Volume 16, Number 5 March - April 2012

Olympiad Corner Casey’s Theorem

Below are the problems of the 2011 Kin Y. Li
IMO Team Selection Contest from
Estonia. We recall Ptolemy’s theorem, which Q1Q2 SQ1 SQ2 SQ1 ⋅ SQ2 OO1 ⋅ OO2
= = = =
asserts that for four noncollinear points P2 P1 SP2 SP1 SP1 ⋅ SP2 OP1 ⋅ OP2
Problem 1. Two circles lie completely A, B, C, D on a plane, we have
outside each other. Let A be the point
of intersection of internal common AB·CD +AD·BC = AC·BD (r − r1 )(r − r2 ) (**)
t12 = Q1Q2 = P1P2 .
tangents of the circles and let K be the if and only if ABCD is a cyclic r
projection of this point onto one of quadrilateral (cf vol. 2, no. 4 of Math The expressions for the other tik’s are
their external common tangents. The Excalibur). In this article, we study a similar. Since P1P2P3P4 is cyclic, by
tangents, different from the common generalization of this theorem known as Ptolemy’s theorem,
tangent, to the circles through point K
t 12 P1P2 ·P3P4 + P1P4 ·P2P3= P1P3 ·P2P4.
meet the circles at M1 and M2. Prove P2
P1
that the line AK bisects angle M1KM2. Multiplying all terms by
O2
O1 t 13
Problem 2. Let n be a positive integer. t 23 (r − r1 )(r − r2 )(r − r3 )(r − r4 )
Prove that for each factor m of the t 14 O
t 24 r2
number 1+2+⋯+n such that m ≥ n, the O3
set {1,2,⋯,n} can be partitioned into O4 P3 and using (**), we get (*).
disjoint subsets, the sum of the P4
t 34 Casey’s theorem can be extended to
elements of each being equal to m.
cover cases some Ck’s are externally
Problem 3. Does there exist an Casey’s Theorem. If circles C1, C2, C3, tangent to C. For this, define tik more
operation * on the set of all integers C4 with centers O1, O2, O3, O4 are generally to be the length of the external
such that the following conditions hold internally tangent to a circle C with (resp. internal) common tangent of
simultaneously: center O at points P1, P2, P3, P4 in cyclic circles Ci and Ck when the circles are on
order respectively, then the same (resp. opposite) side of C.
(1) for all integers x, y and z,
(x*y)*z = x*(y*z); t12 · t34 + t14 · t23 = t13 · t24, (*)
In case Ck is externally tangent to C,
(2) for all integers x and y, where tik denote the length of an external consider the following figure. The proof
x*x*y = y*x*x = y ? common tangent of circle Ci and Ck. is the same as before except the factor
r−rk should be replaced by r+rk.
(continued on page 4) To prove this, consider the following
Editors: 張 百 康 (CHEUNG Pak-Hong), Munsang College, HK figure. P1
C C1 C
高 子 眉 (KO Tsz-Mei)
C1 O1
梁 達 榮 (LEUNG Tat-Wing) P1 B Q2
C2
李 健 賢 (LI Kin-Yin), Dept. of Math., HKUST
O1 P2 A O
吳 鏡 波 (NG Keng-Po Roger), ITC, HKPU
Q1 P2
O2
O O2
Artist: 楊 秀 英 (YEUNG Sau-Ying Camille), MFA, CU A B
Q1 Q2 C2
Acknowledgment: Thanks to Elina Chiu, Math. Dept.,
HKUST for general assistance.
On-line:
http://www.math.ust.hk/mathematical_excalibur/ S
S
The editors welcome contributions from all teachers and
students. With your submission, please include your name, Let line AB be an external common The converse of Casey’s theorem and its
address, school, email, telephone and fax numbers (if tangent to C1, C2 intersecting C1 at Q1, extension are also true. However, the
available). Electronic submissions, especially in MS Word,
are encouraged. The deadline for receiving material for the
C2 at Q2. Let line P1Q1 intersect C at S. proofs are harder, longer and used
next issue is May 11, 2012. Let r1, r be the respective radii of C1, C. inversion in some cases. For the curious
For individual subscription for the next five issues for the Then the isosceles triangles P1O1Q1 and readers, a proof of the converse can be
09-10 academic year, send us five stamped self-addressed P1OS are similar. So O1Q1 || OS. Since found in Roger A. Johnson’s book
envelopes. Send all correspondence to:
O1Q1⊥AB, so OS⊥AB, hence S is the Advanced Euclidean Geometry,
Dr. Kin-Yin LI, Math Dept., Hong Kong Univ. of Science midpoint of arc AB. Similarly, line P2Q2
and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong published by Dover.
passes through S. Now ∠SQ1Q2 =
Fax: (852) 2358 1643
Email: [email protected] ∠P1Q1A = ½∠P1O1Q1 = ½∠P1OS = Next we will present some geometry
© Department of Mathematics, The Hong Kong University ∠SP2P1. Then ΔSQ1Q2 and ΔSP2P1 problems that can be solved by Casey’s
of Science and Technology are similar. So theorem and its converse.
Mathematical Excalibur, Vol. 16, No. 5, Mar.-Apr. 12 Page 2

