Maths Olympiad Prep

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Geometry Difficulty 4.4 AIME Prove it Soviet Union

Problem:
Given 5 circles. Every 4 have a common point. Prove that there is a point common to all 5.

Solution

Solution:
Let the circles be aa, bb, cc, dd, ee. Let AA be a point common to bb, cc, dd, ee, let BB be a point common to aa, cc, dd, ee and so on. If any two of AA, BB, CC, DD, EE coincide then the coincident point is on all 5 circles. Suppose they are all distinct. Then AA, BB, CC are on dd and ee. Hence dd and ee coincide (3 points determine a circle). Hence DD is on all 5 circles.

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