Problems of the week 1

SOLUTION

Paramizo Dicrominique

This file contains the solution for 6 problems proposed for this week’s
POTW.
We may include other’s solution if they are nice and have good quality.
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Solving status

For this week we would to thanks keglesnit for solving Problem 1,2,4,5,6 of this week
POTW, and being the fastest person to solve these problems. Congratulates on being the
top solver for this week ’s challenge.
Moreover, thanks keglesnit for providing a nice and simple solution for Problem 6 which I
provide a very long and complicated solution.
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Section 1

Problem 1: Let △ABC be an acute triangle with incircle (I) tangent to BC at D and
Ib , Ic being the B, C−excenters. P, Q are the midpoints of BIc , CIb . Prove that: (P DQ)
passes through the midpoint M of BC.

Problem 2: Let △ABC be a triangle with incircle (I). ℓ is the line from I perpendicular
to IA. ℓ cut the line from B perpendicular to BI and the line from C perpendicular to CI
at X, Y respectively. S is a point such that SX//AB and SY //AC. M is the midpoint of
arc BAC of (ABC). S ′ is the reflection of S over M . Prove that: IS ′ //BC.

Problem 3: Let ABCD be a fixed ,convex quadrilateral with M being the midpoint of
AD. The perpendiculars from A to AB and D to DC intersect at P . Suppose P M ⊥ AD.
The perpendiculars from B to BA and C to CD intersects at P ′ . P P ′ cut BC at G. Z is
a moving point lie on line M G. BZ, CZ intersect M C, M B at U, V respectively. Suppose
AV, DU intersects at a point K. Prove that: Line P ′ K is fixed.

The end of Section 1

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Section 2

Problem 4: Let △ABC be an acute triangle with I being the in-circle center and O
being the circumcenter. Be or the Bevan point is the reflection of point I over O. J is the
A−excenter of △ABC. X, Y lie on the opposite rays of rays AB, AC respectively such that
BX = BC = CY . M is the circumcenter of △AXY . Prove that: M is the midpoint of Be J.

Problem 5: Let ABCD be a parallelogram with diagonals AC, BD intersects at O. A line

ℓ intersects BC, CD, DA at X, Y, Z respectively. S lie on BZ such that CS//AX. Prove
that: S, O, Y .

Problem 6: Let △ABC be a triangle with L being the symmedian point. L′ is the image
of L over (ABC). O1 , O2 , O3 are circumcenters of △ALL′ , △BLL′ , △CLL′ respectively.LO1
intersects BC at X, define Y, Z similarly. Let ℓ be the trilinear polar(1) of L wrt. △ABC.
Prove that: X, Y, Z lie on a line ℓ′ and ℓ is the reflection of ℓ′ over L.

The end of Section 2

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SOLUTION
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Problem 1

Problem 1: Let △ABC be an acute triangle with incircle (I) tangent to BC at D and
Ib , Ic being the B, C−excenters. P, Q are the midpoints of BIc , CIb . Prove that: (P DQ)
passes through the midpoint M of BC.

Solution:

Let X be the reflection of Ic over A, Y be the reflection of B over D. By simple angle

−
chasing it is not hard to see △IAIc ∼ △IDB. Hence △IXIc ∼ △IBY ,also note that these
two triangles are isosceles, so IY = IB, IIc = IX and ̸ Y IIc = ̸ BIX =⇒ △IBX ∼ =
△IY Ic =⇒ Y Ic = BX =⇒ 2DP = 2AP =⇒ P D = P A. Similarly we can show
QD = QA hence A, D are symmetric over P Q.

It is not hard to see △AIc B ∼ △ACIb and since P, Q are the midpoints of Ic B, Ib C
so △AIc P ∼ △ACQ, △AP B ∼ △AQIb =⇒ ̸ P AQ = 180◦ − ̸ P AIc − ̸ QAIb =
180◦ − ̸ P AIc − ̸ P AB = 180◦ − ̸ BAIc = 90◦ + ̸ BAI = ̸ BIC = ̸ P M Q (Since
M P//CIc , M Q//BIb ) =⇒ ̸ P DQ = ̸ P M Q =⇒ (P DQ) passes through the midpoint
M of BC.