Example 1. (2009 China Hong Kong First we recall that the two tangent C
Math Olympiad) Let Δ ABC be a segments from a point to a circle have the
right-angled triangle with ∠C=90°. same length. Let AB’ = x = C’A, BC’ = y
CD is the altitude from C to AB, with D = A’B, CA’ = z = B’C and s = (a+b+c)/2,
on AB. w is the circumcircle of ΔBCD. where a=BC, b=CA, c=AB. From y+x = hC
θ B
v is a circle situated in ΔACD, it is BA = c, z+y = CB = a and x+z = AC = b,
A
tangent to the segments AD and AC at we get x = (c+b−a)/2 = s−a, y=s−b, hB
hA L
M and N respectively, and is also z=s−c. By the midpoint theorem, tDE = θ
T
tangent to circle w. DE = ½BA = c/2 and
Proof. By Ptolemy’s theorem and sine
(i) Show that BD · CN + BC · DM = tFS = FC’ = |FB−BC’| = |(c/2)−y| law,
CD · BM. = |c−2(s−b)|/2 = |b−a|/2.
AT·BC +BT·CA = CT·BC (or
(ii) Show that BM = BC. Similarly, tEF = a/2, tDS = |c−b|/2, tFD = b/2
AT sin ∠A + BT sin ∠B = CT sin ∠C).
C
and tES =|a−c|/2. Without loss of generality,
w we may assume a≤b≤c. Then Let θ be the angle between lines AT and
L as shown. Then AT = hA / sin θ =
N tDE · tFS + tEF · tDS = c(b−a)/4+a(c−b)/4
O hA(2k/AT), where k is the circumradius
= b(c−a)/4 of ∆ABC. Solving for AT (then using
v O' P
= tFD · tES. similar argument for BT and CT), we
A M D B
By the converse of Casey’s theorem, we get
Solution. (i) Think of B, C, D as circles get S is tangent to the circle N through
with radius 0 externally tangent to w. AT = 2khA , BT = 2khB , CT = 2khC .
D,E,F.
Then tBD = BD, tCv = CN, tBC = BC, tDv Substituting these into (*), the result
= DM, tCD = CD and tBv = BM. By (2) Let I’ be the center of T, let P,Q,R be follows. This finishes the proof of the
Casey’s theorem, (*) yields the points of tangency of T to lines BC, AB, lemma.
CA respectively. As in (1), tDE = c/2.
BD · CN + BC · DM = CD · BM. C
Γ
To find tFT, we need to know BQ. First
(ii) Let circles v and w meet at P. Then note AQ=AR, BP=BQ and CR=CP. So
∠BPC=90°. Let O and O’ be centers 2AQ=AQ+AR=AB+BP+CP+AC=2s. So
A"

of circles w and v. Then O, P, O’ are AQ=s/2. Next BQ=AQ−AB=s−c. Hence, D

collinear. So tFT=FQ=FB+BQ = (c/2)+(s−c) = (b+a)/2. A r E

B"
B Lc
Lb
∠PNC+∠PCN = ½(∠PO’N+∠POC) Similarly, tET = (a+c)/2. Now tDT = DP = I
F
= ½(360°−∠O’NC−∠OCN) = 90°. DB−BP = DB−BQ = (a/2) − (s−c) = (c B' A' L C'

−b)/2. Then
So ∠NPC = 90°. Hence, B, P, N are La
tFD · tET + tEF · tDT = b(a+c)/4+a(c −b)/4
collinear. By the power-of-a-point
= c(b+a)/4
theorem, BM 2 =BP·BN. Also ∠C=90°
= tDE · tFT.
and CP⊥BN imply BC2 = BP·BN. C"
Therefore, BM=BC. By the converse of Casey’s theorem, we
get T is tangent to the circle N through For the problem, let La∩L=A’, Lb∩L =
Example 2. (Feuerbach’s Theorem) D,E,F. B’, Lc∩L=C’, La∩Lb=C", Lb∩Lc=A",
Let D,E,F be the midpoints of sides AB, Lc∩La=B". Next
BC, CA of ∆ABC respectively. Example 3. (2011 IMO) Let ABC be an
acute triangle with circumcircle Γ. Let L ∠A"C"B"=∠A"B’A’−∠C"A’B’
(i) Prove that the inscribed circle S of be a tangent line to Γ, and let La, Lb and Lc
∆ABC is tangent to the (nine-point) =2∠CB'A'−(180°−2∠CA'B')
be the line obtained by reflecting L in the =180°−2∠C.
circle N through D, E, F. lines BC, CA and AB, respectively. Show
(ii) Prove that the described circle T on that the circumcircle of the triangle Similarly, ∠A”B”C” = 180° −2∠B
side BC is also tangent to N. determined by the lines La, Lb and Lc is and ∠B”A”C” = 180° −2∠A. (***)
tangent to the circle Γ.
R Solution. (Due to CHOW Chi Hong, 2011 Consider ∆A’C’B”. Now A’B bisects
Hong Kong IMO team member) ∠B’A’B” and C’B bisects ∠A’C’B”.
C
So B is the excenter of ∆A’C’B”
I' Below for brevity, we will write ∠A, ∠B, opposite C’. Hence B”B bisects ∠
E B' A' D T ∠C to denote ∠CAB, ∠ABC, ∠BCA A”B”C”. Similarly, A”A bisects ∠
S I P respectively. B”A”C” and C”C bisects ∠B”C”A”.
A F C' B Q Therefore, they intersect at the incenter
Lemma. In the figure below, L is a tangent
line to Γ, T is the point of tangency. Let hA, I of ∆A”B”C”.
Solution. (1) We consider D, E, F as hB, hC be the length of the altitudes from A,
circles of radius 0. Let A’, B’, C’ be the B, C to L respectively. Then
points of tangency of S to sides BC, CA, (continued on page 4)
AB respectively. hA sin ∠A + hB sin ∠B = hC sin ∠C.
Mathematical Excalibur, Vol. 16, No. 5, Mar.-Apr. 12 Page 3

