Notes On Barycentric Homogeneous Coordinates: Wong Yan Loi

Notes on Barycentric Homogeneous Coordinates
Wong Yan Loi
Contents
1 Barycentric Homogeneous Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2 Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4 Distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5 Circles I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6 Circles II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7 Worked Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8 Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
9 Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
10 Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
11 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
1
1 Barycentric Homogeneous Coordinates 2
1 Barycentric Homogeneous Coordinates
Let ABC be a triangle on the plane. For any point P , the ratio of the (signed) areas
[P BC] : [P CA] : [P AB]
is called the barycentric coordinates or areal coordinates of P .
Here [P BC] is the signed area of the triangle P BC. It is positive, negative or zero according to
both P and A lie on the same side, opposite side, or on the line BC. Generally, we use (x : y : z)
to denote the barycentric coordinates of a point P . The barycentric coordinates of a point are
homogeneous. That is (x : y : z) = (λx : λy : λz) for any nonzero real number λ. If x + y + z = 1,
then (x : y : z) is called the normalized barycentric coordinates of the point P . For example,
A = (1 : 0 : 0), B = (0 : 1 : 0), C = (0 : 0 : 1). The triangle ABC is called the reference triangle
of the barycentric homogeneous coordinate system.
... A A
.....
........ ... ......
... ......
... .. ..
... .... .....
y........ ..............
.. ... .. .. ... ... z
.. ... ... ...
... ... ....
F.............. ... ....
... ... ...
... ... ... . ... ...
... ... .
.. ........ . ...
..... ...
... ... ..... ..... ..... ...
. ... . ...... .. ...
E
.... ... ... .... .......... .................
.
... P• ... ... ... . .
. ...
.
..
.
.
..
.....................
..... ... x ..
.
.. P •
...
...
.. ... .....
..
............. .
...
. ..
. .. ...... .....
. ... ....... ... ....... ....
.
x
.
.
.. ..
.......
.... ..
........
.
.. . .....
. ... ....... .... ...
. .....
. ... .
... ....... ....
.
. .....
.. .
...... ... .. ..
.. ....... ....
.
... ......... ..... ... .... ............ ...
... ..... ..
... ........ ....... ... ........ ........
............... ....... ............ ... ......
.................................................................................................................
... .......................................................................................................................
B C B z D y C
Fig. 1: Barycentric coordinates
Theorem 1. Let [P BC] = x, [P CA] = y, [P AB] = z and [ABC] = 1 so that x + y + z = 1. Let

the extensions of the AP, BP, CP meet the sides BC, CA, AB at D, E, F respectively. Then
(a) CE : EA = x : z, etc.
(b) AP : P D = (y + z) : x.
(c) BP = zBC + xBA.
(d) If a, b, c are the position vectors of the points A, B, C respectively, then p = xa + yb + zc.
Here a = OA is the position vector of A with respect to a fixed origin O, etc.
(e) The normalized barycentric coordinates (x : y : z) of the point P is unique.
Proof. (a) CE : EA = [P BC] : [P AB] = x : z.

y
(b) Let [P DC] = α, [P BD] = β. Then PAP
D = α and
AP
PD = βz . Thus
AP y+z y+z
= = .
PD α+β x
(c) follows from (b).
(d) p = b + BP = b + zBC + xBA = b + z(c − b) + x(a − b) = xa + yb + zc.
(e) follows from (d).
1.1 Ratio Formula

Let P1 = (x1 : y1 : z1 ) and P2 = (x2 : y2 : z2 ) with x1 + y1 + z1 = 1 and x2 + y2 + z2 = 1.
If P divides P1 P2 in the ratio P1 P : P P2 = β : α, then the point P has barycentric coordinates
(αx1 + βx2 : αy1 + βy2 : αz1 + βz2 ).
2 Lines 3
1.2 Common points

A (1 : 0 : 0)
centroid (1 : 1 : 1)
incentre (a : b : c)
symmedian point (a2 : b2 : c2 )
A- excentre (−a : b : c)
orthocentre (tan A : tan B : tan C) = (SB SC : SC SA : SA SB )
circumcentre (sin 2A : sin 2B : sin 2C) = (a2 SA : b2 SB : c2 SC )
Nagel point (s − a : s − b : s − c)
Gergonne point ((s − b)(s − c) : (s − c)(s − a) : (s − a)(s − b))
Isogonal conjugate of (x : y : z) (a2 /x : b2 /y : c2 /z) = (a2 yz : b2 zx : c2 xy)
Isotomic conjugate of (x : y : z) (1/x : 1/y : 1/z)
Here a = BC, b = CA, c = AB, s = 12 (a + b + c), and SA = 12 (b2 + c2 − a2 ) etc.
2 Lines
2.1 Equation of a line

If P = (x : y : z) is a point on the line joining P1 = (x1 : y1 : z1 ) and P2 = (x2 : y2 : z2 ), then
(x : y : z) = (αx1 + βx2 : αy1 + βy2 : αz1 + βz2 ), for some α, β. (The normalizing factors for
P, P1 , P2 can be absorbed into α, β.) Thus
 
x y z
−1 α β  x1 y1 z1  = 0 0 0 .
x 2 y2 z2

x y z

This implies that x1 y1 z1 = 0. Expanding the determinant about the first row, we have
x2 y2 z2

y1 z1
x − x1 z1 y + x1 y1 z = 0.

y2 z2 x2 z2 x 2 y2
That is (x : y : z) satisfies the homogeneous linear equation
(y1 z2 − y2 z1 )x − (x1 z2 − x2 z1 )y + (x1 y2 − x2 y1 )z = 0.
Conversely, any point P = (x : y : z) satisfies this equation can be shown to lie on the line P1 P2 .
We may compute the coefficients of this line by the following determinant:

x 1 y1 z1
= y1 z1 : − x1 z1 : x1 y1

,
x 2 y2 z2 y2 z2 x 2 z2 x 2 y2
2 Lines 4
and represent the line using the 3 coefficients as homogeneous coordinates enclosed in a square
bracket.
The 2 representations px + qy + rz = 0 and [p : q : r] are equivalent and will be used interchange-
ably.
For example, the line BC is x = 0 or [1 : 0 : 0].
2.2 Intersection of two lines

Let `1 : p1 x + q1 y + r1 z = 0 and `2 : p2 x + q2 y + r2 z = 0 be 2 lines. The intersection point is the
simultaneous solution to the two equations, which is
(q1 r2 − q2 r1 : −p1 r2 + p2 r1 : p1 q2 − p2 q1 ).
We may facilitate the computation by means of the following determinant:

p1 q1 r1
= q1 r1 : − p1 r1 : p1 q1

,
p2 q2 r2 q2 r2 p2 r2 p2 q2
2.3 Collinearity
Three points P1 = (x1 : y1 : z1 ), P2 = (x2 : y2 : z2 ) and P3 = (x3 : y3 : z3 ) are collinear if and
only if

x1 y1 z1

x2 y2 z2 = 0.
x3 y3 z3
2.4 Concurrence
Three lines `1 = [p1 : q1 : r1 ], `2 = [p2 : q2 : r2 ] and `3 = [p3 : q3 : r3 ] are concurrent if and only
if
p1 q1 r1

p2 q2 r2 = 0.

p3 q3 r3
2.5 Common lines

BC [1 : 0 : 0]
internal bisector from A [0 : −c : b]
external bisector from A [0 : c : b]
median from A [0 : −1 : 1]
perpendicular from A [0 : −SB : SC ]
perpendicular bisector of BC [c2 − b2 : −a2 : a2 ]
Euler line [SA (SB − SC ) : SB (SC − SA ) : SC (SA − SB )]
Gergonne line [s − a : s − b : s − c]
3 Area 5
3 Area
If P, Q, R are points with normalized barycentric

coordinates
(x1 : y1 : z1 ), (x2 : y2 : z2 ),
x1 y1 z1

(x3 : y3 : z3 ) respectively, then [P QR] = x2 y2 z2 [ABC].
x 3 y3 z3

x1 y1 z1
Proof. Let δ be the determinant . Since the sum of the entries in each row of the

x2 y2 z2

x3 y3 z3
determinant is 1, we have

x1 y1 1 x1 y1 1

δ = x2 y2 1 = x2 − x1 y2 − y1 0 = (x2 − x1 )(y3 − y1 ) − (y2 − y1 )(x3 − x1 ).
x3 y3 1 x3 − x1 y3 − y1 0
Similarly, δ = (y2 − y1 )(z3 − z1 ) − (z2 − z1 )(y3 − y1 ), and

δ = (z2 − z1 )(x3 − x1 ) − (x2 − x1 )(z3 − z1 ).
Let n be the unit normal vector to the x−y plane along the positive z direction. Let O be the origin.
Then
a×b+b×c+c×a
= (|a||b| sin ]AOB + |b||c| sin ]BOC + |c||a| sin ]COA)n
= 2([OAB] + [OBC] + [OCA])n
= 2[ABC]n.
Here ]AOB is the signed angle measured from the vector OA to OB.
Let x = x1 a + y1 b + z1 c, y = x2 a + y2 b + z2 c, z = x3 a + y3 b + z3 c. Then
2[XY Z]n
= XY · XZ sin ]Y XZ n
= XY × XZ
= ((x2 − x1 )a + (y2 − y1 )b + (z2 − z1 )c) × ((x3 − x1 )a + (y3 − y1 )b + (z3 − z1 )c)
= ((x2 − x1 )(y3 − y1 ) − (y2 − y1 )(x3 − x1 )) a × b
((y2 − y1 )(z3 − z1 ) − (z2 − z1 )(y3 − y1 )) b × c
((z2 − z1 )(x3 − x1 ) − (x2 − x1 )(z3 − z1 )) c × a
= δ(a × b + b × c + c × a)
= 2δ[ABC]n.
Consequently, [XY Z] = δ[ABC].
4 Distances
4.1 Displacement vectors

Let P = (p1 : p2 : p3 ) and Q = (q1 : q2 : q3 ) be two points in normalized barycentric coordinates.
The displacement vector is the vector P Q = (q1 − p1 : q2 − p2 : q3 − p3 ). Expressed in the terms
of a, b, c, we have P Q = (q1 − p1 )a + (q2 − p2 )b + (q3 − p3 )c. Note that if P Q = (x : y : z) is
a displacement vector, then x + y + z = 0.
4 Distances 6
4.2 Inner product of two displacement vectors

Let P Q = (x1 : y1 : z1 ) and EF = (x2 : y2 : z2 ) be two displacement vectors. Then
1 2
a (z1 y2 + y1 z2 ) + b2 (x1 z2 + z1 x2 ) + c2 (y1 x2 + x1 y2 ) .

P Q · EF = −
2
Proof. Take B be the origin so that b = 0, |a| = c, |c| = a. Let U and V be the points such that
BU = P Q and BV = EF as free vectors respectively. Note that P Q · EF = BU · BV . Let
U = (λ1 : µ1 : δ1 ) and V = (λ2 : µ2 : δ2 ) in normalized barycentric coordinates. Then BU =
(λ1 : µ1 − 1 : δ1 ) = λ1 a + δ1 c. Since BU = P Q, we have λ1 = x1 , µ1 − 1 = y1 , δ − 1 = z1 .
Thus U = (x1 : y1 + 1 : z1 ). Similarly, V = (x2 : y2 + 1 : z2 ). Therefore, BU = x1 a + z1 c and
BV = x2 a + z2 c. Then
P Q · EF = BU · BV = (x1 a + z1 c) · (x2 a + z2 c) = x1 x2 |a|2 + z1 z2 |c|2 + (x1 z2 + z1 x2 )a · c =
x1 x2 c2 + z1 z2 a2 + (x1 z2 + z1 x2 )a · c = x1 x2 c2 + z1 z2 a2 + (x1 z2 + z1 x2) 21 (c2 + a2 − b2 ) =
1 2 2 2
2 a (2z1 z2 + x1 z2 + z1 x2 ) − b (x1 z2 + z1 x2 ) + c (2x1 x2 + x1 z2 + z1 x2 ) .
Note that
2z1 z2 + x1 z2 + z1 x2 = 2z1 z2 + (−y1 − z1 )z2 + z1 (−y2 − z2 ) = −(z1 y2 + y1 z2 ).
2x1 x2 + x1 z2 + z1 x2 = 2x1 x2 + x1 (−x2 − y2 ) + (−x1 − y1 )x2 = −(y1 x2 + x1 y2 ).
Therefore, P Q · EF = − 21 a2 (z1 y2 + y1 z2 ) + b2 (x1 z2 + z1 x2 ) + c2 (y1 x2 + x1 y2 ) .

4.3 The length of a displacement vector

If P Q = (x : y : z), where x + y + z = 0, is a displacement vector, then P Q2 = −(a2 yz + b2 zx +
c2 xy).
4.4 Perpendicular displacement vectors

(a) P Q ⊥ EF if and only if 0 = a2 (z1 y2 + y1 z2 ) + b2 (x1 z2 + z1 x2 ) + c2 (y1 x2 + x1 y2 ).
(b) Let (l : m : n) be a displacement vector. A displacement vector perpendicular to (l : m : n)

is given by
(a2 (n − m) + (c2 − b2 )l : b2 (l − n) + (a2 − c2 )m : c2 (m − l) + (b2 − a2 )n).
Example 4.1. A displacement vector perpendicular to AI = (−(b + c) : b : c) is (b − c : −b : c).
Example 4.2. Let I and G be the incentre and the centroid of a triangle ABC respectively. Then
IG is perpendicular to BC if and only if b = c or b + c = 3a.
Example 4.3. In a triangle ABC, the incircle touches the side AC at E and AB at F . The line
a
through B and the incentre I intersects the line EF at P . Then P = ( 2c : c−a 1
2c : 2 ), and P B is
perpendicular to P C.
4 Distances 7
4.5 Conway’s Notation

Denote SA = 12 (b2 + c2 − a2 ), SB = 12 (c2 + a2 − b2 ) and SC = 21 (a2 + b2 − c2 ). Let S be twice
the area of the triangle ABC.
Lemma 1.
(i) SA + SB = c2 , SB + SC = a2 , SC + SA = b2 .
(ii) SA − SB = b2 − a2 , SB − SC = c2 − b2 , SC − SA = a2 − c2 .
(iii) SA SB + SB SC + SC SA = S 2 .
(iv) a2 SA + b2 SB + c2 SC = 2S 2 .
(v) b2 c2 − SA
2 = S 2 = S S + a2 S .
B C A
Proof. Let’s prove (v). By (i) (ii) and (iii), b2 c2 − SA

2 = b2 (S + S ) − S (b2 − S ) = b2 S +
A B A C B
SA SC = (SC + SA )SB + SA SC = S . 2
4.6 Examples
Example 4.4. The perpendicular bisector of BC has the equation a2 (z − y) + (c2 − b2 )x = 0, or
[c2 − b2 : −a2 : a2 ].
Solution. The midpoint M of BC is (0 : 21 : 12 ). Let X = (x : y : z) be a point in normalized
barycentric coordinates on the perpendicular bisector of BC. Then XM = (−x : 21 − y : 12 − z)
and BC = (0 : −1 : 1). By the condition on perpendicular displacement vectors, we have a2 (z −
y) + (c2 − b2 )x = 0.
Example 4.5. The barycentric coordinates of the foot of perpendicular from a point P with nor-
malized barycentric coordinates (x0 : y0 : z0 )
onto BC is
SC SB
(0 : (a2 + b2 − c2 )x0 + 2a2 y0 : (a2 − b2 + c2 )x0 + 2a2 z0 ) = (0 : 2
x0 + y0 , 2 x0 + z0 ).
a a
onto CA is ((b2 − c2 + a2 )y0 + 2b2 x0 : 0 : (b2 + c2 − a2 )y0 + 2b2 z0 ),

onto AB is ((c2 + a2 − b2 )z0 + 2c2 x0 : (c2 − a2 + b2 )z0 + 2c2 y0 : 0).
Example 4.6. The barycentric coordinates of the foot of perpendicular from A onto BC is (0 :
a2 + b2 − c2 : c2 + a2 − b2 ) = (0 : SC : SB ).
Example 4.7. The reflection of P with normalized barycentric coordinates (x0 : y0 : z0 ) across the
line BC is the point (−a2 x0 : (a2 + b2 − c2 )x0 + a2 y0 : (a2 − b2 + c2 )x0 + a2 z0 ), or
2SC 2SB
(−x0 : 2
x0 + y0 , 2 x0 + z0 ).
a a
Example 4.8. The reflection of the line [α, β, γ] across the line BC is the line
2
[ (SB γ + SC β) − α, β, γ].
a2
5 Circles I 8
5 Circles I
5.1 Parallel Axis Theorem

If O is the circumcentre of the reference triangle ABC and P has normalized barycentric coordi-
nates (x : y : z), then
R2 − OP 2 = xAP 2 + yBP 2 + zCP 2 = a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy.
Proof. Take the circumcentre O be the origin so that |a| = |b| = |c| = R. We have p = xa+yb+zc
with x + y + z = 1. As AP = p − a, we have AP 2 = |AP |2 = |p − a|2 = |p|2 + |a|2 − 2 p · a =
OP 2 + R2 − 2 p · a. Similarly, BP 2 = OP 2 + R2 − 2 p · b and CP 2 = OP 2 + R2 − 2 p · c.
Therefore, xAP 2 + yBP 2 + zCP 2 = (x + y + z)OP 2 + (x + y + z)R2 − 2 p · (xa + yb + zc) =
OP 2 + R2 − 2 p · p = OP 2 + R2 − 2 OP 2 = R2 − OP 2 .
Since AP = p − a = (x − 1)a + yb + zc, we have AP 2 = −a2 yz − b2 z(x − 1) − c2 (x − 1)y =
−(a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy) + zb2 + yc2 . Similarly, BP 2 = −(a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy) + xc2 + za2 and
CP 2 = −(a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy) + ya2 + xb2 . Therefore, xAP 2 + yBP 2 + zCP 2 = −(x + y +
z)(a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy) + x(zb2 + yc2 ) + y(xc2 + za2 ) + z(ya2 + xb2 ) = a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy.
5.2 Power of a point with respect to the circumcircle

The power of P with respect to the circumcircle of ABC is −(a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy), where P has
normalized barycentric coordinates (x : y : z).
5.3 Circumcircle
The equation of the circumcircle of the reference triangle ABC is a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy = 0.
5.4 Power of a point with respect to a circle

Let ω be a circle and P 0 a point having normalized barycentric coordinates (x : y : z). Then the
negative of the power of P 0 with respect to ω can be expressed in the form
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(px + qy + rz),
where p, q, r are constants depending only on ω.

