Let B be an arbitrary point on a circle k1 and let A be a point different from B on the tangent to k1 at B. Furthermore, let C be a point outside k1 with the property that the segment AC intersects the circle k1 in two distinct points. Finally, let k2 be the circle that is tangent to the line AC at C and is tangent to the circle k1 at a point D, which lies on the other side of AC from B.
Prove that the circumcenter of triangle BCD lies on the circumcircle of triangle ABC.
Solution
Solution:
We denote the centers of the circles k1 and k2 by O1 and O2, respectively. The solution now assumes that ∠CDB is obtuse (see Fig.); otherwise only some angles need to be exchanged modulo 180∘. Let P be the circumcenter of triangle BDC; then, by the inscribed angle theorem (central angle theorem), ∠BPC=2⋅(180∘−∠CDB)=360∘−2⋅∠CDB P lies on the circumcircle of triangle ABC if and only if ACPB is a cyclic quadrilateral; this holds if and only if ∠BPC=180∘−∠CAB. To prove this, we compute ∠CDB. Since k1 and k2 are tangent to each other at D, D lies on the segment O1O2 and we have ∠CDB=180∘+∠O1DB−∠O2DC (2). Since k1 is tangent to the line AB, we have ∠ABO1=90∘, hence ∠ABD+∠DBO1=90∘. Since B and D lie on k1, the triangle BDO1 is isosceles with ∠O1DB=∠DBO1. Thus ∠O1DB=90∘−∠ABD (3). Since k2 is tangent to the line AC, we have ∠ACO2=90∘, hence ∠ACD+∠DCO2=90∘. Since C and D lie on k2, the triangle CDO2 is isosceles with ∠O2DC=∠DCO2. Thus ∠O2DC=90∘−∠ACD (4). Substituting (3) and (4) into (2) gives ∠CDB=180∘+(90∘−∠ABD)−(90∘−∠ACD)=180∘−∠ABD+∠ACD (5). Now we consider the intersection point R of AC and BD and conclude ∠ABD=∠ABR=180∘−∠RAB−∠BRA=180∘−∠CAB−∠BRA as well as ∠ACD=∠RCD=180∘−∠CDR−∠DRC=180∘−∠CDB−∠BRA From (5) it follows that ∠CDB=180∘+∠CAB−∠CDB hence 2⋅∠CDB=180∘+∠CAB Substituting into (1) gives ∠BPC=360∘−(180∘+∠CAB)=180∘−∠CAB Thus everything is shown.
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