Let $M$ and $N$ be the midpoints of the sides $AC$ and $AB$, respectively, of an acute triangle $ABC$, $AB \neq AC$. Let $\omega_B$ be the circle centered at $M$ passing through $B$, and let $\omega_C$ be the circle centered at $N$ passing through $C$. Let the point $D$ be such that $ABCD$ is an isosceles trapezoid with $AD$ parallel to $BC$. Assume that $\omega_B$ and $\omega_C$ intersect in two distinct points $P$ and $Q$. Show that $D$ lies on the line $PQ$.
Problem
Source: Nordic Mathematical Contest 2017 Problem 3
Tags: geometry
03.04.2017 22:53
Let $B'$ be a point such that $BB'\parallel AC$ and $B'\in \odot (ABC)$ similarly defined $C'$, so from $ACB'B$ is an isoseles trapezoid we get $MB$ $=$ $MB'$ $\Longrightarrow$ $BB'$ is the radical axis of $\odot (ABC)$ and $\omega_B$ similarly $CC'$ is the radical axis of $\odot (ABC)$ and $\omega_C$ $\Longrightarrow$ $E=BB'\cap CC'$ belongs in the radical axis of $\omega_B$ and $\omega_C$. On the other hand, so from $ABCD$ is an isosceles trapezoid and $ABEC$ is a parallelogram we get $ED\perp BC$ $\Longrightarrow$ $ED\perp MN$ $\Longrightarrow$ $ED$ is perpendicular to the union of centers of $\omega_B$ and $\omega_C$, but $E$ belongs in the radical axis of $\omega_B$ and $\omega_C$, hence $ED$ is the radical axis of $\omega_B$ and $\omega_C$ $\Longrightarrow$ $P$, $Q$ and $D$ are collinear.
04.04.2017 04:57
could you post all the problem? Thanks
04.04.2017 12:44
(redacted)
04.04.2017 16:15
Easy to see that $PQ\perp BC$, since $PQ\perp MN$ by radical axis and $MN\parallel BC$. Denote X the intersection of PQ and BC. Since it's on the radical axis we have $XM^2-MA^2=XN^2-NA^2$, so $XM^2-XN^2=AM^2-AN^2$. Now when Y is a variable point on BC, $YM^2-YN^2$ can have a fixed value k in 2 positions on BC, symmetric by the point Z where $ZM=ZN$. WLOG, if we choose $AB<AC$ then X has an unique value, so in order to prove that $P,Q,D$ are collinear, it's enough to prove that $D', X$ coincide, where $D'$ is the projection of D on BC. So we just have to prove that $D'M^2-D'N^2=AM^2-AN^2$ which is just easy computation after we project $M,N,A,D$ onto $BC$. Correct me if I'm wrong, and if anyone wants me to add the rest of the calculation I will, although it's pretty easy.