Difference between revisions of "1973 USAMO Problems/Problem 1"

(See also)
(See also)
Line 10: Line 10:
  
 
[[Category:Olympiad Geometry Problems]]
 
[[Category:Olympiad Geometry Problems]]
Let the side length of the regular tetrahedron be {<math>a</math>}. Link and extend AP to meet the plane containing triangle BCD at E; link AQ and extend it to meet the same plane at F. We know that E and F are inside triangle BCD and that &#8736;PAQ = &#8736;EAF
+
Let the side length of the regular tetrahedron be <math>a</math>. Link and extend AP to meet the plane containing triangle BCD at E; link AQ and extend it to meet the same plane at F. We know that E and F are inside triangle BCD and that &#8736;PAQ = &#8736;EAF
  
 
Now let’s look at the plane containing triangle BCD with points E and F inside the triangle. Link and extend EF on both sides to meet the sides of the triangle BCD at I and J, I on BC and J on DC. We have  &#8736;EAF < &#8736;IAJ
 
Now let’s look at the plane containing triangle BCD with points E and F inside the triangle. Link and extend EF on both sides to meet the sides of the triangle BCD at I and J, I on BC and J on DC. We have  &#8736;EAF < &#8736;IAJ
  
But since I and J are on the sides and not on the vertices, IJ {<math>a</math>}, &#8736;IAJ < &#8736;BAD = 60°. Therefore, &#8736;PAQ < 60°.
+
But since I and J are on the sides and not on the vertices, IJ < <math>a</math>, &#8736;IAJ < &#8736;BAD = 60°. Therefore, &#8736;PAQ < 60°.

Revision as of 00:28, 30 January 2010

Problem

Two points $P$ and $Q$ lie in the interior of a regular tetrahedron $ABCD$. Prove that angle $PAQ<60^o$.

Solution

This problem needs a solution. If you have a solution for it, please help us out by adding it.

See also

1973 USAMO (ProblemsResources)
Preceded by
First Question
Followed by
Problem 2
1 2 3 4 5
All USAMO Problems and Solutions

Let the side length of the regular tetrahedron be $a$. Link and extend AP to meet the plane containing triangle BCD at E; link AQ and extend it to meet the same plane at F. We know that E and F are inside triangle BCD and that ∠PAQ = ∠EAF

Now let’s look at the plane containing triangle BCD with points E and F inside the triangle. Link and extend EF on both sides to meet the sides of the triangle BCD at I and J, I on BC and J on DC. We have ∠EAF < ∠IAJ

But since I and J are on the sides and not on the vertices, IJ < $a$, ∠IAJ < ∠BAD = 60°. Therefore, ∠PAQ < 60°.