Let $ H$ be the orthocenter of an acute-angled triangle $ ABC$. The circle $ \Gamma_{A}$ centered at the midpoint of $ BC$ and passing through $ H$ intersects the sideline $ BC$ at points $ A_{1}$ and $ A_{2}$. Similarly, define the points $ B_{1}$, $ B_{2}$, $ C_{1}$ and $ C_{2}$. Prove that the six points $ A_{1}$, $ A_{2}$, $ B_{1}$, $ B_{2}$, $ C_{1}$ and $ C_{2}$ are concyclic. Author: Andrey Gavrilyuk, Russia
Problem
Source: IMO Shortlist 2008, G1
Tags: geometry, circumcircle, trigonometry, IMO 2008, radical axis, IMO
16.07.2008 16:47
Call $ M_1,M_2,M_3$ the midpoints of $ BC,AC$ and $ AB$. We know that $ BP \perp AC$, so $ BP$ and $ M_1M_3$ are also perpendicular, and $ B$ lies on the radical axis of $ \Gamma_A$ and $ \Gamma_C$. It follows that $ BC_1\cdot BC_2 = BA_1 \cdot BA_2$, so $ A_1,A_2,C_1$ and $ C_2$ all lie on a circle, whose center is clearly $ O$, the circumcenter of $ \Delta ABC$. Now we can show that $ B_1$ and $ B_2$ also lie on the circle centered at $ O$, passing through $ A_1$ and $ A_2$, from which the conclusion follows.
16.07.2008 16:52
The radical axis of $ \Gamma_{A}$ and $ \Gamma_{B}$ is perpendicular to the line connecting the centers of these circles, i.e. it is perpendicular to $ AB$. Since both circles pass trough $ H$ their radical axis is a height from $ C$, so $ C$ lies on a radical axis. It means that $ CA_1CA_2 = CB_1CB_2$ so $ A_1, A_2, B_2, B_1$ lie on one circle. From the same reasoning $ B_1, B_2, C_2, C_1$ and $ C_1, C_2, A_2, A_1$ lie on a one circle as well. Suppose that this three circles doesn't coincide. Then we obtain a contradiction since radical axis of these circles - the sides of the triangle $ ABC$ - don't intersect in one point.
16.07.2008 16:59
Another possibility to prove that, let's say, $ A_1A_2B_1B_2$ is cyclic consists in transforming the relation $ CA_1\cdot CA_2 = CB_1\cdot CB_2$ into $ CD^2 - DH^2 = CE^2 - EH^2$ (where $ D$ and $ E$ are the respective midpoints of $ [BC]$ and $ [AC]$). Adding $ CH^2$ on both sides and applying the generalized version of Pythagoras' theorem (the one with cosines, I ignore the correct English name), we get a condition which is obviously true (simplifying cosines in right-angled triangles)...
16.07.2008 17:11
A,B,C lie on the radix axis of each two circles so conclusion apparently follows
16.07.2008 17:17
I have a same solution with you . Call $ M,N,P$ is the midpoint of $ BC,CA,AB$ From condition we have : $ BA_1.BA_2=BM^2-HM^2$ $ BC_1.BC_2=BN^2-HN^2$ But from $ MN||AC,BH\perp AC$ therefore $ BH\perp MN$ It gives $ BM^2-BN^2=HM^2-HN^2$ Therefore $ A_1,B_1,A_2,B_2$ are cyclic on circle $ O_c$ Similar for $ A_1,A_2,C_1,C_2$ lie on $ O_b$and $ B_1,B_2,C_1,C_2$ lie on circle $ O_a$ Easy to check that three circle are coincide . So problem claim.
16.07.2008 17:41
Indeed, the proof involving the three radical axis is the best. In any case, the circle belongs to Droz-Farny as Darij well mentioned (see http://www.pandd.demon.nl/drozf.htm; scroll down till figure 3). By the way, it is obvious that the triangle doesn't need to be acute-angled. I guess the coordinators didn't want messy diagrams . In addition, here is a natural generalization: Theorem. Let $ P$, $ Q$ be two isogonal points with respect to a given triangle $ ABC$. Let $ P_{A}$, $ P_{B}$, $ P_{C}$ be the orthogonal projections of $ P$ on the sidelines $ BC$, $ CA$ and $ AB$, respectively. Denote by $ \Gamma_{A}$ the circle centered at $ P_{A}$ which passes through $ Q$ and let $ A_{1}$, $ A_{2}$ be the intersections points of $ \Gamma_{A}$ with the sideline $ BC$. Similarly, define $ B_{1}$, $ B_{2}$, $ C_{1}$, $ C_{2}$. Then, the points $ A_{1}$, $ A_{2}$, $ B_{1}$, $ B_{2}$, $ C_{1}$, $ C_{2}$ are on a same circle centered at $ P$. I guess it would have been a better IMO problem, at least to avoid the "well-known"-type commentaries.
