2001 USAMO Problems/Problem 4

Problem

Let $P$ be a point in the plane of triangle $ABC$ such that the segments $PA$, $PB$, and $PC$ are the sides of an obtuse triangle. Assume that in this triangle the obtuse angle opposes the side congruent to $PA$. Prove that $\angle BAC$ is acute.

Solution

We know that $PB^2+PC^2 < PA^2$ and we wish to prove that $AB^2 + AC^2 > BC^2$. It would be sufficient to prove that \[PB^2+PC^2+AB^2+AC^2 \geq PA^2 + BC^2.\] Set $A(0,0)$, $B(1,0)$, $C(x,y)$, $P(p,q)$. Then, we wish to show

$\begin{align*}

(p-1)^2 + q^2 + (p-x)^2 + (q-y)^2 + 1 + x^2 + y^2 &\geq p^2 + q^2 + (x-1)^2 + y^2 \\ 2p^2 + 2q^2 + 2x^2 + 2y^2 - 2p - 2px - 2qy + 2 &\geq p^2 + q^2 + x^2 + y^2 - 2x + 1 \\ p^2 + q^2 + x^2 + y^2 + 2x - 2p - 2px - 2qy + 1 &\geq 0 \\ (x-p)^2 + (q-y)^2 + 2(x-p) + 1 &\geq 0 \\ (x-p+1)^2 + (q-y)^2 &\geq 0,

\end{align*}$ (Error compiling LaTeX. Unknown error_msg)

which is true by the trivial inequality.

See also

2001 USAMO (ProblemsResources)
Preceded by
Problem 3
Followed by
Problem 5
1 2 3 4 5 6
All USAMO Problems and Solutions

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