Proof. Every circle ω is homothetic to the circumcircle of the reference triangle by a homothety,
say h, with a center of similitude S = (u : v : w) (in normalized barycentric coordinates) and
similitude ratio k. As the point P 0 has normalized barycentric coordinates (x : y : z), we have
P ≡ h(P 0 ) = kP 0 + (1 − k)S = k(x + tu(x + y + z) : y + tv(x + y + z) : z + tw(x + y + z)),
where t = 1−kk , is the normalized barycentric coordinates of P .
Let R and R0 be the radii of the circumcircle of the reference triangle and ω respectively. Then
R = kR0 . Let the circumcentre of the reference triangle be O and the center of ω be O0 . Then
O = h(O0 ). Also P O = kP 0 O0 .
The power of P 0 with respect to ω = P 0 O02 − R02 = k −2 (P O2 − R2 ) = k −2 × the power of P with
respect to the circumcircle.
5 Circles I 9
The negative of the power of P with respect to the circumcircle is obtained by substituting normal-
ized barycentric coordinates of P into the equation of the circumcircle. Therefore, the negative of
the power of P 0 with respect to ω is equal to
X
a2 (y + tv(x + y + z))(z + tw(x + y + z))
cyclic
X
= a2 (yz + t(wy + vz)(x + y + z) + t2 vw(x + y + z)2 )
cyclic X
= (a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy) + t(x + y + z) a2 (wy + vz)+
cyclic
t2 (x + y + z)2 (a2 vw + b2 wu + c2 uv)
X
= (a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy) + t(x + y + z) b2 w + c2 v + t(a2 vw + b2 wu + c2 uv) x

cyclic
= a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(px + qy + rz).
5.5 Equation of a circle

The general equation of a circle is a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(px + qy + rz) = 0.
Note that the powers of the points A, B, C with respect to the circle are −p, −q, −r respectively.
For example, the powers of A, B, C with respect to the incircle are (s − a)2 , (s − b)2 , (s − c)2
respectively. Therefore, the equation of the incircle is
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − (x + y + z) (s − a)2 x + (s − b)2 y + (s − c)2 z = 0.

circumcircle a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy = 0
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − (x + y + z) (s − a)2 x + (s − b)2 y + (s − c)2 z = 0

incircle
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − (x + y + z) s2 x + (s − c)2 y + (s − b)2 z = 0

A-excircle
nine-point circle a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy
− 41 (x + y + z) (−a2 + b2 + c2 )x + (a2 − b2 + c2 )y + (a2 + b2 − c2 )z = 0

a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z) ρ2 x + (ρ2 − c2 )y + (ρ2 − b2 )z = 0

circle centred at A with radius ρ
circle through a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(bcx + cay + abz) = 0

the 3 excentres of ABC
b2 c2
mixtilinear incircle a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − s2
(x + y + z)(x + (s/b − 1)2 x + (s/c − 1)2 z) = 0
b2 c2
opposite to A point of tangency with the circumcircle is (−a : s−b
: s−c
)
Example 5.1. The centroid lies on the incircle if and only if 5(a2 + b2 + c2 ) = 6(ab + bc + ca).
Example 5.2. The Nagel point lies on the incircle if and only if (a+b−3c)(b+c−3a)(c+a−3b) = 0.
5.6 Radical axis

The line px + qy + rz = 0 is the radical axis of ω and the circumcircle whenever ω is not concentric
with the circumcircle.
For example, the radical axis of the circumcircle and the nine-point circle is the line
(b2 + c2 − a2 )x + (c2 + a2 − b2 )y + (a2 + b2 − c2 )z = 0.
6 Circles II 10
5.7 The arc BC

(a) The midpoint of the arc BC not containing A has barycentric coordinates (−a2 : b(b + c) :
c(b + c)).
(b) The midpoint of the arc BC containing A has barycentric coordinates (a2 : −b(b − c) :
c(b − c)).
(c) The median through A meets the circumcircle at the point with barycentric coordinates (a2 :
b2 + c2 : b2 + c2 ).
6 Circles II
6.1 The Feuerbach point

Consider the difference of the coefficients of x in the equations of the incircle and nine-point circle,
we have (s − a)2 − 41 (−a2 + b2 + c2 ) = 12 (a − b)(a − c). Thus subtracting the equations of the
incircle and the nine-point circle, we get
` : (a − b)(a − c)x + (b − c)(b − a)y + (c − a)(c − b) = 0,
which can be written as

x y z
+ + = 0.
b−c c−a a−b
Observe that there are two points P = ((b − c)2 : (c − a)2 : (a − b)2 ) and Q = (a(b − c)2 :
b(c − a)2 : c(a − b)2 ) on `. Using these two points, we can parameterize `, except P , as
(x : y : z) = (a + t)(b − c)2 : (b + t)(c − a)2 : (c + t)(a − b)2 .

The centre N of the nine-point circle is the midpoint of OH, its barycentric coordinates is given by
N = (a2 (b2 + c2 ) − (b2 − c2 )2 : b2 (c2 + a2 ) − (c2 − a2 )2 : c2 (a2 + b2 ) − (a2 − b2 )2 ).
Also I = (a : b : c). Thus the line IN has parametric equation:

(x : y : z) = a2 (b2 + c2 ) − (b2 − c2 )2 + ak :
b2 (c2 + a2 ) − (c2 − a2 )2 + bk : c2 (a2 + b2 ) − (a2 − b2 )2 + ck .

If we take k = −2abc, then x = a2 (b2 + c2 ) − (b2 − c2 )2 − 2a2 bc = a2 (b − c)2 − (b2 − c2 )2 =

(b − c)2 (a2 − (b + c)2 ) = (a + b + c)(b − c)2 (a − b − c) = −4s(b − c)2 (s − a). Similarly we get
the expressions for y and z by cyclically permuting a, b, c. Thus we have a point
((b − c)2 (s − a) : (c − a)2 (s − b) : (a − b)2 (s − c))
on the line IN .
If we take t = −s in `, we obtain the same point F . Thus F is the intersection of the line IN and
`. F is the Feuerbach point of the triangle ABC.
We can verify by direct substitution that the barycentric coordinates of the Feuerbach point satisfy
the equation of the nine-point circle. It follows that the nine-point circle and the incircle are tangent
at the Feuerbach point.
6 Circles II 11
6.2 Excircles
The equation of the common tangent À of the nine-point circle and the A-excircle is
x y z
+ − = 0.
b−c c+a a+b
There are two points P = ((b−c)2 : (c+a)2 : (a+b)2 ) and Q = (−a(b−c)2 : b(c+a)2 : c(a+b)2 )
on À . We parameterize À as
(x : y : z) = (−a + t)(b − c)2 : (b + t)(c + a)2 : (c + t)(a + b)2 .

Recall that IA = (−a : b : c). Thus the line IA N has parametric equation:
(x : y : z) = a2 (b2 + c2 ) − (b2 − c2 )2 − ak :
b2 (c2 + a2 ) − (c2 − a2 )2 + bk : c2 (a2 + b2 ) − (a2 − b2 )2 + ck .

Taking k = 2abc, we get x = a2 (b2 + c2 ) − (b2 − c2 )2 − 2a2 bc = −4s(b − c)2 (s − a), y =

b2 (c2 + a2 ) − (c2 − a2 )2 + 2ab2 c = 4(c + a)2 (s − a)(s − c), z = c2 (a2 + b2 ) − (a2 − b2 )2 + 2abc2 =
4(a + b)2 (s − a)(s − b).
Thus we have the point
FA = (−s(b − c)2 : (s − c)(c + a)2 : (s − b)(a + b)2 )
on IA N . On the other hand, if we let t = a − s in À , we get the same point. Therefore FA is the
intersection point of À and IA N .
We can verify by direct substitution that the barycentric coordinates of the point FA satisfy the
equation of the nine-point circle. It follows that the nine-point circle and the A-excircle are tangent
at FA . Similarly, the nine-point circle is tangent to the other 2 excircles. The points of tangency are
FB = ((s − c)(b + c)2 : −s(c − a)2 : (s − a)(a + b)2 ),
FC = ((s − b)(b + c)2 : (s − a)(c + a)2 : −s(a − b)2 ).
6.3 Pedal triangle

Let P be a point with normalized barycentric coordinates (x0 : y0 : z0 ). The determinant formed
by the normalized barycentric coordinates of the foot of perpendiculars from P onto the sides of
ABC is
(a2 + b2 − c2 )x0 + 2a2 y0 (a2 − b2 + c2 )x0 + 2a2 z0

0
1

(b2 − c2 + a2 )y0 + 2b2 x0 0 (b2 + c2 − a2 )y0 + 2b2 z0
8a2 b2 c2
(c2 + a2 − b2 )z0 + 2c2 x0 (c2 − a2 + b2 )z0 + 2c2 y0 0
1
= 4a2 b2 c2
(b + c − a)(c + a − b)(a + b − c)(a + b + c)(x0 + y0 + z0 )(a2 y0 z0 + b2 z0 x0 + c2 x0 y0 )
4
= a2 b2 c2
s(s − a)(s − b)(s − c)(a2 y0 z0 + b2 z0 x0 + c2 x0 y0 )
2
2[ABC]
= abc (a2 y0 z0 + b2 z0 x0 + c2 x0 y0 ).
1
= 4R2
(a2 y0 z0 + b2 z0 x0 + c2 x0 y0 ).
This proves Simson’s theorem that P lies on the circumcircle if and only if the 3 feet of perpendic-
ulars are collinear. Also the area of the pedal triangle of P is [ABC]
4R2
(a2 y0 z0 + b2 z0 x0 + c2 x0 y0 ).
6 Circles II 12
6.4 Equation of the circle with center (α : β : γ) and radius ρ

Let the normalized barycentric coordinates of the centre O be (α : β : γ). Let P = (x : y : z),
where x + y + z = 1, be a point on the circle. Then OP = (x − α : y − β : z − γ). Thus the
equation of the circle is
a2 (y − β)(z − γ) + b2 (x − α)(z − γ) + c2 (x − α)(y − β) = −ρ2 .
Expanding, we have
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy −((b2 γ + c2 β)x + (c2 α + a2 γ)y + (a2 β + b2 α)z)

+a2 βγ + b2 γα + c2 αβ + ρ2 = 0
⇔ a yz + b zx + c xy −((b2 γ + c2 β)x + (c2 α + a2 γ)y + (a2 β + b2 α)z)
2 2 2
+(a2 βγ + b2 γα + c2 αβ + ρ2 )(x + y + z) = 0.
The coefficient of x is
−(b2 γ + c2 β) + (a2 βγ + b2 γα + c2 αβ + ρ2 )
= −b2 γ(α + β + γ) − c2 β(α + β + γ) + (a2 βγ + b2 γα + c2 αβ + ρ2 )
= −(b2 γ 2 + 2SA βγ + c2 β 2 − ρ2 ).
X
Thus the equation is a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − (b2 γ 2 + 2SA βγ + c2 β 2 − ρ2 )x = 0.
cyclic
Therefore, the general equation of the circle with centre (α : β : γ) and radius ρ in homogeneous
form is
X b2 γ 2 + 2SA βγ + c2 β 2
2 2 2 2
a yz + b zx + c xy − (x + y + z) − ρ x = 0.
(α + β + γ)2
cyclic
On the other hand, the centre of the circle a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(px + qy + rz) = 0 is
(a2 SA − SB (r − p) + SC (p − q) : b2 SB − SC (p − q) + SA (q − r) : c2 SC − SA (q − r) + SB (r − p)),
and its radius is given by

1
ρ2 = (abc)2 + 2(a2 SA p + b2 SB q + c2 SC r) + SA (q − r)2 + SB (r − p)2 + SC (p − q)2 .

4S 2
6.5 Concentric circles

The equation of the circle concentric with the circumcircle with radius kR is
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(τ x + τ y + τ z) = 0,
where τ = (k 2 − 1)a2 b2 c2 (2a2 b2 + 2b2 c2 + 2c2 a2 − a4 − b4 − c4 )−1 .
Proof. Let the normalized barycentric coordinates of the circumcentre be (α : β : γ). Thus the
equation of the circle concentric with the circumcircle with radius kR is
a2 (y − β)(z − γ) + b2 (x − α)(z − γ) + c2 (x − α)(y − β) = −(kR)2 ,

6 Circles II 13
where (x : y : z) is the normalized barycentric coordinates of a point on the circle. The left hand
side is equal to a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − R2 . Thus the above equation can be written as a2 yz + b2 zx +
c2 xy + (k 2 − 1)R2 = 0. Note that R = abc 2S , where S is the twice the area of the triangle ABC.
Thus R2 = a2 b2 c2 (2a2 b2 + 2b2 c2 + 2c2 a2 − a4 − b4 − c4 )−1 . Using x + y + z = 1, we may write
the equation as
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(τ x + τ y + τ z) = 0.
6.6 The equation of the tangent to a circle

Let ω be the circle with equation
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(px + qy + rz) = 0.
Let P be a point on ω with homogeneous barycentric coordinates (x0 : y0 : z0 ). The equation of

the tangent to ω at P is given by
a2 (y0 z + yz0 ) + b2 (z0 x + zx0 ) + c2 (x0 y + xy0 )

+(x0 + y0 + z0 )(px + qy + rz) + (x + y + z)(px0 + qy0 + rz0 ) = 0.
That is
[2px0 + (c2 + p + q)y0 + (b2 + r + p)z0 : (c2 + p + q)x0 + 2qy0 + (a2 + q + r)z0
: (b2 + r + p)x0 + (a2 + q + r)y0 + 2rz0 ].
Proof. Let the parametric equation of the tangent line to ω at P be x = x0 + αt, y = y0 + βt, z =
z0 + γt, where (α : β : γ) is a displacement vector along the direction of the tangent. Note that
α + β + γ = 0. Substituting (x0 + αt : y0 + βt : z0 + γt) into the equation of the circle and using
the fact that (x0 : y0 : z0 ) satisfies the equation of the circle, we get a quadratic equation in t.
(a2 βγ + b2 γα + c2 αβ)t2 + [a2 (y0 γ + βz0 ) + b2 (z0 α + γx0 ) + c2 (x0 β + αy0 )

