CUBO A Mathematical Journal

Vol.16, No 01, (71110). June 2014

Trisectors like Bisectors with equilaterals instead of Points

Spiridon A. Kuruklis
Eurobank,
Group IT Security and Risk Management Division
Athens, GREECE
skuruklis@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
It is established that among all Morley triangles of ABC the only equilaterals are the
ones determined by the intersections of the proximal to each side of ABC trisectors
of either interior, or exterior, or one interior and two exterior angles. It is showed
that these are in fact equilaterals, with uniform proofs. It is then observed that the
intersections of the interior trisectors with the sides of the interior Morley equilateral
form three equilaterals. These along with Paschs axiom are utilized in showing that
Morleys theorem does not hold if the trisectors of one exterior and two interior angles
are used in its statement.
RESUMEN
Se establece que entre todos los triangulos de Morley de ABC, los u
nicos equilateros
son theones determinados por las intersecciones del proximal a cada lado de los trisectores ABC de
angulos interior, o exterior, o uno interior y dos exteriores. Se muestra
que estos est
an en tri
angulos equilateros de facto con demostraciones uniformes. Luego,
se observa que las intersecciones de trisectores interiores con los lados de un equilatero
Morley interior forman tres triangulos equilateros. Junto con el axioma de Pasch, se
utilizan para probar que el Teorema de Morley no se satisface si se usan los trisectores
de un
angulo exterior y dos interiores.
Keywords and Phrases: Angle trisection, Morleys theorem, Morley trisector theorem, Morley
triangle, Morley interior equilateral, Morley central equilateral, Morley exterior equilateral, Paschs
axiom, Morleys magic, Morleys miracle, Morleys mystery.
2010 AMS Mathematics Subject Classification: 51M04

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Introduction

The systematic study of the angle trisectors in a triangle starts after 1899, when Frank Morley, a
Cambridge mathematician, who had just been recently appointed professor at Haverford College,
U.S.A. while investigating certain geometrical properties using abstract algebraic methods, made
the following astonishing observation, known since then as Morleys theorem.
In any triangle the trisectors of its angles, proximal to the three sides respectively, meet at the
vertices of an equilateral.
A Morley triangle of ABC is formed by the three
points of intersection of pairs of angle trisectors connected by each triangle side. Obviously for a particular
side there are four possibilities for pairing trisectors since
there are four of them that the side connects. Thus Morleys theorem claims that a Morley triangle of ABC is
equilateral, if it is formed by the intersections of trisectors
proximal to the three sides of ABC respectively.
It should be noted that Morleys theorem, as it is
stated, is subject to interpretation as the term angle
could mean either interior or exterior angle, or even a
combination of both for the dierent instances of the term
in the statement.
Fig.1

According to the angle meaning, Morleys theorem

gives the following Morley equilaterals of ABC. The
intersections of the proximal trisectors of the interior angles form the interior Morley equilateral
of ABC. Also the intersections of the proximal trisectors of the exterior angles form the central
Morley equilateral of ABC. In addition the intersections of the proximal trisectors of one interior
and two exterior angles form an exterior Morley equilateral of ABC, and thus there are three
exterior Morley equilaterals of ABC. Fig.1 depicts the above Morley equilaterals. Proofs that
the above Morley triangles are in fact equilaterals are given in Part 3 of this work.
But so an obvious question, that several authors have raised,
begs for an answer. In a ABC are there other Morley equilaterals
besides the interior, the central and the three exterior Morley equilaterals?
Apparently the requirement of Morleys theorem is satisfied by
three more Morley triangles formed by combinations of proximal trisectors of an exterior and two interior angles. One of them is portrayed in Fig.2. Some experimentation using computer generated
graphs for these triangles has tempted the belief that Morleys theo-

Fig.2

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73

rem holds for them as well [14]. But in Part 5, it will be proved that these are not equilaterals.
After the examination of all Morley triangles it will be shown that the equilateral ones are
exactly the interior, the central and the three exterior Morley equilaterals.
This enables the establishment of an analogy between the structures of the angle bisectors
and the angle trisectors in a triangle. Namely, the structure of trisectors resembles the structure
of bisectors with the inner and the exterior Morley equilaterals of ABC corresponding to the
incenter and the excenters of ABC respectively, while the central Morley equilateral corresponds
to the triangle with vertices the excenters of ABC.

Morleys theorem is considered among the most surprising discoveries in mathematics as it

went curiously unnoticed across the ages. Ancient Greeks studied the triangle geometry in depth
and they could find it. But curiously they did not and it was overlooked during the following two
thousand years.
Angle trisectors exist regardless of how they can be constructed. If the structure of angle
trisectors maintains the regularity which characterizes the triangle geometry then theorems must
exist for expressing it.
The first observation about this regularity may have forgotten. Morley didnt publish it until
25 years later by providing a sketchy proof, when the theorem had become already famous. But
Morley, excited by his discovery, travelled back to England to mention it to his expert friends. In
turn mathematical gossip spread it over the world and several journals proposed it for a proof.
Obviously, the simplicity of the theorem statement creates the expectation of an equally simple
proof. This simplicity challenges the mathematical talent.
The vast majority of publications on Morleys theorem has treated only the trisectors of the
interior angles and gave proofs for the interior Morley equilateral. In the preface of the first
publication on the subject, by Taylor and Marr [12], it is recognized that the Morleys work
on vector analysis, from which the above theorem follows, holds for both interior and exterior
trisectors. The papers treatment of the theorem with only the interior trisectors is explained
as Morleys work never published and it was only the particular case of internal trisectors that
reached the authors. The very respectable given eort has produced proofs of many kinds,
exploiting a variety of features. Trigonometric, analytic and algebraic proofs supplement the
proofs of a purely geometric kind. Site Cut the Knot [13] presents 27 dierent proofs of Morleys
theorem from many more available. Notably, Roger Penrose [9] used a tiling technique, Edsger
Dijkstra applied the rule of sines three times and then the monotonicity of the function y = sin(x)
in the first quadrant [3], Alain Connes oered a proof in Algebraic Geometry [1], John Conway
showed it in plane geometry like a jigsaw puzzle solution [2], while Richard Guy proved that it is a
consequence of his Lighthouse theorem [5]. However, a geometric, concise and logically transparent
proof is still desirable.

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Richard Guy notes: There are a few hints that there is more than one Morley triangle, but
Hosberger [p. 98] asks the reader to show that Morleys theorem holds also in the case of the
trisection of the exterior angles of a triangle [5]. Rose [10] and Spickerman [11] have proposed
proofs, using dierent methods, for the central Morley equilateral. In Parts 3 and 4 proofs for the
exterior Morley equilaterals will be oered.
The most popular technique for proving Morleys theorem is encountered as indirect, backwards
or reverse construction method and fits in the following scheme.
Given a triangle assume that its angles are trisected and equal to 3, 3 and 3, respectively,
where + + = 60o . In order to show that one of its Morley triangles is equilateral, start with
an equilateral A B C and construct a ABC with angles 3, 3 and 3, so that A B C is
the appropriate (interior, central or exterior) Morley triangle of ABC. Thus ABC would be
similar to the given triangle and so would be their corresponding Morley triangles.
Proofs of the above method most often construct ABC by erecting B AC , C BA and
A CB with proper choice of the angles formed on the sides of A B C . However repeated
requests have been recorded in geometry discussion forums for an explanation of the particular,
seemingly arbitrary, choice of angles made at the beginning of these proofs. Of course the reasoning of the choice is not necessary for their validity. But the readers unfulfilling understanding
may have encouraged the mathematical folklore the use of words mystery, magic or miracle for referring to Morleys theorem. This is not justifiable as there is nothing mathematically
extraordinary related to the theorem.

The presented proofs for showing that the interior, the central and the exterior Morley triangles are equilaterals use the classical Analysis and Synthesis method. They exploit the inherent
symmetries of the problem and characterized by their uniform structure, logical transparency,
remarkable shortness and the distinct aesthetics of the Euclidean geometry. The Synthesis part
follows the previous method scheme. But it is empowered by two simple observations, supplying
necessary and sucient conditions for a point to be the incenter or one of the excenters of a given
triangle. Even though they are almost trivial have a subtlety that enables to confront the messy
complexity of the triangle trisectors by enforcing clean simplicity and create proofs by harnessing
the power of the triangle angle bisector theorem. In addition these proofs reveal fundamental
properties of the Morley equilaterals stated as Corollaries. Besides their extensive use for showing
Morley triangles as not equilaterals, their fertility is demonstrated by proving the following: (1)
The two sides extensions of the inner Morley equilateral meet the corresponding inner trisectors at
two points which with the two sides common vertex form an equilateral. (2) The sides of Morley
equilaterals are collinear or parallel. (3) In any triangle the exterior trisectors of its angles, proximal to the three sides respectively, meet at the vertices of an equilateral, if and only if, the interior
trisectors of an angle and the exterior trisectors of the other two angles, proximal the three sides
respectively, meet at the vertices of an equilateral.

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In short, this work advocates that for Morleys observation a natural theoretical setting is
Euclidean geometry.

Notation and Counting of all Morley triangles

In a Morley triangle of ABC each vertex is the intersection of two trisectors, each of which is
either proximal or distal to a side of ABC. Hence a vertex is called proximal, distal or mix with
respect to the triangle side it belongs in the case the trisectors are both proximal, both distal, or
one proximal and one distal to the side, respectively.
So we may denote a proximal, distal or mix vertex with respect to a side
by using as superscripts p, d or * to
the letter of the corresponding angle
of ABC opposite to the side.
Thus Ap , Ad and A denote the
proximal, distal and mix vertex of a
Morley triangle with respect to BC respectively. In Fig.3 the notations for
all intersections of the interior trisectors of ABC are showed. Notice
that a Morley triangle may have either
proximal vertices, or distal vertices, or
exactly two mix vertices.
Specifically, Ap Bp Cp denotes
Fig.3
the inner Morley triangle of proximal
vertices, which is the inner Morley triangle determined by the intersections
of proximal to each side trisectors. Also there is just one Morley triangle with distal vertices which
is denoted by Ad Bd Cd . In addition there are three Morley triangles with one vertex proximal
and two vertices mix. They are denoted by Ap B C , Bp C A and Cp A B
Moreover there are three more Morley triangles with one vertex distal and two vertices mix.
They are denoted by Ad B C , Bd C A and Cd A B . Notice that a proximal or a distal
vertex is uniquely determined but a mix vertex is not as there are two such denoted by the same
letter. However in a Morley triangle with a pair of mix vertices, given its proximal or distal vertex,
the mix vertices are uniquely specified due to the choice restrictions in pairing trisectors for the
second and then for the third vertex. Hence there are 8 interior Morley triangles formed by the
trisectors of the interior angles of ABC.
Similarly the trisectors of the exterior angles of ABC form Morley triangles. These are

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p p
d d d
denoted by Ap
A BB CC , for the Morley triangle of proximal vertices, AA BB CC , for the Morley
p
p
p
triangle of distal vertices, AA BB CC , BB CC AA and CC AA BB , for the Morley triangles with

d
d
one proximal and two mix vertices, Ad
A BB CC , BB CC AA and CC AA BB for the Morley triangles of one distal and two mix vertices. In this notation we use subscripts in order to distinguish
a vertex determined by the interior trisectors from the vertex of the same type determined by the
exterior trisectors. Hence, in general, there are 8 Morley triangles formed by the trisectors of the
exterior angles of ABC. Their vertices are in the exterior of ABC and due to their rather
central location with respect to ABC are called central Morley triangles.

There are two more possibilities for the formation of a Morley triangle. One is by combining
the trisectors of an interior angle with the trisectors of the other two exterior angles of ABC.
Another is by combining the trisectors of two interior angles with the trisectors of the third exterior
angle of ABC.
The Morley triangles formed by combining the trisectors of the interior A with the trisectors
p p
of the exterior B and C are denoted by Ap
A bA cA , for the Morley triangle of proximal vertices,
p
p
d d d

AA bA cA , for the Morley triangle of distal vertices, Cp
C aC bC , aC bC CC and bC CC aC ,

d

for the Morley triangles with one proximal and two mix vertices, and Ad
A bA cA , bA cA AA ,
d
cA AA bA for the Morley triangles with one distal and two mix vertices. The use of a small letter
is for denoting the intersection of an interior and an exterior trisector of ABC. The vertices of
these 8 triangles formed by the trisectors of the interior A with the trisectors of the exterior B
and C are in the exterior of ABC and thus they are called exterior Morley triangles relative to
A.
Similarly are denoted the Morley triangles relative to B, which are formed by combining the
trisectors of the interior angle B with the trisectors of the exterior C and A, and also the
ones relative to C formed by combining the trisectors of the interior C with the trisectors of
the exterior A and B. Hence, in general, there are 24 exterior Morley triangles determined by
the intersections of trisectors of an interior and two exterior angles of ABC.
The Morley triangles formed by combining the trisectors of the interior B and C with
p
the trisectors of the exterior A are denoted by Ap bp
A cA , for the Morley triangle of proximal
p
p
d
p

vertices, Ad bd
A cA , for the Morley triangle of distal vertices, A bA cA , bA cA A , cA A bA ,

d
for the Morley triangles of one proximal vertex and two mix, Ad bA cA , bd
A cA A , cA A bA ,
for the Morley triangles of one distal vertex and two mix. It should be remarked that in this
notation the same symbol for the intersection of an interior with an exterior trisector may refer to
two dierent points, an ambiguity which is clarified in a Morley triangle since one of its vertices
specifies its type and so the vertex that the symbolism refers. Hence, there are 8 Morley triangles
relative to the exterior A, which obviously have one vertex inside and two outside ABC. In
general, there are 24 Morley triangles of ABC determined by the intersections of trisectors of
one exterior and two interior angles of ABC.
Conclude that in total there are, in general, 64 Morley triangles of ABC.

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77

Uniform Proofs for all Morley Equilaterals

In this part we will prove that five Morley triangles are

equilaterals. The proofs are uniform and utilize two basic
observations for determining the incenter or an excenter
of ABC using only one of its bisectors.
Observe that the incenter I is lying on a unique arc
passing through two vertices and I. In Fig.4 the unique
arc passing through A, B and I is depicted. Obviously
AIB=1800 12 ABC = 12 BAC = 90o + 12 ACB.
Thus I may be characterized as the intersection in the
interior of ABC of a bisector with the arc of size 90o +
1
2 ACB passing through A and B. Clearly an analogous
result holds for the other two pairs of vertices of ABC.
We refer to this as the Incenter Lemma.

Fig.4

If IC is the excenter relative to C then

AIC B = 90o 21 ACB, BIC C = 12 BAC and CIC A = 12 CBA.
Thus IC is determined by the intersection in the exterior of ABC of a bisector, either of the
interior C or the exterior A or B with the arc of size 90o 21 ACB passing through A and B,
or with the arc passing through B and C of size 12 BAC, or with the arc of size 12 CBA passing
through C and A. Evidently analogous results hold for the other two excenters IA and IB . We
refer to this as the Excenter Lemma.

Theorem 1. In any triangle the interior trisectors of its angles, proximal to the sides, meet at
the vertices of an equilateral.

Proof.
Analysis: Let ABC be a triangle with A =
3, B = 3 and C = 3, where ++ = 60o .
Suppose that Ap Bp Cp is equilateral, where Ap ,
Bp and Cp are the intersections of the trisectors
proximal to the sides BC, CA and AB respectively. The aim of this step is to calculate the
angles formed by the sides of Ap Bp Cp and the
trisectors of ABC. See Fig.5.
Let Cd be the intersection of ABp and BAp . Since
ACp and BCp are angle bisectors in ACd B , Cp
is the incenter.
Fig.5

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Let P and Q be the orthogonal projections of Cp on ACd and BCd respectively. Thus Cp P =
C Q and Cd P = Cd Q. But so Cp PBp = Cp QBp as right triangles having two pairs of
sides equal. Hence Bp P = Ap Q. Then Cd Ap = Cd Bp and so Ap Cd Bp is isosceles. Now from
ACd B we have ACd B = 180o (2 + 2) = 60o + 2.Therefore Cd Bp Ap = Cd Ap Bp =
1
o
o
o
2 [180 (60 + 2)] = 60 . Consequently
p p
C B A = Cp Ap B = 180o 60o (60o ) = 60o + = + .
p

Let Ad be the intersection of BCp and CBp . Also let Bd be the intersection of CAp and ACp .
Then from BAd C and CBd A find similarly
Ap Cp B = Ap Bp C = + and Bp Ap C = Bp Cp A = + .

Synthesis: Suppose that a triangle is

given and assume that its angles are trisected
and equal to 3, 3 and 3, respectively,
where + + = 60o . Then around an equilateral Ap Bp Cp will construct ABC with
angles 3, 3 and 3 so that Ap , Bp and Cp
will be the intersections of the proximal to the
sides interior trisectors.
On the side Bp Cp erect Bp ACp with
adjacent angles + = + 60o and + = +
60o .
Similarly, erect Cp BAp and Ap CBp on
the sides Cp Ap and Ap Bp respectively with
corresponding angles as shown in Fig.6, which
were found in the Analysis step.

Fig.6

Let Cd be the intersection ABp and BAp .

Notice that Ap Cd Bp is isosceles as two of
its angles are 180o 60o + = 60o .
Thus
Cd Ap = Cd Bp (1) and Ap Cd Bp = 180o 2(60o ) = 60o + 2 (2)
Since Ap Bp Cp has been taken equilateral, Cp Ap = Cp Bp . Combine this with (1) and infer
that Cp is on the Ap Bp bisector and so on the ACd B bisector. Moreover from (2) ACp B =
3600 (+ +60o ++ ) = 180o (+) = 90o + 21 (60o +2) = 90o + 12 Ap Cd Bp = 90o + 12 ACd B.
Hence, by the Incenter Lemma, Cp is the incenter of ACd B.
Similarly it is shown that Ap and Bp are the incenters of BAd C and CBd A, respectively,
where Ad is the intersection of BCp and CBp , while Bd is the intersection of CAp and ACp . Thus
Cp AB = Cp ABp = CABp and so ABp , ACp are trisectors of A.

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79

Also the choice of angles in the construction of Bp ACp implies Cp ABp = . Hence
A = 3. Likewise infer that BCp , BAp are trisectors of B with B = 3 and CAp , CBp are
trisectors of C with C = 3.
Corollary 1.
a) The angles between the trisectors of ABC and the sides of its inner
Morley equilateral Ap Bp Cp are: Ap Bp C = Ap Cp B = + , Bp Cp A = Bp Ap C = + ,
Cp Ap B = Cp Bp A = + .
b) The heights of the equilateral Ap Bp Cp are: Ap Ad , Bp Bd and Cp Cd .

Theorem 2. In any triangle the exterior trisectors of its angles, proximal to the sides, meet at
the vertices of an equilateral.
Proof.
Analysis: Let ABC be a triangle with A = 3, B = 3 and C = 3, where + + =
p
p
60o . Let Ap
A , BB and CC be the intersections of the exterior trisectors proximal to the sides BC,
p p
CA and AB respectively. Suppose Ap
A BB CC is equilateral. The aim of this step is to calculate
p p
the angles formed by the sides of Ap
A BB CC and the exterior trisectors of ABC.

Fig.7a ( < 30o )

Fig.7b ( > 30o )

Let P and Q be the orthogonal projections of

Cp
C

on

ABp
B

Fig.7c ( = 30o )

and

BAp
A

respectively.

p
Notice that ABp
B and BAA may intersect each other or be parallel since
PAB + QBA = 2( + ) + 2( + ) = 120o + 2.
p
d
If ABp
B and BAA intersect each other let CC be their intersection. Next consider all possible
cases.

If < 30o then

p
p
d
and Cp
C are at the same side of AB. In ACC B, ACC and BCC are interior angle bisectors
p
o
and so CC is the incenter, while it is calculated ACd
C B = 60 2. Fig.7a.

Cd
C

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If > 30o then

p
p
d
and Cp
C are on dierent sides of AB. In ACC B, ACC and BCC are exterior angle bisectors
d
d
o
and so Cp
C is the excenter relative to CC , while it is calculated ACC B = 2 60 . Fig.7b.

