Difference between revisions of "2023 USAMO Problems/Problem 1"

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Now, <math>NB = NC</math> iff <math>N</math> lies on the perpendicular bisector of <math>\overline{BC}</math>. As <math>N</math> lies on the perpendicular bisector of <math>\overline{XQ}</math>, which is also the perpendicular bisector of <math>\overline{BC}</math> (as <math>M</math> is also the midpoint of <math>XQ</math>), we are done.  
 
Now, <math>NB = NC</math> iff <math>N</math> lies on the perpendicular bisector of <math>\overline{BC}</math>. As <math>N</math> lies on the perpendicular bisector of <math>\overline{XQ}</math>, which is also the perpendicular bisector of <math>\overline{BC}</math> (as <math>M</math> is also the midpoint of <math>XQ</math>), we are done.  
~ ApraTrip, Martin2001
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~ Martin2001, ApraTrip

Revision as of 10:38, 13 April 2023

In an acute triangle $ABC$, let $M$ be the midpoint of $\overline{BC}$. Let $P$ be the foot of the perpendicular from $C$ to $AM$. Suppose that the circumcircle of triangle $ABP$ intersects line $BC$ at two distinct points $B$ and $Q$. Let $N$ be the midpoint of $\overline{AQ}$. Prove that $NB=NC$.

Solution 1

Let $X$ be the foot from $A$ to $\overline{BC}$. By definition, $\angle AXM = \angle MPC = 90^{\circ}$. Thus, $\triangle AXM \sim \triangle MPC$, and $\triangle BMP \sim \triangle AMQ$.

From this, we have $\frac{MP}{MX} = \frac{MA}{MC} = \frac{MP}{MQ} = \frac{MA}{MB}$, as $MC=MB$. Thus, $M$ is also the midpoint of $XQ$.

Now, $NB = NC$ iff $N$ lies on the perpendicular bisector of $\overline{BC}$. As $N$ lies on the perpendicular bisector of $\overline{XQ}$, which is also the perpendicular bisector of $\overline{BC}$ (as $M$ is also the midpoint of $XQ$), we are done. ~ Martin2001, ApraTrip