A metric relation and its applications

Son Hong Ta A Metric Relation and its Applications Son Hong Ta In this note, we will present a nice metric relation in Euclidean Geometry, and its applications.

Lemma. Let be a circle and let A and B be two arbitrary points on it. A circle touches internallyat Ta circle and A, B two arbitrary tangent lines Circle E and Lemma. Let be . Denote by AE and BF the points on it. to at touches the Then T A = AE F, respectively. circle Tinternally. at T . Denote by AE, BF the tangent lines to B BF
in E, F , respectively. Then, we have
TA TB

AE BF

A E A1

B1 B

Proof. Proof. DenoteDenote by A1 , 1 the second intersections of T A, T B with , respec-respecby A1 and B B1 the second intersections of T A and T B with , tively. We know that A1 B1 is parallel to AB. Therefore, tively. We know that A1 B1 is parallel to AB. Therefore,

Hence,

Hence, we conclude that

AE T A1 T A1

BB1 BT BF AE 2 AA1 AT = AA1 AT = BB1 BT = BF A1 T A1 T = B1 T B1 T = T B1 =

A1 T A1 T

B1 T

B1 T

T B1

BF A1 AE AE T AE = BF = AE = TT A1 T A A = T B1 = BF =T B1 == B , TA 1 A T TB T 1 T B1 BF T B1

This completes our proof. which completes the proof. To illustrate how this lemma works, let us consider some problems. To illustrate how this lemma works, let us consider some examples. The following problem was proposed by Nguyen Minh Ha, in the Vietnamese Mathematics Magazine, in 2007. 1

Problem 1. Let be the circumcircle of the triangle ABC and let D be the tangency point of its incircle (I) with the side BC. Let be the circle internally tangent to at T , and to BC at D. Prove that AT I = 90 .

Mathematical Reflections 2 (2008)

The rst interesting problem was proposed by Nguyen Minh Ha in a Vietnamese Mathematics Magazine, in 2007. Problem 1. Given is a triangle ABC and its circumcircle . Let D be the tangency point of its incircle (I) with the side BC. A circle tangent internally to at T , and to BC at D. Prove that AT I = 90
A T

E F I

TB BD BF = = CD CE BF TT C BD B = = . Therefore, triangles T BF andT C are similar. It follows T F A = T EA, i.e. T CE CD CE points A, I, E, F , T lie on a circle. Hence, we obtain AT I = AF I = 90 . Therefore solution is completed. T CE are similar. It follows that T F A = T EA, Our triangles T BF and

Solution. Let E According tothe tangency points of (I) with sides CA and AB, respectively. and F be the lemma, we have respectively. According to the lemma,

Solution. Let E, F the tangency points of (I) with the sides CA, AB,

hence the points A, I, E, F , T lie on the same circle. It follows that AT I = AF I =Problem 2.completes our proof. 90 which Let ABCD be a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle . Circle
tangent to circle internally at T , and to DB, AC at E, F , respectively.

let P be the ABCD be of EF with AB. Prove that a is the internal be a Problem 2. Let intersection a quadrilateral inscribed inT Pcircle . Let angle circle bisector of the angle T and internally tangent to atAT,B. to DB and AC at E and F, respectively. Let P be the intersection of EF and AB. Prove that T P is the internal angle bisector of Solution. From our lemma, applied to circles , and points A, B, we the angle AT B. AT = AF , so it suces to prove observe that
BT BE

Solution. From our lemma, applied AF circles , and points A, B, we conclude to = AP AT AF BE P that BT = BE , thus it suces to prove that B
Indeed, notice that P EB = AF P , and due to the law of sines, applied AP to triangles AP F , BP E, we haveAF

Indeed, notice that AP F , BP E, we have

BE PB sin AF P sin BEP BP AP = = = AF = sin P , and from the E AP F sin BP Law of Sines, applied to triangles BE P EB AF AP sin AF P sin BEP BP = = = . AF sin AP F sin BP E BE
2

Mathematical Reflections 2 (2008)

A D

A D

B
AF AP

AF AP Therefore BE = which completes our solution. Therefore BE = P B , P B , this completes our solution. T
AP The third problem comes, from the Moldovan Team Selection Test in 2007, which Therefore AF which can be BE = Pin [2] and [3]. our solution. found B this completes can be found in [2] and [3].

The third problem comes from the Moldova Team Selection Test in 2007,

The third Problem 3. problem comes from the Moldova Team Selection Test in Circles Let ABC be a triangle and be its circumcircle. 2007, which can be found in [2] and [3]. Problem 3. toLet internally at T , and to and sides AB, AC circumcircle. Circles is tangent ABC be a triangle the let be its at P , Q, respectively. Let be the to3. Let ABCAT andsides AB be ACSBAP andCircles internallyStangentintersection ofand a triangle and and its circumcircle.SCA. respectively. at = Q, Problem at T , be to P Q. Prove that

Let S be tangent to internallyATTand P Q. Prove AB, AC SBA = respectively. the intersection of at , and to the sides that at P , Q, SCA.
Let S be the intersection of AT and P Q. Prove that SBA = SCA.