Cd
C

p
p
p
p
p
Hence in both the above cases ( = 30o ) it holds Cp
C P = CC Q. Thus CC PBB = CC QAA ,
p p
p p
as right triangles having two pairs of sides equal. Consequently CC BB P = CC AA Q and so
d p
Ap
A CC BB is isosceles. Thus:
If > 30o then
p
p p
p d p
1
1
o
o
o
o
o
Cp
C BB P = CC AA Q = 2 [180 AA CC BB ] 60 = 2 [180 (60 2)] 60 = .
If < 30o then
p
p p
p d p
1
o
o
o
o
o1
o
o
Cp
C BB P = CC AA Q = 180 60 2 [180 AA CC BB ] = 180 60 2 [180 (2 60 )] = .
p
p
p
p
Deduce that for = 30o it holds CC BB A = CC AA B = .
p
If = 30o then + = 30o and ABp
B //BAA . Fig.7c.
p
o
o
o
o
Notice ACp
C B = 180 (30 + ) (30 + ) and so ACC B = 90 .
p
p
Let M be the midpoint of AB. Since ACC B is right triangle, CC M = MA = MB. Then Cp
CM =
p
p
p
p
MA gives CC AM = MCC A. But ACC is the PAB bisector and thus CC AM = Cp
C AP.
p
p
p
p
Hence MCp
A
=
C
AP
and
so
B
A//C
M//A
B.
C
C
B
C
A
p p
p
p
p p p
M
bisects
A
B
and
so
C
M
Ap
Since MA = MB, Cp
C
A B
C
A BB , as AA BB CC is equilateral.
p
p
p p
p p
p p
o
o
Then ABB , BAA AA BB . Therefore ABB AA = 90 and given that Cp
C BB AA = 60 infer
p
p p
o
o
Cp
C BB A = 30 . Similarly infer CC AA B = 30 .
p p
p
o
Deduce that for = 30 it holds CC BB A = Cp
C AA B = .
p
p p
Conclude that for any value of it holds Cp
C BB A = CC AA B = .

p
p
p
p p
p p
Then from Cp
C ABB and CC BAA deduce BB CC A = and AA CC B = respectively.
p
p p
p p
Also from BAp
A C and CBB A infer BB AA C = and AA BB C = .

Synthesis: Let a triangle be given in which its angles are equal to 3, 3 and 3 respectively,
p p
where + + = 60o . Then around an equilateral, which is denoted by Ap
A BB CC , will
p
p
p
construct a ABC with angles 3, 3 and 3 so that AA , BB and CC will be the meeting points
p
p
p
of the exterior angle trisectors proximal to the sides of ABC. On the side Bp
B CC erect BB ACC
p
p
with adjacent angles and which were calculated in the Analysis step. Similarly, erect CC BAA
p
p p
p p
and Ap
A CBB on the sides CC AA and AA BB with corresponding angles as they are depicted in
Fig.8. Hence ABC has been determined. So it remains to be proved that the resulting ABC
has angles 3, 3 and 3 respectively and the erected sides are the trisectors of its exterior angles.
p
p
Let P and Q be the orthogonal projections of Cp
C on the extensions of ABB and BAA respecp
tively. Next consider all cases regarding ABp
B and BAA .

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Fig.8a ( < 30o )

Fig.8b ( > 30o )

81

Fig.8c ( = 30o )

p
Assume = 30o . Set s = (30o )/|30o | and let Cd
C be the meeting point of ABB and
p
p
p
p
Ap
A B. The choice of angles in the erection of BB ACC and CC BAA implies:
p
p d p
p
CC is lying on the AA CC BB bisector (1) and ACC B = 90o + 21 sACd
C B (2)
d p
To verify (1) notice that Ap
A CC BB is isosceles, as two of its angles are by construction
p p
either 60o + ( < 30o ) or 120o ( > 30o ). But Ap
A BB CC is assumed equilateral and so
p
p p
p p
p d p
p
d p
Cp
C AA = CC BB . Thus CC CC bisects side AA BB of the isosceles AA CC BB and so CC is lying on
p d p
the AA CC BB bisector.
d p
d
o
o
To verify (2) notice that in the isosceles Ap
A CC BB either ACC B = 180 2(60 + )
o
o
o
o
o
d
60o 2 ( < 30o ) or ACd
C B=180 2(60 +) = 260 ( > 30 ). Thus ACC B = s(60 2).
p
1
o
o
o
o
o
o
Hence
ACC B = + 60 + = 60 + (60 ) = 90 + 2 s(60 2) = 90 + sACd
C B.

Therefore from (1) and (2), by the Incenter Lemma ( < 30o , s = 1) or the Excenter Lemma
d
( > 30o , s = 1), Cp
C is the incenter or the excenter of ACC B respectively.
p
p
p
d
Thus ACp
C and BCC are bisectors (interior or exterior) in ACC B. So, using CC ABB and
p
p
p
p
p
p
CC BAA , deduce CC AB = CC AP = + and CC BA = CC BQ = + . Consequently
p
p
p
Cp
C AB = + and CC BA = + while ACC and BCC bisect the angles formed by AB and
p
p
the extensions of ABB and BAA respectively.
p
p p
p
p
Assume = 30o . Then + = 30o . Notice ABp
B , BAA AA BB and so AA B//BB A. Also
p
o
o
ACp
C B = +60 + = 90 and so ACC B is right triangle. Let M be the midpoint of AB. Hence
p
p
p
p
p
CC M=MA=MA. But CC M = MA implies Cp
C AM = MCC A. Since CC AM = CC AP,
p
p
p
p
p
Cp
C AM = ACC M. Consequently CC M//AP. Thus AA B//CC M//BB A and since MA = MA,
p
p p
p
CC M passes through the midpoint of AA BB . As a result CC M is a height of the equilateral
p p
p p
p p
o
Ap
A BB CC and so AA CC M = BB CC M = 30 . Therefore
p
p
p p
p
o
CC AB = MCC A = MCC BB = Bp
B CC A = 30 + = + .
o
Similarly it is shown Cp
C BA = 30 + = + .
p
p
p
p
p
p
Also Ap
A B//CC M//BB A implies CC AP =ACC M and QBCC = BCC M. So
p
p
p
Cp
C AP = CC AB and CC BQ = CC BA.

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p
p
p
Conclude for any it holds Cp
C AB = + and CC BA = + , while ACC and BCC
p
bisect the angles formed by AB and the extensions of ABp
B and BAA respectively.

p
p
The rest cases are treated similarly. Considering BCp
C and CBB it shown that AA BC = +
p
p
p
and AA CB = + while BAA and CAA bisect the angles formed by BC and the extensions of BCp
C
p
p
p
and CBp
respectively,
and
eventually
considering
CA
and
AC
it
is
proved
that
B
CA
=

B
A
C
B
p
p
p
and BB AC = + while CBB and ABB bisect the angles formed by AC and the extensions of
p
p
ACp
C and CAA respectively. Conclude that ABB bisects the angle between AC and the extension
p
p
p
p
of ACC , while ACC bisects the angle between AB and the extension of ABp
B . Thus ABB and ACC
are trisectors of the exterior A.
p
1
o
o
Also Cp
C AB = BB AC = + . Hence A = 2 [360 6( + )] = 180 3( + ) = 3.
p
p
Similarly it is shown that BCC , BAA are trisectors of the exterior B with B = 3 and CAp
A,
p
CBB are trisectors of the exterior C with C = 3.

Corollary 2. a) The angles between the exterior trisectors of ABC and the sides of its cenp p
p p
p p
p p
p p
tral Morley equilateral Ap
A BB CC are: AA BB C = AA CC B = , BB CC A = BB AA C = ,
p
p p
Cp
C AA B = CC BB A = .
p p
p d
p d
p d
b) The heights of the equilateral Ap
A BB CC are: AA AA , BB BB and CC CC .
Theorem 3. In any triangle the interior trisectors of an angle and the exterior trisectors of
the other two angles, proximal the three sides respectively, meet at the vertices of an equilateral.
Proof.
Analysis: Let ABC be a triangle with A = 3, B = 3 and C = 3, where + + = 60o .
p
Let Cp
C be the intersection of the exterior trisectors of B and C, proximal to AB, while aC
p
and bC are the intersections of the interior with the exterior trisectors proximal to BC and CA
p p
respectively. Suppose that ap
C CC bC is equilateral. The aim of this step is to calculate the angles
p p p
between the sides of aC CC bC and the interior trisectors of C and also the exterior trisectors
of A and B.
p
p
Let P and Q be the orthogonal projections of Cp
C on AbC and BaC , respectively. It was
p
observed in the course of the Analysis Step of Theorem 2 that the trisectors Abp
C and BaC interp
sect each other i = 30o . Recall that if = 30o CC is the incenter ( < 30o ) or the excenter
p
p
o
( > 30o ) of BCd
C C while for = 30 AbC //BaC . But it was shown that in either case it holds
p
p
p
p
p
p
CC P = CC Q and hence CC PbC = CC QaC , as right triangles having two pairs of sides equal.
p
p p
This implies Abp
C CC = BaC CC (1). Consequently:
p p d
p p d
If =
30o then Cd
C is determined. Hence (1) implies bC aC CC = aC bC CC . Thus
d
is isosceles. However from ACC B it is calculated that

d p
ap
C CC bC

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Fig.9a ( < 30o )

Fig.9b ( > 30o )

83

Fig.9c ( = 30o )

o
o
d
o
o
ACd
C B = 60 2 ( < 30 ) or ACC B = 2 60 ( > 30 ).

Then we have respectively.

p p
For < 30o , Cd
C is on the other side of aC bC from A, B and
p p
p p
AbC aC = BaC bC = 180o 12 [180o (60o 2)] = 120o .
p p
For > 30o , Cd
C is on the same side of aC bC with A,B and
p
p p
1
o
o
o
Abp
C aC = BaC bC = 2 [180 (2 60 )] = 120 .
p
p p
o
In either case Cp
C aC B = CC bC A = 60 = + .
p
p
p
o
If = 30o then Abp
C //BaC . Also CC P, CC Q are collinear and + = 30 . Thus
p p p
p p
p p
o
o
o
o
aC CC bC = 180 (30 + ) (30 + ) = 60 and so by (1) aC CC Q = bC CC P =
p p p
p p
p p
1
1
o
o
o
o
o
2 (180 aC CC bC ) = 2 (180 60 ) = 60 . Hence CC aC B = CC bC A = 30 = + .
p
p p
o
In conclusion for any it holds Abp
C CC = BaC CC = 60 = + .

p
p
p
Finally from Bap
C C and CbC A we find BaC C = and AbC C = respectively,
p
p
p
p p
p p
and so CC aC C = and CC bC C = . Yet from bC ACC and Cp
C BaC calculate that
p
p p
+
+
bp
C CC A = ( + ) and aC CC B = ( + ) .