Q.E.D.
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Comments: The main idea of the problem is the problem below:

−
Problem: Two triangles △AXY ∼ △AX ′ Y ′ share the vertice A. Suppose ̸ AY X =
′ ′ ◦ ′ ′
̸ AY X = 90 . If M is the midpoint of XX ,prove that M Y = M Y .

Lets start analyzing.In this problem, it is not hard for us to see the claim P A = P D or
QA = QD. Since the configuration is symmetric, guessing this property is not hard. It is
important to make guesses, and then we will try to prove it to see it is true or not.
If we had the claim, readers can observe that we will also have both P A = P D and QA = QD
since if one side is true, it also does for the other side.
Then we can see that with this properties we can finish the problem with simple angle chas-
ing so this is a bright way. Now let’s see how to solve this lemma.
The proof of this lemma involves taking reflections, which is a well-known trick when solver
see many right angles, for this case ̸ IDB and ̸ IAIc .
The main reason why we take reflection when we see a right triangle is to analyze the prop-
erty of the isosceles triangle formed after we take the reflection.
In this case, after the reflections are drawn we can see two similar isosceles triangles △IIc X, △IBY
which should gives spiral similarities and many properties.
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Problem 2

Problem 2: Let △ABC be a triangle with incircle (I). ℓ is the line from I perpendicular
to IA. ℓ cut the line from B perpendicular to BI and the line from C perpendicular to CI
at X, Y respectively. S is a point such that SX//AB and SY //AC. M is the midpoint of
arc BAC of (ABC). S ′ is the reflection of S over M . Prove that: IS ′ //BC.

Solution:

Let Ia , Ib , Ic be the three excenters of △ABC. Ia K is the diameter of (Ia Ib Ic ). U, V are the
intersections of W Ic , W Ib with SX, SY where W is the center of (Ia Ib Ic ). Let KX, KY
intersect (Ia Ib Ic ) at Z, T and W Ic , W Ib at P, Q. It is well known that Ib , B, Z, Ic , C, T ,we
have ̸ ZKT = 180◦ − ̸ ZIa T = 180◦ − 2̸ Ib Ia Ic = 180◦ − ̸ P W Q =⇒ KP W Q is cyclic. By
simple angle chasing, we get ̸ KXU = ̸ KY V . (Note SX, SY ⊥ W Ic , W Ib since W Ic , W Ib ⊥
AB, AC.) We will prove:

XU YV XU YV sin(W Ic Ia ) · XIc sin(W Ib Ia ) · Y Ib

= ⇐⇒ = ⇐⇒ = ⇐⇒
XK YK XIc · XIa Y Ib · Y Ia XIc · XIa Y Ib · Y Ia
XZ YT XZ YT
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sin(W Ic Ia ) YT XIa sin(AIa Ib ) IY Ic Ia sin(AIa Ib ) AIb Ic Ia

= · ⇐⇒ = · ⇐⇒ = ·
sin(W Ib Ia ) XZ Y Ia sin(AIa Ic ) IX Ib Ia sin(AIa Ic ) AIc Ib Ia
+
which is true =⇒ △KU X ∼ △KV Y =⇒ SU V K is cyclic =⇒ ̸ SKW = 90◦ =⇒
SK//BC. It is well known that K, I are symmetric over M so IS ′ //BC.

Q.E.D.

Comments: It is obvious to see that we need to construct the orthocenter configuration, in

this case, the orthocenter configuration for △Ia Ib Ic . Why? since we see a lot of lines involves
in the excenters like B ⊥ BI, C ⊥ CI or even the midpoint of arc BAC of (ABC) which
plays the midpoint of Ib Ic .
In the next part of the problem , we can see the line X, I, Y here passes through the ortho-
center I of △Ia Ib Ic so why don’t we mention the well known Steiner line configuration, hence
we construct points Z, T as shown.The problem is now can be solved using similar triangle.
For anyone who interested.We can extract from this problem using the statement X, I, Y
and generalize it ,means that we don’t need XY to be // to Ib Ic . Below is the mentioned
problem:
Problem: △ABC inscibes (O), a point P ∈ arc BC of (O) not contain A. The Steiner line
of P wrt △ABC cuts AB, AC at E, F,. The line through E ⊥ OB and through F ⊥ OC
cut each other at R. Prove that: P R is tangent to (O).
This problem can be solved using the exact computing and similarity idea for Problem 2.
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Problem 3