A
A

P
P

S
S Q

Q C

B
B T C

Solution. Using our lemma, we have CQ = CT =

Solution. Using our lemma, we have Solution. Using our lemma, we have sin BAT P S S P BP BP BT BT sin BCT sin BCT sin BAT == = = = = == CQ BTCT sin BCT sin CBT sin CAT sin CAT QS P S QS CQ CT sin CBT BP sin BAT

sin CBT
3 3

sin CAT

QS

.
3

Mathematical Reflections 2 (2008)

This fact implies that BP S and CQS are similar triangles which in turn implies that SBA = SCA.
Therefore, triangles BP S and CQS are similar, so SBA = SCA.

Problem 4. Consider be circle a circle (O) and its chord AB. Circles (O1 ),), (O2 ) be Problem 4. Let a given (O) and a chord AB. Let circles (O1 (O2 ) internally tangent to to (O) and AB, intersect each other at points M , N . Prove that internal tangent (O) and AB and let M and N their intersection. Prove that M N passes through the middle point of the arc does not does not conM N passes through the midpoint of the arc AB whichAB, which contain M and N.
tain M , N of the circle (O).

Solution. Denote by P and Q the tangency points of the circle (O1 ) with (O) and Solution. Denote by P , Q the tangency points of the circle (O ) with (O) AB, respectively. Let R and S be the tangency points of circle (O1 ) with (O) and 2 and AB, respectively. R, S the tangency points of the circle (O2 ) with (O) and AB, respectively. Let T beTthe middle point of the the arc AB, which does not arc AB which does not contain AB, respectively. Let be the middle point of M and N. M , N of the circle (O). contain
R M P

N A Q S

T
QA Applying the above lemmawe have P A (O), (OThis means P Q A, B along with their lines AQ, BQ to (O1 ), to circles = AB . 1 ), and points passes through T . PB A QA P tangent lines AQ, BQ to (O1 )through T B = AB . This means that P Q passes through Similarly, RS also passes we get P . On the other hand, P QA . QT A other hand, P QA ART = P QAT = T . Similarly, RS passes through T= On the+ QAT = P RA + = QT A+ RS. Therefore, pointsP RS, therefore, points P , Q,circle (O3 ). a circle which we will P RA + ART = P , Q, R, S lie on a circle, the R, S lie on Now, ). We P Q that P Q is the radical axis of ) and (O3 (O ), RS denote by (O3we have haveis the radical axis of the circles (O1(O1 ) and ), RS is theis the 3 radical axis of the circles (O2 ) and (O3 ), M N is the radical axis of the circles radical axis of (O2 ) and (O3 ), and M N is the radical axis of (O1 ) and (O2 ). So, (O1 ) and (O ). So, M N , P Q, RS are concurrent at the radical center of the M N , three circles. 2Hence,concurrent thattheN passes center of the the middle point P Q, and RS are we deduce at M radical through T , as three circles. Hence, we deduce that M N passes through T , which of the circle (O), as desired. AB that of the arc AB, which does not contain M , N is the midpoint of the arc does not contain M and N.

Applying the above lemma to circles (O), (O1 ), points A, B and their tangent

Problem 5. Let ABC be a triangle. Circle passes through points B and C. Circle LetisABC beinternally to Circle passes through AC at T , P , C. Problem 5. 1 tangent a triangle. and also to sides AB and points B and and Q, respectively. Let M be midpoint of arc BC (containing T ) of . Prove Circle 1 is tangent internally to and also to the sides AB and AC at T , P , and that lines P Q, BC and M T are concurrent. Q, respectively. Let M be midpoint of arc BC Olympiad Summer Program Tests lines 2007 Mathematical (containing T ) of . Prove that

We continue with a problem from the MOSP Tests 2007 [4].

We continue with another very nice problem from MOSP Tests 2007 [4].

P Q, BC, and M T are concurrent.