16.07.2008 19:12
It is enough to prove that points $ A_1,A_2,B_1,B_2$ are concyclic. Let $ O$ be circumcenter of the triangle $ ABC$. We'll prove that $ O$ is circumcenter of quadrilateral $ A_1A_2B_1B_2$. Then $ O$ is situated on the perpendicular bisectors of the segments $ A_1A_2$ and $ B_1B_2$ $ \Longrightarrow OA_1 = OA_2, OB_1 = OB_2$. So it is enough to prove that $ OA_1 = OB_1$. Call $ r_1,r_2$ circumcenters of the $ \Gamma_a$ and $ \Gamma_b$ respectively and $ A',B'$ midpoints of the segments $ BC,CA$. Then $ \left\|\begin{array}{cc} OA_1 = r_1^2 + OA'^2 \\ OB_1 = r_2^2 + OB'^2 \end{array} \right\|$. By Stewart we have $ \boxed{\begin{array}{cc} 4r_1^2 = 2(CH^2 + BH^2) - a^2 = \\ = 8R^2(\cos^2{B} + \cos^2{C}) - 4R^2\sin^2{A} = \\ = 4R^2(2\cos^2{B} + 2\cos^2{C} - \sin^2{A})\end{array}}$. By analogy $ 4r_2^2 = 4R^2(2\cos^2{A} + 2\cos^2{C} - \sin^2{B})$. But $ \left\| \begin{array}{cc} OA'^2 = \frac {1}{4}a^2\cos^2{A} = R^2\cot^2{A} \\ OB'^2 = \frac {1}{4}b^2\cos^2{B} = R^2\cot^2{B} \end{array} \right\|$. Then $ OA_1^2 = 4R^2(2\cos^2{B} + 2\cos^2{C} - \sin^2{A} + \cot^2{A})$ and $ OB_1^2 = 4R^2(2\cos^2{A} + 2\cos^2{C} - \sin^2{B} + \cot^2{B})$. So we have to prove that: $ \boxed{\begin{array}{cc} 2\cos^2{B} + 2\cos^2{C} - \sin^2{A} + \cot^2{A} = 2\cos^2{A} + 2\cos^2{C} - \sin^2{B} + \cot^2{B} \\ \cos^2{B} + (\cos^2{B} + \sin^2{B}) + \cot^2{A} = \cos^2{A} + (\cos^2{A} + \sin^2{A}) + \cot^2{B} \\ \cos^2{B} + \cot^2{A} = \cos^2{A} + \cot^2{B} \\ \cos^2{B} + \frac {\cos^2{A}}{\sin^2{A}} = \cos^2{A} + \frac {\cos^2{B}}{\sin^2{B}} \\ \cos^2{B}\sin^2{A} + \cos^2{A} = \cos^2{A}\sin^2{B} + \cos^2{B} \\ \cos^2{B}(\sin^2{A} - 1) = \cos^2{A}(\sin^2{B} - 1) \\ - \cos^2{B}\cos^2{A} = - \cos^2{B}\cos^2{A} \end{array} }$ and we are done !!!!
16.07.2008 19:29
Fix $ O$ as center of a coordinate vector system, so that $ H = A + B + C$. If $ M = \frac{A + B}2$ we have to prove that $ MC_1^2 + OM^2$ is symmetric in $ A$, $ B$ and $ C$ (it would be the square of the radius of the circle). But $ MC_1^2 + OM^2 = HM^2 + OM^2 = \left(A + B + C - \frac{A+B}2\right)\cdot \left(A + B + C - \frac{A+B}2\right) + \left(\frac{A+B}2\right)\cdot \left(\frac{A+B}2\right) = \frac12A\cdot A + \frac12B\cdot B + C\cdot C + A\cdot B + B\cdot C + C\cdot A = 2R^2 + A\cdot B + B\cdot C + C\cdot A$ and we are done.