Synthesis: Suppose that a triangle is given with angles equal to 3, 3 and 3, respectively,
p p
where + + = 60o . Then from an equilateral, which we denote ap
C CC bC , will construct
a ABC with angles 3, 3 and 3 so that the sides of the erected triangles are the proper
p
p
p
angle trisectors of the resulting ABC. On the side ap
C bC erect aC CbC with adjacent angles
p
p
p
p
+
o
+
o
= 60 + and = 60 + so that CC is inside aC CbC . Next on the side bp
C CC erect
p
p
p
p
p
bC ACC with adjacent angles + and ( + )+ . Finally on the side CC aC erect ap
C BCC
with adjacent angles + and ( + )+ . Thus ABC has been determined. See Fig.10 for the
corresponding value of . So it remains to be proved that the resulting ABC has angles 3, 3
p
p
p
and 3, respectively and the erected sides Cap
C , CbC are trisectors of C, while AbC , ACC , and

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p
BCp
C , BaC are trisectors of the exterior angles A and B respectively.

Fig.10a ( < 30o )

Fig.10b ( > 30o )

Fig.10c ( = 30o )

p
Notice that if either < 30o or > 30o then Abp
C and BaC intersect each other, while for
p
p
o
= 30 AbC //BaC .

p
First we deal with the erected sides Cap
C and CbC and prove that they are trisectors of C .
We also show that C = 3. See Fig.11.
p
p
Let bd
C be the intersection of ACC and CaC .
Notice the choice of angles in the construction of
p
p
p
p p
ap
C CbC and aC BCC yields CaC CC = and
p d
o
+
o
= . Hence
ap
C CC bC = 180 ( + ) 60
p d p
d
aC bC CC is isosceles. Thus AbC C = 2 and
1
d
Abp
C C = 2 AbC C.
d p
Since ap
C bC CC is isosceles and from the asp p p
p
sumption aC CC bC is equilateral, infer that bd
C bC
p
p d p
d p
bisects ap
C CC and so bC bC is the aC bC CC bisector.
d
Hence bC is lying on the exterior bisector of Abd
C C.
p
Thus, by the Excenter Lemma, bC is the excenter of
p
p
Abd
C C relative to C. But so CbC is the ACaC bisector.

Fig.11

p
Similarly show that Cap
C is the BCbC bisector.
p
Therefore Cbp
C and CaC are trisectors of C. Also
p
p
p
p p
o
+
+
aC CbC = 180o Cbp
C aC CaC bC = 180 = .

Conclude C = 3.
p
p
p
Next we deal with the erected sides ACp
C , AbC and BCC , BaC and prove that are trisectors
of A and B. We also show that A = 3 and B = 3.

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85

p
Assume = 30o . Set s = (30o )/|30o | and let Cd
C be the meeting point of AbC and
p
p
p
p
The choice of angles in the erection of CC AbC and CC BaC implies:
p
1
d
d
o
Cp
C is lying on the ACC B bisector (1) and ACC B = 90 + 2 sACC B (2)

Bap
C.

d p
o
To verify (1) notice that ap
A CC bC is isosceles, as two of its angles are either 120 ( + )
p p p
o
o
o
( < 30 ) or 60 + ( + ) ( > 30 ). Using the fact that aC CC bC is equilateral, infer that
p
p p
p
p d p
Cd
C CC bisects aC bC and so CC is lying on the aC CC bC bisector.
d p
To verify (2) notice that in the isosceles ap
C CC bC
o
o
o
o
if < 30o then ACd
C B = 180 2[120 ( + )] = 60 2 = s(60 2) ,
o
d
o
o
o
o
if > 30 then ACC B = 180 2[60 + ( + )] = 2 60 s(60 2).
So for the cases < 30o and > 30o have respectively:
o
ACd
C B = s(60 2) and
1
1
o
+
+
o
o
o
o
d
ACp
C B = 360 ( + ) ( + ) = 120 = 90 + 2 (60 2) = 90 + 2 sACC B.

Therefore from (1) and (2), by the Incenter Lemma ( < 30o , s = 1) or the Excenter
d
Lemma ( > 30o , s = 1), Cp
C is the incenter or the excenter of ACC B respectively. Thus
p
p
p
p
p
p
CC AbC = CC AB and CC BaC = CC BA.
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
Moreover from CC AbC and Cp
C BaC infer CC AbC = + and CC BaC = + .
p
p
p
p
p
Deduce for = 30o it holds CC AbC = CC AB = + and CC BaC = Cp
C BA = + .
p
Assume = 30o and so + = 30o . Then the choice of angles in construction of Cp
C BaC
p
p p
p p
p
p
p p
o
and Cp
C AbC implies CC bC A = CC aC B = + = 30 . Hence AbC , BaC aC bC and thus
p
p
p
p p p
AbC //BaC . Draw from CC the height of the equilateral aC bC CC meeting AB at M. Hence
p
p
p
p p
Cp
C M//AbC //BaC , and also MCC bisects aC bC . But so M is the midpoint of AB. Also notice
p
p
that ACC B is right triangle as ACC B = 360o 60o ( + 30o )+ ( + 30o )+ = 90o . Then
p
p
p
p
p
Cp
C M = MA = MB. Now CC M = MA implies CC AM = MCC A. Yet CC M//AbC implies
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
p
CC AbC = ACC M. Thus CC AbC = CC AM and so ACC is the bC AB bisector.
p
Similarly it is shown that BCp
C is the aC BA bisector.
p
Also the choice of angles in the construction of Cp
C AbC gives
p
p
o
o
o +
CC AbC = 180 30 ( + 30 ) = 30o + .
p
p
o
Deduce for = 30o it holds Cp
C AbC = CC AB = 30 + = + .
p
p
p
Similarly it is shown that CC BaC = CC BA = + .

Conclude for all it holds

p
p
p
p
p
o
Cp
C AbC = CC AB = 30 + = + and CC BaC = CC BA = + .
p
o
From Abp
C C it follows bC AC = 180 , since from the construction choice of angles
p
p
p
p
AbC C = and ACbC = , as found in the first step. But clearly bp
C AC = bC ACC +
Cp
C AB + CAB = 2( + ) + A. Then A = 3 and similarly B = 3. Therefore the angles
p
p
p
p
of ABC are 3, 3 and 3. Since Cp
C AbC = CC AB = + it follows that AbC and ACC

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are trisectors of A in ABC.

p
Similarly it shown that Bap
C and BCC are trisectors of B in ABC.
Corollary 3.
a) In any ABC, the angles formed by the sides of the exterior Morley
p p
p p
C
b
equilateral ap
C C C relative to the C and the exterior trisectors of A and B are: aC CC B =
p
p
p
p
p
p
( + )+ , bA CC A = ( + )+ , CC aC B = CC bA A = + , while with the interior trisectors
p
p p
of C are: Cp
C aC C = and CC bC C = .
p p
p d
p d
p d
b) The heights of the equilateral ap
C CC bC are: aC aC , bC bC and CC CC .

4
4.1

Implications
Companion Equilaterals of the inner Morley equilateral

Theorem 4. The two sides extensions of the inner Morley equilateral meet the corresponding
inner trisectors at two points which with the two sides common vertex form an equilateral.
Proof. As usually Ap Bp Cp denotes the interior Morley equilateral of ABC. Let SA be the intersection of the
extension of side Ap Cp with the trisector CBp and let KA be
the intersection of the extension of side Ap Bp with the trisector BCp . Moreover let Ad be the intersection of the trisectors
BCp and CBp . By Corollary 1a, Ap Bp C = Cp Ap B = +
and so Bp Ad Cp is isosceles. Thus Ap Ad is bisector of both
Bp Ap Cp and Bp Ad Cp .
Hence Bp Ap Ad = Cp Ap Ad and Bp Ad Ap = Cp Ad Ap .
Also SA Ad Ap = KA Ad Ap as obviously SA Ad Cp =
KA Ad Bp and SA Ad Ap = SA Ad Cp + Cp Ad Ap while
KA Ad Ap = KA Ad Ap + Bp Ad Ap .
Therefore Ap SA Ad and Ap KA Ad are equal because in
addition they have side Ap Ad in common. Consequently
SA Ap KA is equilateral.

Fig.12

The previous equilateral is named companion equilateral relative to vertex Ap and it will be
denoted by SA Ap KA . Obviously there are two more companion equilaterals relative to vertices
Bp and Cp , denoted by SB Bp KB and SC Cp KC , respectively.
Corollary 4. For the companion equilateral relative to vertex Ap , SA Ap KA , it holds
BASA = CAKA = | + |.

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87

In fact, the points SA and KA , for < 30o are outside ABC, for = 30o are on AB and AC,
respectively, and for > 30o are inside ABC.
Proof. Corollary 1a asserts Cp Ap B = + and
B Ap C = + . Thus from KA Ap B and KA Ap B it
is calculated Cp SA Bp = and Cp KA Bp = , respectively. Then the points Bp , Cp , SA and KA are cyclic as
Bp Cp is seen from SA and KA with the same angle. Thus
ASA KA = ABp KA and AKA SA = ACp SA . From
BCp A and CBp A infer that ACp KA = + and
ABp SA = + , respectively. Hence
ASA KA = + and AKA SA = + .
p

Next notice that SA ACp = 180o ASA Cp

SA Cp A = 180o (60o + + ) ( + ) = +
and similarly KA AC = + .
However

Fig.13

SA ACp = SA AB BACp and

KA AC = KA AC CABp ,
where may be either + or depending on the location of SA and KA with respect to AB and
AC respectively. Therefore SA AB = KA AC = | + |.
Because + + = 60o for < 30o the points SA and KA are outside ABC, for = 30o
the points SA and KA are on AB and AC, respectively and for > 30o the points SA and KA are
inside ABC.

