Given trapezoid with parallel sides and , assume that there exist points on line outside segment , and inside segment , such that . Denote by the point of intersection of and , and by the point of intersection of and . Let be the midpoint of segment ; assume it does not lie on line .
Prove that belongs to the circumcircle of if and only if belongs to the circumcircle of .
Solution
Assume that the disposition of points is as in the diagram.
Since by hypothesis, the quadrilateral is cyclic. Hence . In view of this equality, belongs to the circumcircle of if and only if . Expressing , , and , we find that belongs to the circumcircle of if and only if
Since is cyclic and are parallel, . Then is also cyclic, yielding . It follows that belongs to the circumcircle of if and only if . Expressing , , and , we find that is on the circumcircle of if and only if
The conclusion follows.
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