ABC is a right-angled triangle, with ∠ABC=90∘. B′ is the reflection of B over AC. M is the midpoint of AC. We choose D on BM, such that BD=AC. Prove that B′C is the angle bisector of ∠MB′D.
NOTE: An important condition not mentioned in the original problem is AB<BC. Otherwise, ∠MB′D is not defined or B′C is the external bisector.
This one wants a proof. Work it on paper, then read the official solution and mark
yourself. Be honest about it: the record is only any use to you if it is.
Official solution
1. **Reflecting B over AC:** Given that △ABC is a right-angled triangle with ∠ABC=90∘, reflecting B over AC results in point B′. Since ∠ABC=90∘, the reflection B′ will also form a right angle with AC. Therefore, ∠AB′C=90∘.
2. **Midpoint M and circle centered at M:** Let M be the midpoint of AC. Since M is the midpoint, M is equidistant from A and C. The circle centered at M with radius MA=MC will pass through both A and C.
3. **Point B′ on the circle:** Since ∠AB′C=90∘, B′ lies on the circle with diameter AC (Thales' theorem). This is because any angle inscribed in a semicircle is a right angle.
4. **Choosing point D on BM:** We choose point D on BM such that BD=AC. Since M is the midpoint of AC, BM is perpendicular to AC and BD is equal to the length of AC.
5. **Point D on the circle:** Since BD=AC and B is on the circle with diameter AC, D must also lie on this circle. This is because the length BD is equal to the diameter of the circle, and thus D must be on the circle.
6. **Congruence of triangles △BFC and △B′FC:** Let F be the foot of the perpendicular from B to AC. Since B and B′ are reflections over AC, BF=B′F and ∠BFC=∠B′FC=90∘. Therefore, △BFC≅△B′FC by the Hypotenuse-Leg (HL) congruence theorem.
7. Angle bisector property: Since △BFC≅△B′FC, we have ∠BCF=∠B′CF. This implies that ∠B′CF is bisected by CF. Since F is the midpoint of AC, CF is the angle bisector of ∠B′CD.
8. Inscribed angles: Since B′ and D lie on the circle with diameter AC, the inscribed angles ∠B′CA and ∠DCA are equal. Therefore, ∠B′CA=∠DCA.
9. Conclusion: Since ∠B′CA=∠DCA, B′C is the angle bisector of ∠MB′D.
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Source: NuminaMath-1.5,
licensed Apache-2.0.
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