2016 USAMO Problems/Problem 3

Problem

Let $\triangle ABC$ be an acute triangle, and let $I_B, I_C,$ and $O$ denote its $B$ -excenter, $C$ -excenter, and circumcenter, respectively. Points $E$ and $Y$ are selected on $\overline{AC}$ such that $\angle ABY = \angle CBY$ and $\overline{BE}\perp\overline{AC}.$ Similarly, points $F$ and $Z$ are selected on $\overline{AB}$ such that $\angle ACZ = \angle BCZ$ and $\overline{CF}\perp\overline{AB}.$

Lines $I_B F$ and $I_C E$ meet at $P.$ Prove that $\overline{PO}$ and $\overline{YZ}$ are perpendicular.

Solution

This problem can be proved in the following two steps.

1. Let $I_A$ be the $A$ -excenter, then $I_A,O,$ and $P$ are colinear. This can be proved by the Trigonometric Form of Ceva's Theorem for $\triangle I_AI_BI_C.$

2. Show that $I_AY^2-I_AZ^2=OY^2-OZ^2,$ which implies $\overline{OI_A}\perp\overline{YZ}.$ This can be proved by multiple applications of the Pythagorean Thm.

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

Solution 2

We find point $T$ on line $YZ,$ we prove that $TY \perp OI_A$ and state that $P$ is the point $X(24)$ from ENCYCLOPEDIA OF TRIANGLE, therefore $P \in OI_A.$

Let $\omega$ be circumcircle of $\triangle ABC$ centered at $O.$ Let $Y_1,$ and $Z_1$ be crosspoints of $\omega$ and $BY,$ and $CZ,$ respectively. Let $T$ be crosspoint of $YZ$ and $Y_1 Z_1.$ In accordance the Pascal theorem for pentagon $AZ_1BCY_1,$ $AT$ is tangent to $\omega$ at $A.$

2016 USAMO (Problems • Resources)
Preceded by Problem 2	Followed by Problem 4
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6
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2016 USAMO Problems/Problem 3

Contents

Problem

Solution

Solution 2

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