+(x0 + y0 + z0 )(pα + qβ + rγ)]t = 0.
Since the tangent line intersects ω only at the point P , this quadratic equation has a double root
t = 0, or equivalently, the coefficient of t is 0. Thus
a2 (y0 γ + βz0 ) + b2 (z0 α + γx0 ) + c2 (x0 β + αy0 ) + (x0 + y0 + z0 )(pα + qβ + rγ) = 0.
To find a linear equation satisfied by x, y, z, consider
a2 (y0 z + yz0 ) + b2 (z0 x + zx0 ) + c2 (x0 y + xy0 )

+(x0 + y0 + z0 )(px + qy + rz) + (x + y + z)(px0 + qy0 + rz0 )
= a2 (y0 (z0 + γt) + (y0 + βt)z0 )) + b2 (z0 (x0 + αt) + (z0 + γt)x0 ) + c2 (x0 (y0 + βt) + (x0 + αt)y0 )
+(x0 + y0 + z0 )(p(x0 + αt) + q(y0 + βt) + r(z0 + γt))
+(x0 + y0 + z0 + (α + β + γ)t)(px0 + qy0 + rz0 )
= 2a2 y0 z0 + ta2 (y0 γ + βz0 ) + 2b2 z0 x0 + tb2 (z0 α + γx0 ) + 2c2 x0 y0 + tc2 (x0 β + αy0 )
+(x0 + y0 + z0 )(px0 + qy0 + rz0 + t(pα + qβ + rγ))
+(x0 + y0 + z0 )(px0 + qy0 + rz0 )
= 2(a2 y0 z0 + b2 z0 x0 + c2 x0 y0 ) + t(a2 (y0 γ + βz0 ) + b2 (z0 α + γx0 ) + c2 (x0 β + αy0 ))
7 Worked Examples 14
+t(x0 + y0 + z0 )(pα + qβ + rγ)) + 2(x0 + y0 + z0 )(px0 + qy0 + rz0 )

= 0.
The last line is by the above relation and the fact that (x0 : y0 : z0 ) satisfies the equation of the
circle.
Example 6.1. The equation of the tangent to the circumcircle at A is b2 z + c2 y = 0.
6.7 The line at infinity and the circumcircle

Recall that if (x : y : z) is a displacement vector which is a difference of two points A and B in
normalized barycentric coordinates, then x + y + z = 0. If we identify all displacement vectors
along AB using homogeneous coordinates so that (x : y : z) = (kx : ky : kz) for any k 6= 0,
then the displacement vector (x : y : z) represents either direction of the line AB. A displacement
vector in homogeneous coordinates is also called the infinite point of the line AB. See [1]. The set
of all infinite points constitutes a line called the line at infinity which has the equation x + y + z = 0.
In the setting of the usual plane geometry, the isogonal conjugate of a point on the circumcircle is not
defined. More precisely, if P is a point on the circumcircle of the triangle ABC, then the reflection
of the line AP about the bisector of ∠A, the reflection of the line BP about the bisector of ∠B and
the reflection of the line CP about the bisector of ∠C are all parallel. Thus they meet at an infinite
point. In other words, if P = (x : y : z) is a point on circumcircle of the triangle ABC, then its
isogonal conjugate (a2 yz : b2 zx : c2 xy) lies on the line at infinity. Thus a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy = 0,
which is the equation of the circumcircle.
7 Worked Examples
1. [CentroAmerican 2017]. Let ABC be a triangle and D be the foot of the altitude from A. Let
l be the line that passes through the midpoints of BC and AC. E is the reflection of D over l.
Prove that the circumcentre of the triangle ABC lies on the line AE.
Solution.
..........
................. ......................... A
......... .......
....... .....
...... .......... ......
.. ..... ....... ..... ......
...
.....
.
..
........ ........ ........
.
... ... .. ... ... ....
.
.. ..... .. ...
... ..... .. ..... ..... ...
... ..... .. ... ... ...
.. ...... ... . ` ...
....
.
..
.. ..
.. ..
.
.
.... ... .
......... .....
... ....... .. . ... .....
.
. . .
...
...
. ... .......
.. ..... ..
.
.... ............ ...
... ..... .. ...
..... ..
...... . ... ..... ...
. .
.. • .... .... ...
E O
..
. .
. ..
... . . .
...... ..
... ......
. . ...... . .
.. ...
... ..
... ..... .. ...... .
. .... .. .
.
.
.. . ..... .... ... ... . .... .
... ..... .. ........ ....... ... ... ..
..
... ..... . .........
... ...
... .... .. .........
...
... ..... .. .... ......... .... ... ...
... ........ . ...
. F . .
... .. ..
....... .. ..... ..... ........ .
.................................................................................................................................... C
B .....
..... ..... D .....
..... .
..
..... .
..
.....
...... .
....... ..... ......
........ ......
........... ........
.........................................
It is known that D = (0 : SC : SB ), ` = [1 : 1 : −1]. A displacement vector along ` is

(−1 : 1 : 0). A displacement vector perpendicular to ` is (SB : SA : −c2 ). Thus a parametric
equation of the line DE is (tSB : SC + tSA : SB − tc2 ). To find the intersection point
F between ` and DE, we substitute the parametric equation of DE into the equation of `.
2 2
B −SC SB −SC
Solving for t, we get t = SAS+S B +c
2 = 2c2
= c 2c−b2 .
2 2 2 2 2 2
Therefore, F = ( c 2c−b2 SB : SC + c 2c−b2 SA : SB − c −b 2 2 2 2 2 2
2 ) = ((c −b )SB : b c +c SC −b SA :
c2 (2SB − c2 + b2 )) = ((c2 − b2 )SB : b2 SB + c2 SC : c2 SB + c2 SC ).
Here we use the relations SA + SB = c2 etc. The normalized barycentric coordinates of F and
D are
1 1
F = 2 2 ((c2 − b2 )SB : b2 SB + c2 SC : c2 SB + c2 SC ), D = 2 (0 : SC : SB ).
2a c a
Thus we can compute E as 2F − D. That is E = a21c2 ((c2 − b2 )SB : b2 SB + c2 SC :
c2 SB + c2 SC ) − a21c2 (0 : c2 SC : c2 SB ) = ((c2 − b2 )SB : b2 SB : c2 SC ). Since A = (1 : 0 : 0)
and O = (a2 SA : b2 SB : c2 SC ). Clearly the determinant formed by these 3 points is zero.
Consequently, A, O, E are collinear.
2. Let O and G be the circumcentre and the centroid of a triangle ABC. Prove that GA is
perpendicular to OG if and only if b2 + c2 = 2a2 .
Solution.
A
..........
... ..........
... ... .......
.... ..... ........
.. ... .......
... ... .....
... ... .....
.....
.... ...
... .....
.
. ... .....
.....
.... ... .....
... ... .....
.
. .
... .....
.....
.... .......... .....
.
. . .
.............•
.. .....
.
.... • O .....
.....
.
....
G .....
.....
.
. .....
.....
.... .....
.
. .....
..
. .....
.......................................................................................................................................
B C
We have GA = 13 (−2 : 1 : 1) and

2 2 2
OG = ( 31 − a2 SA +ba2 SSBA +c2 SC , 31 − a2 SA +bb 2SSBB +c2 SC , 13 − a2 SA +bc2SSCB +c2 SC ) = 1
6S 2
(−2a2 SA +
b2 SB + c2 SC : a2 SA − 2b2 SB + c2 SC : a2 SA + b2 SB − 2c2 SC ).
1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
Then GA · OG = − 36S 2 (a (2a SA − b SB − c SC ) + b (−4a SA − b SB + 5c SC ) +
2 2 2 2
c (−4a SA + 5b SB − c SC )).
Therefore,
−36S 2 GA · OG
= 2a2 (a2 − 2b2 − 2c2 )SA − b2 (a2 + b2 − 5c2 )SB − c2 (a2 + c2 − 5b2 )SC
= 2a2 (a2 − 2b2 − 2c2 )SA − 2b2 SB SC + 4b2 c2 SB − 2c2 SB SC + 4b2 c2 SC
= −2a2 (2b2 + 2c2 − a2 )SA − 2(b2 + c2 )SB SC + 4b2 c2 (SB + SC )
= −2a2 (b2 + c2 − a2 )SA − 2a2 (b2 + c2 )SA − 2(b2 + c2 )SB SC + 4a2 b2 c2
= −4a2 SA
2 − 2(b2 + c2 )(S S + a2 S ) + 4a2 b2 c2
B C A
= 4a2 (b2 c2 − SA
2 ) − 2(b2 + c2 )(S S + a2 S )
B C A
= 4a2 S 2 − 2(b2 + c2 )S 2
= 2(2a2 − b2 − c2 )S 2 .
1
That is GA · OG = − 18 (2a2 − b2 − c2 ). Consequently, GA · OG = 0 if and only if
2 2 2
2a − b − c = 0.
3. [Donova Mathematical Olympiad 2010]. Given a triangle ABC, let A0 , B 0 , C 0 be the perpen-
dicular feet dropped from the centroid G of the triangle ABC onto the sides BC, CA, AB
respectively. Reflect A0 , B 0 , C 0 through G to A00 , B 00 , C 00 respectively. Prove that the lines
AA00 , BB 00 , CC 00 are concurrent.
Solution.
..
A
........
........ ..
....... ....
...
............ ...
.. ...
..... ...
..... ... ...
. .. ..... ......
. ...
...
.. .... ...
. ...
..
. ..... .... 00 ...
....... ....• ..
. A ...
0....... ... ...
C ...
......... .... ...
. ...
...........................
. .
.
.
...
...
....
. ......... .
. . 0
..
......
.
.
.. ...... ...
.
.
.. . ... ......... B
.....
. .
. .. ..... ..
. . ............. ..........
. .
.
..........
.
.. .. .
..... .
..
.
.
.
............. ...
.. ..
.. .. G
....... ... ...
...
..... ... .....•
..... ... ............ ............ ...
...... . ... ...................... . .......
...
...
.....
. .. •
..
.
. ..
...
00...•............ ... ... ... ... .
.
. ...... ...
..
.. .
.....
.
.
..
B
... ... ... ... ..
..
.
. .....
..
...
.... ....... .
.... ... ... ......... 00 ...
..
.
..
..
... .......
.
.
.
.
. .........
• ... .
C ...
..
.
.......... .
...... .. ... ...
.. .. .. .
. . . .. ... . ...
...................................................................................................................................................................................................... C
B A0
Direct computation gives A00 = (2a2 : SB : SC ), B 00 = (SA : 2b2 : SC ), C 00 = (SA : SB :

2c2 ). Thus AA00 = [0 : −SC : SB ], BB 00 = [SC : 0 : −SA ], CC 00 = [−SB : SA : 0]. The
determinant formed by these 3 lines is clearly zero. Thus AA00 , BB 00 , CC 00 are concurrent.
4. [JBMO Shortlist 2015]. Around the triangle ABC the circle is circumscribed, and at the vertex
C tangent t to this circle is drawn. The line p, which is parallel to this tangent intersects the
lines BC and AC at the points D and E, respectively. Prove that the points A, B, D, E belong
to the same circle.
Solution.
..................................................
......... .......
....... ......
. . ........ ......
. .....
..... ...
.................... ......................................
... .... ... ..
. ..
.
... .......... .........
........A
.... .......
. ..... ..........
...
.
..... ..... ..................
... ........ . .
....... ..... .....
.. ... ...... ....
... ... ..... ...... ...
... ... ..... ...... .. ... t
.... ... ...
...... ...... ... ....
.
...
... ... ...
.... ........ ... ...
... .... ......
. ...
E ... ..
... ... .......
. ..........
. ... ...
.
... . ...
... .. ..... ... ... ... ... ....
.
... ... ..... ... ... .... ... ...
... ..... ..... ... .... ....
...
. ...
...... . . . . . .. ...........
... .. .... . . .... .
. ..
... ... ..... ......... .... ... ........
... ... ..... ... .... ... .....
... .. ..... ... ...
........ ......... .........
... ......
. .
....... ..... . . .
.................................................................................................................................................
B ..........
.......... ....
........
C
...
..
... .......... ....... ...
......... ....
D .....
.... ...
..... ......................................... .....
..... ... .. .........
.
...... .. .... ..
...... p ...... .
....... ...... ...
......... ....... ....
................ .........
............................ ...
..
..
...
Let D = (0 : 1 − α : α). The tangent t to the circumcircle of ABC is [b2 : a2 : 0]. The
points (0 : 0 : 1) and (−a2 : b2 : 0) lie on t. Therefore a displacement vector along t is
2 2
(− b2a−a2 : b2 b−a2 : −1) = (a2 : −b2 : a2 − b2 ). We can parametrize p by (0 : 1 − α :
α) + s(a2 : −b2 : a2 − b2 ) = (sa2 : 1 − α − sb2 : α + s(a2 − b2 )). Substituting this into the
line AC = [0 : 1 : 0], we have 1 − α − sb2 = 0 so that s = 1−α
b2
. Thus
(1 − α)a2 1−α 2
E=( :0:α+ (a − b2 )) = ((1 − α)a2 : 0 : b2 − a2 (1 − α)).
b2 b2
By substituting the coordinates of A, B, D into the general equation of a circle, the equation
of the circumcircle of ABD is found to be
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − (x + y + z)a2 (1 − α)z = 0.
Check that E satisfies this equation. Thus A, B, D, E are concyclic.

Remark. The result follows easily from alternate segment theorem.
5. [Mongolia 2000]. The bisectors of ∠A, ∠B, ∠C of a triangle ABC intersect its sides at points
A1 , B1 , C1 . Prove that B, A1 , B1 , C1 are concyclic if and only if
BC AC AB
= − .
AC + AB AB + BC BC + AC
Solution.
A
...............
............
....... .......
... ... ......
... .... ......
... ... .......
... ... .....
... .... .....
... ... .....
... .....
... .....
... ... .....
... .... .....
. .....
... ... ....
...
..
.
............................................
...
... ......... .....
.
. . . B ....... 1
....
.•
... ... ... .... ......
C ... .... ............
1.• .................. ...
. ........
.. .. ........ ..... ....... ... ......
......... .. ....
... .... .............. ... ......
..... .... ......
.... ......................
..
.
.....
.....
... ...
... ... .
.
..
... .... ......... .... .....
.....
.. ... .
.............. ..
... ... ...... ...
... .. ......... ..........
... ... ...... . .
... ......... ....
... .. ..... ... ... ....... ....
..........
...................................................•
.• . ....................................................................................
.
.
B .........
...........................
. C
A1
First A1 = (0 : b : c), B1 = (a : 0 : c), C1 = (a : b : 0). Substituting the coordinates of these

3 points into the general equation of a circle, the equation of the circumcircle of A1 B1 C1 is
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(px + qy + rz) = 0, where p = bc a b c
2 ( b+c − c+a − a+b ),
q = ca b c a ab c a b
2 ( c+a − a+b − b+c ), and r = 2 ( a+b − b+c − c+a ). Note that B = (0 : 1 : 0) lies on
a b c
this circle if and only if q = 0, which gives b+c = c+a − a+b .
6. [Benelux 2017]. In the convex quadrilateral ABCD we have ∠B = ∠C and ∠D = 90◦ .

Suppose that AB = 2CD. Prove that the angle bisector of ∠ACB is perpendicular to CD.
Solution.
C ........................................................................................... B
........................ .. . ...
... .............................. .. ...
... .....
.....
......... ..
......... ...
..
. ...... . . .. ...
..
. ..... . .................
. ...
...
.. ..... . .........
. ..... . . ........... .
..
. ..... . ......... ....
.. ....... ...........
. . ......
... .........
. ... E
.
... .. ......... ...
.......
. .
. .....
.
...
........................................................................................................................................................... M
......... .
D .........
......... K ........
.....
...
...
......... ..... ...
......... ..... ...
......... ..
...... ...
......... .....
......... ..... ...
......... ..... ...
......... ..... ...
......... .....
......... . ...
.........
......... ......... ....
......... ..... ..
......... ..... ..
...............
......
A
Let M be the midpoint of AB and CE the bisector of ∠C. Since M BCD is an isosceles
trapezium, D is the reflection of M across the perpendicular bisector of BC. First note that
∠B = ∠C are obtuse angles. If ∠B = ∠C < 90◦ , then ∠CDM > 90◦ . Since ∠D = 90◦ ,
this contradicts the given condition that ABCD is a convex quadrilateral.
Take ABC be the reference triangle. Then M = 12 (1 : 1 : 0), E = ( a+b a b
: a+b : 0),
2 2 2 2
and the perpendicular bisector of BC is [c − b : −a : a ]. We can parametrize M D as
(1 : 1 : 0) + t(0 : −1 : 1) = (1 : 1 − t : t). Substituting this into the equation of the
perpendicular bisector of BC, we have (c2 − b2 ) − a2 (1 − t) + a2 t = 0. Solving for t, we
2 2 −c2 2 2 −c2 2 2 −c2
get t = a +b
2a2
. Thus the midpoint of DM is K = 12 (1 : 1 − a +b
2a2
: a +b
2a2
). Thus
1 1 a2 +b2 −c2 a2 +b2 −c2
D = 2K − M = ( 2 : 2 − 2a2 : 2a2
).
−c 2 −c 2 2 2 2 2
Then DC = (− 21 : − 12 + a +b 2a2
: 1− a +b
2a2
) = (−a2 : b2 −c2 : c2 +a2 −b2 ). Similarly,
DA = (a : b − c : −a − b + c ). Since ∠ADC = 90◦ , we have 0 = DA · DC =
2 2 2 2 2 2
2a2 (ab + b2 − c2 )(ab − b2 + c2 ).