Mathematical Reflections 2 (2008)

Solution. Let K = P Q BC and let K = M T BC. Applying Menelaos Theorem Solution. Denote: K in triangle ABC we obtain = P Q BC, K = M T BC. Applying Menelaos
theorem to triangle ABC, we have:

KB KB KB

QC P A = 1 = KB =BP . QA P B = 1 = KC = CQ KB QA P B KC CQ

QC

PA

KB

BP

Q K C

B M

On the the external bisector of midpoint of arc BC (containingBT )Thus, so M T is the is other hand, M is the angle BT C, therefore K B = T C . of we have K T externalprove thatofBP = T BBT C, therefore K B = T BC Thus, welemma. The prove angle , which is clearly K C according to our are left to TC . true to bisector CQ TC BP TB that CQ = T C , proved. is true according to our lemma and we are done. problem is which The last Our last problem was in [5] in [5],is also discussed and proved in Now, Now, we problem was given given and also discussed and proved in [6]. [6]. we will present another solution for this nice problem. will present another solution for this nice problem.
Problem 6. Circles (O1 ), (O2 ) tangent internally Problem 6. Circles (O1 ) and (O2 ) are internally tangentto thegiven circle (O) at M to a given circle (O) at M , N , respectively. Their internal common tangents intersect (O) at four and N, respectively. Their two of them such that B, C lie on same side with respect internal common tangents intersect (O) at four points. points. Call B and C be Let B andO2 . be two of them such that a external common tangent of (O1with2respect C Prove that BC is parallel to B and C lie on the same side ), (O ). to O1 to O1 O2 . Prove that BC is parallel to an external common tangent of (O1 ) and (O2 ). that Draw on internal K, H lie tangents GH, be of (O1 ), (O2 ) such Solution. G, L liethe (O1 ) and common on (O2 ). Let EF KL the external common that tangent of (O1 and K that E, B on (O2 ). Let EF be respect to O common G and L lie on(O1 ),)(O2 ) suchand H lie lie on the same side withthe external1 O2 . Denote by , Q such that E and EF on the same will prove that BC O tangent of (O1 ),P(O2 ) the intersections ofB lie with (O). We side with respect tois 1 O2 . parallel to P Q. Lets call A be the midpoint of the arc P Q, which does not Denote by P and Q the intersections of EF with (O). We will prove that BC is contain M , N of the circle (O). Let AX, AY be the tangent lines at X, Y of parallel to P Q. Denote by A be the midpoint of the arc P Q which does not contain M and N. Let AX and AY be the tangents at X and Y to the circles (O1 ) 5
Mathematical Reflections 2 (2008)

On the other hand, M is the midpoint of arc BC (containing T ) of so M T

Solution. Draw the internal common tangents GH, KL of (O1 ), (O2 ) such

and (O2 ). In the solution to Problem 4 we have proved that A, E, and M are collinear;circles (O1 ), N 2 ). During the and the of the problem 4, we haveis cyclic. Therethe A, F, and (O are collinear, solution quadrilateral M EF N also shown that = AE are = AF AN = are collinear and the (1). fore, AX 2A, E, M AMcollinear, A, F , NAY 2 , i.e. AX = AY quadrilateral M EF N
is cyclic. Therefore, AX 2 = AE AM = AF AN = AY 2 , i.e. AX = AY (1)
A B P E M X Y L H N G K F C Q

Based lemma, M A we have AX C On CL On the other hand, Ptolemys Based on the on our lemma,= M B = M= . BG = the .other hand, by theby the AX CL Ptolemys BC = M BhaveBG AM C = M B AC = M C AB, therefore M Theorem, M A theorem, we AC = BC AB, therefore

MA

MB

MC

AX BC = BG AC = CL AB. Similarly,
Similarly,

AX BC = BG AC = CL AB

Thus implies AC BG) = AB (CL CK), i.e. AC GH = AB KL, which implies AC (BH = AB. Hence, we A is the midpoint of the middle of the the arc BC of the AC = AB. Hence,conclude that A is also the arc BCpoint of circle (O). This means circle (O). This to P Q BC is parallel to Pis complete. that BC is parallel means and our solution Q, and our solution is completed.

So, AC (BH BG) = AB (CL CK), i.e. AC GH = AB KL, which

AY BC = BH AC + CK AB.

AY BC = BH AC + CK AB

References References

[1] Mathlinks, Nice geometry, http://www.mathlinks.ro/viewtopic.php?t=170192 http://www.mathlinks.ro/viewtopic.php?t=170192

[1] Mathlinks, Nice geometry,

http://www.mathlinks.ro/viewtopic.php?t=140464 [2] Mathlinks, A circle tangent to the circumcircle and two sides, http://www.mathlinks.ro/viewtopic.php?t=140464 6
Mathematical Reflections 2 (2008)

[2] Mathlinks, A circle tangent to the circumcircle and two sides,

[3] Mathlinks, Equal angle, http://www.mathlinks.ro/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=98968 [4] 2007 Mathematical Olympiad Summer Program Tests, available http://www.unl.edu/amc/a-activities/a6-mosp/archivemosp.shtml at

[5] Shay Gueron, Two Applications of the Generalized Ptolemy Theorem, American Mathematical Monthly 2002. [6] Mathlinks, Parallel tangent, http://www.mathlinks.ro/viewtopic.php?t=15945 Son Hong Ta, High School for Gifted Students, Hanoi University of Education, Hanoi, Vietnam. E-mail address: dam xoan90@yahoo.com

Mathematical Reflections 2 (2008)