# 2022 AIME I Problems/Problem 14

## Problem

Given $\triangle ABC$ and a point $P$ on one of its sides, call line $\ell$ the $\textit{splitting line}$ of $\triangle ABC$ through $P$ if $\ell$ passes through $P$ and divides $\triangle ABC$ into two polygons of equal perimeter. Let $\triangle ABC$ be a triangle where $BC = 219$ and $AB$ and $AC$ are positive integers. Let $M$ and $N$ be the midpoints of $\overline{AB}$ and $\overline{AC},$ respectively, and suppose that the splitting lines of $\triangle ABC$ through $M$ and $N$ intersect at $30^\circ.$ Find the perimeter of $\triangle ABC.$

## The Geometry Part - Solution 1

Consider the splitting line through $M$. Extend $D$ on ray $BC$ such that $CD=CA$. Then the splitting line bisects segment $BD$, so in particular it is the midline of triangle $ABD$ and thus it is parallel to $AD$. But since triangle $ACD$ is isosceles, we can easily see $AD$ is parallel to the angle bisector of $C$, so the splitting line is also parallel to this bisector, and similar for the splitting line through $N$. Some simple angle chasing reveals the condition is now equivalent to $\angle A=120^\circ$.

- MortemEtInteritum

## The Geometry Part - Solution 2

Let $PM$ and $QN$ be the splitting lines. Reflect $B$ across $Q$ to be $B'$ and $C$ across $P$ to be $C'$. Take $S_B$ and $S_C$, which are spiral similarity centers on the other side of $BC$ as $A$ such that $\triangle S_BB'C \sim \triangle S_BBA$ and $\triangle S_CC'B \sim \triangle S_CCA$. This gets that because $\angle S_BCB = \angle S_BCB' = \angle S_BAB$ and $\angle S_CBC = \angle S_CBC' = \angle S_CAC$, then $S_B$ and $S_C$ are on $\triangle ABC$'s circumcircle. Now, we know that $\triangle S_BBB' \sim \triangle S_BAC$ and $\triangle S_CCC' \sim \triangle S_CAB$ so because $BA=B'C$ and $CA=C'B$, then $S_BB=SBB'$ and $S_CC=S_CC'$ and $S_BQ \perp BC$ and $S_CP \perp BC$.

We also notice that because $Q$ and $N$ correspond on $\triangle S_BBB'$ and $\triangle S_BAC$, and because $P$ and $M$ correspond on $\triangle S_CCC'$ and $\triangle S_CAB$, then the angle formed by $NQ$ and $BA$ is equal to the angle formed by $B'C$ and $NQ$ which is equal to $\angle BS_BQ = \angle QS_BB'$. Thus, $\angle CBA=2\angle CQN$. Similarly, $\angle BCA = 2\angle QPM$ and so $\angle CBA + \angle BCA = 2\angle PQN + 2\angle QPM = 60^{\circ}$ and $\angle A = 120^{\circ}$.

- kevinmathz

## The NT Part

We now need to solve $a^2+ab+b^2 = 3^2\cdot 73^2$. A quick $(\bmod 9)$ check gives that $3\mid a$ and $3\mid b$. Thus, it's equivalent to solve $x^2+xy+y^2 = 73^2$.

Let $\omega$ be one root of $\omega^2+\omega+1=0$. Then, recall that $\mathbb Z[\omega]$ is the ring of integers of $\mathbb Q[\sqrt{-3}]$ and is a unique factorization domain. Notice that $N(x-y\omega) = (x-y\omega)(x-y\omega^2) = x^2-xy+y^2$. Therefore, it suffices to find an element of $\mathbb Z[\omega]$ with the norm $73^2$.

To do so, we factor $73$ in $\mathbb Z[\omega]$. Since it's $1\pmod 3$, it must split. A quick inspection gives $73 = (8-\omega)(8-\omega^2)$. Thus, $N(8-\omega) = 73$, so \begin{align*} 73^2 &= N((8-\omega)^2) \\ &= N(64 - 16\omega + \omega^2) \\ &= N(64 - 16\omega + (-1-\omega)) \\ &= N(63 - 17\omega), \end{align*} giving the solution $x=63$ and $y=17$, yielding $a=189$ and $b=51$, so the sum is $\boxed{459}$. Since $8-\omega$ and $8-\omega^2$ are primes in $\mathbb Z[\omega]$, the solution must divide $73^2$. One can then easily check that this is the unique solution.

- MarkBcc168

## Solution (Geometry + Number Theory)

Denote $BC = a$, $CA = b$, $AB = c$.

Let the splitting line of $\triangle ABC$ through $M$ (resp. $N$) crosses $\triangle ABC$ at another point $X$ (resp. $Y$).

WLOG, we assume $c \leq b$.

$\textbf{Case 1}$: $a \leq c \leq b$.

We extend segment $AB$ to $D$, such that $BD = a$. We extend segment $AC$ to $E$, such that $CE = a$.

In this case, $X$ is the midpoint of $AE$, and $Y$ is the midpoint of $AD$.

Because $M$ and $X$ are the midpoints of $AB$ and $AE$, respectively, $MX \parallel BE$. Because $N$ and $Y$ are the midpoints of $AC$ and $AD$, respectively, $NY \parallel CD$.

Because $CB = CE$, $\angle CBE =\angle CEB = \frac{\angle ACB}{2}$. Because $BC = BD$, $\angle BCD = \angle BDC = \frac{\angle ABC}{2}$.

Let $BE$ and $CD$ intersect at $O$. Because $MX \parallel BE$ and $NY \parallel CD$, the angle formed between lines $MX$ and $NY$ is congruent to $\angle BOD$. Hence, $\angle BOD = 30^\circ$ or $150^\circ$.

We have \begin{align*} \angle BOD & = \angle CBE + \angle BCD \\ & = \frac{\angle ACB}{2} + \frac{\angle ABC}{2} \\ & = 90^\circ - \frac{\angle A}{2} . \end{align*}

Hence, we must have $\angle BOD = 30^\circ$, not $150^\circ$. Hence, $\angle A = 120^\circ$.

This implies $a > b$ and $a >c$. This contradicts the condition specified for this case.

Therefore, this case is infeasible.

$\textbf{Case 2}$: $c \leq a \leq b$.

We extend segment $CB$ to $D$, such that $BD = c$. We extend segment $AC$ to $E$, such that $CE = a$.

In this case, $X$ is the midpoint of $AE$, and $Y$ is the midpoint of $CD$.

Because $M$ and $X$ are the midpoints of $AB$ and $AE$, respectively, $MX \parallel BE$. Because $N$ and $Y$ are the midpoints of $AC$ and $CD$, respectively, $NY \parallel AD$.

Because $CB = CE$, $\angle CBE =\angle CEB = \frac{\angle ACB}{2}$. Because $BA = BD$, $\angle BAD = \angle BDA = \frac{\angle ABC}{2}$.

Let $O$ be a point of $AC$, such that $BO \parallel AD$. Hence, $\angle OBC = \angle BDA = \frac{B}{2}$.

Because $MX \parallel BE$ and $NY \parallel AD$ and $AD \parallel BO$, the angle formed between lines $MX$ and $NY$ is congruent to $\angle OBE$. Hence, $\angle OBE = 30^\circ$ or $150^\circ$.

We have \begin{align*} \angle OBE & = \angle OBC + \angle CBE \\ & = \frac{\angle ABC}{2} + \frac{\angle ACB}{2} \\ & = 90^\circ - \frac{\angle A}{2} . \end{align*}

Hence, we must have $\angle OBE = 30^\circ$, not $150^\circ$. Hence, $\angle A = 120^\circ$.

This implies $a > b$ and $a >c$. This contradicts the condition specified for this case.

Therefore, this case is infeasible.

$\textbf{Case 3}$: $c \leq b \leq a$.

We extend segment $CB$ to $D$, such that $BD = c$. We extend segment $BC$ to $E$, such that $CE = b$.

In this case, $X$ is the midpoint of $BE$, and $Y$ is the midpoint of $CD$.

Because $M$ and $X$ are the midpoints of $AB$ and $BE$, respectively, $MX \parallel AE$. Because $N$ and $Y$ are the midpoints of $AC$ and $CD$, respectively, $NY \parallel AD$.

Because $CA = CE$, $\angle CAE =\angle CEB = \frac{\angle ACB}{2}$. Because $BA = BD$, $\angle BAD = \angle BDA = \frac{\angle ABC}{2}$.

Because $MX \parallel AE$ and $NY \parallel AD$, the angle formed between lines $MX$ and $NY$ is congruent to $\angle DAE$. Hence, $\angle DAE = 30^\circ$ or $150^\circ$.