Problem 3: Let ABCD be a fixed ,convex quadrilateral with M being the midpoint of
AD. The perpendiculars from A to AB and D to DC intersect at P . Suppose P M ⊥ AD.
The perpendiculars from B to BA and C to CD intersects at P ′ . P P ′ cut BC at G. Z is
a moving point lie on line M G. BZ, CZ intersect M C, M B at U, V respectively. Suppose
AV, DU intersects at a point K. Prove that: Line P ′ K is fixed.

Solution:

Let AB cut CD at E.Let KE cut BC at S. We have:

BE V B BE
SB SKBE SKBA · SKM A · ·
= = BA = V M BA = SKM A · V B · U M · BE · CD
SC SKCE CE U C CE SKM D V M U C BA CE
SKCD · SKM D · ·
CD U M CD
M A V B U M BE CD GB BE CD
= ·( · )· · = · ·
MD V M UC BA CE GC BA CE
Let EP ′ cut BC again at S ′ .We have:
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BE BE
S ′B SP ′ BE SP ′ BA · SP ′ BP ·
= = BA = BA = SP ′ BP · BE · CD = GB · BE · CD
S ′C SP ′ CE CE CE SP ′ CP BA CE GC BA CE
SP ′ CD · SP ′ CP ·
CD CD
S ′B SB
=⇒ ′
=
SC SC
Hence S ≡ S ′ and E, P ′ , K. So line P ′ K is fixed.
Q.E.D.

Comments: Although this is Problem 3 ,it is not hard at all if you are flexibility in
using area to solve projective problems. This is a not well-known technique to most solvers
,usually it is used in projective problems with symmetric configuration or problems with
many unknown properties intersections.
The two main lemmas we need to know in solving this problem are:
Lemma 1: Let △ABC be a triangle with D is a point such that AD//BC. Then SABC =
SDBC .

Lemma 2: Let △ABCD be a quadrilateral (not necessarily convex) with AC cut BD at

SABC PB
P . Then =
SADC PC

For the proof,readers can probably reprove these lemmas themselves. Readers also have to
be aware of using overline lengths since it is necessary in most cases of projective problems.
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Problem 4

Problem 4: Let △ABC be an acute triangle with I being the in-circle center and O
being the circumcenter. Be or the Bevan point is the reflection of point I over O. J is the
A−excenter of △ABC. X, Y lie on the opposite rays of rays AB, AC respectively such that
BX = BC = CY . M is the circumcenter of △AXY . Prove that: M is the midpoint of Be J.

Solution:

Let N be the midpoint of arc BAC of (ABC). Since N B = N C, BX = CY and ̸ N BX =

+
180◦ − ̸ N BA = 180◦ − ̸ N CA = ̸ N CY =⇒ △N BX ∼ = △N CY =⇒ X, A, Y, N lie on a
circle.
Let Z be the midpoint of arc XY of (AXY ) not containing A. P is the midpoint of arc
+
BC not containing A of (ABC). Since N, O, P , A, I, J, Z it is not hard to see △N P Z ∼
△N CY .Hence:
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PZ NP NP
= ⇐⇒ P Z = BC · .
CY NC NC
Let R be the midpoint of BC.
We will prove:
NP 2P B NP BP NP
IJ = BC · ⇐⇒ = ⇐⇒ =
NC 2BR NC BR NC
Which is true because △BP R ∼ △N P C. Hence:
IJ = P Z but since IJ = 2P J =⇒ JZ = JP = P I − N Be and since N Be //ZJ so J, M, Be
and M is the midpoint of Be J.
Q.E.D.

