Let two circles and with unequal radii and , respectively, be tangent internally at the point . If there exists a sequence of distinct circles such that each circle is tangent to both and , and each circle touches circle at the point , prove that
Solution
1. Inversion Transformation:
Let and be the antipodes of in circles and , respectively. Consider an inversion through the pole with power . This inversion transforms the circles and into two lines and that are perpendicular to and pass through and , respectively.
2. Transformation of the Pappus Chain:
The sequence of circles , which form a Pappus chain, are transformed into a sequence of congruent circles that are tangent to each other and to the lines and . The contact points of the circles lie on the midline of and .
3. Concyclic Points:
The points are concyclic on a circle with radius . This circle is the inverse image of the midline .
4. **Calculation of Radius :**
Let be the midpoint of . We have:
Solving for , we get:
5. Perimeter of the Inscribed Polygon:
Since the points are inscribed in the circle , the perimeter of the polygon formed by these points is less than the circumference of . Therefore:
6. Final Inequality:
Substituting the value of :
Hence, we have:
The final answer is