Difference between revisions of "1991 OIM Problems/Problem 6"

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== Solution ==
 
== Solution ==
  
Case 1: <math>\angle NHM = 90^{\circ}</math>
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'''Case 1:''' <math>\angle NHM = 90^{\circ}</math>
  
 
[[File:1991_OIM_P6a.png|500px]]
 
[[File:1991_OIM_P6a.png|500px]]
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If you measure <math>\angle NHM</math> on the given points and it happens to be a right angle, then constructing the triangle is easy because point <math>H</math> is also point <math>A</math> of the triangle <math>ABC</math>.  One can notice if this angle is a right angle or not if you can draw a perpendicular from point <math>M</math> to line <math>NH</math> and it passes through <math>H</math>.  If this happens to be the case, then since <math>AM=MB</math> and <math>AN=NC</math> then one can simply draw a circle with the compass at points <math>M</math> and <math>N</math> with radiuses measuring <math>MA</math> and <math>NA</math> respectively.  Then extend the lines <math>AM</math> and <math>AN</math> to the intersection on their respective circles at <math>B</math> and <math>C</math> respectively.  Then draw triangle <math>ABC</math>.
 
If you measure <math>\angle NHM</math> on the given points and it happens to be a right angle, then constructing the triangle is easy because point <math>H</math> is also point <math>A</math> of the triangle <math>ABC</math>.  One can notice if this angle is a right angle or not if you can draw a perpendicular from point <math>M</math> to line <math>NH</math> and it passes through <math>H</math>.  If this happens to be the case, then since <math>AM=MB</math> and <math>AN=NC</math> then one can simply draw a circle with the compass at points <math>M</math> and <math>N</math> with radiuses measuring <math>MA</math> and <math>NA</math> respectively.  Then extend the lines <math>AM</math> and <math>AN</math> to the intersection on their respective circles at <math>B</math> and <math>C</math> respectively.  Then draw triangle <math>ABC</math>.
  
Case 2: <math>\angle NHM \ne 90^{\circ}</math>
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'''Case 2:''' <math>\angle NHM \ne 90^{\circ}</math>
  
  

Revision as of 18:10, 22 December 2023

Problem

Given 3 non-aligned points $M$, $N$ and $H$, we know that $M$ and $N$ are midpoints of two sides of a triangle and that $H$ is the point of intersection of the heights of said triangle. Build the triangle.

~translated into English by Tomas Diaz. ~orders@tomasdiaz.com

Solution

Case 1: $\angle NHM = 90^{\circ}$

1991 OIM P6a.png

If you measure $\angle NHM$ on the given points and it happens to be a right angle, then constructing the triangle is easy because point $H$ is also point $A$ of the triangle $ABC$. One can notice if this angle is a right angle or not if you can draw a perpendicular from point $M$ to line $NH$ and it passes through $H$. If this happens to be the case, then since $AM=MB$ and $AN=NC$ then one can simply draw a circle with the compass at points $M$ and $N$ with radiuses measuring $MA$ and $NA$ respectively. Then extend the lines $AM$ and $AN$ to the intersection on their respective circles at $B$ and $C$ respectively. Then draw triangle $ABC$.


Case 2: $\angle NHM \ne 90^{\circ}$


  • Note. I actually competed at this event in Argentina when I was in High School representing Puerto Rico. I think I may have been able to build some cases of this. I don't remember much of it.

Alternate solutions are always welcome. If you have a different, elegant solution to this problem, please add it to this page.

See also

https://www.oma.org.ar/enunciados/ibe6.htm