Difference between revisions of "1966 IMO Problems/Problem 3"
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+ | ==Problem== | ||
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Prove that the sum of the distances of the vertices of a regular tetrahedron from the center of its circumscribed sphere is less than the sum of the distances of these vertices from any other point in space. | Prove that the sum of the distances of the vertices of a regular tetrahedron from the center of its circumscribed sphere is less than the sum of the distances of these vertices from any other point in space. | ||
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We will do the proof in three steps: | We will do the proof in three steps: | ||
− | <math>\mathbf{1.}</math> We will show that if <math>P</math> is in one of the exterior regions, then | + | <math>\mathbf{1.}</math> We will show that if <math>P</math> is in one of the exterior |
− | there is a point <math>P_1</math> on the boundary of the triangle (a vertex, or | + | regions, then there is a point <math>P_1</math> on the boundary of the triangle |
− | on a side), such that <math>PA + PB + PC > P_1A + P_1B + P_1C</math>. | + | (a vertex, or on a side), such that <math>PA + PB + PC > P_1A + P_1B + P_1C</math>. |
<math>\mathbf{2.}</math> Then we will show that if <math>P</math> is on the boundary, then | <math>\mathbf{2.}</math> Then we will show that if <math>P</math> is on the boundary, then | ||
<math>PA + PB + PC > OA + OB + OC</math>. | <math>PA + PB + PC > OA + OB + OC</math>. | ||
− | <math>\mathbf{3.}</math> For the final step, we will show that if <math>P</math> is a point of minimum | + | <math>\mathbf{3.}</math> For the final step, we will show that if <math>P</math> is a point |
− | for <math>PA + PB + PC</math> inside the triangle, then the extensions of | + | of minimum for <math>PA + PB + PC</math> inside the triangle, then the extensions |
− | <math>PA, PB, PC</math> are perpendicular to the opposite sides <math>BC, AC, AB</math>. | + | of <math>PA, PB, PC</math> are perpendicular to the opposite sides <math>BC, AC, AB</math>. |
This implies that <math>P = O</math>. | This implies that <math>P = O</math>. | ||
− | <math>\mathbf{Proof\ of\ 1:}</math> If the point <math>P</math> is outside the triangle, it can be | + | <math>\mathbf{Proof\ of\ 1:}</math> If the point <math>P</math> is outside the triangle, |
− | in one of six regions as seen in the pictures below. | + | it can be in one of six regions as seen in the pictures below. |
[[File:Prob_1966_3_fig1.png|600px]] | [[File:Prob_1966_3_fig1.png|600px]] | ||
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<math>\triangle PP_1A, \triangle PP_1B</math> are right triangles). | <math>\triangle PP_1A, \triangle PP_1B</math> are right triangles). | ||
− | <math>\mathbf{Proof\ of\ 2:}</math> Now assume that <math>P_1 = A</math>. A direct, simple computation | + | <math>\mathbf{Proof\ of\ 2:}</math> Now assume that <math>P_1 = A</math>. A direct, simple |
− | shows that <math>P_1A + P_1B + P_1C > OA + OB + OC</math> (indeed, if we take the | + | computation shows that <math>P_1A + P_1B + P_1C > OA + OB + OC</math> (indeed, if |
− | side of the triangle to be <math>1</math>, then <math>P_1A + P_1B + P_1C = 2</math>, and | + | we take the side of the triangle to be <math>1</math>, then <math>P_1A + P_1B + P_1C = 2</math>, |
− | <math>OA + OB + OC = 3 \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} = \sqrt{3}</math>). | + | and <math>OA + OB + OC = 3 \cdot \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3} = \sqrt{3}</math>). |
Now assume that <math>P_1</math> is on <math>AB</math>. If <math>P_1</math> is not the midpoint of <math>AB</math>, | Now assume that <math>P_1</math> is on <math>AB</math>. If <math>P_1</math> is not the midpoint of <math>AB</math>, | ||
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<math>P_2A + P_2B + P_2C = 1 + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}</math> and <math>OA + OB + OC = \sqrt{3}</math>). | <math>P_2A + P_2B + P_2C = 1 + \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2}</math> and <math>OA + OB + OC = \sqrt{3}</math>). | ||
