In an equilateral triangle ABC, the point X on the segment [BC] and the points Y, Z on the rays [BA and [CA, respectively, are given such that AX, BZ, CY are parallel. Let XY intersect AC at M, and let XZ intersect AB at N. Show that MN is tangent to the incircle of ABC.
Solution
AX∥BZ implies NBAN=BZAX=CBCX, and AX∥CY implies MCAM=CYAX=BCBX. Hence, NBAN+MCAM=CBCX+BCBX=1.(1) Now let a denote the sidelength of ABC. Using (1), one finds NB⋅MCa2=(1+NBAN)(1+MCAM)=2+NB⋅MCAN⋅AM, Therefore, AN⋅AM=a2−2⋅NB⋅MC.(2) Now the Law of Cosines implies MN2=AM2+AN2−AM⋅AN which together with (2) gives MN2=AM2+AN2−a2+2⋅NB⋅MC=(a−NB)2+(a−MC)2−a2+2⋅NB⋅MC=(NB+MC−a)2. Hence, MN=NB+MC−a (it can be easily seen by (2) that NB+MC−a>0). Finally MN+BC=NB+MC implies that the quadrilateral MNBC has an incircle, thus the incircle of ABC is tangent to the segment MN. Done.
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