Problem:
Let be a convex equilateral hexagon such that lines , , and are parallel. Let be the orthocenter of triangle . If the smallest interior angle of the hexagon is degrees, determine the smallest angle of the triangle in degrees.
Problem:
Let be a convex equilateral hexagon such that lines , , and are parallel. Let be the orthocenter of triangle . If the smallest interior angle of the hexagon is degrees, determine the smallest angle of the triangle in degrees.
Solution:
Answer:
Note that and are isosceles trapezoids, so and . In order for the hexagon to be convex, the angles at , , , and have to be obtuse, so . Letting be a side length of the hexagon, , so is uniquely determined by . Since the same equation holds for trapezoid , it follows that . Then . Since is isosceles, and . (One may also note that by observing that equal lengths and must intercept equal arcs on the circumcircle of isosceles trapezoid .)
Let , , and be the feet of the perpendiculars from , , and to , , and , respectively. Angle chasing yields
Hence the smallest angle in is .

It is faster, however, to draw the circumcircle of , and to note that since is the orthocenter of triangle , is the orthocenter of triangle . Then since is the reflection of across , quadrilateral is cyclic, so , as desired.