− | <math>\mathbf{Proof\ of\ 3:}</math> Assume that <math>P</math> is inside the triangle <math>\triangle ABC</math>. | + | <math>\mathbf{Proof\ of\ 3:}</math> Assume that <math>P</math> is inside the triangle |
− | In this case, we make a proof by contradiction. We will show that if | + | <math>\triangle ABC</math>. In this case, we make a proof by contradiction. We |
− | <math>P</math> is a point where <math>PA + PB + PC</math> is minimum, then the extensions | + | will show that if <math>P</math> is a point where <math>PA + PB + PC</math> is minimum, then |
− | of <math>PA, PB, PC</math> are perpendicular to the opposite sides <math>BC, AC, AB</math>. | + | the extensions of <math>PA, PB, PC</math> are perpendicular to the opposite sides |
− | (This statement implies that <math>P = O</math>.) If this were not true, at least | + | <math>BC, AC, AB</math>. (This statement implies that <math>P = O</math>.) If this were not |
− | one of <math>PA \perp BC, PB \perp AC, PC \perp AB</math> would be false. We can | + | true, at least one of <math>PA \perp BC, PB \perp AC, PC \perp AB</math> would be |
− | assume that <math>PC</math> is not perpendicular to <math>AB</math>. Then draw the ellipse | + | false. We can assume that <math>PC</math> is not perpendicular to <math>AB</math>. Then draw |
− | with focal points <math>A, B</math> which goes through <math>P</math>. | + | the ellipse with focal points <math>A, B</math> which goes through <math>P</math>. |
[[File:Prob_1966_3_fig2.png|600px]] | [[File:Prob_1966_3_fig2.png|600px]] | ||
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some details. | some details. | ||
− | <math>\mathbf{1.}</math> We will show that if <math>P</math> is in one of the exterior regions, then | + | <math>\mathbf{1.}</math> We will show that if <math>P</math> is in one of the exterior regions, |
− | there is a point <math>P_!</math> on the boundary of the tetrahedron (a vertex, | + | then there is a point <math>P_!</math> on the boundary of the tetrahedron (a vertex, |
or on a edge, or on a side, such that | or on a edge, or on a side, such that | ||
<math>PA + PB + PC + PD > P_1A + P_1B + P_1C + P_1D</math>. | <math>PA + PB + PC + PD > P_1A + P_1B + P_1C + P_1D</math>. | ||
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<math>PA + PB + PC + PD > OA + OB + OC + OD</math>. | <math>PA + PB + PC + PD > OA + OB + OC + OD</math>. | ||
− | <math>\mathbf{3.}</math> For the final step, consider the plane going through the edge | + | <math>\mathbf{3.}</math> For the final step, consider the plane going through |
− | <math>CD</math> perpendicular to the edge <math>AB</math>, the plane going through <math>AB</math> | + | the edge <math>CD</math> perpendicular to the edge <math>AB</math>, the plane going through |
− | perpendicular to <math>CD</math>, the plane going through <math>CA</math> perpendicular | + | <math>AB</math> perpendicular to <math>CD</math>, the plane going through <math>CA</math> perpendicular |
to <math>BD</math>, etc. There are six such planes, and they all contain <math>O</math>, | to <math>BD</math>, etc. There are six such planes, and they all contain <math>O</math>, | ||
− | the center of the circumscribed sphere. We will show that if <math>P</math> | + | the center of the circumscribed sphere. We will show that if <math>P</math> is |
− | + | a point of minimum for <math>PA + PB + PC + PD</math> inside the tetrahedron, | |
then <math>P</math> is in each of the six planes described above. This implies | then <math>P</math> is in each of the six planes described above. This implies | ||
that <math>P = O</math>. | that <math>P = O</math>. | ||
− | <math>\mathbf{Proof\ of\ 1:}</math> Let <math>P</math> be in one of the exterior regions. | + | <math>\mathbf{Proof\ of\ 1:}</math> Let <math>P</math> be in one of the exterior regions. |
− | is in a prism shaped region delimited by extensions of three sides | + | Assume <math>P</math> is in a prism shaped region delimited by extensions of |
− | meeting in a vertex (there are 4 of them). Assume it is at vertex | + | three sides meeting in a vertex (there are 4 of them). Assume it |
− | <math>A</math>, the sides being the extensions of planes <math>ABC, ABD, ACD</math>. Then | + | is at vertex <math>A</math>, the sides being the extensions of planes |
− | take <math>P_1 = A</math>. We have <math>PA + PB + PC + PD > P_1A + P_1B + P_1C + P_1D</math> | + | <math>ABC, ABD, ACD</math>. Then take <math>P_1 = A</math>. We have |
− | because of obtuse triangles formed with <math>PP_1</math>. | + | <math>PA + PB + PC + PD > P_1A + P_1B + P_1C + P_1D</math> because of obtuse |
+ | triangles formed with <math>PP_1</math>. | ||
Now assume <math>P</math> is in one of the wedge shaped regions, formed by an | Now assume <math>P</math> is in one of the wedge shaped regions, formed by an | ||
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formed by <math>PP_1</math>. | formed by <math>PP_1</math>. | ||
− | <math>\mathbf{Proof\ of\ 2:}</math> Assume <math>P_1 = A</math>. If we take the edge of the tetrahedron | + | <math>\mathbf{Proof\ of\ 2:}</math> Assume <math>P_1 = A</math>. If we take the edge of |
− | to be <math>1</math>, a direct computation gives us that | + | the tetrahedron to be <math>1</math>, a direct computation gives us that |
<math>P_1A + P_1B + P_1C + P_1D = 3</math>, and | <math>P_1A + P_1B + P_1C + P_1D = 3</math>, and | ||
<math>OA + OB + OC + OD = 4 \cdot \frac{\sqrt{6}}{4} = \sqrt{6}</math>. | <math>OA + OB + OC + OD = 4 \cdot \frac{\sqrt{6}}{4} = \sqrt{6}</math>. | ||
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another.) | another.) | ||
− | <math>\mathbf{Proof\ of\ 3:}</math> Now consider the six planes going through one edge, | + | <math>\mathbf{Proof\ of\ 3:}</math> Now consider the six planes going through |
− | perpendicular to the opposite edge. They intersect at the | + | one edge, perpendicular to the opposite edge. They intersect at |
− | circumcenter of the tetrahedron. Assume <math>P</math> is a point in the | + | the circumcenter of the tetrahedron. Assume <math>P</math> is a point in the |
− | interior of the tetrahedron where <math>PA + PB + PC + PD</math> achieves | + | interior of the tetrahedron where <math>PA + PB + PC + PD</math> achieves its |
− | + | minimum value. Then <math>P</math> is in each of the six plane. | |
Prove this statement by contradiction. Assume that there is | Prove this statement by contradiction. Assume that there is | ||
− | + | a plane among the six, so that <math>P</math> is not on it. Assume the | |
− | the | + | plane is the one going through <math>CD</math>, perpendicular to <math>AB</math>. |
− | it more explicit, this is the plane going through <math>C, D, E</math>, | + | To make it more explicit, this is the plane going through |
− | where <math>E</math> is the midpoint of <math>AB</math>. | + | <math>C, D, E</math>, where <math>E</math> is the midpoint of <math>AB</math>. |
Consider the ellipsoid with focal points <math>A, B</math> going through <math>P</math>. | Consider the ellipsoid with focal points <math>A, B</math> going through <math>P</math>. | ||
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small axis of the ellipse in the plane <math>ABC</math>. Since the point | small axis of the ellipse in the plane <math>ABC</math>. Since the point | ||
<math>P</math> is not on the plane CDE, it must be on a smaller circle, so | <math>P</math> is not on the plane CDE, it must be on a smaller circle, so | ||
− | its projection to the plane | + | its projection to the plane <math>CDE</math> will be inside.) |
This concludes the proof of the problem. | This concludes the proof of the problem. | ||
− | + | [Solution by pf02, September 2024] | |
Latest revision as of 19:16, 10 November 2024
Problem
Prove that the sum of the distances of the vertices of a regular tetrahedron from the center of its circumscribed sphere is less than the sum of the distances of these vertices from any other point in space.
Solution
We will need the following lemma to solve this problem:
Let
be a regular tetrahedron, and
a point
inside it. Let
be the distances from
to
the faces
, and
. Then,
is constant, independent of
.
We will compute the volume of in terms of the areas of the faces and the
distances from the point
to the faces:
because the areas of the four triangles are equal. ( stands for
the area of
.) Then
This value is constant, so the proof of the lemma is complete.
Let our tetrahedron be , and the center of its circumscribed sphere be
. Construct a new regular tetrahedron,
, such that the centers of the faces of this tetrahedron are at
,
,
, and
.
For any point in
,
with equality only occurring when ,
,
, and
are perpendicular to the faces of
, meaning that
. This completes the proof.
~mathboy100
Remarks (added by pf02, September 2024)
1. The text of the Lemma needed a little improvement, which I did.
2. The Solution above is not complete. It considered only points
inside the tetrahedron, but the problem specifically said "any
other point in space".
3. I will give another solution below, in which I will also fill in the gap of the solution above, mentioned in the preceding paragraph.
Solution 2
We will first prove the problem in the 2-dimensional case. We do this to convey the idea of the proof, and because we will use this in one spot in proving the 3-dimensional case. So let us prove that:
The sum of the distances of the vertices of an equilateral triangle
from the center
of its circumscribed circle is
less than the sum of the distances of these vertices from any other
point
in the plane.
We will do the proof in three steps:
We will show that if
is in one of the exterior
regions, then there is a point
on the boundary of the triangle
(a vertex, or on a side), such that
.
Then we will show that if
is on the boundary, then
.
For the final step, we will show that if
is a point
of minimum for
inside the triangle, then the extensions
of
are perpendicular to the opposite sides
.
This implies that
.
If the point
is outside the triangle,
it can be in one of six regions as seen in the pictures below.
If is in a region delimited by extensions of two sides of the
triangle, as in the picture on the left, we notice that by taking
,
(because
and
as sides in an obtuse triangles, and similarly
).
If is in a region delimited by a segment which is a side of the
triangle and by the extensions of two sides, as in the picture on
the right, take
the foot of the perpendicular from
to
. Then
(because the triangle
is obtuse, and because the triangles
are right triangles).
Now assume that
. A direct, simple
computation shows that
(indeed, if
we take the side of the triangle to be
, then
,
and
).
Now assume that is on
. If
is not the midpoint of
,
let
be the midpoint. Then
(because
and
). A direct,
simple computation shows that
(indeed,
if we take the side of the triangle to be
,
and
).
Assume that
is inside the triangle
. In this case, we make a proof by contradiction. We
will show that if
is a point where
is minimum, then
the extensions of
are perpendicular to the opposite sides
. (This statement implies that
.) If this were not
true, at least one of
would be
false. We can assume that
is not perpendicular to
. Then draw
the ellipse with focal points
which goes through
.
Now consider the point on the ellipse such that
.
Because of the properties of the ellipse,
, and because of
the definition of the ellipse
. We conclude that
, which contradicts the assumption
that
was such that
was minimum.
This proves the 2-dimensional case.
NOTE: a very picky reader might object that the proof used that
a minimum of exists, and is achieved at a point
inside the triangle. This can be justified simply by noting that
and quoting the theorem from calculus (or is it
topology?) which says that a continuous function on a closed, bounded
set has a minimum, and there is a point where the minimum is achieved.
