Inside an equilateral triangle ABC point M is chosen. Let points M1, M2, M3 be symmetric corresponding to sides BC, AC, AB of the triangle. Prove that MM1+MM2+MM3 is equal to MA+MB+MC. (Tereshin Dmitro)
Solution
Let us draw through point M lines that are parallel to sides ABC. Let them intersect AB, BC, AC at C1, C2; A1, A2; B1, B2 (Fig. 30).
Hence, C1A2∥AC, A1B2∥BA, B1C2∥BC, so C1A2, A1B2 and B1C2 intersect at M. Consider △A1MA2. Obviously, this triangle is equilateral. Line M1M contains its altitude, because it is perpendicular to BC. So M1M is doubled median,
hence MA1+MA2=MM1, similarly MB1+MB2=MM2 and MC1+MC2=MM3. On the other hand MC1AB2 is a parallelogram, so MA=MC1+MB2. Similarly MB=MC2+MA1 and MC=MA2+MB1. Hence: