Problem

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Tags: geometry, trigonometry, Trigonometric Equations, circles, Periodic sequence, IMO Shortlist



Consider a sequence of circles $K_1,K_2,K_3,K_4, \ldots$ of radii $r_1, r_2, r_3, r_4, \ldots$ , respectively, situated inside a triangle $ABC$. The circle $K_1$ is tangent to $AB$ and $AC$; $K_2$ is tangent to $K_1$, $BA$, and $BC$; $K_3$ is tangent to $K_2$, $CA$, and $CB$; $K_4$ is tangent to $K_3$, $AB$, and $AC$; etc. (a) Prove the relation \[r_1 \cot \frac 12 A+ 2 \sqrt{r_1r_2} + r_2 \cot \frac 12 B = r \left(\cot \frac 12 A + \cot \frac 12 B \right) \] where $r$ is the radius of the incircle of the triangle $ABC$. Deduce the existence of a $t_1$ such that \[r_1=r \cot \frac 12 B \cot \frac 12 C \sin^2 t_1\] (b) Prove that the sequence of circles $K_1,K_2, \ldots $ is periodic.