4.2

Relation of the Morley equilaterals

Theorem 5. In any triangle the sides of Morley equilaterals are either collinear or parallel.
p
Proof. Corollary 2a claims BCp
C AA = . Also
p
+
Corollary 3a confirms BCp
C aC = ( + ) . Hence
p p p
p p p
p p
p
BB CC aC = BB CC AA + AA CC B + BCp
C aC =
= 60o + + ( + )+ = 180o .
p
p p
Thus ap
C CC is extension of BB CC .
p
p p
Similarly it is shown that bp
C CC is extension of AA CC .
p p
p p p
o
As bp
C aC CC = AA BB CC = 60 , it follows
p
p p
ap
C bC //AA BB .
p
p p p
p p
o
Since bp
C aC C = bC aC CC + CC aC C = 60 +

Fig.14

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Spiridon A. Kuruklis

16, 2 (2014)

and Bp Ap C = + then
p
p p
ap
C bC //A B .

The previous result is mentioned as a fact in [8] and it might be in print elsewhere. At any
event, it inspires the next theorem.

4.3

Interrelationship between central and exterior Morley equilaterals

Theorem 6. In any triangle, the exterior trisectors of its angles, proximal to the three sides respectively, meet at the vertices of an equilateral, if and only if, the interior trisectors of an angle
and the exterior trisectors of the other two angles, proximal the three sides respectively, meet at
the vertices of an equilateral.
Proof. Let ABC be given with A = 3, B = 3
and C = 3, where + + = 600 .
p p
(=) Assume that Ap
A BB CC is the central Morley equilateral formed by the intersections of the exterior
trisectors, proximal to the sides of ABC. See Fig.15a.
p
p p
Extend Ap
A CC and BB CC to meet the extensions of
p

Ap
A B and BB A at A and B respectively. Then AB and

BA are trisectors of the exterior A and B respectively,

as extensions of the corresponding trisectors. Thus it suf
fices to show that A Cp
C B is equilateral and also that
CA and CB are trisectors of the interior C.

Fig.15a

First show that A Cp

C B is equilateral.
p
p p
Notice that A Ap
A BB = B AA BB because they
p
p p
p p
o
p p
p p
o
have Ap
A BB common, A BB AA = B AA BB = 60 and A AA BB = B BB AA = 60 + by
p
p
p p
p p
p p
p
p
Corollary 2a. Thus A BB = B AA . But so CC A = CC B , as CC AA = CC BB since Ap
A BB CC
p p p

o
p p
is equilateral. Also A Cp
C B = AA CC BB = 60 and hence A BB CC is equilateral.

Next show that CA and CB are trisectors of the interior C.

p p
p
p
p
p
From Ap
A A BB and AA B BB it is easily calculated that AA A BB = + and AB BB =
p
p
p
p
p
p
+ . Hence AA , BB , A , B are cyclic. But BB AA C = and AA BB C = , by Corollary
p
p
p
o
2a. So from Ap
A CBB , AA CBB = 180 ( + ). But so C is also on this circle. Thus
p
p
p
p
p

CA AA = AA BB C = and CB BB = Bp
B AA C = . Finally note that in BA C and

CB A it holds respectively A CB = ( + ) = and B CA = ( + ) = .

Conclude CA and CB are trisectors of the interior C, as C = 3.

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89

p p
(=) Assume that the exterior triangle ap
C CC bC is
equilateral formed by the intersections of the trisectors of
the interior C and the exterior A and B. See Fig.15b.
p
p p
Extend ap
C CC and bC CC to meet the extensions of
p

ap
C B and bC A at A and B respectively. Then AB and
BA are trisectors of the exterior A and B respectively,
as extensions of the corresponding trisectors.

Fig.15b

Thus it suces to show that A Cp

C B is equilateral

and that CA and CB are trisectors of the interior C.

p
p p
Note A ap
C bC = B aC bC , because they have
p p
p
p
p
o
aC bC common, A BB AA = B Ap
A BB = 60 and
0
p p
p p
A AA BB = B BB AA = 60 + + by Corollary 3a. Thus A bp
C
p
p

is equilateral then Cp
C A = CC B and so A CC B is equilateral.

Cbp
C

p p p
= B ap
C . Since aC CC bC

p
p
p
p
Also from ap
C BC and bC CA it is calculated that aC CB = bC CA = and so CaC and
are trisectors of C.

The non Equilateral Morley Triangles

For a given ABC there are in general 64 Morley triangles, as the

trisectors of its three angles meet at many points. Among them are
the inner, the central and the exterior Morley equilaterals.
A number of authors (see for example [4] or [5]) have wondered:
Are there more Morley equilaterals for ABC ?
This part examines all the remaining Morley triangles of ABC
systematically and shows that none of them is equilateral.
In
used.

the

sequel

the

following

easily

proved

lemma

is
Fig.16

The Equilateral Center Lemma. The incenter of an equilateral is the unique interior point from which its sides are seen with
120o . Similarly the excenter relative to an angle is the unique exterior point from which the side
opposite to the angle is seen with 120o while the other two sides are seen with 60o .

5.1

Morley triangles by trisectors of interior angles

This section treats the non equilateral Morley triangles formed by the trisectors of the interior
angles of ABC . The proximal to the sides trisectors meet at Ap , Bp and Cp and Ap Bp Cp

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Spiridon A. Kuruklis

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denotes the inner Morley equilateral.

5.1.1

The Interior Morley triangle of distal vertices

The interior Morley triangle of distal vertices is

denoted by Ad Bd Cd where Ad , Bd and Cd are
the meeting points of the distal trisectors with respect to the sides BC, CA and AB, respectively,
as shown in Fig.17. If ABC is equilateral then
Ad Bd Cd is equilateral as well. Thus in the following we assume that ABC is not equilateral.
From Corollary 1b, we have that Ap Ad ,
Bp Bd and Cp Cd are the heights of the inner Morley equilateral Ap Bp Cp .
Let M be the center of Ap Bp Cp . Thus
A MBd =Bd MCp = Cp MAd =Ad MBp
p

= Bp MCd =Cd MAp = 60o

So Ad MBd = Bd MCd = Cd MAd = 120o .
Hence the sides of Ad Bd Cd are seen from M
with 120o .

Fig.17

Assume towards a contradiction that Ad Bd Cd is equilateral. Then, by the Equilateral

Center Lemma, Ap Ad is a height of Ad Bd Cd . Thus Ap Ad bisects Bd Cd . Hence Ap Ad bisects
Bd Ap Cd and so BAp C. Since Ap is the incenter of BAd C, Ap Ad bisects also BAd C. But
so the exterior angles of Ad Ap B and Ad Ap C at vertex Ap are 21 BAp C = 12 BAd C + and
1
1
p
d
2 BA C = 2 BA C + . Hence = . Similarly it is shown that = . Thus ABC is
equilateral contrary to the assumption.
Conclude that Ad Bd Cd cannot be equilateral (if ABC is not equilateral).

5.1.2

Interior Morley triangles with one proximal and two mix vertices

There are three interior Morley triangles with one proximal and two mix vertices denoted by
Ap B C , Bp C A and Cp A B . We will study only Ap B C as the other two are similar.

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91

Since Ap is the intersection of the proximal trisectors, B

must be the intersection of the remaining trisector CBp
(proximal to CA) with ACp as distal. Then C is the
intersection of the left trisectors BCp (distal to AB) and
ABp (proximal). So B is on ACp and C is on ABp .
See Fig.18. Corollary 1a asserts ACp Bp = + and
ABp Cp = + . Hence ACp Ap = 60o + + < 180o
and ABp Ap = 60o + + < 180o . Therefore the quadrangle ABp Ap Cp is convex and so B Ap C is inside
Bp Ap Cp .
Fig.18

Conclude that B A C < 60 and thus A B C cannot be equilateral.

5.1.3

Interior Morley triangles with one distal and two mix vertices

There are three interior Morley triangles with

one distal and two mix vertices which are denoted by Ad B C , Bd C A and Cd A B .
We will study only Ad B C as the other two
are similar. Since Ad is the intersection of the
distal trisectors, B must be the intersection of
the remaining trisectors CAp (distal to CA) and
ABp , as proximal. So C is the intersection of
the left trisectors ACp and BAp (mix to AB).
First notice that if = then Ad B C
is isosceles, because Corollary 1a with =
yields Bp Ap B = Cp Ap C and so Ap B =
Ap C which implies Ad Ap B = Ad Ap C .
Thus if = = then Ad B C is equilateral.

Fig.19

Assume ABC is not equilateral. Then it

has two sides not equal and thus in the following we may assume < . Fig.19.
Suppose, towards a contradiction, that Ad B = Ad C . Let Z be the symmetric point of C
with respect to Ap Ad . We will fist show that Z is inside Ad Ap B .
From Corollary 1b, Ap Ad is height of the equilateral Ap Bp Cp and so Bp and CP are symmetric
with respect to Ap Ad . Consequently Bp Ap Z = Cp Ap C and since Cp Ap C = + infer
Bp Ap Z = + . Since Bp Ap B = + and by assumption < , deduce Bp Ap Z < Bp Ap B .
Moreover Ap Bp Z = Ap Cp C = + ( + ) = + while Ap Bp B = + ( + ) = + .
So Ap Bp Z < Ap Bp B .

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Since Z is inside Ad Ap B then Ad ZB > Ad Ap B = Ad Ap Bp + Bp Ap B = 30o +

= 90o + . However, the assumption Ad B = Ad C implies Ad Z = Ad B and so Ad ZB =
Ad B Z. Thus Ad ZB + Ad B Z > 2(90o + ) > 180o . Hence two angles of Ad ZB have
sum greater than 180o , which is a contradiction.
+

Conclude that Ad B C cannot be equilateral (if ABC is not equilateral).

5.2

Morley triangles by trisectors of exterior angles

This section treats the non equilateral Morley triangles formed by the trisectors of the exterior
angles. So throughout this section trisectors mean trisectors of the exterior angles of ABC.
p
p
p p p
The proximal trisectors meet at the points Ap
A , BB and CC and so AA BB CC denotes the
p
p
central Morley equilateral. Notice that the trisectors BCC and CBB are parallel i
p
o
o
Bp
B CB + CC BC = 180 2( + ) + 2( + ) = 180 .
p
p
o
So for = 30 BCC //CBB . In this case the distal trisectors with respect to BC do not intersect
p
o
d
and hence the distal to BC vertex Ad
A is not determined. Also if 30 > then AA and AA are on
p
d
o
o
d
the same side of BC while BAA C = 60 2. If 30 < then AA and AA are on dierent sides
o
of BC while BAd
A C = 2 60 . See Fig.20.