Because of the arguments in the proof, this point can not be on the
boundary of the triangle, so it is inside.
Now we will give the proof in the 3-dimensional case. We will do the proof in three steps. It is extremely similar to the proof in the 2-dimensional case, we just need to go from 2D to 3D, so I will skip some details.
We will show that if
is in one of the exterior regions,
then there is a point
on the boundary of the tetrahedron (a vertex,
or on a edge, or on a side, such that
.
Then we will show that if
is on the boundary, then
.
For the final step, consider the plane going through
the edge
perpendicular to the edge
, the plane going through
perpendicular to
, the plane going through
perpendicular
to
, etc. There are six such planes, and they all contain
,
the center of the circumscribed sphere. We will show that if
is
a point of minimum for
inside the tetrahedron,
then
is in each of the six planes described above. This implies
that
.
Let
be in one of the exterior regions.
Assume
is in a prism shaped region delimited by extensions of
three sides meeting in a vertex (there are 4 of them). Assume it
is at vertex
, the sides being the extensions of planes
. Then take
. We have
because of obtuse
triangles formed with
.
Now assume is in one of the wedge shaped regions, formed by an
edge and the extensions of two sides going through them. (there are
six such regions.) Assume this is the line
and the extensions
of
. Then take
to be the foot of the perpendicular
from
to
. Again, we have the desired inequality because
formed some right and obtuse triangles.
Now assume is in the truncated prism region delimited by a side
and the extensions of the faces going through the edges of this side.
(There are four such regions.) Assume this is the side
, and
extensions of the sides
. Then take
to be the
foot of the perpendicular from
to the plane
. Again, we
have the desired inequality because of right and obtuse triangles
formed by
.
Assume
. If we take the edge of
the tetrahedron to be
, a direct computation gives us that
, and
.
Assume is on
. If
is not the midpoint of
, take
to be the midpoint of
. Then
because of
right triangles formed by
. And, if we take the edge of
the tetrahedron to be
, a direct computation yields that
,
which is bigger than
.
Assume is on
. If
is not the circumcenter of
then take
to be the circumcenter. We have
because
. We also have
because we proved the
2-dimensional analogue of the problem. And, if we take the edge
of the tetrahedron to be
, we have
, which
is bigger than
.
NOTE: In the above paragraph, we used that the similar result is true in the 2-dimensional case, with an equilateral triangle instead of a regular tetrahedron.
NOTE: This part of the proof concludes filling in the gap in the first "Solution", written above. (A reader may complain that the proof in Solution 2 is very long (compared to the first "Solution"), but the first "Solution" should have done this too, one way or another.)
Now consider the six planes going through
one edge, perpendicular to the opposite edge. They intersect at
the circumcenter of the tetrahedron. Assume
is a point in the
interior of the tetrahedron where
achieves its
minimum value. Then
is in each of the six plane.
Prove this statement by contradiction. Assume that there is
a plane among the six, so that is not on it. Assume the
plane is the one going through
, perpendicular to
.
To make it more explicit, this is the plane going through
, where
is the midpoint of
.
Consider the ellipsoid with focal points going through
.
This can be obtained as the set of points
in space so that
. It can also be obtained as the surface
obtained when we form the ellipse with focal points
in
the plane
(as the set of points
so that
), and we rotate this ellipse from the plane
around its axis
. Let
be the foot of the
perpendicular from
to the plane
. We have
because
. We also have
because
is in the interior of the
ellipsoid. (Indeed, the intersection of the plane
and the
ellipsoid is the circle generated by rotating the ends of the
small axis of the ellipse in the plane
. Since the point
is not on the plane CDE, it must be on a smaller circle, so
its projection to the plane
will be inside.)
This concludes the proof of the problem.
[Solution by pf02, September 2024]
See Also
1966 IMO (Problems) • Resources | ||
Preceded by Problem 2 |
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 | Followed by Problem 4 |
All IMO Problems and Solutions |