GeometryDifficulty 6.2National OlympiadProve itUnited States
Problem:
Let Γ be a circle, and ω1 and ω2 be two non-intersecting circles inside Γ that are internally tangent to Γ at X1 and X2, respectively. Let one of the common internal tangents of ω1 and ω2 touch ω1 and ω2 at T1 and T2, respectively, while intersecting Γ at two points A and B. Given that 2X1T1=X2T2 and that ω1,ω2, and Γ have radii 2, 3, and 12, respectively, compute the length of AB.
Solutions — 2
Solution 1
Solution:
Let ω1,ω2,Γ have centers O1,O2,O and radii r1,r2,R respectively. Let d be the distance from O to AB (signed so that it is positive if O and O1 are on the same side of AB).
Plugging in r1=2,r2=3,R=12 and solving yields d=1336. Hence AB=2R2−d2=139610.
Solution 2
Solution:
We borrow the notation from the previous solution. Let X1T1 and X2T2 intersect Γ again at M1 and M2. Note that, if we orient AB to be horizontal, then the circles ω1 and ω2 are on opposite sides of AB. In addition, for i∈{1,2} there exist homotheties centered at Xi with ratio riR which send ωi to Γ. Since T1 and T2 are points of tangencies and thus top/bottom points, we see that M1 and M2 are the top and bottom points of Γ, and so M1M2 is a diameter perpendicular to AB.
Now, note that through power of a point and the aforementioned homotheties,
Let M be the midpoint of AB, and suppose M1M=R+d (here d may be negative). Noting that M1 and M2 are arc bisectors, we have ∠AX1M1=∠T1AM1, so △M1AT1∼△M1X1A, meaning that M1A2=M1T1⋅M1X1=P(M1,ω1). Similarly, △M2AT2∼△M2X2A, so M2A2=P(M2,ω2). Therefore,