5.2.1

The Central Morley triangle of distal vertices

Fig.20a ( < 30o )

Fig.20b ( > 30o )

d d
d
d
d
The Morley triangle of distal vertices is denoted by Ad
A BB CC , where AA , BB and CC are
the meeting points of the distal trisectors of the exterior angles with respect to the sides BC, CA
d d
and AB, respectively. In Fig.20a and Fig.20b the dierent locations of Ad
A BB CC with respect to
p p p
p d
p d
p d
AA BB CC are illustrated. Note that AA AA , BB BB and CC CC , by Corollary 1b, are the heights
p p
of the central Morley equilateral Ap
A BB CC and let N be their intersection.
d d
Notice that if ABC is equilateral then Ad
A BB CC is equilateral as well. Thus in the following

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93

d d
we assume that ABC is not equilateral. Also suppose towards a contradiction that Ad
A BB CC
is equilateral.
p p
d d d
If ABC is an acute triangle the equilateral Ap
A BB CC is inside AA BB CC . Hence
d
d
d
d
d
o
Ad
A NBB = B NCC = CC NAA = 120 .

p
If ABC is an obtuse triangle (assume > 30o ) Ad
A and AA are on dierent sides of BC.
Hence
d
d
d
o
d
d
o
Ad
A NBB = AA NCC = 60 and BB NCC = 120 .

Thus, by the Equilateral Center Lemma, N is the incenter (acute) or the excenter (obtuse) of
p d
p d
d d
d d d
the assumed equilateral Ad
A BB CC . Hence AA AA is a height of AA BB CC and so AA AA bisects
d
d p d
Bd
B CC and BB AA CC .
p
In the case of the acute triangle, notice in BAd
A C that AA is the incenter while the bisector
p
d
d
bisects BAA C. As a result AA BC = AA CB 2( + ) = 2( + ) = .

d
Ap
A AA

p
d
d d
In the case of the obtuse triangle, note that since Ap
A AA bisects BB CC it bisects BAA C.
p
p
p
p
p
p
d
d
Also it bisects BAd
A C as a height of AA BB CC . Then AA BAA = AA CAA and so AA B =
p
AA C.
Therefore + = + and so = . Similarly we show that = .
Deduce that ABC is equilateral contrary to the assumption that it is not.
d d
Conclude that Ad
A BB CC cannot be equilateral (if ABC is not equilateral).

5.2.2

The Central Morley triangles with one proximal and two mix vertices

There are three Morley triangles of ABC formed

by exterior trisectors with one proximal and two
p

mix vertices denoted by Ap
A BB CC , BB CC AA and
p

Cp
C AA BB . We will study only AA BB CC as the other
two are similar.
As vertex Ap
A is the intersection of the proximal to
BC trisectors, vertex BB is the intersection of the remaining trisector CBPB (proximal to CA) with ACPC , as
distal. Then vertex CC is the intersection of the left trisectors ABPB (distal to AB) and BCPC (proximal). Thus
BB is on CBPB while CC is on BCPC . Using the angle
p p
values between the sides of Ap
A BB CC and the trisectors of ABC given by Corollary 2a it is easily deduced
p p
that all the angles of the quadrangles BB Bp
B AA CC and

Fig.21

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p p
o
CC Cp
C AA BB are less than 180 and so they are convex.

For instance
p
p p
o
o
CC Cp
C AA = 180 BCC AA = 180 ,

while
p
o
ABp
B AA = 60 + .

p p
p
p p p
p p p
Since BB Bp
B AA CC is convex infer AA CC is inside BB AA CC . Also since CC CC AA BB is
p
p p p
convex infer AA BB is inside BB AA CC .
p p p
p

o
Conclude that BC Ap
A CC < LBB AA CC = 60 and so AA BB CC cannot be equilateral.

5.2.3

The Central Morley triangles with one distal and two mix vertices

There are three Morley triangles formed by exterior trisectors with one distal and two mix vertices
d
d
d

which are denoted by Ad
A BB CC , BB CC AA and CC AA BB . We will study only AA BB CC as
the other two are similar.
p
p

Since Ad
A is the intersection of the distal to BC trisectors BCC and CBB , BB is the intersection
p
of the remaining trisector CAA (proximal to CA) with ABPB as distal. Then CC is the intersection
p
of the left trisectors ACp
C (proximal to AB) and BAA (distal).

If = 30o then Ad
A is not determined.
is
on the same side of
If 30o > then Ad
A
p
d
BC with AA and BAA C = 60o 2. If
p
30o < then Ad
A and AA are on dierent
o
sides of BC while BAd
A C = 2 60 .
Consider the case = .
Then
p p
= CC AA CC by Corolp

lary 2a.
So Ap
A BB = AA CC and in
p
d p
Thus
turn Ad
A AA BB = AA AA CC .
d
AA BB CC is isosceles. So if ABC is equi
lateral then Ad
A BB CC is equilateral.
p
Bp
B AA BB

Next consider that ABC is not equilateral and let > .

Since the location of Ad
A depends on the
value of , assume that 30o > . Suppose,

towards a contradiction that Ad
A BB CC is
equilateral. Let W be the symmetric point
d
of CC with respect to Ap
A AA and let V be
d
the intersection of AA W and BB Bp
B . In the

Fig.22

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95

sequel we find the location of W.

p p p
p
p
d
From Corollary 2b, Ap
A AA is height of the equilateral AA BB CC and so AA and BB are
d
symmetric with respect to Ap
A AA .

Also by Corollary 2a the angles between the trisectors of ABC and the central Morley
equilateral are as depicted in Fig.22. Consequently,
p
d p
o
o
o
d p
o
o
Ad
A CC W = AA CC CC = 180 60 = 60 + and AA BB BB = 180 60 =
p
p
o
p
d p
60 + . Therefore BB BB W < AA BB BB and the line BB W is inside CBB BB .
p
p p
p
p p
Furthermore Bp
B AA W = CC AA CC = and since > , AA W is inside BB AA BB . Thus
p
W is inside CBB BB .
p d
p d
Clearly CC is outside ABCp
C . Thus we may set CC AA CC = . Then by symmetry BB AA W =

d
d
o
. Also set Ad
A WBB = . Since AA BB CC is assumed equilateral then CC AA BB = 60 and
d
so WAA BB = 2( ).

d
d
d
d
d
d
However Ad
A BB = AA W and so AA CC = AA BB implies AA W = AA BB . Thus WBB AA =
d

o
o

and from AA WBB , 2 + 2( ) = 180 = 90 + . Given that W is inside CBp

B BB
p

infer CBB BB , > Ad

A VBB .
p d
o

d p

d
But from Ad
A VBB we deduce AA VBB = AA BB BB + BB AA V = 60 + + .

Thus > 60o + + = > 60o + + ( + 90o ) = + < 30o which contradicts
the assumption 30o > .
The case > 30o is similar and it is omitted.

Conclude that Ad
A BB CC cannot be equilateral (if ABC is not equilateral).

5.3

Morley triangles by trisectors of one interior and two exterior angles

This section deals with the non equilateral Morley triangles formed by the trisectors of one interior
and two exterior angles. Even crude figures of these triangles indicate clearly that they are too
asymmetric to be equilaterals. Nevertheless it must be shown rigorously that they are not. We will
consider only those formed by the interior trisectors of C and the exterior trisectors of A and
p p
B, as the other two cases are similar. ap
c CC bc denotes the exterior Morley equilateral relative
to C.
p
Notice that the trisectors Abp
C and BaC are parallel i
p
p
o
aC BA + bC AB = 180 2( + ) + 2( + ) = 180o = 30o .

In this case the distal trisectors with respect to AB do not intersect and hence the distal vertex
p
d
is
not determined. Also if 30o > then Cd
Cd
C
C and CC are on the same side of AB with ACC B =
p
o
o
d
d
o
60 2. If 30 < then CC and CC are on dierent sides of AB with ACC B = 2 60 . See
Fig.23.
p p
p
Futhermore note that from Corollary 3a the trisectror Cap
C is inside CC aC B and so CaC

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p
intersects the trisector BCp
C between B and CC . Moreover Corollary 3a implies that the extension
p
p p
p
p
p
p
of ACC is inside aC CC B and so CaC intersects ACp
C inside CC BaC . In addition ACC intesects
p
p
p
Bap
C between B and aC . Similarly the trisectror CbC intersects the trisector ACC between A and
p
p
p
p
p
p
CC and the trisector BCC inside CC AbC . Also BCC intersects AbC between A and bp
C.

5.3.1

The Morley triangle of distal vertices

p
d d
d
This is denoted by ad
C CC bC . Vertex CC is the intersection of the distal to AB trisectors AbC
p
and BaC and is determined i = 30o . Vertex ad
C is the intersection of the distal to BC trisectors
p
p
p
p
BCC and CbC and hence it is inside CC AbC . Vertex bd
C is the intersection of the distal to AC
p
p
p
trisectors Cap
and
AC
and
hence
it
is
inside
C
Ba
.
C
C
C
C See Fig.23.
d
d
d
d d d
Thus, for C = 90o Cd
C is determined while aC and bC are inside ACC B. But so aC CC bC <
d
o
d
o
d d d
o
ACd
C B. However ACC B = |60 2|. Hence ACC B < 60 . Therefore aC CC bC < 60 .
d d
Conclude ad
C CC bC is not equilateral.

Fig.23a ( < 30o )

5.3.2

Fig.23b ( > 30o )

The Morley triangles with one proximal and two mix vertices

p
p

There are three such triangles denoted by ap
C bC CC , bC aC CC and CC aC bC .

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97

p

a. ap
C bC CC : Vertex aC is the intersection of
p
the proximal to BC trisectors Bap
C and CaC . Vertex
bC must be the intersection of the remaining interior
trisector Cbp
C (proximal to ) with the exterior trisecp
tor AbC , as distal. Hence CC is the intersection of
p
the left trisectors, BCp
C (proximal to AB) and AbC
(distal). See Fig.24.
p
So bC is on ACp
C and it is between A and CC .
Fig.24
p
Also CC is on Abp
C and it is between A and bC . Nop p p
p p
o
tice ap
C bC CC = aC CC bC = 60 while, by Corolp
p p
p p
p p
o
o
lary 3a, CC bC A = + and bC CC A = (+)+ . Thus ap
C CC A < 180 and aC bC A < 180 .
p p p
p
p
p
p
Hence the quadrangle AbC aC CC is convex. Therefore bC aC CC is inside bC aC CC and so

o
bC ap
C CC < 60 .