Since ∠B is obtuse, we have b > c so that ab + b2 − c2 6= 0. Therefore, we must have
ab − b2 + c2 = 0 or b2 − c2 = ab. Thus DA = (a2 : ab : −a2 − ab) = (a : b : −a − b).
a b
Note that CE = ( a+b : a+b : −1) = (a : b : −a + b). Consequently, DA is parallel to CE,
or equivalently, CE is perpendicular to CD.
7. [China 2010]. In a triangle ABC, AB > AC, I is its incentre, M is the midpoint of AC and
N is the midpoint of AB. The line through B parallel to IM meets AC at D, and the line
through C parallel to IN meets AB at E. The line through I parallel to DE meets the line
BC at P . If Q is the foot of the perpendicular from P onto the line AI, prove that Q lies on
the circumcircle of ABC.
Solution.
.......................................
..................... ............
............ .........
......... ........
.... .........
. .......
. . . . ...... .......
..... A
.. . .. ... ..............
...... ......... .....
.. . . ... .
.
. ........... .... ..........
.... ... . .. .....
..... .... .. .. .....
..... ..... ... ... .....
... ..... .... ..... ...
..... ....... .. .
...
...
...
.... ... ... .
.. . ...
...
.. . .. .... .
.. ...
... ...
. ... ..
.... ...
... ...
. .. .....
. ..
. . ...
.. ..... .
. ... ...
...
.
.....
.
.
. .. .
. . ...
. . . . ...
.
D ...
...
.... ...... ... ..................... ... ...
... . .
....... ....... ...
.. ... .... .. ..
..................... .. ....... . ... ...
.... .
....
. . .
.
.... . . . . ...
... . .
.... .................. ........... ... ...
................. ..... ... ...
...
...
.
.
E ...
..........
. . . . .
..
........
. ...
.
...
... ...... ... ... ... ...
...
N . ..
.......... ........ .
..
..
.... ... . ....... M ...
... . ..
... ...... ............. ........ . ..
. .
.... ...
. . ..
... ... .. ... . ..
... ..... .......... .........
. .. ....... ... ..
... ..
.
... .
.
..
.
. .... ..... .... .
.
. .. .
......
. . ...
....
... .... . .
.... ....... ........ ... . ............. . ... .
.
.. . . . . . ...
... . .
.
... ... ... ..... .... ..
..... ...... ...........
...
...
.... ....... ...
...
... ..... .................. ..... ............ ... ...
... ..... .....
..... . ..... ............. ... ..
..
... .
...... ...
. .. .. ......... .....
. · ...... . ..
... .....
. ... ...
... .... ..... ......... .... I ..... ...
... ..... .......... ......... ...
...
......... .. ..... ...
... .... . ......... .. ..... ... ..
...
... ....... .......... ...........................
. .... .....
.
. .
. ...
.
... .... ............... ..... ...
... .... ..... ............. . ... ..... ... ...
... ..... ................ ... ..... ...
... .... .......... .. ..... .. ...
...
........................ ..
. ..... .... ....
.
... . ... . . . . ..... .. ... . .
... ........................ ... ..... ... ....
........... ......... ... ....... ......
......... ..... ........
P ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
........... ..... . ... C
......B ................... .
.
.
. . . . . . .....
..............
............ .. ......
.................. .
...
.. .... ......
....... ............ .. .......
........ .......... ........
.......... ........... ..
............. ............ .......... ..........
........................................................................
Q
First IM = ( 21 : 0 : 12 ) − ( a+b+c
a b
: a+b+c c
: a+b+c ) = (b + c − a : −2b : a + b − c).
We can parametrize BD as (0 : 1 : 0) + t(b + c − a : −2b : a + b − c). Substituting this
1
into the line AC = [0 : 1 : 0] and solving for t, we have t = 2b . Thus D = ( b+c−a2b : 0 :
a+b−c b+c−a a−b+c b+c−a b+c−a a−b+c
2b ). Similarly, E = ( 2c : 2c : 0). Therefore, DE = ( 2c − 2b : 2c :
a+b−c
− 2b ) = ((b − c)(b + c − a) : b(c + a − b) : −c(a + b − c)). We can parametrize IP as
(a : b : c) + t((b − c)(b + c − a) : b(c + a − b) : −c(a + b − c)). To find P , we substitute
a
this into the line BC = [1 : 0 : 0] and solve for t. We have t = − (b−c)(b+c−a) . Therefore,
ab(c+a−b) ac(a+b−c)
P = (0 : b − (b−c)(b+c−a) : c+ (b−c)(b+c−a) ) = (0 : −b(c2 + a2 − b2 ) : c(a2 + b2 − c2 )) =
(0 : −bSB : cSC ).
A displacement vector perpendicular to AI is given by (b − c : −b : c). Thus we can
parametrize P Q as (0 : −bSB : cSC ) + t(b − c : −b : c).
To find Q, we substitute this into the line AI = [0 : −c : b] and solve for t. We have
2 2 2 2
: − b(c 2−b ) :
2 2 2
t = − a2 . Therefore, Q = (− a (b−c)
2 : −b(SB − a2 ) : c(SC − a2 )) = (− a (b−c)
2
c(b2 −c2 )
2 = (−a2 : b(b + c) : c(b + c)), which lies on the circumcircle. In fact, Q is the
)
midpoint of the arc not containing A.
8 Exercises 20
8 Exercises
1. Prove that in any triangle ABC, the centroid G, the incentre I and the Nagel point N are
collinear.
2. [Newton’s line]. Let ABCD be a quadrilateral. Let H, I, G, J, E, F be the midpoints of

AB, BC, CD, DA, BD, CA respectively. Let IJ intersect HG at M , AB intersect CD at
U , BC intersect AD at V . Let N be the midpoint of U V . Prove that E, F, M, N are collinear.
3. Prove that in any triangle the 3 lines each of which joins the midpoint of a side to the midpoint
of the altitude to that side are concurrent.
4. In a triangle ABC, ∠A = 90◦ , the bisector of ∠B meets the altitude AD at the point E, and
the bisector of ∠CAD meets the side CD at F . The line through F perpendicular to BC
intersects AC at G. Prove that B, E, G are collinear.
5. In a triangle ABC, M is the midpoint of BC and D is the point on BC such that AD bisects
∠BAC. The line through B perpendicular to AD intersects AD at E and AM at G. Prove
that GD is parallel to AB.
6. In an acute-angled triangle ABC, N is a point on the altitude AM . The line CN , BN meet

AB and AC respectively at F and E. Prove that ∠EM N = ∠F M N .
7. [Pascal’s theorem]. Let A, F, B, D, C, E be six points on a circle in this order. Let AF intersect
CD at P , F B intersect EC at Q and BD intersect AE at R. Prove that P, Q, R are collinear.
8. In a triangle ABC, ∠A 6= 90◦ , M is the midpoint of BC and H is the orthocentre. The feet
of the perpendiculars from H onto the internal and external bisectors of ∠BAC are N and L
respectively. Prove that M, N, L are collinear.
9. Let ABC be an acute-angled triangle with orthocenter H. The circle with diameter AH inter-
sects the circumcircle of the triangle ABC at the point N distinct from A. Prove that the line
N H bisects the segment BC.
10. Let ABC be an acute-angled triangle with incentre I. The circle with diameter AI intersects
the circumcircle of the triangle ABC at the point N distinct from A. Let the incircle of
the triangle ABC touch the side BC at D. Prove that the line N D bisects the arc BC not
containing A.
11. Let ABC be a triangle with circumcentre O. Points E, F lie on CA, AB respectively. The
line EF cuts the circumcircles of AEB and AF C again at M, N respectively. Prove that
OM = ON .
8 Exercises 21
12. [IMO 2017]. Let R and S be different points on a circle Ω such that RS is not a diameter.
Let ` be the tangent line to Ω at R. Point T is such that S is the midpoint of the line segment
RT . Point J is chosen on the shorter arc RS of Ω so that the circumcircle Γ of triangle JST
intersects ` at two distinct points. Let A be the common point of Γ and ` that is closer to R.
Line AJ meets Ω again at K. Prove that the line KT is tangent to Γ.
13. [IMO 2016]. Triangle BCF has a right angle at B. Let A be the point on line CF such that
F A = F B and F lies between A and C. Point D is chosen so that DA = DC and AC is the
bisector of ∠DAB. Point E is chosen so that EA = ED and AD is the bisector of ∠EAC.
Let M be the midpoint of CF . Let X be the point such that AM XE is a parallelogram. Prove
that BD, F X and M E are concurrent.
14. [IMO 2014]. Let P and Q be on segment BC of an acute triangle ABC such that ∠P AB =
∠BCA and ∠CAQ = ∠ABC. Let M and N be the points on AP and AQ, respectively, such
that P is the midpoint of AM and Q is the midpoint of AN . Prove that the intersection of BM
and CN is on the circumference of triangle ABC.
15. [IMO 2012]. Given triangle ABC the point J is the centre of the excircle opposite the vertex
A. This excircle is tangent to the side BC at M , and to the lines AB and AC at K and L,
respectively. The lines LM and BJ meet at F , and the lines KM and CJ meet at G. Let S be
the point of intersection of the lines AF and BC, and let T be the point of intersection of the
lines AG and BC. Prove that M is the midpoint of ST.
16. [IMO 2010]. Given a triangle ABC, with I as its incentre and Γ as its circumcircle, AI inter-
sects Γ again at D. Let E be a point on the arc BDC, and F a point on the segment BC, such
1
that ∠BAF = ∠CAE < ∠BAC. If G is the midpoint of IF , prove that the meeting point
2
of the lines EI and DG lies on Γ.
17. [APMO 2017]. Let ABC be a triangle with AB < AC. Let D be the intersection point of the
internal bisector of angle BAC and the circumcircle of ABC. Let Z be the intersection point
of the perpendicular bisector of AC with the external bisector of angle ∠BAC. Prove that the
midpoint of the segment AB lies on the circumcircle of triangle ADZ.
18. [IMO 2016 Shortlist]. Let ABC be a triangle with AB = AC 6= BC and let I be its incentre.
The line BI meets AC at D, and the line through D perpendicular to AC meets AI at E.
Prove that the reflection of I in AC lies on the circumcircle of triangle BDE.
19. [Nordic 2017]. Let M and N be the midpoints of the sides AC and AB, respectively, of an
acute triangle ABC, AB 6= AC. Let ωB be the circle centered at M passing through B, and
let ωC be the circle centered at N passing through C. Let the point D be such that ABCD
is an isosceles trapezoid with AD parallel to BC. Assume that ωB and ωC intersect in two
distinct points P and Q. Show that D lies on the line P Q.
8 Exercises 22
20. [China 2017]. In the non-isosceles triangle ABC, D is the midpoint of side BC, E is the
midpoint of side CA, F is the midpoint of side AB. The line (different from line BC) that is
tangent to the inscribed circle of triangle ABC and passing through point D intersect line EF
at X. Define Y, Z similarly. Prove that X, Y, Z are collinear.
9 Hints 23
9 Hints
1. Check that the determinant formed by the 3 points is 0.
2. Take ABC be the reference triangle and D = (u : v : 1 − u − v). Find the barycentric
coordinates of E, F, M, N .
3. Let A1 be the midpoint of the altitude from A onto BC, and A2 the midpoint of BC. Show
that A1 A2 = [tan C − tan B : tan B + tan C : − tan B − tan C].
4. Following the condition of the question, show that G = (a : 0 : c).
5. A displacement vector perpendicular to AD is (−b + c : b : −c). Using this, show that

E = (b − c : b : c) and G = (b − c : c : c).
6. Let ` be the line through A parallel to BC. Let the extensions of M F and M E meet ` at P and
Q respectively. Then ` = [0 : 1 : 1] and M = (0 : SC : SB ). Let N = (a2 (1−t) : SC t : SB t),
for some t. Find the barycentric coordinates of P, Q, and show that A is the midpoint of P Q.
7. Take ABC be the reference triangle. Let D = (d1 : d2 : d3 ), E = (e1 : e2 : e3 ), F = (f1 :

f2 : f3 ). Then show that P = (d1 f2 : d2 f2 : d2 f3 ), Q = (e1 f1 : e2 f1 : e1 f3 ), R = (d1 e3 :
d3 e2 : d3 e3 ). Check that the determinant formed by the 3 points is 0.
8. A displacement vector for HL(= N A) is (b + c : −b : −c). Then parametrize HL as

(SB SC : SC SA : SA SB ) + t(b + c : −b : −c). Using this, show that L = (2bcSB SC +
c(b + c)SC SA + b(b + c)SA SB : −bSA (bSB − cSC ) : cSA (bSB − cSC )). Similarly, show that
N = (2bcSB SC + c(b − c)SC SA − b(b − c)SA SB : bSA (bSB + cSC ) : cSA (bSB + cSC )).
9. Let M be the midpoint of BC. Take N to be the point on the circumcircle of ABC such that
∠AN M = 90◦ . Try to show N, H, M are collinear. Let N = (x : y : z) in normalized
barycentric coordinates. The displacement vectors AN = (x − 1 : y : z) and M N = (x :
y− 12 : z− 12 ) are perpendicular. Thus a2 (y(z− 12 )+(y− 21 )z)+b2 ((x−1)(z− 21 )+zx)+c2 ((x−
1)(y − 12 ) +xy) = 0. Using a2 yz +b2 zx+c2 xy = 0, this can be simplified to SB y +SC z = 0.
2S S
Take y = SC , z = −SB and substitute this into a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy = 0 to get x = (ba2 −c
B C
2 )S .
A
2
Therefore N = ( (ba2 −c
SB SC
2 )S
A
: SC : −SB ) = (a2 SB SC : (b2 − c2 )SC SA : −(b2 − c2 )SA SB ).
10. Compute the barycentric coordinates of N . Show that N = (a2 (s − b)(s − c) : b(b − c)(s −
a)(s − c) : −c(b − c)(s − a)(s − b)).
11. Let E = (1 − t : 0 : t) and F = (1 − s : s : 0). Show that the equation of the circumcircle
of AEB is a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − (x + y + z)(1 − t)b2 z = 0. Parametrize the line EF as
(1 − t : 0 : t) + α(t − s : s : −t). Substituting this into the equation of the circumcircle of
9 Hints 24
2 2 2
AEB to get α = aa2 st+b t(t−s)+c s(1−t)
st+b2 t(t−s)−c2 s(t−s)
. Denote this value of α by αM , and the corresponding
barycentric coordinates of M by (xM : yM : zM ). The power of M with respect to the
circumcircle of ABC is −(a2 yM zM + b2 zM xM + c2 xM yM ) = −(xM + yM + zM )(1 −
t)b2 zM = −(1 − t)b2 zM . To compute the power, we only need the explicit value of zM . Then
show that M and N have the same power with respect to the circumcircle of ABC.
12. Let RSJ be the reference triangle, where R = (1 : 0 : 0), S = (0 : 1 : 0), J = (0 : 0 : 1).
Thus Ω : a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy = 0 and Γ : a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − 2c2 x(x + y + z) = 0. The
tangent ` at R is b2 z +c2 y = 0. We may parametrize ` by x = 1, y = −b2 t, z = c2 t. Thus A =
(1 : −b2 t : c2 t), for some t. Since A lies on Γ, we have −a2 b2 c2 +b2 c2 t−c2 b2 t−2c2 (1−b2 t+
c2 t) = 0, or equivalently, a2 b2 t2 +2(c2 −b2 )t+2 = 0. Line AJ = [b2 t : 1 : 0]. The tangent to Γ
at T is a2 (2z)+b2 (−z)+c2 (−y+2x)−2c2 x+(x+y+z)(2c2 ) = 0; which can be simplified to
2c2 x+c2 y+(2a2 −b2 +2c2 )z = 0. That is [2c2 : c2 : (2a2 −b2 +2c2 )]. Compute the barycentric
coordinates of K and show that it lies on Ω using the relation a2 b2 t2 + 2(c2 − b2 )t + 2 = 0.
13. Let F BC be the reference triangle, where F = (1 : 0 : 0), B = (0 : 1 : 0), C = (0 : 0 : 1).

Note that a2 = b2 − c2 . Since F divides CA in the ratio b : c, we have A = (1 + cb : 0 : − cb ).
The midpoint of AC is N = ( b+c b−c 2
2b : 0 : 2b ). Next obtain the displacement vector (c − b :
2
b2 : −c2 ) which is perpendicular to CA. Then parametrize the perpendicular bisector of CA

by x = b+c 2 2 2 b−c 2
2b + t(c − b ), y = tb , z = 2b − tc . This is the line DN , whose intersection
with AB is D0 . Then D0 = ( (2c−b)(b+c)
2bc
b
: 2c : b−2c 0 b+c −b 1
2b ). Hence D = 2N − D = ( 2c : 2c : 2 ).
The midpoint of AD is ( (b+c)(b+2c)
4bc : −b b−2c
4c : 4b ). A displacement vector perpendicular to AD
is ((b + c)(b − 2c) : −b2 : bc + 2c2 ). Since E lies on the perpendicular bisector of AD, we
may take E = ( (b+c)(b+2c)
4bc + t(b + c)(b − 2c) : −b 2 b−2c 2
4c − tb : 4b + t(bc + 2c )), for some
t. As DE is parallel to CA, the second coordinate of the displacement vector DE must be
0. Therefore, −b 2 b 1 b+2c
4c − tb + 2c = 0 giving t = 4bc . Consequently, E = ( 2c : 2c : 0).
−b
2 2
Lastly, X = ( bc−2c2bc
+b
: −b b+2c
2c : 2b ). From this, we find that BD = [c : 0 : −(b + c)],
F X = [0 : 2c2 + bc : b2 ] and M E = [b : b + 2c : −b].
14. Note that the triangles ABC, P BA, QAC are all similar. The point of intersection of the lines
BM and CN is (−a2 : 2b2 : 2c2 ).
sa−(s−b)c as−b(s−c)
15. Show that S = (0 : a(s−c) : − ac ) and T = (0 : − ab : a(s−b ).
16. Let AE intersect BC at F 0 . Then F 0 is the isogonal conjugate of F . Let F = (0 : 1 − α : α).

Then F 0 = (0 : αb2 : (1 − α)c2 ). Then show that E = (α(1 − α)a2 : −αb2 : −(1 − α)c2 ),
EI = [bc(αb − (1 − α)c) : ca(1 − α)(c + αa) : −abα((1 − α)a + b)] and GD = [−(b +
c)(αb − (1 − α)c) : −a(c + αa) : a((1 − α)a + b)]. Then X = (a(c + αa)((1 − α)a + b) :
−b(αb − (1 − α)c)((1 − α)a + b) : c(c + αa)(αb − (1 − α)c); and show that it lies on Γ.
17. Let M be the midpoint of AB. Then the circumcircle of AM D has the equation a2 yz +b2 zx+
2
c2 xy − c2 (x + y + z)(y − cb z) = 0. Show that Z lies on this circle.
9 Hints 25
18. Let ABC be the reference triangle with b = c 6= a. Direct calculation gives E = (a(−a2 −ab+
4b2 ) : 2b3 : 2b3 ) and I 0 = (a(a + b) : −b2 : 3b2 − a2 ). Also the equation of the circumcircle
2
of BDE is a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (a2 −b2b)(a+2b) (x + y + z)(2b3 x − a2 (a + b)z) = 0.
19. The reflection

√ of A about the perpendicular
√ bisector of BC is D = (a2 : c2 − b2 : b2 − c2 ). Let
L = 2c2 + 2a2 − b2 and K = 2a2 + 2b2 − c2 . Then the lengths of the medians from B
and C are L/2 and K/2 respectively. The circle ωB centred at the midpoint of CA with radius
L/2 passes through the points B = (0 : 1 : 0), (b + L : 0 : b − L) and (b − L : 0 : b + L).
Substituting these points into the general equation of a circle, we find that the equation of ωB
equal to a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(SB x + SB z) = 0. Similarly, the equation of ωC
equal to a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(SC x + SC y) = 0. Then show that D lies on the
radical axis P Q of ωB and ωC .
20. Let A1 be the point of tangency of the incircle with the side BC, and let A1 A2 be a diameter
of the incircle. Let the other tangent from D to the incircle meet the incircle at A3 . (That is
A3 6= A1 ). Thus ∠A1 A3 A2 = 90◦ . The extension of A2 A3 meets the side BC at a point
A4 such that D is the midpoint of A1 A4 . This means that A4 is the point of tangency of
the A-excircle with the side BC. That is A4 = (0 : s − b : s − c). Also it is well-known
that A, A2 , A4 are collinear. Thus A, A1 , A2 , A4 are collinear. Use this information to find
2 (c−a)2
A3 . Show that A3 = ( (b−c)
(s−a) : s − b : s − c). Similarly, B3 = (s − a : s−b : s − c)
2
and C3 = (s − a : s − b : (a−b)s−c ). From this, show that X = (b − c : s − c : b − s),
Y = (c − s : c − a : s − a), Z = (s − b : a − s : a − b).
10 Solutions 26
10 Solutions
1. Prove that in any triangle ABC, the centroid G, the incentre I and the Nagel point N are
collinear.

1 1 1

Solution. This is because a
b c = 0. In fact G divides the segment IN in
s−a s−b s−c
the ratio 1:2.
2. [Newton’s line]. Let ABCD be a quadrilateral. Let H, I, G, J, E, F be the midpoints of

AB, BC, CD, DA, BD, CA respectively. Let IJ intersect HG at M , AB intersect CD at
U , BC intersect AD at V . Let N be the midpoint of U V . Prove that E, F, M, N are collinear.
Solution.
V
.......
.........
... .. ..
.
.... .... .....
.. . ....
... .... ...
... .
... ...
...
..... .. ...
...
.... .
... ...
.... ..
. ...
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. ...
.... ..
. ...
... .
. ...
... .. ...
.. .
. ...
.... .
.. ...
.... ..
. ...
.... .
.. ...
... .
. ...
... .
. ...
N•
..
..
...... .
.
.
.
. ...
...
.... .... .
.
. C ..
...
. ....
. .
.
. . .
. ...................
.... ....
. .
. ..... ...... ...... ...
.... ....
.... .. .
.
.
. .. . G. . ... . .... ......
.
...
...
...
. ...... ......... ..... ...
... ...... .............. .... ........ ...
.... ................. ... .... ...
. ....
. ..... D .
............ .... . .
.....
..
.. ...
.... ...
........ ... .......... ..... ...... ... F ...
.
......
. .
.....
.
.........
.
.
.
.
....... ....... ...
..
...
. • M
.................... .......................... ...... ... I
.........
...
. ... . .
.
.....
.
.. .
......... .
.
.
.
...
...
.
. • .
..................................... ...
...
... ..
....... ........................... •
... ......
... .........
..... ...
. ........
. .
.
J
.. ..
... . .. .. .......
...
...
.... ........... .
.. ...... E ...
... .
......... ...
... ........... .. ...... .
.
.. ............ .
.
. ...... .
... . .......... ....
..
. .. .
. .. . . .. ... ..
.
.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
U B
A H
Let A = (1 : 0 : 0), B = (0 : 1 : 0), C = (0 : 0 : 1) and D = (u : v : 1 − u − v). Then

H = (1 : 1 : 0), G = (u : v : 2 − u − v), I = (0 : 1 : 1), J = (1 + u : v : 1 − u − v). Direct
computation gives F = (1 : 0 : 1), E = (u : 1 + v : 1 − u − v) and M = (u + 1 : v + 1 :
2 − u − v).

1 0 1

The determinant u
1 + v 1 − u − v = 0, since the third row is the sum of the first
u+1 v+1 2−u−v
two rows. Therefore, E, F, M are collinear.
Similarly, we can show that N = (u − u2 : v + v 2 : w − w2 ) = (u(1 − u) : v(1 + v) :

1 0 1

(u + v)(1 − u − v)), and the determinant u 1+v 1−u−v = 0.

u(1 − u) v(1 + v) (u + v)(1 − u − v)
Therefore, E, F, N are collinear.
3. Prove that in any triangle the 3 lines each of which joins the midpoint of a side to the midpoint
of the altitude to that side are concurrent.
Solution.
10 Solutions 27
A
.......
..... ....
..... ....
..
...... .......
.
.... .. ....
.....
..... .. ....
..... .. ...
.
.......
. .. ....
....... .. ...
...
.... .. ...
. .....
. .. ...
...
.... .. ....
.......... .. ...
...
.... ... .. ...
...
. ... .. ...
C .
2............
.
. .
....
. A1...... ............ 2
. .
. B
.
... .......... ... . .
.
.... ........ .... .. ........ ....
. . .
.... ..
. ........ .
. .... . ...
..
..... .... ...
........ ... ......... . ..... ..........
. . ...
..
..... ........ ... .......... . ...
..... ................ ...
...
...... .. ..
..
. .........
..• .
..
.
. ...
..
..... .............. ... .
. . ...
.... ............ C . ... .. .
....
.. ....
... ......
.
1 ... . ... ... .......
...
. ...
. .. .
.. ...
...
.... .... .... ...... .. . .
. . ..
. ... ... ....... ...
..
..... ..... ... ............ ... ... ... .
.
... ...
.... .......... ......... ...
...
. ..
.
... ... ... . .. ..
. ..
.
....
.
.
.
.... ....
.
. . ... .. . ... ....
......... .
. ... . .. . .
. ... . .. ... ... . ..
1B ..... .
.. .
.
. ... ..
............................................................................................................................................................................................................
B A2 C
Take A = (1 : 0 : 0), B = (0 : 1 : 0), C = (0 : 0 : 1). Let A1 , B1 and C1 be the midpoints of

the altitudes from A onto BC, from B onto CA and from C onto AB respectively. If A2 , B2
and C2 are the midpoints of the sides BC, CA and AB respectively, we find that A1 A2 =
[tan C − tan B : tan B + tan C : − tan B − tan C], B1 B2 = [− tan A − tan C : tan A −
tan C : tan A + tan C], and C3 C2 = [tan A + tan B : − tan A − tan B : tan B − tan A].

tan C − tan B tan B + tan C − tan B − tan C

The determinant − tan A − tan C tan A − tan C tan A + tan C = 0, since the
tan A + tan B − tan A − tan B tan B − tan A
sum of the 3 rows is the zero row. Therefore, A1 A2 , B1 B2 and C1 C2 are concurrent.
4. In a triangle ABC, ∠A = 90◦ , the bisector of ∠B meets the altitude AD at the point E, and
the bisector of ∠CAD meets the side CD at F . The line through F perpendicular to BC
intersects AC at G. Prove that B, E, G are collinear.
Solution.
A
.........
.................
... ......... ...........
... ............ ......
..... .... .... ..........
.. . . ......
... .... ..... ......
... ... ... ......
...
... ... ...
...
G
......
........
..... ...
. ... .............. .... ..........
... .
... ......... ... .. .......
.. ..... ... ......
... .... ........... .... ... ......
..... E ..
.................
........... ...
.... ...
......
......
.... ..
.... . .
. ......
.... .
...
. ..... ... ........
. ...
... ..
.
.
.
......
......
.... .
... ......
. ..
.
......
.
....... . . ......
.... .
.......... ...
.. ........ .. ..
... ..
. . ......
.... ........... .
. ... .. .
......
......
. . ................ .......
.
...... .. ..
.. .
..... . .
...
.. ......
. ... . . .
...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
B D F C
Let ABC be the reference triangle. Note that a2 = b2 + c2 . Using the angle bisector theorem,
direct computation gives
D = (0 : b2 : c2 ), E = (ca : b2 : c2 ), F = (0 : b2 : c(a + c)) and
0 1 0

G = (a : 0 : c). As ca b2 c2 = ac2 − ac2 = 0, the points B, E, G are collinear.
a 0 c
5. In a triangle ABC, M is the midpoint of BC and D is the point on BC such that AD bisects
∠BAC. The line through B perpendicular to AD intersects AD at E and AM at G. Prove
that GD is parallel to AB.
10 Solutions 28
Solution.
A .......
...................
... ...... .......
... ........ ............
... ... ... ......
......
... ....
... ... ... ......
......
... ... ... ......
... .... ... .. ......
......
... .
... ... . ......
... ... . ...
......
......
... .
... ... ......
..
. . ......
... ... ......
..
. .
... .... ......
......
..
. ... .... ......
..
. .
... .............. G
. ......
......
..
. . . . . ..
.
................ .. ... . ......
..
. .
. .... . . . ......
.. . .... . ....... ................ .... ......
......
...
.
.
................ . .. E ... .......... ...
... . . .. .
...... ...
......
......
....................... . .. ..
. . ....
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................
B D M C
Let ABC be the reference triangle. Then M = (0 : 1 : 1) and D = (0 : b : c). The

b c
displacement vector AD = (−1 : b+c : b+c ) = (b + c : −b : −c). A displacement vector
perpendicular to AD is (−b + c : b : −c). We may write E = (0 : 1 : 0) + t(−b + c : b :
−c) = ((−b + c)t : 1 + bt : −ct) for some t. The equation of the line AD is −cy + bz = 0.
Substituting the coordinates of E into the equation of the line AD and solving for t, we obtain
1
t = − 2b . Therefore, E = ( b−c 1 c
2b : 2 : 2b ) = (b − c : b : c). From this we obtain: line
BE = [c : 0 : −b + c] and line AM = [0 : −1 : 1]. Thus G = (b − c : c : c). Hence,
GD = (−b + c : b − c : 0) = (−1 : 1 : 0) = AB which means GD is parallel to AB.
6. In an acute-angled triangle ABC, N is a point on the altitude AM . The line CN , BN meet

AB and AC respectively at F and E. Prove that ∠EM N = ∠F M N .
Solution.
A
P ....... ... ... ... .................................. ... ... ... ... ...... Q
.. ..... .. ... ..
.. ......... .... ..... ..
.. ....... ... ..
. ... ... ..
...........
. . ... ..
F ..
.... . ... .
... ... ..
..... ..... ......... .. ... ..
..... ... ...... .... ....
..... ... ...... ... ..................... E
......
. .. N .. .
..
.. .
.... .
...
.
.
..........
..
.
.
.
.
.
.... .....
. . .
..... ... ......... .. ...... .. ...
.... .... .. ..... .. ...
..... .......... ... ........ ...
..... ....... .... ... ...
..
....... ..
. .........
. ... ...
.
... .........
. ...
...
. ..... ... ... .. ....... ..
.
....
.
.
.....
. .
...
. ... ... .. . ..... .....
..
. ..
. . ... .. . . .
....... ....
.
....
. . ...
. .... . . . .
.
.
...
. ..
..... . ... .. .. . . ..... ....
.
.. .
.. ... . .. . . ..... ..
... ..... ..... ...
..... ...... ... ... ..
..... ........ ......... ..... ...
.......
. ..................
. .. .. .. .
..
. ........
.... . .. ..
.................................................................................................................................................................................................
B C
M
Let ` be the line through A parallel to BC. Let the extensions of M F and M E meet ` at P
and Q respectively. We have ` = [0 : 1 : 1] and M = (0 : SC : SB ). Let N = (a2 (1 − t) :
SC t : SB t), for some t. Then BN = [tSB : 0 : −a2 (1 − t)], E = (a2 (1 − t) : 0 : tSB ),
M E = [tSB SC : a2 (1 − t)SB : −a2 (1 − t)SC ]. Thus Q = (−a2 (1 − t)(SB + SC ) : tSB SC :
−tSB SC ) = (2a4 (1 − t) : −tSB SC : tSB SC ).
Similarly, CN = [−tSC : a2 (1 − t) : 0], F = (a2 (1 − t) : tSC : 0), M F = [tSB SC :
−a2 (1 − t)SB : a2 (1 − t)SC ], and P = (2a4 (1 − t) : tSB SC : −tSB SC ). Consequently, the
midpoint of P Q is A. It follows that ∠EM N = ∠F M N .
7. [Pascal’s theorem]. Let A, F, B, D, C, E be six points on a circle in this order. Let AF intersect
CD at P , F B intersect EC at Q and BD intersect AE at R. Prove that P, Q, R are collinear.
10 Solutions 29
Solution. Let ABC be the reference triangle and ω its circumcircle. Let D = (d1 : d2 :
d3 ), E = (e1 : e2 : e3 ), F = (f1 : f2 : f3 ). Direct computations give P = (d1 f2 : d2 f2 :
d1 f2 d2 f2 d2 f3

d2 f3 ), Q = (e1 f1 : e2 f1 : e1 f3 ), R = (d1 e3 : d3 e2 : d3 e3 ). Then e1 f1 e2 f1 e1 f3 =
d1 e3 d3 e2 d3 e3
d1 d3 e2 e3 f1 f2 +d1 d2 e1 e3 f2 f3 +d2 d3 e1 e2 f1 f3 −d1 d2 e2 e3 f1 f3 −d1 d3 e1 e2 f2 f3 −d2 d3 e1 e3 f1 f2
Using the relations a2 d2 d3 + b2 d3 d1 + c2 d1 d2 = 0, a2 e2 e3 + b2 e3 e1 + c2 e1 e2 = 0, a2 f2 f3 +
b2 f3 f1 + c2 f1 f2 = 0, we can eliminate the terms d2 d3 , e2 e3 , f2 f3 and show that the above
determinant has value 0. Thus P, Q, R are collinear.