Comments: With the configuration XB = BC = CX it is probably well-known to con-

struct the midarc N in order to use the property of similar triangles △N BX, △N CY .
Moreover, the requirement of proving M is the midpoint of Be J also reminds us of the par-
allelogram configuration, hence it is not hard to know that we should take the reflection of
N over M and see what properties can we find or use next.
After the constructions, the problem is now pretty satisfying to solve since it only involves
finding similar triangles and prove them.
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Problem 5

Problem 5: Let ABCD be a parallelogram with diagonals AC, BD intersects at O. A line

ℓ intersects BC, CD, DA at X, Y, Z respectively. S lie on BZ such that CS//AX. Prove
that: S, O, Y .

Solution:

CT cut AB at E.Let EO cut CD at W , since AECW is a parallelogram so E, O, W , O

SE
midpoint EW . With the idea of using conversed Menelaus we will need to prove ·
SC
OW Y C SE Y C SE YW
· = 1 ⇐⇒ · = −1 ⇐⇒ = − . Let AX cut BZ at F . We
OE Y W SC Y S SC YC
SE FA FZ YW sin(Y XW ) XW sin(ZXA) XW
have = = We also have = · = · =
SC FX FB YC sin(Y XC) XC sin(AZX) XC
AZ XW SE FZ AZ XS YW
· . We will need to prove = =− · XC = − which is equivalent to
AX XC SC FB AX YC
AZ AZ XW XA XW
=− · ⇐⇒ = which is true by Thales.
XB AX XC XB XC
Q.E.D.

Comments: In this problem, there can be many solutions. Each solution depends on
how experience the solver is on solving projective problems using ratios computing. In this
problem, the extra construction could be drawn pretty naturally, or what I call ”If you are
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hungry you cook” ,what I mean is , if you need to achieve a ratio ,you will draw parallel
lines or intersection in order to connect that ratio with other ratios.
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Problem 6

Problem 6: Let △ABC be a triangle with L being the symmedian point. L′ is the image
of L over (ABC). O1 , O2 , O3 are circumcenters of △ALL′ , △BLL′ , △CLL′ respectively.LO1
intersects BC at X, define Y, Z similarly. Let ℓ be the trilinear polar(1) of L wrt. △ABC.
Prove that: X, Y, Z lie on a line ℓ′ and ℓ is the reflection of ℓ′ over L.

Solution: 1

We will prove or state several lemmas before we proceed an inversion centered at L with
arbitrary radius.

Lemma 1: (Lemoine Axis) Let △ABC be a triangle with Lemoine point L (Or the sym-
median point). O is the center of (ABC) and L′ is the image of L over (ABC). Prove that:
L′ lie on the trilinear polar (1)
τ of L wrt. △ABC. and τ ⊥ OL.

Since this is a well-known lemma, readers may search themselves or look at the proof of
Solution 2.

Lemma 2: Let △ABC be a triangle with Lemoine point L. Denote I to be an inversion

centered at L with arbitrary radius. Let the image of A, B, C over I. L′ is the image of L
over (ABC). Prove that: the circumcenter O′ of △A′ B ′ C ′ is the image of L′ over I.

Proof:
We will proceed the angle chasing base on this diagram’s case, others are the same. Let O∗
be the image of L′ over I. We have:
̸ O′ A′ L = ̸ O′ L′ A = ̸ OL′ A = ̸ OAL. Also:
̸ LA′ B ′ = ̸ LBA
And:
̸ A′ C ′ B ′ = ̸ LC ′ A′ + ̸ LC ′ B ′ = ̸ LAC + ̸ LBC
So:
̸ O′ A′ B ′ = ̸ LA′ B ′ − ̸ O′ A′ L = ̸ LBA − ̸ OAL = ̸ LBA − ̸ LAC + (90◦ − ̸ ABC) =
̸ LBA − ̸ ABC + 90◦ − ̸ LAC = 90◦ − ̸ LAC − ̸ LBC = 90◦ − ̸ A′ C ′ B ′ .
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Similarly with ̸ O′ B ′ C ′ so we conclude O′ is the center of (A′ B ′ C ′ ).

