A fascinating problem in Geometry

Hoang Quoc Viet Department of Mathematics University of Auckland June 20, 2011
Abstract Geometry is an old yet interesting subject in Mathematics. For over 50 years, Euclidean geometry is a compulsory topic in IMO contest (International Mathematical Olympiad). Hence, in this article, we will explore some properties of tangently inscribed circles and wonderful facts behind it. Nevertheless, I presume that you have a bit knowledge about powerpoint to a circle.

Interesting facts

Lemma 1. Let ABC be the triangle inscribed a circle (O) where A is the common intersection of another circle internally tangent to (O) and touch BC at a point D. Then we have AD bisects the arc BC (i.e AD is the internal bisector of the CAB

Proof. In order to prove this great lemma, we shall start to construct the external tangent to both circles (denoted Ax). Let {E} = AD (O). Hence, we have the following properties DAx = DAx = BDA ECA (1) (2)

Thus, from (1) and (2), it implies that BDA = ECA. Now, we continue to compare angles BDA = ECA = = CAD + DCA (outter angle of a triangle) CEB + DCA DAB + DCA (3) (4) (5)

Thus, from (3) and (5), it follows that DAB = CAD. Accordingly, AD is the angle bisector of CAB. We are done with the rst one. Lemma 2. Let ABC be the triangle inscribed circle (O). I is the incenter of ABC. CI meets (O) at H. (I) touches BC at D and F is the intersection of HD and (O). Thus, we have CF IF .

Proof. Let E be the intersecting point of FI and (O) (E = F ). Thus, if we can show that (this statement is extremely important in the method I temporarily call Backward Analysis) ICF + F IC = 900 , we will nish the proof. We consider the following HA2 = HI 2 = HD HF (power point H to (AFD)) 2

Hence, it implies that H is a powerpoint to the cirle (DIF). Accordingly, we obtain IF D = DIH = IHO (OH ID) We have F IC = EIH = F IC = IHO + IHF ICF ACF Hence, from (6) and (7), we have F IC + ICF = ICA + AHF + OHF = = = BCA + AHO 2 BCA AHB + 2 2 1800 0 = 90 2 = IF D + IHF = OHF = ICA + ACF = AHF (6) (7) (8) (9)

Finally, we complete our proof for the second lemma here.

Applications

Problem 1. Tap chi toan tuoi tho (Children Fun Maths Journal 2011 May 2011) ABC is a triangle inscribed in a circle with center ) and I is the center of the incircle of the triangle. Let G be the point of tangency of BC and (I). Construct a circle of center (Ia ) touching (I) at G and internally tangent to (O) at F. AF meets BC at D. Prove that AID = 900 . Proof. Using the lemma 1, we easily see that FG bisects the smaller arc BC and by lemma 2, we also have IF AF . Hence, IFDG is a concyclic quadrilateral. Let J = AI (O). It greatly implies that DGF = DIF Nonetheless, we still break down angles to consider further DGF = BJF + CBJ = IAD (outter angle of BJG)
CAB ) 2

(10) (11) (12)

= F AB + IAB (Since IAB = CBJ =

Moreover, as mentioned above, by lemma 2, IAD +F IA = DIF + F IA = AID Thus, our proof is complete. = = = 900 900 900

Problem 2. (Unknown source) Let ABC be the inscribed triangle of a circle (O). M is a point on BC. Construct a circle tangent to MA, MB at P and Q respectively and touches (O) at D. DQ meets (O) at E. AE intersects PQ at I. Prove that: I is the center of the incircle of ABC.

Proof. Clearly, due to the lemma 1, we have AE bisects the smaller arc BC. Thus, it suces to show that EI = EB (why?). Since BEQ DEB, it BE DE implies that = = BE 2 = QE.DE. Hence, it is enought to show QE BE that EI 2 = EQ.ED. Claim 1. EI 2 = EQ.ED IDE = EIQ Claim 2. ADIP is a concyclic quadrilateral Proof. Try to show that EID QIE P DK. It is necessary to show KP D =

Using the above 2 claims, we have the desried result. This article is dedicated to my family, without their immense encouragement, this article could not be published.