d2 d3 d3 d1 d1 d2

Alternatively, we may rewrite the expression of the above determinant as f2 f3 f3 f1 f1 f2 ,
e2 e3 e3 e1 e1 e2
which is equal to
2
−b2 d3 d1 − c2 d1 d2 d3 d1 d1 d2

a d2 d3 d3 d1 d1 d2
1 2 1
2
a f2 f3 f3 f1 f1 f2 = 2 −b2 f3 f1 − c2 f1 f2 f3 f1 f1 f2 = 0,
a 2
a
a e2 e3 e3 e1 e1 e2 −b2 e3 e1 − c2 e1 e2 e3 e1 e1 e2
as the first column is a linear combination of the last two columns.
8. In a triangle ABC, ∠A 6= 90◦ , M is the midpoint of BC and H is the orthocentre. The feet
of the perpendiculars from H onto the internal and external bisectors of ∠BAC are N and L
respectively. Prove that M, N, L are collinear.
Solution.
......
A
........... .....................
............... . .... L
..... ........... ...............
..
...... .... ......... ..
... .....
... ... ... . . .......
..... .. .. .. ... ..
......... ... ..... ..... ..... ....
.
.... ... .... ........ ....
..
.....
..... ... ...... .. ..
..... .. .. .. ..
........
. .
... ........ .... ....
.... ... .... ... ......
. . .
.....
..... ... ... ... ........
..... .. ... ... .. ..
...
...... ... ....
. . .... ... ....
..... .. ... ... ... ...
..
....... .
............. ... ... ...
.....
. N .
.........
. .... ........
......
. .
. ....... .................. ........ ..................
. .
....
. ...... ....................• ......... ...
.
.... .
................... ...
.... .... .. ..
. ...
.
. . H ..... ...
..... ................. ..... ... ...
.
... ..... ....
. .
......... .................. . .
. ..
.
..
.
.
...
...
. ...
.. ........ . . .
......................................................................................................................................................................
B M C
A displacement vector for HL(= N A) is (b + c : −b : −c). We can parametrize HL as

(SB SC : SC SA : SA SB ) + t(b + c : −b : −c). The external bisector of ∠A is AL = [0 : c : b].
Substituting the parametric equation of HL into the equation of AL, we get t = SA (bS2bc
B +cSC )
.
From this, we obtain
L = (2bcSB SC + c(b + c)SC SA + b(b + c)SA SB : −bSA (bSB − cSC ) : cSA (bSB − cSC )).
Similarly, we get
N = (2bcSB SC + c(b − c)SC SA − b(b − c)SA SB : bSA (bSB + cSC ) : cSA (bSB + cSC )).
We also know M = (0 : 1 : 1).
10 Solutions 30
To evaluate the following determinant, we add row 2 to row 3, and −row 3 to row 2.

0 1 1

2bcSB SC + c(b + c)SC SA + b(b + c)SA SB −bSA (bSB − cSC ) cSA (bSB − cSC )

2bcSB SC + c(b − c)SC SA − b(b − c)SA SB bSA (bSB + cSC ) cSA (bSB + cSC ))

0 1 1

= 2 2
c SC SA + b SA SB 2 2
−b SA SB −c SA SC
4bcSB SC + 2bcSC SA + 2bcSA SB 2bcSC SA 2bcSA SB

0 1 1

= 2bcSA 2
c SC + b SB2 2 2
−b SB −c SC (add (−col 2 + col 3) to col 1)
2SB SC + SA (SC + SB ) SC SA SA SB

0 1 1

= 2bcSA 2
2b SB 2 2
−b SB −c SC
2SB SC + 2SA SB SC SA SA SB

20 1 1
0 1 1
2 2
3
2 2

= 2bcSA 2b SB −b SB −c SC = 4b cSA SB 1 −b SB −c SC

2b2 SB SC SA SA SB 1 SC SA SA SB
= 4b3 cSA SB (−SA SB − c2 SC + SC SA + b2 SB )
= 4b3 cSA SB (SA (SC − SB ) − c2 SC + b2 SB )
= 4b3 cSA SB ((b2 − c2 )SA − c2 SC + b2 SB )
= 4b3 cSA SB (b2 (SA + SB ) − c2 (SC + SA ))
= 4b3 cSA SB (b2 c2 − c2 b2 ) = 0. Thus M, N, L are collinear.
9. Let ABC be an acute-angled triangle with orthocenter H. The circle with diameter AH inter-
sects the circumcircle of the triangle ABC at the point N distinct from A. Prove that the line
N H bisects the segment BC.
Solution.
A
..............................................................
.......... ............. .............................................................
....... ...... . .. N
...............
....... ..... ... ... .... ......
......... ..
.. ... ... .. .....................
. ... ... .... .....
..... .. .............
. ....... .... .... . ...
. ... ... .....
... .. ... .... .... .. ... ...
....
. .
...
..... ..
. ... .... ... ...
... .. .. ... ... .. ... ....
. . .
.. ..... . ... ...
..
. ...
. .. .... .. . ...
..
. ... . ... ... ....... ... ...
.... ... ... .
. ... ... ..
. ...
... ... .... ... .. ... .. ...
... ... .. .
. ... .. ...
... ... . .
... .. .
. .... ... . ...
....
ω
...
..
...
.. ..... .. ..
.
. .
. ... ..
. . .
.. ...
... ... ......... .. .. ........
. ...
... ..
.
. ...... .
.. ..
.
.
. . .. .
...... .
...
....... . .
.... ....
... .... ... H
....................................
....
. . .. .. ...
... .
..
... ..
. . . ..
.
... .. . ...
... ... ...... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... .. ...
... ....
..
... ..... ... .... .. .. .
... ... .
..........................................................................................................................................
..... ... ..
B ..... ... .....C
.....
......
M .
. ....
. ....
...... ..
. .......
.
....... .
.... ....
......... .......
............. .........
..........................................
Let ABC be the reference triangle and M = (0 : 12 : 21 ) the midpoint of BC. Take N to be
the point on the circumcircle of ABC such that ∠AN M = 90◦ . Then we show N, H, M are
collinear.
10 Solutions 31
Let N = (x : y : z) in normalized barycentric coordinates. The displacement vectors AN =

(x − 1 : y : z) and M N = (x : y − 21 : z − 12 ) are perpendicular. Thus
1 1 1 1
a2 (y(z − ) + (y − )z) + b2 ((x − 1)(z − ) + zx) + c2 ((x − 1)(y − ) + xy) = 0.
2 2 2 2
Using a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy = 0, this can be simplified to (a2 − b2 + c2 )y + (a2 + b2 − c2 )z = 0.

Let SA = 21 (b2 + c2 − a2 ), etc. We may write this as SB y + SC z = 0. Take y = SC and
z = −SB . Then SB y + SC z = 0. We substitute this into a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy = 0 to find x.
That is 0 = −a2 SB SC − b2 SB x + c2 xSC = −a2 SB SC − x(b2 SB − c2 SC ) = −a2 SB SC −
2S S
x(c2 − b2 )SA . Thus x = (ba2 −c
B C
2 )S . Therefore
A
a2 SB SC
N =( : SC : −SB ) = (a2 SB SC : (b2 − c2 )SC SA : −(b2 − c2 )SA SB ).
(b2 − c2 )SA
Since H = (SB SC : SC SA : SA SB ), we check that

2 0 1 1

a SB SC
(b2 − c2 )SC SA −(b2 − c2 )SA SB = 0.

SB SC SC SA SA SB
Thus N, H, M are collinear.
10. Let ABC be an acute-angled triangle with incentre I. The circle with diameter AI intersects
the circumcircle of the triangle ABC at the point N distinct from A. Let the incircle of
the triangle ABC touch the side BC at D. Prove that the line N D bisects the arc BC not
containing A.
.................................................
........... .........
......... .......
....... .... A
......... .......................................................
........
.......... ... .... ...........
......
. ..
.........
......... .... .... ..........................
..... ... ..... .. ... .............
. . ... ....
. ......... .... .... ..................
. .... ... ..........
... ... ..... ... ... ...........
... ... ..... ... ... ......................
N
... .. ..... ..
.. .... ......... .. ...
. ..............
. ... ...... .. ... ..... .... .......
. . ..
... . ... ....... ... .. ..
... ...... .. ...... .. .. ..
.... ..
............ .
... ... . ..... .... ..... .... .....
... ..
....
. ...
. .
.. ...... ...... .... ...
.
.... .... ... ..... ... ...
.
..... ..... ..... ... ..... .. ........
..... ...... .. ..... ... .......
.
..
..... ....... .............
I
...
... ..... ................. ........................ .... ..
..
...
. .. .. . .. .. ..
...
..
..... ..
. .... ... .
.
.
... .... .. ...
... ..... ... ... ... ...
... ..... ... ... ... ...
... ..... .. ... ... ...
... ......... .... ..... .. . . .
... ...... ... .. ... ...
... ...... ... ..
.................................................................................................................................................................
... .. .. .
B ....
..... ... .... D .... .. C
..... ... .... ....
..... .....
...... ... ... .....
...... .. ... ......
....... ........
. .. .. . ......
.
........ .
........... ..... ........
..........................................................
M
Solution. Let ABC be the reference triangle. Let N = (u : v : w) with u + v + w = 1. As N

lies on the circumcircle, we have a2 vw + b2 wu + c2 uv = 0. Then AN = (u − 1 : v : w) and
IN = (u − 2s a b
: v − 2s c
: w − 2s ). Since ∠AN I = 90◦ , we have
10 Solutions 32
c b c a b a
0 = a2 (v(w− )+(v− )w)+b2 ((u−1)(w− )+(u− )w)+c2 ((u−1)(v− )+(u− )v).
2s 2s 2s 2s 2s 2s
Using the relations a2 vw + b2 wu + c2 uv = 0 and u + v + w = 1, this can be simplified to

c(s−b)v +b(s−c)w = 0. Thus we may take N = (u0 : b(s−c) : −c(s−b)). Substituting this
into the equation of the circumcircle, we get −a2 bc(s−b)(s−c)−b2 c(s−b)u0 +c2 b(s−c)u0 =
2 (s−b)(s−c)
0. Solving for u0 , we get u0 = a(b−c)(s−a) .
That is
N = (a2 (s − b)(s − c) : b(b − c)(s − a)(s − c) : −c(b − c)(s − a)(s − b)).
Let M be the midpoint of the arc BC not containing A. We know that D = (0 : s − c : s − b)

and M = (−a2 : b(b + c) : c(b + c)). We check that
2
a (s − b)(s − c) b(b − c)(s − a)(s − c) −c(b − c)(s − a)(s − b)

0 s−c s−b = 0.

−a2 b(b + c) c(b + c)
Thus N, D, M are collinear.
11. Let ABC be a triangle with circumcentre O. Points E, F lie on CA, AB respectively. The
line EF cuts the circumcircles of AEB and AF C again at M, N respectively. Prove that
OM = ON .
Solution.
...............................................
.......... ........
........ .......
....... ......
.. . ....... .....
..
..... .....
.....
.....
. ....
.
... ...
...
..
....
....
. A
...........................................
. ..... .......
.. .... ..... ..
.... ..... ......
.
.
.. .
........
..
..... .........
. .....
.....
... ..... ..... ... .. .....
.... ...... .
........ ... ....
... ... ...
... ...
. ......
. . . ...
.. .... ... .. ...
... . ....
.. ..... . ...
... .... ...
. . . ..............
... . .........
. E .....
. ..........
...
...... .. N
... .. ......
. . ........ . . . . . . ..
. .
.................................. ...
. ......... ...... . ...
...
F ... ..... ......................................... ........
... ................................................. .. ... ...
...
... ...... .
.. ..
.. ... ............................................................• .. . .
. .
...
.... ........ .
..................................................................... ......... .... O . .. .... ...
M ...
... ....
.
.. . ...
... .. . . . ...
... ...
... ..... ... ... ... ...
.... ..... ... ... ... ...
..... ..... ..... .... ...
.....
..... ........
. .....
. .
....... ...
. .
........
...... ....... ..... ..... .. ....
...............................................................................................................................................................
........ . . .
B ........... ........ ........................................ C
.............................................
Let E = (1 − t : 0 : t) and F = (1 − s : s : 0). Substituting the coordinates of the points

A, E, B into the general equation of a circle, the equation of the circumcircle of AEB is found
to be
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − (x + y + z)(1 − t)b2 z = 0.
Similarly, the equation of the circumcircle of AF C is
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − (x + y + z)(1 − s)c2 y = 0.
The displacement vector EF = (t − s : s : −t). Thus the line EF can be parametrized as the
normalized barycentric coordinates: (1 − t : 0 : t) + α(t − s : s : −t) = ((1 − t) + α(t − s) :
10 Solutions 33
αs : t − αt). To find M , we substitute this into the equation of the circumcircle of AEB.
2 2 t(t−s)+c2 s(1−t)
We get α = aa2 st+b
st+b2 t(t−s)−c2 s(t−s)
. Let’s denote this value of α by αM , and the corresponding
barycentric coordinates of M by (xM : yM : zM ).
The power of M with respect to the circumcircle of ABC is −(a2 yM zM + b2 zM xM +
c2 xM yM ). Since M lies on the circumcircle of AEB, we have −(a2 yM zM + b2 zM xM +
c2 xM yM ) = −(xM + yM + zM )(1 − t)b2 zM = −(1 − t)b2 zM .
To compute the power, we only need the explicit value of zM . Here zM = t(1 − αM ) =
−c2 ts(1−s)
a2 st+b2 t(t−s)−c2 s(t−s)
. Therefore the power of M with respect to the circumcircle of ABC is
b2 c2 ts(1−t)(1−s)
a2 st+b2 t(t−s)−c2 s(t−s)
.
Similarly, we can parametrize the line EF as (1 − s : s : 0) + β(t − s : s : −t) = ((1 −

2 st−b2 t(1−s)+c2 s(t−s)
s) + β(t − s) : s + βs : −βt). Using this, we find that βN = −a a2 st+b2 t(t−s)−c2 s(t−s)
,
which is the value of the parameter β corresponding to the point N = (xN : yN : zN ).
2 ts(1−t)
Also yN = s(1 + βN ) = a2 st+b−b 2 t(t−s)−c2 s(t−s) . Thus, the power of N with respect to the
b c ts(1−t)(1−s) 2 2
circumcircle of ABC is −(1 − s)c2 yN = a2 st+b 2 t(t−s)−c2 s(t−s) . Since M and N have the
same power with respect to the circumcircle of ABC, this implies OM = ON .
12. [IMO 2017]. Let R and S be different points on a circle Ω such that RS is not a diameter.
Let ` be the tangent line to Ω at R. Point T is such that S is the midpoint of the line segment
RT . Point J is chosen on the shorter arc RS of Ω so that the circumcircle Γ of triangle JST
intersects ` at two distinct points. Let A be the common point of Γ and ` that is closer to R.
Line AJ meets Ω again at K. Prove that the line KT is tangent to Γ.
Solution.
..
..
.....
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
A .
...
......................
..
. .
` ............... ...... .......
...... .......
.
..... ..... ......
.. ......
............................................. .........
R .. . . ............ .... .. ......
......
....
.
... J
.................................................................................................. ......
......
....... ...... .............
. . .. .............. ......
..... .
...... ........... .
............. ...... ...
...... ...
....... . . . . . . ........... . .
. .
.
............ ...... .....
.. .
. .
...... ..... . .
............. ....... .
. . ......
...... .....
... ...... S .................... ...... .....
...
. ...... ... .............. ...... Γ ..
..
......
...... . .
... ........................ ...... .....
... ......
...... ... ...... ....... .............. ......
..... ......
... ...... ... ...... ......... ....
........ ..................... ............ .......
... ...... . .
...... .... ......... ........
.... ...... .......
......... . .
............ ................................ .
...
...
..........
.. ...... ...... ...................... ........................................
............. ..............
.... .......................................................................
Ω ...
... K ..
..
T
... .
.
... .
.
... ...
... ...
... ..
... .....
... ..
..... ....
..... .....
..... .....
......
....... ...........
......... .....
................... ..........................
....
Let RSJ be the reference triangle, where R = (1 : 0 : 0), S = (0 : 1 : 0), J = (0 : 0 : 1).