16.07.2008 20:26
No no no!! More one trivial Geometry. Denote AB=2c, AC=2b and BC=2a. Denote BA_1=x and AC_1=y.Denote too M, N and P the midpoints of BC, AB and AC respectively. Then, MA_1=a-x=MA_2. We have to prove that BA_1.BA_2=BC_2.BC_1. Applying the Cosines'Law in triangles BNH and BMH, we have: a²-2ax+x²=a²+BH²-2a.BH.sen<C and c²-2cy+y²=c²+BH²-2c.BH.sen<A <=> 2ax-x²=2a.BH.sen<C-BH² and 2cy-y²=2c.BH.sen<A-BH². But 2ax-x²=BA_1.BA_2 and 2cy-y²=BC_2.BC_1. Then, we have to prove that: 2c.BH.sen<A-BH²=2a.BH.sen<C-BH² <=>2a.sen<C=2c.sen<A (obviously by Sines'law). Hence, A_1,A_2,C_1,C_2 are concyclics and by the same form, the other 2 quadruples of points are concyclics. Conclusion: The six points are concyclics! Have fun!
16.07.2008 20:34
What is a sideline!? What is sideline $ BC$?
16.07.2008 20:51
See point $ A$ first. let $ X$ is the midpoint of $ AB$ and $ Y$ is the midpoint $ AC$. It follows that $ XY \perp AH$. Thus, $ AH$ is the radical axis of circle $ B_1B_2H$ and $ C_1C_2H$. It follows that $ AC_1*AC_2 = AB_1*AB_2 \Leftrightarrow B_1B_2C_1C_2$ cylcic, by similar argument on $ B$ and $ C$ we´re done.
16.07.2008 21:04
it's enough to prove that $ O$ is at the same distance of any of the six points... obviously $ OA_1 = OA_2$, so it's enough to prove that the expression $ OA_1$ is independent from $ A$. In fact, $ OA_1^2 = OM^2 + MA_1^2 = R^2\cos^2A + MH^2$... it can be proven that $ MH^2 = R^2(4\cos^2B\cos^2C + \sin^2(B - C))$ so, $ OA_1^2 = R^2(\cos^2A + 4\cos^2B\cos^2C + \sin^2(B - C))$... finally, after some work (you can try $ \cos A = \sin B\sin C - \cos B\cos C$) it follows that it equals $ R^2(1-4\cos A\cos B\cos C)$, and we're done.
16.07.2008 21:37
orl wrote: Let $ H$ be the orthocenter of an acute triangle $ ABC$ . The circle centered at the midpoint of $ BC$ and passing through $ H$ intersects the line $ BC$ at $ A_{1}$ , $ A_{2}$ . Similarly define the pairs $ B_{1}$, $ B_{2}$ and $ C_{1}$ , $ C_{2}$ . Prove that $ A_{1}$ , $ A_{2}$, $ B_{1}$, $ B_{2}$ , $ C_{1}$ , $ C_{2}$ are concyclically. Proof. Denote the midpoints $ D$ , $ E$ , $ F$ of the sides $ [BC]$ , $ [CA]$ , $ [AB]$ respectively. Prove easily or is well-known that $ \boxed {\ HA^2 + a^2 = HB^2 + b^2 = HC^2 + c^2 = 4R^2\ }\ (*)$ . Thus, $ 4\cdot\overline {BA_1}\cdot\overline {BA_2} = 4\cdot\left(BD^2 - HD^2\right) =$ $ a^2 - 4\cdot HD^2 =$ $ a^2 - 2\cdot\left(HB^2 + HC^2\right) + a^2$ $ \stackrel {(*)}{\ \ \implies\ \ }$ $ \overline {BA_1}\cdot\overline {BA_2} = \frac 12\cdot \left(a^2 + b^2 + c^2\right) - 4R^2$ $ \implies$ $ \boxed {\ \overline {BA_1}\cdot\overline {BA_2} = 4R^2\prod\cos A\ }$ because prove easily or is well-known that $ \boxed {\ \left(a^2 + b^2 + c^2\right) - 8R^2 = 8 R^2\prod\cos A\ } > 0$ (remark that $ \{A_1,A_2\}\subset (BC)$ a.s.o.). Thus, $ \overline {BA_1}\cdot \overline {BA_2} = - \overline {A_1B}\cdot\overline {A_1C} = R^2 - OA_1^2\ \implies\ 4R^2\prod\cos A = R^2 - OA_1^2$ $ \implies$ $ OA_1^2 = R^2\left(1 - 4\prod\cos A\right)$ (symmetrically in $ a$ , $ b$ , $ c$ ). In conclusion, $ \boxed {\ \rho = OA_1 = OA_2 = OB_1 = OB_2 = OC_1 = OC_2 = R\sqrt {1 - 4\cos A\cos B\cos C}\ }$ . Remark. Since $ 1 - 8\prod\cos A\ge 0$ obtain easily that $ \rho\ge 2R\sqrt {\prod\cos A}$ . Pohoatza wrote: I guess it would have been a better IMO problem, at least to avoid the "well-known"-type commentaries. All right !