We have \begin{align*} \angle DAE & = \angle BAD + \angle CAE + \angle BAC \\ & = \frac{\angle ABC}{2} + \frac{\angle ACB}{2} + \angle BAC \\ & = 90^\circ + \frac{\angle BAC}{2} . \end{align*}

Hence, we must have $\angle OBE = 150^\circ$, not $30^\circ$. Hence, $\angle BAC = 120^\circ$.

In $\triangle ABC$, by applying the law of cosines, we have \begin{align*} a^2 & = b^2 + c^2 - 2bc \cos \angle BAC\\ & = b^2 + c^2 - 2bc \cos 120^\circ \\ & = b^2 + c^2 + bc . \end{align*}

Because $a = 219$, we have $$b^2 + c^2 + bc = 219^2 .$$

Now, we find integer solution(s) of this equation with $c \leq b$.

Multiplying this equation by 4, we get $$\left( 2 c + b \right)^2 + 3 b^2 = 438^2 . \hspace{1cm} (1)$$

Denote $d = 2 c + b$. Because $c \leq b$, $b < d \leq 3 b$.

Because $438^2 - 3 b^2 \equiv 0 \pmod{3}$, $d^2 \equiv 0 \pmod{3}$. Thus, $d \equiv 0 \pmod{3}$. This implies $d^2 \equiv 0 \pmod{9}$.

We also have $438^2 \equiv 0 \pmod{9}$. Hence, $3 b^2 \equiv 0 \pmod{9}$. This implies $b \equiv 0 \pmod{3}$.

Denote $b = 3 p$ and $d = 3 q$. Hence, $p < q \leq 3 p$. Hence, Equation (1) can be written as $$q^2 + 3 p^2 = 146^2 . \hspace{1cm} (2)$$

Now, we solve this equation.

First, we find an upper bound of $q$.

We have $q^2 + 3 p^2 \geq q^2 + 3 \left( \frac{q}{3} \right)^2 = \frac{4 q^2}{3}$. Hence, $\frac{4 q^2}{3} \leq 146^2$. Hence, $q \leq 73 \sqrt{3} < 73 \cdot 1.8 = 131.4$. Because $q$ is an integer, we must have $q \leq 131$.

Second, we find a lower bound of $q$.

We have $q^2 + 3 p^2 < q^2 + 3 q^2 = 4 q^2$. Hence, $4 q^2 > 146^2$. Hence, $q > 73$. Because $q$ is an integer, we must have $q \geq 74$.

Now, we find the integer solutions of $p$ and $q$ that satisfy Equation (2) with $74 \leq q \leq 131$.

First, modulo 9, \begin{align*} q^2 & \equiv 146^2 - 3 p^2 \\ & \equiv 4 - 3 \cdot ( 0 \mbox{ or } 1 ) \\ & \equiv 4 \mbox{ or } 1 . \end{align*}

Hence $q \equiv \pm 1, \pm 2 \pmod{9}$.

Second, modulo 5, \begin{align*} q^2 & \equiv 146^2 - 3 p^2 \\ & \equiv 1 + 2 p^2 \\ & \equiv 1 + 2 \cdot ( 0 \mbox{ or } 1 \mbox{ or } -1 ) \\ & \equiv 1 \mbox{ or } 3 \mbox{ or } - 1 . \end{align*}

Because $q^2 \equiv 0 \mbox{ or } 1 \mbox{ or } - 1$, we must have $q^2 \equiv 1 \mbox{ or } - 1$. Hence, $5 \nmid q$.

Third, modulo 7, \begin{align*} q^2 & \equiv 146^2 - 3 p^2 \\ & \equiv 1 - 3 \cdot ( 0 \mbox{ or } 1 \mbox{ or } 5 \mbox{ or } 2 ) \\ & \equiv 1 \mbox{ or } 2 \mbox{ or } 3 \mbox{ or } 5 . \end{align*}

Because $q^2 \equiv 0 \mbox{ or } 1 \mbox{ or } 2 \mbox{ or } 4 \pmod{ 7 }$, we must have $q^2 \equiv 1 \mbox{ or } 2 \pmod{7}$. Hence, $q \equiv 1, 3, 4, 6 \pmod{7}$.

Given all conditions above, the possible $q$ are 74, 83, 88, 92, 97, 101, 106, 109, 116, 118, 127.

By testing all these numbers, we find that the only solution is $q = 97$. This implies $p = 63$.

Hence, $b = 3p = 189$ and $d = 3q = 291$. Hence, $c = \frac{d - b}{2} = 51$.

Therefore, the perimeter of $\triangle ABC$ is $b + c + a = 189 + 51 + 219 = \boxed{\textbf{(459) }}$.