Thus Ω : a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy = 0. Since S is the midpoint of RT , we have T = (−1 : 2 : 0).
Substituting the coordinates of the 3 points S, J, T into the general equation of a circle, we
obtain the equation of Γ.
Γ : a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − 2c2 x(x + y + z) = 0.
10 Solutions 34
The tangent ` at R is b2 z + c2 y = 0. We may parametrize ` by x = 1, y = −b2 t, z = c2 t.

Thus A = (1 : −b2 t : c2 t), for some t.
Since A lies on Γ, we have −a2 b2 c2 + b2 c2 t − c2 b2 t − 2c2 (1 − b2 t + c2 t) = 0, or equivalently,
a2 b2 t2 + 2(c2 − b2 )t + 2 = 0. (1.1)
Line AJ = [b2 t : 1 : 0].
The tangent to Γ at T is a2 (2z) + b2 (−z) + c2 (−y + 2x) − 2c2 x + (x + y + z)(2c2 ) = 0; which

can be simplified to 2c2 x + c2 y + (2a2 − b2 + 2c2 )z = 0. That is [2c2 : c2 : (2a2 − b2 + 2c2 )].
2
b t 1 0
Thus K = 2 2
= (2a2 −b2 +2c2 : −tb2 (2a2 −b2 +2c2 ) : b2 c2 t−2c2 )
2
2c c 2a − b + 2c 2 2
Substituting the coordinates of K into the equation of Ω, we get
−a2 tb2 (2a2 −b2 +2c2 )(b2 c2 t−2c2 )+b2 (2a2 −b2 +2c2 )(b2 c2 t−2c2 )−tc2 b2 (2a2 −b2 +2c2 )2
= b2 (2a2 − b2 + 2c2 )(−a2 t(b2 c2 t − 2c2 ) + (b2 c2 t − 2c2 ) − tc2 (2a2 − b2 + 2c2 ))
= b2 (2a2 − b2 + 2c2 )(−a2 b2 c2 t2 − 2c2 (c2 − b2 )t − 2c2 )
= −b2 c2 (2a2 − b2 + 2c2 )(a2 b2 t2 + 2(c2 − b2 )t + 2) = 0, by (1.1).
Thus K lies on Ω. This also shows that if A0 is the other intersection point between ` and Γ,
and A0 J meets Ω at K 0 , then K 0 T is also tangent to Γ and K 0 , K, T are collinear.
13. [IMO 2016]. Triangle BCF has a right angle at B. Let A be the point on line CF such that
F A = F B and F lies between A and C. Point D is chosen so that DA = DC and AC is the
bisector of ∠DAB. Point E is chosen so that EA = ED and AD is the bisector of ∠EAC.
Let M be the midpoint of CF . Let X be the point such that AM XE is a parallelogram. Prove
that BD, F X and M E are concurrent.
Solution. Let F BC be the reference triangle, where F = (1 : 0 : 0), B = (0 : 1 : 0), C =

(0 : 0 : 1). Note that a2 = b2 − c2 . Since F divides CA in the ratio b : c, we have
A = (1 + cb : 0 : − cb ).
B .....
... ...................................
........... ............................................
.. ........ ...............
.
... ........
........
...............
...............
. 0
... ........
........
...............
D
...............
... ........ ...............
... ........
........
.. ................
. ...............
... ......... . ...............
... ........ .. ...............
. ...............
... ........
........ .. ...............
...............
... ........ . ...............
... ........ .. ...............
. M ............... F . .......
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
.
. . . .
. . . .. . . .
A
............... .. . . ...... ..
C ............... ........
. N . .. .........................
..... .
.
.
.
..
........................... .
. ..
.
.
. ... ...
.......
.......... . ...................
.....
.
.. ..
...
....... ....................... . ..
. . ......
. ................ ..
...
..
.........
.
.. ............... ....... ..
........ ............... ..
..... ............... ........
....... ............... .............. .......
........ ............... ..... .............. ........
........ ...... . ............... ........
.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
X D E
The midpoint of AC is N = ( b+c

2b : 0 :
b−c
2b ).
The equation of the line AB is cx + (b + c)z = 0, or [c : 0 : b + c].

10 Solutions 35
−b−c
The displacement vector CA = ( b+c
b :0: b ) = (b + c : 0 : −b − c).
A displacement vector perpendicular to CA is given by

(−a2 (b + c) + (c2 − b2 )(b + c) : 2b2 (b + c) : −c2 (b + c) − (b2 − a2 )(b + c)).
Dividing by a factor of (b + c), we may take this displacement vector to be
(−a2 + c2 − b2 : 2b2 : −c2 − b2 + a2 ) = (2(c2 − b2 ) : 2b2 : −2c2 ), by the relation a2 = b2 − c2 .
Therefore, the displacement vector (c2 − b2 : b2 : −c2 ) is perpendicular to CA.
We can parametrize the perpendicular bisector of CA by x = b+c 2 2 2
2b + t(c − b ), y = tb , z =
b−c 2 0 0
2b − tc . This is the line DN , whose intersection with AB is D . To find D , we substitute
this parametric equation of DN into the equation of AB. Thus
b+c b−c
c( + t(c2 − b2 )) + (b + c)( − tc2 ) = 0.
2b 2b
1
Solving for t, we have t = 2bc .
Thus D0 = ( b+c
2b +
1
2bc (c
2 − b2 ) : 1 2
2bc b : b−c
2b − 1 2
2bc c ) = ( (2c−b)(b+c)
2bc : b b−2c
2c : 2b ).
Hence D = 2N − D0 = ( b+c
2c :
−b
2c : 12 ). The midpoint of AD is ( (b+c)(b+2c)
4bc : −b b−2c
4c : 4b ).
A displacement vector perpendicular to AD is ((b + c)(b − 2c) : −b2 : bc + 2c2 ).
Since E lies on the perpendicular bisector of AD, we may take
(b + c)(b + 2c) −b b − 2c
E=( + t(b + c)(b − 2c) : − tb2 : + t(bc + 2c2 )),
4bc 4c 4b
for some t.
As the DE is parallel to CA, the second coordinate of the displacement vector DE must be
0. Therefore, −b 2 b 1 b+2c −b
4c − tb + 2c = 0 giving t = 4bc . Consequently, E = ( 2c : 2c : 0). [Since
the last coordinate of E is 0, E in fact lies on the line BF .]
2 2 −b
Since AM XE is a parallelogram, M − A = X − E. Thus X = ( bc−2c
2bc
+b
: 2c : b+2c
2b ).
From this, we find that
BD = [c : 0 : −(b + c)], F X = [0 : 2c2 + bc : b2 ] and M E = [b : b + 2c : −b].

c
0 −(b + c)
The determinant 0 2c2 + bc b2 can be checked easily equal to 0. Consequently,

b b + 2c −b
BD, F X and M E are concurrent.
14. [IMO 2014]. Let P and Q be on segment BC of an acute triangle ABC such that ∠P AB =
∠BCA and ∠CAQ = ∠ABC. Let M and N be the points on AP and AQ, respectively, such
that P is the midpoint of AM and Q is the midpoint of AN . Prove that the intersection of BM
and CN is on the circumference of triangle ABC.
Solution.
10 Solutions 36
...................................
................ .......... A
......... .. .
........ ........................
....... .............. .. ........ ......
......... . .............. .............. .... ......................
..... ......... .. ..... ..... ......
.. ... . ... ...... .....
.....
. ...... ...
.... ........ ... ..... .....
........ .. ... ..... ....
..... ...... ......... .... ... ..... ...
..... ..
.
. ... ............... ..
.
...
... ..... ...
..
. .. .............. ..
. . ............
............................................................................................................................................................................................
B . .
.... ........... ..
. ... ....... C
... ...... ... P Q ...
... ... ..
..
...... .. .. ...
....
......
...... .
... ...
. .. ....
.
.
...... ... .
..
. ...... ... ... ... ...
.....
......
...... ... ... ... ...
... ...... ..
.. ... ... ...
... ....
....... .. .. ... ...
..... ...
... ........
...... .... ....
... ...... . .
.
... M ......
...... ... N ...
... ...... ... ...
... ...... .. ..
... ......
. ... ....
.
... ...... .
... ......
...... ... ....
... ...... ... ...
... ...... .........
.....
.....
.....
.....
......
...... ......
...... ......
......
.....
.
.....
..
·
.......
......... .
. ... . .......
............. ......
............................................
First, the triangles ABC, P BA, QAC are all similar. Thus P B = c2 /a. Then we have P =
(0 : a2 − c2 : c2 ), so M = (−a2 : 2(a2 − c2 ) : 2c2 ). Similarly N = (−a2 : 2b2 : 2(a2 − c2 )).
The lines BM and CN have equations 2c2 x + a2 z = 0 and 2b2 x + a2 y = 0 respectively. Thus
the point of intersection of the lines BM and CN is (−a2 : 2b2 : 2c2 ) which clearly lies on
the circumcircle.
15. [IMO 2012]. Given triangle ABC the point J is the centre of the excircle opposite the vertex
A. This excircle is tangent to the side BC at M , and to the lines AB and AC at K and L,
respectively. The lines LM and BJ meet at F , and the lines KM and CJ meet at G. Let S be
the point of intersection of the lines AF and BC, and let T be the point of intersection of the
lines AG and BC. Prove that M is the midpoint of ST.
Solution.
A
...............
.......... .. .....
....... .. ... ......
... ..
. ....... ..... .... ...........
...... ...
. ... ......
....... ... ......
....... ... ... ......
....... .. ... ......
. .. .. . ....... ..... ..
......
......
F . . .. .....
. . .
. ...
... ...... G
.............. ...
. .
.
............
..
... .
.... ............. ... ...
. .
........... ..........
.....
...... ... ......
. . . ..
.. ...
. . .. . ...... .....
. ......
......
....... ... ...... .. ... ........ ... ......
... .... ....... ... .. . ... ...... .. .
....... . ...
.. ......
............
. ...
..
.........
.... ... . .
. .......... . . . ......
......
..
........ ...
. ... .........
. .
. .... .... ...
. . .. . ......
.
..... ... ... ...... ...... ... ... ......
....... .. . ..... ... .M
... .. .
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
....
S .. ............. ....... ....... .......... ... .. T
B ... ........ .......
.
...... ...... ... ...
.. C
........ ......... ......
...... ............... ....
.
......... ........... ....... .... ..
...... ....... ..... ........ ... ..
... ...... ... ... .......... .........
K ........ ... .. ...... ....
.
.....
... ... .........
.....
... ... .......
..... ... ... ... L
... ... ....
.... ... ..... ......
.... ...... ...
.
... .....
... J ...
... ...
...
... ...
... ...
... ..
... .
. ...
..... .
..... .....
...... .....
....... ......
......... .......
...........................................
Let ABC be the reference triangle. We have J = (−a : b : c), K = (s − c : −s : 0), L =

(s − b : 0 : −s), M = (0 : s − b : s − c) = (0 : s−b s−c
2a : 2a ).

0 s − b s − c
Thus BJ = [c : 0 : a], and M L = = [−s(s − b) : (s − b)(s − c) :
s−b 0 −s
−(s − b)2 ] = [−s : s − c : −(s − b)].

c 0 sa
Then F = = (−a(s − c) : s(c − a) − bc : c(s − c)). From this, we
−s s − c −(s − b)
get AF = [0 : −c(s − c) : s(c − a) − bc] and S = (0 : sa − (s − b)c : −c(s − c)).
10 Solutions 37
Similarly, by switching the roles of b and c and interchanging the positions of the second and
third coordinates, we have T = (0 : −b(s − b) : sa − (s − c)b).
Normalizing, we have S = (0 : sa−(s−b)c
a(s−c) : − ac ), and T = (0 : − ab : as−b(s−c)
a(s−b ). It can be
checked that (S + T )/2 = M so that M is the midpoint of ST .
16. [IMO 2010]. Given a triangle ABC, with I as its incentre and Γ as its circumcircle, AI inter-
sects Γ again at D. Let E be a point on the arc BDC, and F a point on the segment BC, such
1
that ∠BAF = ∠CAE < ∠BAC. If G is the midpoint of IF , prove that the meeting point
2
of the lines EI and DG lies on Γ.
Solution.
................................... X
................. ..... ...............
..........
........ ..... .......
A
.
......... ..... ......
.... . .. .... ......
.... ..
. .
. ...................
... . ...
. ............... .....
......
.
. .
. ....
.
. .
..
................... .... .........
.. . .. .. ...
... ... ... ................ ... .. ... ...
... ... ... ....... .... ... ............. ...
... ... ....... ... ... ... ... ...
... .............. .... ... ... ....
.
...
...
... ..... ... ... ... ... ...
. ...
.... ..
........ ....... ... ... ... ...
... .... ... ... ...... .. ...
. ... ...
.... ... .... ... ... ... ... ...
Γ ... ...
. ..
. . ... ... ... ... ... ...
... .
..... .
.
. ... ... .. . . .
... ...
... ...
. .. . . .
. ... ...
.... ..
..... ....
.
.
... ..
. .
.
. . .
... ...
.... .....
. .....
. .
.. ...
...
..... .. ... .... .
. ... ..
...
... ..
.......
..
. .
. ... .............. . . . . I .
.
.
.
...
. ..
.
.
... .... .. . .... . .. ...
...
...
..... ... .. ...... .. ... ...
... ..... ... ....... .... .... ... ... ...
... ..... ... ....... G . .. ... ....
...
... ......... ... .......... ....
. .. .... ....
.
. ... . .
... . ..
... ........
. . .. .. ..
......... . . ... ... ... ...
... ..... ........ .. .. . .
.......................................................................................................................................................................
... . ... .. .
B .... F .. ...
. . .
. 0 . . . C
..... . ..
.
. .
... ..
... .. . F . ... ..
.....
... ... .....
.....
... ...
... .. .....
...... ...... ......
......
....... .. ..
..... ...... ...........
........ .. . ... ..
. ...
........... ..
..........................................................
E
D
Let AE intersect BC at F 0 . Then F 0 is the isogonal conjugate of F . Let F = (0 : 1 − α : α).

αb2 t
Then F 0 = (0 : αb2 : (1 − α)c2 ). The line AF 0 can be parametrized as (1 − t : αb2 +(1−α)c 2 :
(1−α)c2 t
αb2 +(1−α)c2
). Substituting into the equation of the circumcircle and solving for t, we have
2
αb +(1−α)c 2
t = 0, or t = −α(1−α)a 2 +αb2 +(1−α)c2 . Here t = 0 corresponds to the point A. The other value
of t corresponds to E. From this, we find that
E = (α(1 − α)a2 : −αb2 : −(1 − α)c2 ).
It is well-known that D = (−a2 : b(b + c) : c(b + c)) and that I = (a : b : c).

Then
EI = [bc(αb − (1 − α)c) : ca(1 − α)(c + αa) : −abα((1 − α)a + b)].
As G is the midpoint of IF , we have G = (a : b + (1 − α)(a + b + c) : c + α(a + b + c)).
Thus
GD = [−(b + c)(αb − (1 − α)c) : −a(c + αa) : a((1 − α)a + b)].
Let X be the intersection of EI and DG. We have

10 Solutions 38
X = a(c + αa)((1 − α)a + b) : −b(αb − (1 − α)c)((1 − α)a + b) : c(c + αa)(αb − (1 − α)c).
We may write it as
X = (apq : −bqr : crp), where p = c + αa, q = (1 − α)a + b, r = αb − (1 − α)c.
Substituting X into the equation of the circumcircle, we have

a2 (−bcpqr2 ) + b2 (cap2 qr) + c2 (−abpq 2 r) = −abcpqr(ar − bp + cq) = 0. Therefore, X lies
on the circumcircle.
17. [APMO 2017]. Let ABC be a triangle with AB < AC. Let D be the intersection point of the
internal bisector of angle BAC and the circumcircle of ABC. Let Z be the intersection point
of the perpendicular bisector of AC with the external bisector of angle ∠BAC. Prove that the
midpoint of the segment AB lies on the circumcircle of triangle ADZ.
Solution.
... ... ... ...