16.07.2008 21:44
Let $ O$ circumcenter, $ D$ midpoint of $ BC$,$ N$ nine point center. $ OA_1^2=OD^2+DA_1^2=OD^2+DH^2=2(DN^2+ON^2)=const.$
16.07.2008 22:56
kaloi01 wrote: See point $ A$ first. let $ X$ is the midpoint of $ AB$ and $ Y$ is the midpoint $ AC$. It follows that $ XY \perp AH$. Thus, $ AH$ is the radical axis of circle $ B_1B_2H$ and $ C_1C_2H$. It follows that $ AC_1*AC_2 = AB_1*AB_2 \Leftrightarrow B_1B_2C_1C_2$ cylcic, by similar argument on $ B$ and $ C$ we´re done. This was exactly my solution.
17.07.2008 02:02
I am confused: is IMO a 4.5 hour test or a 4.5 minute test? Someone please help.
17.07.2008 02:41
gighiuhui wrote: I am confused: is IMO a 4.5 hour test or a 4.5 minute test? Someone please help. I am not sure whether you are being sarcastic It is a 4.5 hour test. But if you are saying the questions are easy...
17.07.2008 02:47
well,... he is sort of right. One could expect these questions in a Putnam exam for example.
17.07.2008 04:13
As stated, it suffices to show that $ OA_1=OA_2=OB_1=\ldots=OC_2$. Obviously $ OA_1=OA_2, OB_1=OB_2$, etc., as $ O$ is on the perpendicular bisector of $ A_1A_2$, etc. So it suffices to show WLOG $ OA_1=OB_2$ (assume they both are closer to $ C$.) Then $ OA_1^2 = R^2 - \frac{a^2}{4} + HM_A^2$, where $ M_A$ is the midpoint of $ BC$. (similarly define $ M_B,M_C$.) So it suffices to show that $ HM_A^2 - \frac{a^2}{4} = HM_B^2 - \frac{b^2}{4}$. But applying the law of cosines to $ \triangle M_BCH$ and $ M_ACH$, we have $ HM_A^2 - \frac{a^2}{4} = -(CH)^2 + 2a(CH)\cos \beta$ and $ HM_B^2 - \frac{b^2}{4} = -(CH)^2 + 2b(CH)\cos \alpha$ so they are equal by the law of sines and we're done.
18.04.2024 05:32
Let $O$ be the circumcenter of $ABC$, $P_9$ be the nine-point circle of $ABC$, $M_A$ be the midpoint of $BC$, $N_A$ be the midpoint of $AH$, and $D$ be the foot of the altitude from $A$ to $BC$. Then $$OA_1^2 = OA_2^2 = A_1M^2 + OM^2 = DM^2 + DH^2 + HN^2 = DM^2 + DN^2 - 2DH \cdot HN = HM^2 - 2DH \cdot HN$$which is the square of the diameter of the nine-point circle, minus two times the power of $H$ wrt the nine-point circle. This is a constant value; then by symmetry, $OB_1^2 = OB_2^2 = OC_1^2 = OC_2^2$ is also equal to this value, and $A_1A_2B_1B_2C_1C_2$ lie on a circle centered at $O$.
06.05.2024 11:53
We will now prove that $B_1B_2C_2C_1$ is cyclic $\Rightarrow$ it is enough to show that $AB_1.AB_2 = AC_1.AC_2$ $\Rightarrow$ A needs to lie on the radical axis of the circles with diameters $B_1B_2$ and $C_1C_2$ respectfully. Since $EX = EH$, and $FX = FH$, $XH \perp EF$. Since $EF \parallel BC$, $XH \perp BC$. Also $AH \perp BC$, since H is orthocenter $\Rightarrow$ $AH \perp BC$ and $XH \perp BC$ $\Rightarrow$ $A \in XH$ $\Rightarrow$ A lies on the radical axis XH as we wanted in the beggining $\Rightarrow$ $B_1B_2C_2C_1$ is cyclic, with circumcenter O. Similarly we prove $A_1A_2B_1B_2$ and $A_1A_2C_2C_1$ are cyclic, so $A_1, A_2, B_1, B_2, C_1, C_2$ are concyclic.
