Problem

Source: IMO 1980 Finland, problem 1

Tags: trigonometry, geometry, Triangle, perpendicular bisector, IMO Shortlist



Let $\alpha, \beta$ and $\gamma$ denote the angles of the triangle $ABC$. The perpendicular bisector of $AB$ intersects $BC$ at the point $X$, the perpendicular bisector of $AC$ intersects it at $Y$. Prove that $\tan(\beta) \cdot \tan(\gamma) = 3$ implies $BC= XY$ (or in other words: Prove that a sufficient condition for $BC = XY$ is $\tan(\beta) \cdot \tan(\gamma) = 3$). Show that this condition is not necessary, and give a necessary and sufficient condition for $BC = XY$.