... ... ... ... ... . Z
....... ..
... ... ................ .... . ... .....
.... ......
........ ..................................... . ................ . ....
A ......................................
................ ...
......... .....
... .
....
...
.. .. . . .
............ ... ............ . .. .
.....
. ...
.
.. .
. .
. ... ...
. .
...... ....... .... .......
. . . ... ........ ..
..... ....... ... ....... . . ..... ..
.
. ...
....... .. ....... ..
. ..... ...... ...
. ... ...
......... ....... .... ..
.... ..... ... ..
. .
.
...... . ..
... ...... ... ...
.
.. ......
M ... ........... .... ..
..
. .
... .
......... ....
... .... .. ... ..
. ....... ... ..
... .... .. .
... . ......... .. . ..
.......... ... . .. .
... . . ..
B ............................................................................................................................................................... C ..
... .
.. .
... .
.
.. ..
...
.. .
... .. ..
... ... .
. ..
... .. .
.. ..
.. ...
...
... .. ... ... ..
... .. ... ... ..
... .. ..
...
... .. .
. ...
. ..
... .. ... . .
... .. ... ... ..
... .. ... ... ..
..... .. ... ... ..
..... ..... .
. ..
...... .
....
..... . ... . ..
...... ...... ..... ...
... ..... ....
......
....... ....... .. ...... ....
......... ... . .... ....... .....
........................ ......................... . .. ...
............ ... .
.. ... ... ... ... ... ...
D
Let ABC be the reference triangle. We have A = (1 : 0 : 0), M = (1 : 1 : 0) and D = (−a2 :

b(b + c) : c(b + c)). Substituting these points into the general equation of a circle, we find that
the circumcircle of AM D has the equation
c2 b
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − (x + y + z)(y − z) = 0.
2 c
The perpendicular bisector of CA is [b2 : a2 − c2 : −b2 ] and the line AZ is [0 : c : b]. From
this, we obtain the intersection Z = (bc + a2 − c2 : −b2 : bc). It can be verified directly that
Z satisfies the equation of the circumcircle of AM D.
18. [IMO 2016 Shortlist]. Let ABC be a triangle with AB = AC 6= BC and let I be its incentre.
The line BI meets AC at D, and the line through D perpendicular to AC meets AI at E.
Prove that the reflection of I in AC lies on the circumcircle of triangle BDE.
Solution.
10 Solutions 39
...............................................
........... ........
........ .......
............ ......
. .....
..... .....
.. .. ..... .....
.. .... .....
...
.... ...
.... ... 0
. I
... ......
.. .. ..
....
.
A .
... .....
.
... ..
.............. . .... ...
.. .. .... ...
.. ....... .... ................. ..
... ....... ... .... .......... ....
.... .........
. . . ..
... ......... .
. ...
.
. ........... D
. .
... ....
....... .
. ....
.
. .. .
. .
.... ..............................
.
...
......
...... ..................... . . .........
... ..
...
....... ............ ... ...
.......
... ....... ............ .... .......
...... ............ I ... .. .......
...
... ...... .......
................ ..
.
. .... .... .......
.......
... . ..
. ...... .................. .
.
. ... ..
. . .......
... ............................... . .. ... ...
............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
.
. ..
B . . .
... ..............
.... ..............
..............
.. ..... ....
.
. .. .....
. C
..... ............... .
. . .
..... ..
..... ..............
.............. ... .... .......
......
....... .............. ..................
....
........
.......... .............
............................................. .. E
Let ABC be the reference triangle with b = c 6= a. We have D = (a : 0 : b) and I =

(a : b : b). Line AC = [0 : 1 : 0], and a displacement vector perpendicular to AC is
(a2 : −2b2 : 2b2 −a2 ). We can parametrize the line DE as (a : 0 : b)+t(a2 : −2b2 : 2b2 −a2 ).
Line AI = [0 : −1, 1], or y = z. Solving this with the parametric equation of DE, we have
t(−2b2 ) = b + (2b2 − a2 )t. From this, we have t = b/(a2 − 4b2 ). From this we have
E = (a(−a2 − ab + 4b2 ) : 2b3 : 2b3 ). Also I 0 = (a(a + b) : −b2 : 3b2 − a2 ). The equation of
the circumcircle of BDE is
b2
a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(2b3 x − a2 (a + b)z) = 0.
(a2 − b2 )(a + 2b)
We can verify directly that the coordinates of I 0 satisfies this equation. Thus I 0 lies on the
circumcircle of triangle BDE.
19. [Nordic 2017]. Let M and N be the midpoints of the sides AC and AB, respectively, of an
acute triangle ABC, AB 6= AC. Let ωB be the circle centered at M passing through B, and
let ωC be the circle centered at N passing through C. Let the point D be such that ABCD
is an isosceles trapezoid with AD parallel to BC. Assume that ωB and ωC intersect in two
distinct points P and Q. Show that D lies on the line P Q.
Solution.
..................................................... P
.......... ...
........ ..................................................
........ .......... .... ............ ........
.....
...
.. ....... ..... ......
..... ...... .... ..... ......
.
... .
......... ... ..... .....
.....
. ...
.... .
.
....
.
.....
.....
.... ..
.... .
.
.
...
. ...
... ... A .
. ... ...
ω C.. ..
.
.
... ..
.
...
.. ... ... .
..
•
.
..
.
. D .
...
... ω B ......
.
. ... ... ...... ...... .
... ...
.... ... ... ... ... .. . ...
... .. .. ...
... .... .
.. . . ... ...
... ... ...
.
..... ..
. .
.... .. ... ...
...
... ... ..
. . . .
...
.... .... ..
. .. ..... ...
. ...
...
..
... ... N •
....... .. ...•
. .... . . .
... ... .
.. ..... .. .... .... ... .. ..
... ... ...
.
..... ..... ..
........ .. M ... .
. . .
.
.
. ....
... . . .
... ... ... . ... .......
...... . .. . . .. .
.
... ... . .... .. ...... ........ .... ...
... ... .... .......
... ... .... ...... ... ..... .... ..
.... ..... .. ...
......... .. ..
...
... ......................................................................................................
. . ..
.
... B ...
.... ... ...
C ...
.
..
... ... ... ....
... .....
... ... .....
.....
.....
.....
..... . ......... .
........
..... ...... . ... ..
...... ....... ... ........ ......
........
............ ............... ......
...... ........
....... ..... ..............
........
............ . .. .... .
...........................
................................... Q
√ of A about the perpendicular

The reflection √ bisector of BC is D = (a2 : c2 − b2 : b2 − c2 ).
Let L = 2c2 + 2a2 − b2 and K = 2a2 + 2b2 − c2 . Then the lengths of the medians from
B and C are L/2 and K/2 respectively. The circle ωB centred at the midpoint of CA with
radius L/2 passes through the points B = (0 : 1 : 0), (b + L : 0 : b − L) and (b − L :
0 : b + L). Substituting these points into the general equation of a circle, we find that the
equation of ωB equal to a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(SB x + SB z) = 0. The circle
10 Solutions 40
ωC centred at the midpoint of AB with radius K/2 passes through the points C = (0 : 0 : 1),
(c + K : c − K : 0) and (c − K : c + K : 0). From this we get the equation of ωC
equal to a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(SC x + SC y) = 0. Subtracting the equations
of ωB and ωC , we get the equation of the radical axis P Q of ωB and ωC , which is equal to
(SB −SC )x−SC y+SB z = 0. That is (c2 −b2 )x−SC y+SB z = 0. Substituting the coordinates
of D into the left hand side of this equation, we get (c2 −b2 )a2 −SC (c2 −b2 )+SB (b2 −c2 ) = 0.
Thus D lies on the radical axis P Q of ωB and ωC .
20. [China 2017]. In the non-isosceles triangle ABC, D is the midpoint of side BC, E is the
midpoint of side CA, F is the midpoint of side AB. The line (different from line BC) that is
tangent to the inscribed circle of triangle ABC and passing through point D intersect line EF
at X. Define Y, Z similarly. Prove that X, Y, Z are collinear.
Solution.
A .
.........
........ ..
........ ...
.
..
........... ....
..... ... ...
..... .. ...
..... ..... 2 A ...
..... .
...
...................................................... ....
.
..... .. ... ...... ..
.
. .
. . ..........
........ . ... ... .....
... . ...
F ........ ... . .....
..............................................................................................................
X• E
. ...
.. ... ..
. .
. ...
........ .... ... .... ..
.
. ...
..... ... ...
..... .....
.
.....
•I
.....
..
...... . . . .
.
.....
......
. . ..... ...
. .
. ..
. ... ....
.
.......
. A ..........
. ... .. ....
.
.... 3................. .... .. ...
..... . .. ... ... ...
..... ... ...................... ... ... ...
..... ... ... ..... ...... . .....
..
....... . . ... .. ...... ...... .... .......... ...
..
.. . ... .. . . . ...
B ............................................................................................................................................................................................ C
A4 D A1
Let A1 be the point of tangency of the incircle with the side BC, and let A1 A2 be a diameter
of the incircle. Let the other tangent from D to the incircle meet the incircle at A3 . (That is
A3 6= A1 ). Thus ∠A1 A3 A2 = 90◦ . The extension of A2 A3 meets the side BC at a point
A4 such that D is the midpoint of A1 A4 . This means that A4 is the point of tangency of the
A-excircle with the side BC. That is A4 = (0 : s − b : s − c). Also it is well-known that
A, A2 , A4 are collinear. Thus A, A1 , A2 , A4 are collinear. We use this information to find A3 .
First AA4 = (−a : s − b : s − c). A displacement vector perpendicular to AA4 is given by

(2a(b − c)s : −ab2 − b2 (s − c) + (a2 − c2 )(s − b) : c2 a + c2 (s − b) + (b2 − a2 )(s − c)) =
(2a(b−c)s : s(a2 −2ab−(b−c)2 ) : −s(a2 −2ac−(b−c)2 ) = (2a(b−c) : a2 −2ab−(b−c)2 :
−a2 + 2ac + (b − c)2 ).
Also A1 = (0 : s − c : s − b). Then we can parametrize the line A1 A3 as
(2a(b − c)t : s − c + t(a2 − 2ab − (b − c)2 ) : s − b + (−a2 + 2ac + (b − c)2 )).
Substituting this into the line AA4 = [0 : −(s − c) : s − b], we get t = (−b + c)/(a2 − ab −
2(b−c)
ac − 2b2 + 4bc − 2c2 ) = a(s−a)+4(b−c) 2 . From this we get
A3 = (−4(b − c)2 : (a − b)2 − c2 : (c − a)2 − b2 ) = (−4(b − c)2 : −4(s − b)(s − a) :

2 (c−a)2
−4(s − c)(s − a)) = ( (b−c)
(s−a) : s − b : s − c). Similarly, B3 = (s − a : s−b : s − c) and
(a−b)2
C3 = (s − a : s − b : s−c ).
10 Solutions 41
From this we get DA3 = [s − a : b − c : c − b]. Since EF = [−1 : 1 : 1], we obtain

X = (b − c : s − c : b − s). Similarly, by cyclically permuting a, b, c and the positions of the
coordinates, we obtain Y = (c − s : c − a : s − a), Z = (s − b : a − s : a − b).

b−c s−c b−s

Now c − s c − a s − a = 0 as the sum of the three rows is the zero row. Consequently,
s−b a−s a−b
X, Y, Z are collinear.
11 References 42
11 References
[1] Paul Yiu, “Introduction to the Geometry of the Triangle”.

Notes On Barycentric Homogeneous Coordinates: Wong Yan Loi

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Notes on Barycentric Homogeneous Coordinates

Wong Yan Loi

1 Barycentric Homogeneous Coordinates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1 Barycentric Homogeneous Coordinates

Fig. 1: Barycentric coordinates

Theorem 1. Let [P BC] = x, [P CA] = y, [P AB] = z and [ABC] = 1 so that x + y + z = 1. Let

Proof. (a) CE : EA = [P BC] : [P AB] = x : z.

1.1 Ratio Formula

1.2 Common points

symmedian point (a2 : b2 : c2 )

orthocentre (tan A : tan B : tan C) = (SB SC : SC SA : SA SB )

circumcentre (sin 2A : sin 2B : sin 2C) = (a2 SA : b2 SB : c2 SC )

Gergonne point ((s − b)(s − c) : (s − c)(s − a) : (s − a)(s − b))

Isogonal conjugate of (x : y : z) (a2 /x : b2 /y : c2 /z) = (a2 yz : b2 zx : c2 xy)

Isotomic conjugate of (x : y : z) (1/x : 1/y : 1/z)

Here a = BC, b = CA, c = AB, s = 12 (a + b + c), and SA = 12 (b2 + c2 − a2 ) etc.

2.1 Equation of a line

That is (x : y : z) satisfies the homogeneous linear equation

(y1 z2 − y2 z1 )x − (x1 z2 − x2 z1 )y + (x1 y2 − x2 y1 )z = 0.

2.2 Intersection of two lines

We may facilitate the computation by means of the following determinant:

2.5 Common lines

internal bisector from A [0 : −c : b]

external bisector from A [0 : c : b]

perpendicular from A [0 : −SB : SC ]

perpendicular bisector of BC [c2 − b2 : −a2 : a2 ]

Euler line [SA (SB − SC ) : SB (SC − SA ) : SC (SA − SB )]

If P, Q, R are points with normalized barycentric

Similarly, δ = (y2 − y1 )(z3 − z1 ) − (z2 − z1 )(y3 − y1 ), and

Consequently, [XY Z] = δ[ABC].

4.1 Displacement vectors

4.2 Inner product of two displacement vectors

4.3 The length of a displacement vector

4.4 Perpendicular displacement vectors

(b) Let (l : m : n) be a displacement vector. A displacement vector perpendicular to (l : m : n)

(a2 (n − m) + (c2 − b2 )l : b2 (l − n) + (a2 − c2 )m : c2 (m − l) + (b2 − a2 )n).

Example 4.1. A displacement vector perpendicular to AI = (−(b + c) : b : c) is (b − c : −b : c).

4.5 Conway’s Notation

Proof. Let’s prove (v). By (i) (ii) and (iii), b2 c2 − SA

onto CA is ((b2 − c2 + a2 )y0 + 2b2 x0 : 0 : (b2 + c2 − a2 )y0 + 2b2 z0 ),

5.1 Parallel Axis Theorem

R2 − OP 2 = xAP 2 + yBP 2 + zCP 2 = a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy.

5.2 Power of a point with respect to the circumcircle

5.4 Power of a point with respect to a circle

where p, q, r are constants depending only on ω.

5.5 Equation of a circle

a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy − (x + y + z) (s − a)2 x + (s − b)2 y + (s − c)2 z = 0

circle through a2 yz + b2 zx + c2 xy + (x + y + z)(bcx + cay + abz) = 0

5.6 Radical axis

5.7 The arc BC

6.1 The Feuerbach point

` : (a − b)(a − c)x + (b − c)(b − a)y + (c − a)(c − b) = 0,

which can be written as

(x : y : z) = (a + t)(b − c)2 : (b + t)(c − a)2 : (c + t)(a − b)2 .

N = (a2 (b2 + c2 ) − (b2 − c2 )2 : b2 (c2 + a2 ) − (c2 − a2 )2 : c2 (a2 + b2 ) − (a2 − b2 )2 ).

Also I = (a : b : c). Thus the line IN has parametric equation:

If we take k = −2abc, then x = a2 (b2 + c2 ) − (b2 − c2 )2 − 2a2 bc = a2 (b − c)2 − (b2 − c2 )2 =

((b − c)2 (s − a) : (c − a)2 (s − b) : (a − b)2 (s − c))

Taking k = 2abc, we get x = a2 (b2 + c2 ) − (b2 − c2 )2 − 2a2 bc = −4s(b − c)2 (s − a), y =

Similarly, we can show that N = (u − u2 : v + v 2 : w − w2 ) = (u(1 − u) : v(1 + v) :