Now lets perform the inversion centered at L with arbitrary radius.

Combining the lemmas we proved in front, it is not hard to see we will receive the following
problem:
Problem: Let △ABC be a triangle with Lemoine point L and O being the circumcenter.
X lie on (LBC) such that LX ⊥ AO. Define Y, Z similarly. Prove that: L, X, Y, Z lie on a
circle Ω and Ω is the reflection of (OL) over L.
Solution:
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We will prove a Lemma.

Lemma 3: Let △ABC be a triangle with Lemoine point L and circumcenter O. A line
from L perpendicular to AO intersects (LBC) again at X and AO at D. Prove that: L is
the midpoint of XD.
Proof: (ckliao914)
Let △U V T be the tangential triangle of △ABC. Let AO cut (U BOC) again at R.
Let RB, RC cut BC at K, L. By Reim so K, B, C, V lie on a circle and T, B, C, L lie on a
circle.
Since U R//BC//XL, RB cut CX at K and RC cut BX at L and KL ≡ BC so by conversed
Pascal we get U, R, C, L, X, B lie on a conic C.
Again applying Pascal theorem for six points mentioned that lie on C and observe that RB
cut CX at K, RC cut BX at L and if U X cut RL at Z so Z lie on KL and hence L is the
midpoint of XD (Observe ZARU is a trapezoid so using Thales we get the desired result).
Applying Lemma 3 we can easily prove the problem.
Q.E.D.

Solution: 2 (keglesnit)

Notation: DEF is the L-cevian triangle, A1 = EF ∩ BC, define B1 and C1 similarly. A′

is the L-antipode in (O1 ), define B ′ and C ′ similarly. S = (ABC) ∩ AL ̸= A, O is the
circumcenter of △ABC.

Claim. A1 , B1 , C1 , A′ , B ′ , C ′ , and L′ are colinear. Proof. Clearly A′ , B ′ , C ′ are colinear

since A′ L′ , B ′ L′ , C ′ L′ are all perpendicular to LL′ . A1 is well-known to be the intersection
of the tangent to (O) at A and BC, so AA1 ⊥ AO. Since OL · OL′ = AO2 , (O1 ) and (O)
are orthogonal. Hence AO1 ⊥ AO so A, O1 , and A1 are colinear. The image of A1 under
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inversion in (O = lies on AL so AA1 L′ O is cyclic. Hence ̸ A1 L′ O = ̸ A1 A′ O = 90◦ so

A1 L ⊥ LL′ . Thus A1 lies on A′ B ′ C ′ L′′ . Similarly for B1 and C1 so the claim is proven.

Claim. A1 S ∥ LO1 . Proof. Angle chase:

̸ A1 SL = ̸ A1 AL = ̸ O1 LA

as desired.

Claim. L os the midpoint of A′ X.

O1 L AL XL DL 2AL DL
Proof. See that = and = so it suffices to show that = which is
A1 S AS A1 S DS AS DS
AS AL
equiavelent to 2 = ÷ = (A, D; S, L). Let BL intersect (ABC) at T . Then it suffices
DS DL
to show that
B AS TA
2 = (A, D; S, L) = (A, C; S, T ) = ÷
CS T C
TA AB
.Since ABCT is harmonic, we get T A·BC = T C ·AB so = . Let M be the midpoint
TC BC
AS AB AB
of BC. Then triangle ASC is similar to triangle ABM which gives = =
CS BM 0.5BC
which finishes the proof, and thus the problem.

Comments: In this problem, while reading or following the path of Solution 1, we en-
couter a pretty nice lemma ,which is Lemma 3, any simpler solution for this lemma can
be shared, I really want to see some. However, with the current solution for Lemma 3, we
could solve its generalization as follow:
Generalization (Paramizo Dicrominique) Let △ABC be a triangle. Let P be a point on
the plane. △XY Z is the cevian triangle of P with △ABC. P D is perpendicular to BC
at D. Construct parallelogram P XDW . Prove that if P lie on the Lucas cubic so (P Y Z)
passes through W .
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Dictionary

(1)
: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trilinear polarity