~Steven Chen (www.professorchenedu.com)

## Solution (Number Theory Part)

We wish to solve the Diophantine equation $a^2+ab+b^2=3^2 \cdot 73^2$. It can be shown that $3|a$ and $3|b$, so we make the substitution $a=3x$ and $b=3y$ to obtain $x^2+xy+y^2=73^2$ as our new equation to solve for.

Notice that $r^2+r+1=(r-\omega)(r-{\omega}^2)$, where $\omega=e^{i\frac{2\pi}{3}}$. Thus, $$x^2+xy+y^2 = y^2((x/y)^2+(x/y)+1) = y^2 (\frac{x}{y}-\omega)(\frac{x}{y}-{\omega}^2) = (x-y\omega)(x-y{\omega}^2).$$

Note that $8^2+1^2+8 \cdot 1=73$. Thus, $(8-\omega)(8-{\omega}^2)=73$. Squaring both sides yields \begin{align} (8-\omega)^2(8-{\omega}^2)^2&=73^2\\ (63-17\omega)(63-17{\omega}^2)&=73^2. \end{align} Thus, by $(2)$, $(63, 17)$ is a solution to $x^2+xy+y^2=73^2$. This implies that $a=189$ and $b=51$, so our final answer is $189+51+219=\boxed{459}$.

~ Leo.Euler

## Solution(Visual geometry)

We look at upper and middle diagrams and get $\angle BAC = 120^\circ$.

Next we use only the lower Diagram. Let $I$ be incenter $\triangle ABC$, E be midpoint of biggest arc $\overset{\Large\frown} {BC}.$ Then bisector $AI$ cross circumcircle $\triangle ABC$ at point $E$. Quadrilateral $ABEC$ is cyclic, so $$\angle BEC = 180^\circ - \angle ABC = 60^\circ \implies BE = CE = IE = BC.$$ $$AE \cdot BC = AB \cdot CE + AC \cdot BE \implies AE = AB + AC$$ $\implies AI +EI = AB + AC, \hspace{10mm} AI = AB+ AC – BC$ is integer. $$AI = \frac {2AB \cdot AC \cdot cos \angle CAI}{AB+AC + BC} = \frac {AB \cdot AC}{AB+AC + BC} =$$ $$= AB + AC – BC \implies AC^2 + AB^2 + AB \cdot AC = BC^2.$$ A quick $(\mod9)$ check gives that $3\mid AC$ and $3\mid AB$. $$AI \le A_0I_0 = EA_0 – EI_0 = \frac{2 BC}{\sqrt{3}} – BC = \frac {2 - \sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}} BC = 33.88.$$ Denote $a= \frac {BC}{3}= 73, b = \frac {AC}{3}, c = \frac {AB}{3}, l = \frac {AI}{3} \le 11.$

We have equations in integers $\frac{bc}{a+b+c} = b + c – a = l \le 11.$

The solution $(b > c)$ is $$b = \frac{a + l +\sqrt{a^2 – 6al – 3l^2}}{2}, c = \frac{a + l -\sqrt{a^2 – 6al – 3l^2}}{2}.$$ Suppose, $a^2 – 6al – 3l^2 = (a – 3l – t)^2 \implies \frac {12l^2}{t} + t + 6l= 2a = 146.$

Now we check all possible $t = {2,3,4,6,12, ml}.$

Case $t = 2 \implies 6l^2 + 6l = 146 – 2 \implies l^2 + l = 24 \implies \O$

Case $t = 3 \implies 4l^2 + 6l = 146 – 3 = 143\implies \O.$

Case $t = 4 \implies 3l^2 + 6l = 146 – 4 =142 \implies \O.$

Case $t = 6 \implies 2l^2 + 6l = 146 – 6 = 140 \implies l = 7, b = 63, c = 17.$

Case $t = 12 \implies l^2 + 6l = 146 – 12 = 134 \implies \O.$

Case $t = ml \implies \frac{12l}{m} + 6l + ml = 146 \implies \frac{12}{m} + 6 + m = \frac{73 \cdot 2}{l}\implies \O.$

vladimir.shelomovskii@gmail.com, vvsss

## Video Solution

~Steven Chen (wwww.professorchenedu.com)

## See Also

 2022 AIME I (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) Preceded byProblem 13 Followed byProblem 15 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 All AIME Problems and Solutions

The problems on this page are copyrighted by the Mathematical Association of America's American Mathematics Competitions.

Invalid username
Login to AoPS