28.05.2024 23:59
The radical axis of $\Gamma_B$ and $\Gamma_C$ is clearly $AH$ as $AH$ is perpendicular to the line connecting the two centers of $\Gamma_C$ and $\Gamma_B$ with $H$ being an intersection point of the two circles. And since $B_1B_2$ and $C_1C_2$ concur at $A$ by radical axis we have $B_1B_2C_1C_2$ cyclic. Similarly $A_1A_2C_1C_2$ and $A_1A_2B_1B_2$ are cyclic. Then since the radical axises of $(A_1A_2B_1B_2)$, $(A_1A_2C_1C_2)$, $\dots$ don't concur, it follows that $A_1A_2B_1B_2C_1C_2$ is cyclic.
08.06.2024 09:22
$\Gamma_A$ and $\Gamma_C$ are the midpoints of $BC,AB$ respectively. Hence, from Midpoint Theorem, $\Gamma_A\Gamma_C \parallel AC$. $BH \perp AC \Rightarrow BH \perp \Gamma_A\Gamma_C$. Define $\omega_A$ to be the circle centered at $\Gamma_A$. Similarly define $\omega_B$ and $\omega_C$. Let $\omega_A$ and $\omega_C$ intersect at $I$ apart form $H$. As $IH$ is the radical axis of $\omega_A$ and $\omega_C$, $IH\perp\Gamma_A\Gamma_C$. Hence, $B,I,H$ are collinear {i.e. $B$ lies on the radical axis of $\omega_A$ and $\omega_C$ }. $\Rightarrow BA_1\cdot BA_2 = BC_1\cdot BC_2 \Rightarrow A_1,A_2,C_1,C_2 $ lie on a circle. Similarly, $C_1,C_2,B_1,B_2$ and $B_1,B_2,A_1,A_2$ lie on a circle. Suppose for the sake of contradiction, these are three separate circles, then the 3 radical axis of these ($AB,BC,CA$) must concur at one point. Hence, contradiction. $\therefore A_1,A_2,B_1,B_2,C_1,C_2$ are concyclic.
16.06.2024 20:37
Let's prove this nice problem . If we prove that $B_1$, $B_2$, $C_1$ and $C_2$ are concyclic then rest of the cases follow similarly. Let $\omega_2$ and $\omega_3$ to be $(HB_1B_2)$ and $HC_1C_2$ respectively. Lemma: $A$ lies on the radical axis of $\omega_2$ and $\omega_3$. Proof We know that $\omega_2$ and $\omega_3$ have centers $M_2$ and $M_3$ respectively. Since, $M_1$ and $M_2$ are midpoints of $AC$ and $AB$, so $$M_2M_3 \parallel BC$$Also since line $AH \perp BC$, so $$AH \perp M_2M_3$$Hence, $A$ lies on the radical axis of $\omega_2$ and $\omega_3$. Since, $B_1$, $B_2$ and $C_1$, $C_2$ lie on $\omega_2$ and $\omega_3$ and $B_1B_2$ and $C_1C_2$ intersect on their radical axis. Therefore, $B_1$, $B_2$, $C_1$ and $C_2$ are concyclic.
Attachments:

24.06.2024 08:01
Let $M$ and $N$ be the midpoints of $BC$ and $CA$, respectively. Since $NM \perp CH$, then the second intersection of $\left(A_1HA_2\right)$ and $\left(B_1HB_2\right)$, say $I$, lies on $CH$. By Power of Point, on $\left(A_1HA_2\right)$ and $\left(B_1HB_2\right)$ yields: \[ \begin{cases} A_1HA_2 &: A_1C \cdot CA_2 = CI \cdot CH \\ B_1HB_2 &: B_1C \cdot CB_2 = CI \cdot CH. \end{cases} \]Equating yields $A_1C \cdot CA_2 = B_1C \cdot CB_2$ which, by Power of Point, implies $A_1A_2B_1B_2$ is cyclic. Similarly, $B_1B_2C_1C_2$ and $C_1C_2A_1A_2$ are both cyclic, thus $A_1$, $A_2$, $B_1$, $B_2$, $C_1$, and $C_2$ are concyclic, as desired.