Conclude that ap
C bC CC is not equilateral.

b. bp
C aC CC : It is shown as above that it is not equilateral.

p

c. Cp
C aC bC : Vertex CC is the intersection of the proximal to AB exterior trisectors. Thus
aC is the intersection of the remaining exterior trisector Bap
C (proximal to BC) with the interior

,
as
distal.
Then
b
is
the
intersection
of
the
left
trisectors Cap
trisector Cbp
C
C
C (distal to AC) and
p
AbC (proximal).
So aC and Cp
C are on the same side of BC i
p
o
o
BCbp
C + CBaC < 180 2 + 2( + ) + 3 < 180 < .
p
If = then aC is not determined as Bap
C //CbC .
Also bC and Cp
C are on dierent sides of AC i
p
o
o
ACap
C + CAbC < 180 2 + 2( + ) + 3 < 180 < .
p
If = then bC is not determined as Abp
C //CaC .
p
p
Since aC , bC and CC are outside ABC while aC and bC are on Abp
C and BaC respectively we
deduce
aC and Cp
C are on the same side of AB i <

while
bC and Cp
C are on the same side of AB i < .

The above conditions correlate the ranges of , Cp

C and with the dierent locations of aC

and bC and vise versa.

p
p
d
o
d
o
Recall that Abp
C and BaC intersect at CC i = 30 , with ACC B = |60 2|, while CC and
o
Cd
C are on the same side of AB i < 30 .

Next all the dierent locations of aC and bC are considered.

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Case 1: aC and bC are on the other side of AB from Cp

C.
This happens i 30o (and so < and < ) or < 30o with < and < . Fig.25a,b.
p
p
p
o
d
If = 30o then Abp
C //BaC , while for = 30 AbC and BaC meet at CC .
p
p
But so, aC and bC are on the extensions (to the other side of AB from Cp
C ) of CbC , BaC and
p
Cap
C , bC A respectively.
p p p
p

Since Cp
C is inside aC CC bC , then aC CC bC encompasses aC CbC . Therefore

p
o
< aC CbC . However aC CbC = . Deduce aC CC bC < 60 .

aC Cp
C bC

Fig.25a ( > 30o )

Fig.25b ( < 30o , < , < )

Case 2 : aC and bC are on the same side of AB with Cp

C.
o
This happens i < 30 , > and > . Fig.25c.
p
p
d
Then Cd
C and CC are on the same side of AB. Note that CaC intersects sides AB and BCC of
d

ACd
C B internally and so, by Paschs axiom, it intersects the third side ACC externally. Thus bC
p
d

d
d
is on the extension of ACC . Similarly aC is on the extension of BCC . Since CC is inside ACC B

d
p
d
d
then aC Cp
C bC encompasses aC CC bC . Therefore aC CC bC < aC CC bC . But aC CC bC =
o
d
o
p
ACC B = 60 2. Deduce aC CC bC < 60 .
Case 3: aC and bC are on dierent sides of AB. Fig.25d.
This happens i < 30o with > and < or with < and > .
Next consider the case < 30o with > and < .
p
p
p
p
d
d
Then Cp
C is on the same side with CC . Hence CC is inside ACC B and also CC is inside aC CbC .
p
d
By Paschs axiom on ACd
C B , since CaC intersects sides AB and BCC at interior points, infer
p
p

d
CaC intersects the third side ACd
C at an exterior point. Thus bC is on extensions of ACC and BaC
p
p
p p

d
on the same side of AB with Cp
C . So CC is inside bC CbC on the other side of aC bC from CC and

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Fig.25c ( < 30o , > , > )

99

Fig.25d ( < 30o , < , < )

p
d
p

p
p
bC . Consequently ap
C CC intersects bC CC between bC and CC . Hence aC aC is inside aC CC bC .
p p
p
p
Consequently ap
C and B are inside aC CC bC . Therefore aC CC bC encompasses aC CC B and so
p
p
p
aC CC bC > aC CC B.
p
+
p
o
However Corollary 3a asserts ap
C CC B = ( + ) . Deduce bC CC aC > 60 .

The case < 30o with > and < is similar and it is omitted.

Conclude that Cp
C aC bC is not equilateral.

5.3.3

The Morley triangles with one distal and two mix vertices

d
d
These Morley triangles are denoted by Cd
C aC bC , bC CC aC and aC cC BC .

d
a. Cd
C aC bC : Vertex CC is the intersection of the distal to AB trisectors
p

Abp
C and BaC . Thus vertex aC is determined by the intersection of the remaining trisector CPC , distal to BC, with Cap
C,

as proximal. Vertex bC , is determined by

the left trisectors ACPC and Cbp
C which are
distal and proximal to CA, respectively.
o
Vertex Cd
C is determined i = 30
P
d
with CC and CC to be on the same side
of AB i > 30o .

Fig.26

Moreover aC is always located between B and CPC while bC is always located between A and CPC . Fig.39 depicts the case for CPC and Cd
C to be on the same side of AB.
d

d
d
Regardless the location of CC , vertices aC and bC are inside ACd
C B. Thus aC CC bC < ACC B.
d
o
o
d
o
Since ACC B = |60 2| < 60 then aC CC bC < 60 .

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Conclude that Cd
C aC bC is not equilateral.

p
p

d
b. bd
C CC aC : Vertex bC is the intersection of the distal to CA trisectors CaC and ACC .
p
Hence vertex CC is determined by the intersection of the remaining trisector bC , distal to AB,
with BCp
C , as proximal.
p
Vertex aC is determined by the intersection of the left trisectors Cbp
C and BaC which are
distal and proximal to BC, respectively.
p
d
Trisectors Cap
C and ACC always intersect each other and so bC is located on the same side of AB
p
p
p
with CC . Also AbC and BCC always intersect each other and so CC is located on the same side of
p
p
p
p
p

o
AB with Cp
C . However aC is not always determined as CbC //BaC i bC CB + bC CaC = 180

= . In fact aC is on the same side with bC and CC i = . It should also be noted that
30o < implies < . See Fig.27a.

d
o
For establishing that bd
C aC CC is not equilateral we will show that bC aC CC < 60 . Recall
p
p
d
that bC is inside aC BCC .

d
o
Thus BaC CC encompasses bd
C aC CC . Hence for proving bC aC CC < 60 it suces to

o
show BaC CC < 60 .
d
d

Notice that BaC CC = BaC ad

C + aC aC CC and BaC aC = BaC C. From BaC C it is

d
calculated BaC C = | | regardless the location of aC . Hence BaC CC = | | + aC aC CC .

Moreover:

Fig.27a (30o < , < )

Fig.27b ( < < 30o )

If < then aC is on the other side of AB from ad

C and CC . See Fig.27a,b. Thus
d
d
d
d
BaC C is exterior angle in aC aC CC . Hence aC aC CC < BaC C. In Bad
C C it is calculated
d
d

a
C
=
2
and
so
a
a
C
<
2.
Infer
Ba
C
<
(

)
+
2
=

< 60o .
Cp
C C C
C C
C C

If < then aC is on the same side of AB, with ad

C and CC . See Fig.27c.

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101

Fig.27c ( < 30o , < )

p
p
p
d p
Thus ad
C bC CC is exterior angle in bC aC CC . Hence bC aC CC < aC bC CC . But
p
p
p
p
p
ad
C bC CC = CbC A. In CbC A it is calculated CbC A = and so bC aC CC < .
Infer BaC CC < ( ) + < 60o .

Conclude that bd
C aC CC is not equilateral.

c. ad
C BC cC : It is shown as above that it is not equilateral.

5.4

Morley triangles by trisectors of one exterior and two interior angles

Eventually the non equilateral Morley triangles formed by trisectors of one exterior and two interior
angles are treated. Obviously these Morley triangles have one vertex in the interior and two in
the exterior of ABC . As previously we will consider only those formed by the trisectors of the
exterior A combined with the interior trisectors of B and C as the other two cases are similar.
5.4.1

The Morley triangle of proximal vertices

p
p
This is denoted by Ap bp
A cA . Vertex A is
the intersection of the proximal to BC interior
p
trisectors, vertex bp
A is the intersection of CB
with the exterior trisector of A proximal to AC,
p
while vertex cp
A is the intersection of BC with
the exterior trisector of A proximal to AB.

Fig.28

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Consider the companion equilateral SA Ap KA relative to vertex A. In Fig.28 the case < 30o
is depicted for which Corollary 4 asserts that BASA = CAKA = + while SA and KA
d p
are outside of ABC . Consider the intersections of line Ap Cp with the sides of bp
A A cA . Then
p p
d p
p
d p
A C intersects side A cA at C and so externally, while it intersects side A bA at SA internally
p p
since BAbp
A = 2( + ) and BASA = + . Thus, by Paschs axiom, A C intersects
p p
p p
p p
p p
the third side bA cA internally. Similarly line A B intersects bA cA internally. Thus bp
A A cA
p p
encompasses SA Ap KA and so SA Ap KA < Lbp
A A cA .
p p
o
o
p p p
But SA Ap KA = 60o and so bp
A A cA > 60 . Therefore for < 30 the A bA cA is not
equilateral. The cases > 30o and = 30o are similar.
p
Conclude that Ap bp
A cA cannot be equilateral.

p
Note that the non equilateral Ap bp
A cA fails the original statement of Morleys theorem.

5.4.2

The Morley triangle of distal vertices

d
d
This is denoted by Ad bd
A cA . Vertex bA is the
p
intersection of CA , the distal to CA trisector of the
interior C, and the distal to CA trisector of the
p
exterior A. Vertex cd
A is the intersection of BA ,
the remaining trisector of B (distal to AB) with the
distal to AB trisector of the exterior A. Also it is
d
easily seen that bd
A and cA are determined i = .
d
d
Hence, for = , A is inside Acd
A B and CbA A.
d
From CbA A it is calculated that
o
Cbd
A A = 180 3(+)2 = 2 and similarly
d
o
from AcA B, Acd
A B = 2. Since + + = 60 ,
o
at least one of and is less than 30 . Thus either
d d
d d d
o
bd
A cA A or cA bA A is less than 60 .
d d d
Conclude that A bA cA is not equilateral.

Fig.29

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5.4.3

Trisectors like Bisectors with equilaterals instead of Points . . .

