right triangle, then $APDQ$ is a rectangle so if $O$ is the midpoint of $BC$ and $D'$ is the reflection of $D$ over $PQ$, then $APDQOD'$ is cyclic, so $\angle BAO=\angle OAC$ implies $\angle PD'O=\angle QAO$, and $D'Q=DQ=AP$ implies $\angle AD'P=\angle D'AQ$, so $\angle AD'O=\angle D'AO$ implies $D'$ lies on the circumcircle of $ABC$.
Z K Y
The post below has been deleted. Click to close.
This post has been deleted. Click here to see post.
ray66
33 posts
#29
Y by
Sketch

First denote the reflection of $D$ over $PQ$ as $D'$. Consider $D$ when $D'$ coincides with $A$. This occurs when $\angle A=90$ and $D$ lies on the intersection of $BC$ with the angle bisector of $A$. Next, consider the case that $PQ$ is parallel to $BC$. This occurs when $D$ is the midpoint of $BC$, so $A$ must be the midpoint of arc $BC$. Now consider $D'$, which is also the reflection of $A$ over the perpendicular bisector of $PQ$. $D'$ only lies on the circle if the perpendicular bisector of $PQ$ passes through $O$ (because the reflection of $A$ over a diameter is also on the circle). By POP, the power of $Q$ is the same as the power of $P$ in every isosceles right triangle, so $OM'$ bisects $PQ$ and we're done.
Z K Y
N Quick Reply
G
H
=
a