23.07.2024 00:20
okayy here's my hilariously bad writeup originally done on mathdash: If $A_1, A_2, B_1, B_2, C_1, C_2$ were concyclic, then their center would have to be the circumcenter of $ABC$, which we will call $O$, since the perpendicular bisector of $A_1A_2$ is the same as the perpendicular bisector of $BC$, and likewise for all the other sides of $ABC$. Let $D$, $E$, and $F$ be the midpoints of sides $BC$, $AC$, and $AB$. In order to show that the distance from $O$ to all of $A_1, A_2, B_1, B_2, C_1, C_2$ are the same, we will show that $OA_1^2 = DA_1^2+DO^2=DH^2+DO^2$ and the same with the other points are equal. Let $r$ be the radius of the circumcircle of $ABC$, so by Power of Point, we have $(r+DO)(r-DO)=BD^2$, giving $DO^2=r^2-BD^2$, so $DO^2+DH^2=r^2-(BD^2-DH^2)$. Let $X_D$ be the point on $\Gamma_A$ inside $ABC$ such that $BX_D$ is tangent to $\Gamma_A$ and let $X_F$ be the point on $\Gamma_C$ inside $ABC$ such that $BX_F$ is tangent to $\Gamma_C$. Since $BD^2-DH^2=BX_D^2$ and $BF^2-FH^2=BX_F^2$, we want to show $BX_D=BX_F$. This is simply true because $B$ lies on the radical axis of $\Gamma_A$ and $\Gamma_C$ since $H$ definitely lies on the radical axis, and since that radical axis is perpendicular to the line connecting their centers, $B$ also lies on it since $BH\perp DF$ because $BH\perp AC$. Now that we know $BX_D=BX_F$, we get $OA_1^2=DO^2+DH^2=r^2-(BD^2-DH^2) = r^2 - (BF^2-FH^2)=FO^2+FH^2=OC_2$, meaning $OA_1=OC_2$. Therefore, using symmetry, we now have that all of $A_1, A_2, B_1, B_2, C_1, C_2$ have the same distance from $O$, as desired.
30.07.2024 09:43
clearly the center of such a circle would have to be at the circumcenter (intersection of green lines) because the circles are centered at midpoints so the perp. bisector of $A_1A_2$ would be the same as the perp. bisector of $BC$, for example now it just suffices to show that the sum of squares of the purple lengths in the picture doesn't depend on which midpoint they are on (in the example they are on the midpoint of $BC$) let the circumcenter be $0$ and the vertices be $a,b,c$ s.t. $|a|=|b|=|c|=1$ and the orthocenter is $a+b+c$ then the sum of the squares of the purple lengths in the picture is $$|\frac{b+c}{2}|^2+|(a+b+c)-\frac{b+c}{2}|^2=|\frac{b+c}{2}|^2+|a+\frac{b+c}{2}|^2$$$$=\frac{b+c}{2}\frac{\frac1b+\frac1c}{2}+(a+\frac{b+c}{2})(\frac{1}{a}+\frac{\frac1b+\frac1c}{2})$$$$=2+\frac{\frac{a}{b}+\frac{b}{a}+\frac{b}{c}+\frac{c}{b}+\frac{c}{a}+\frac{a}{c}}{2}$$which is symmetric in $a,b,c$, as desired.
30.08.2024 23:44
Claim: $A_2A_1B_1B_2$ and cyclic variants are all cyclic. Proof: Let $X_C$ be the intersection of $(HA_1A_2), (HB_1B_2)$, clearly $X_C$ is the reflection of $H$ over $M_AM_B$, so $X_CH$ is just the $C$ altitude, and by radax we are done. Now assume these three circles $A_1A_2B_1B_2$ and cyclic variants are all distinct, then their radaxes should concur but they happen to precisely be the sides of the triangle, so the three circles are the same and all six points are cyclic.