103

The Morley triangles with a proximal and two mix vertices

p

These triangles are denoted by Ap bA cA , bp
A A cA and cA A bA .

a. Ap bA cA : Vertex Ap is the intersection of the proximal to BC interior trisectors. Hence bA and cA are the intersections
of the two remaining interior trisectors, CBp
and BCp , with the trisectors of the exterior
A. Since each of these interior trisectors is
proximal to the side it belongs, it must be
paired with the distal to the corresponding
side exterior trisector.
Consider the companion equilateral
SA Ap KA relative to vertex Ap . In Fig.30
the case > 30o is depicted for which Corollary 4 asserts that vertices SA and KA are
inside ABC.

Fig.30

d p
p p
Consider the intersections of line Ap Cp with the sides of bp
A A cA . A C intersects side
p
p p
d p
at C and so externally, while A C intersects side A bA at SA and so internally. Thus,
by Paschs axiom, Ap Cp intersects the third side AbA internally. Similarly Ap Bp intersects
p p p
p p
p
p
AcA internally. Hence bp
A A cA encompasses SA A KA and so SA A KA < bA A cA . But
SA Ap KA = 60o and so bA Ap cA > 60o . Therefore for > 30o Ap bA cA is not equilateral.

Ad cp
A

The cases < 30o and = 30o are similar and they are omitted.
Conclude that Ap bA cA is not equilateral.
p

p
b. bp
A A cA : Vertex bA is the intersection of the proximal to AC trisectors, which are CB

and the corresponding trisector of the exterior A. Thus A is the intersection of the remaining
interior trisector of C, CAp , which is proximal to BC, with BCp as distal to BC. Then cA is the
intersection of the left trisectors BAp , which is distal to AB, with the proximal to AB trisector of
the exterior A.

Notice that the last two trisectors are parallel i 2 = + = . Thus cA exists i
= .
p

Also if > then bp

A and cA are on the same side of AC, while for < , bA and cA are on
dierent sides of AC.

o
Case > : We will show bp
A cA A < 60 .

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Notice that A is inside ABAp and so cA Ap is a right bound for the right side cA A of

bp
A cA A .

In following we will find a left bound for the left side cA bA of bp

A cA A .

Let bA be the intersection of CAp with Abp

A and note that the points A, A , cA , and bA are
p

p

cyclic, because from BA C it follows that bA A cA = + and so bA cA is seen from A and Ap
with angle + .

The extension of Ap Cp meets the exterior trisector AbA between A and bA . Then it crosses

the circle, say at T . We will show that a left bound for side cA bA of bp
A cA A is the bisector of

bA cA A.
Note that in a triangle the bisector of an angle crosses its opposite side at a point which is
between the sides middle point and the sides common vertex with the shortest of the other two
sides.
Let G be the intersection of the bA cA A bisector with AbA . Also let M be the middle of
AbA .
Cbp
A

is angle bisector in ACbA . It is easily calculated from ACbA that AbA C = + and
so AbA C < bA AC. Thus CA < CbA . Hence bp
A is between A and M.
cA G is angle bisector in AbA cA . Obviously bA AcA = +. Also cA bA A = cA bA C+
CbA A while cA bA A = cA bA C + CbA A. But cA bA C = cA AAp = cA AB + BAAp =
(+)+BAAp . So bA AcA < cA bA A and thus bA cA < bA A. Hence G is between bA and M.
p

Therefore bp
A is on AbA and it is between A and G. So GcA A encompasses bA cA A and thus

p
bp
.
A cA A < GcA A
In the sequel we calculate GcA Ap . Notice that GcA Ap = GcA A + AcA Ap whereas
= and GcA A = 21 bA cA A = 12 bA Ap A = 12 [bA Ap T + TAp A].

AcA Ap
But

bA Ap T = BAp Cp BAp A = + ( + ) = +

Also
TAbA = TAp bA = + and Ap TA = AcA Ap = .
Then from TAAp it is calculated
.
TAp A = + Cp AAp
Thus
GcA A = + 12 TAp A
and so GcA Ap = + 12 Cp AAp where 0 < Cp AAp < . Hence GcA Ap < 60o . Therefore

o
bp
A cA A < 60 .

Conclude that for > bp
A A cA is not equilateral.

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Trisectors like Bisectors with equilaterals instead of Points . . .

Fig.31a ( > )

Case < : We will show that bPA A cA >

60o .
Consider the intersections of AcA with BCp and

CBp denoted by cp
A and bA respectively. Notice that
P
bA A cA encompasses bA A cp
A . So it suces to

p
o
show that bA A cA > 60 .
Observe that bA , A , C and cp
A are cyclic, because side bA A is seen from cp
and
C with angle
A
p
p
as from AcA B it is calculated AcA B = . Thus
p

bA A cp
A = bA CcA .
p
d

Moreover bA Ccp
A = A CcA , since CbA
passes through Ad . But
p
p
d
Ad Ccp
A = A CA + ACcA = + ACcA and so
p
bA Ccp
A = + ACcA .

In adition A, Ad , C and cp
A are also cyclic since
p
d
AA is seen from C and cA with angle .
d p
Consequently ACcp
A = AA cA and so

bA Ccp
A

=+

Yet from AAd B infer

AAd cp
A.

Fig.31b

105

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d
d
AAd cp
A = ABA + A AB.
p
However A AB > C AB and thus
d
p
AAd cp
A > ABA + C AB = + .

p
Therefore bA A cA > + + = 60o .
d

Conclude that for < , bp
A A cA is not equilateral.

p

c. cp
A A bA : It is showed that it is not equilateral similarly as bA A cA .

5.4.4

The Morley triangles with one distal and two mix vertices

d
These triangles are denoted by Ad bA cA , cd
A A bA and bA A cA .

a. Ad bA cA : Obviously Ad is the intersection

of CBp and BCp . Then bA is the intersection of the
remaining interior trisectors CAp (distal to AC) with
the proximal to AC exterior trisector of A. Notice
these two lines are parallel i + = 2 = .
Moreover cA is the intersection of the left trisectors,
the interior BCp (proximal) with the distal to AB
trisector of the exterior A. Notice these lines are
parallel i = . Therefore Ad bA cA is determined i = . From AcA B and AbA C it follows Ap bA A = Ap bA A = | | and so bA and
cA are on the same side of AC.
We will consider only the case > as the other
one is similar.
Notice that Ap is inside BAd C.
Ad cA bA encompasses Ap cA bA and so

Fig.32

Thus

Ad cA bA > Ap cA bA .
Also notice that A, Ap , bA and cA are cyclic as AAp is seen from bA and cA with angle .
Thus Ap cA bA = Ap AbA . But Ap AbA = Ap AC + CAbA = Ap AC + ( + ). Moreover
Ap AC > Bp AC = and so Ap AbA > + ( + ) = 60o . Therefore Ad cA bA > 60o .
Conclude that Ad bA cA is not equilateral.

d
p
b. bd
A A cA : Obviously bA is the intersection of CA with the distal to AC exterior

trisector of A. Then A is the intersection of the remaining trisector CBp (proximal to AB)

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Trisectors like Bisectors with equilaterals instead of Points . . .

107

Fig.33

with the BAp (distal). Thus cA is the intersection of the left trisectors, BCp and the distal to AB
exterior trisector of A.

d
o
Notice that bd
A and cA exist i = . We will show that bA A cA > 60 .
p

d
Note that Bp is inside bd
A A cA and so bA A cA encompasses bA A cA . Thus it suces
p
o
to prove bA A cA > 60 .

o
For this we use a symmetric argument to the proof of bA A cp
A > 60 (5.4.4.a case < ).
p

Let bp
A be the intersection of AcA with CA . Notice that cA , A , B, bA are cyclic as
p

p
cA A is seen from B and bp
A with angle . Thus cA A bA = cA BbA . Moreover cA A bA =
p
p
p
d

d
d
d
A BbA , since BcA passes through A . But A BbA = A BA + ABbA = + ABbp
A and
p

p
so cA A bA = + ABbA .
p
d
However A, Ad , B, bp
A are cyclic as AA is seen from B and bA with angle . Consequently
d p

p
d p
ABbp
A = AA bA and so cA A bA = + AA bA .
d
d
d
p
Yet from AAd C infer AAd bp
A = ACA + A AC. However A AC > B AB and
d p
d
p

p
o
thus AA cA > ACA + B AB = + . Therefore cA A bA > + + = 60 .

Conclude that bd
A A cA is not equilateral.

c. cd
A A bA : This case is similar to the above and it is omitted.

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Analogy between Bisectors and Trisectors in a triangle

The essence of the previous work is portrayed in the following two figures illustrating the analogy
between the (well understood) structure of angle bisectors and the (under study) structure of angle
trisectors in a triangle.
The structure of angle bisectors

Fig.34a

The structrure of angle trisectors

Fig.34b

The interior angle bisectors pass through a

unique point (incenter).

The interior angle trisectors proximal to the triangle sides pass through the vertices of a unique
equilateral (inner Morley equilateral).

The bisector of an interior angle and the bisectors of the other two exterior angles pass
through a unique point (excenter).

The trisectors of an interior angle and the trisectors of the other two exterior angles proximal to
the triangle sides pass through the vertices of a
unique equilateral (exterior Morley equilateral).

The exterior bisectors pass through the vertices The exterior trisectors proximal to the triangle
of a unique triangle with orthocenter the interior sides pass through the vertices of a unique equilateral (central Morley equilateral). +
angle bisectors common point (incenter). +
+
This fact follows from the previous one

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Trisectors like Bisectors with equilaterals instead of Points . . .

109

This structural similarity suggests that the triangle trisectors with the proper pairing meet
at equilaterals which correspond to the triangle bisectors common points. The perception that
trisectors behave like bisectors with equilaterals instead of points invites further exploration. New
results could be inspired from the vast variety of the angle bisectors point-line-circle theorems
revealing more exciting analogies between the two structures.

This work owes gratitude to John Conway, Gerry Ladas, George Metakides, Stanley Tennenbaum, Thanasis Fokas, Fotis Fragos and foremost to Frank Morley. Its title is the instantaneous Ladas response to the showing of the last figure, when the project was trying to take o.
If it revealed any of the Morley triangles mystery hopefully it has left their charm untouched.

Received:

January 2014.

Revised:

April 2014.

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Spiridon A. Kuruklis

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16, 2 (2014)

[11] W. R. Spickerman, An Extension of Morleys Theorem , Mathematics Magazine-JSTOR, 44,

(1971) 191-192.
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