04.09.2024 02:16
Suppose $BH$ and $CH$ meet $\overline{CA}$ and $\overline{AB}$ at $E$ and $F$, respectively. Then observe $\Gamma_A \cap \Gamma_B = X$ lies on $CH$. Indeed, $XH$ is the radical axis of $\Gamma_A$ and $\Gamma_B$, we find $XH \perp M_AM_B \implies XH \perp AB$. Hence $C$ has equal power from both $\Gamma_A$ and $\Gamma_B$ so that $CA_2 \times CA_1 = CB_1 \times CB_2 \implies A_2, A_1, B_1, B_2$ are concyclic. Similarly $B_1, B_2, C_1, C_2$ and $C_1, C_2, A_1, A_2$ are separately concyclic, which follows from symmetry. Hence $A_1, A_2, B_1, B_2, C_1, C_2$ all lie on a circle (and further the circumcenter of such a circle is the circumcenter of $ABC$), as desired. $\blacksquare$
26.11.2024 21:16
Let $X$, $Y$, and $Z$ be the midpoints of the sides opposite $A$, $B$, and $C$, respectively. Also, let $\omega_1, \omega_2$ be the circles centered at $Y$ and $Z$, respectively. Suppose that $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$ intersect again at $P$. Since $PH\perp YZ$ and $AH\perp BC\implies AH\perp YZ$, we have $P, A, H$ collinear. Now, $A$ lies on the radical axis of $\omega_1,\omega_2$, so $B_1, B_2, C_1,C_2$ are concyclic. Similarly, we can find that $A_1, A_2, B_1, B_2$ are concyclic, as are $C_1, C_2, A_1, A_2$. Notice that the center of those circles is the circumcenter $O$ of $ABC$. Since those three circles have the same radius of $$OA_1=OA_2=OB_1=OB_2=OC_1=OC_2,$$they are the same circle and we are done.
01.12.2024 22:27
Let $M$ be the midpoint of $AC$ and $N$ be the midpoint of $AB$. Note that $AH\perp BC$ and $BC\parallel MN$ by similar triangles. Thus, $AH\perp MN$. Consider the circles $(C_1HC_2)$ and $(B_1HB_2)$; note that the centers of these two circles are $N$ and $M$, respectively. However, because $H$ lies on both circles and $AH\perp MN$, we know that $AH$ is the radical axis of the two circles. Therefore, by power of a point, $B_1B_2C_1C_2$ is cyclic. We can similarly conclude that $A_1A_2B_1B_2$ and $C_1C_2A_1A_2$ are cyclic. Assume for the sake of contradiction that $(A_1A_2B_1B_2)\ne (B_1B_2C_1C_2)$. Clearly, $AC$ is the radical axis of these two circles. However, the power of $B$ with respect to $(B_1B_2C_1C_2)$ is $BC_2\cdot BC_1 = BA_1\cdot BA_2$ by power of a point on circle $(C_1C_2A_1A_2)$. Clearly, the power of $B$ with respect to $(A_1A_2B_1B_2)$ is $BA_1\cdot BA_2$, so in fact $B$ must lie on the radical axis of $(A_1A_2B_1B_2)$ and $(B_1B_2C_1C_2)$, or just $AC$. This is a contradiction, so $A_1$, $A_2$, $B_1$, $B_2$, $C_1$, $C_2$ are concyclic. $\blacksquare$
21.12.2024 00:55
30.12.2024 23:50
Let $D, E, F$ be the midpoints opposite $A, B, C.$ We begin by showing that $C_2, C_1, B_2, B_1$ are concyclic. Let $P$ be the second intersection of the circles, then clearly $PH \perp EF$ but since $EF \parallel BC$ by the Midpoint Theorem, it follows that $PH \perp BC,$ so $A$ lies on $PH.$ Therefore, $A$ lies on the radical axis of $\Gamma_B, \Gamma_C$ and by Power of a Point our claim is proven. Similarly, $B_1, B_2, A_1, A_2$ are concyclic, and $C_1, C_2, A_1, A_2$ are too. But their centers are clearly $O,$ the circumcenter of $\triangle ABC,$ so we are done. QED
10.02.2025 01:07
Let $M$ be the midpoint of $AB$ and $N$ the midpoint of $AC$. Because $AH\perp BC$, $AH\perp MN$, and because $H$ lies on the radical axis of $\Gamma_B$ and $\Gamma_C$, $A$ also lies on the radical axis of $\Gamma_B$ and $\Gamma_C$, implying $(AC_1)(AC_2)=(AB_1)(AB_2)$. By the Converse of Power of a Point, this implies $C_1,C_2,B_1,B_2$ are concyclic. Similarly, $A_1,A_2,C_1,C_2$ are concyclic, which finishes.