Problem Corner n = 2, 3, 4,…, in the prime factorization of A

P
An = 7 7 + 1 , the sum of the exponents is at
n

We welcome readers to submit their least 2n+3. 30

20
solutions to the problems posed below 10
for publication consideration. The Solution. Mathematics Group (Carmel Ο
solutions should be preceded by the Alison Lam Foundation Secondary School) Μ
solver’s name, home (or email) address and William PENG. 20

and school affiliation. Please send The case n = 0 is given. Suppose the
60
B D C
submissions to Dr. Kin Y. Li, result is true for n. Let x =An−1. Then
Department of Mathematics, The Hong Then we have ∠BPC =∠BAC = 30°
An+1 = x7+1 = (x+1)P = AnP, where P = x6
Kong University of Science & and ∠PBC=180°−∠BPC−∠BCM =
− x5 + x4 −x3 + x2 − x + 1. Comparing P
Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, 90°. So line CM passes through center O
with (x+1)6, we find
Hong Kong. The deadline for sending of Γ.
solutions is May 11, 2012. P = (x+1)6 −7x(x4+2x3+3x2+2x+1)
= (x+1)6 −7x(x2+x+1)2. Let lines AO and BC meet at D. Then
Problem 391. Let S(x) denote the sum 2m n ∠AOB = 2∠ACB=160°. Now OA =
Now 7x=7 ,where m=(7 +1)/2. Then P =
of the digits of the positive integer x in OB implies ∠OAB=10°. Then ∠MAO
[(x+1)3+7m(x2+x+1)][(x+1)3−7m(x2+x+1)].
base 10. Determine whether there exist = 10° =∠MAC and ∠ADC = 180° −
Next, x > 7m ≥ 7, x2+x+1 > (x+1)2 and
distinct positive integers a, b, c such 100°= 80° =∠ACD. These imply AM
(x+1)3−7m(x2+x+1) > (x+1)2(x+1−7m) > 1. is the perpendicular bisector of CD.
that S(a+b)<5, S(b+c)<5, S(c+a)<5,
but S(a+b+c)>50 or not. So P is the product of at least 2 more Then MD = MC. This along with OB
primes. Therefore, the result is true for = OC and ∠BOC = 60 imply ΔOCB
Problem 392. Integers a0, a1, ⋯, an are n+1. and ΔMCD are equilateral, hence
all greater than or equal to −1 and are BOMD is cyclic. Then ∠ DBM =
not all zeros. If Problem 387. Determine (with proof) all ∠DOM = 2 ∠ OAC = 40°. So
functions f : [0,+∞) →[0,+∞) such that ∠MBA = ∠ABC−∠DBM = 30°.
a0+2a1+22a2+⋯+2nan = 0, for every x ≥ 0, we have 4f(x) ≥ 3x and
then prove that a0+a1+a2+⋯+an >0. f (4f(x) − 3x) = x. Solution 2. CHAN Yin Hong (St.
Paul’s Co-educational College),
Solution. Mathematics Group (Carmel
Problem 393. Let p be a prime Mathematics Group (Carmel Alison
Alison Lam Foundation Secondary School)
number and p ≡ 1 (mod 4). Prove that Lam Foundation Secondary School), O
and William PENG.
there exist integers x and y such that Kin Chit Alex (G.T.(Ellen Yeung)
x2 − py2 = −1. We can check f(x) = x is a solution. Assume College) and Mihai STOENESCU
there is another solution such that f(c) ≠ c for (Bischwiller, France).
Problem 394. Let O and H be the some c ≥ 0. Let x0 = f(c), x1 = c and Let x =∠MBA. Applying the sine law to
circumcenter and orthocenter of acute xn+2 = 4xn−3xn+1 for n = 0,1,2,…. ΔABC, ΔABM, ΔAMC respectively,
ΔABC. The bisector of ∠BAC meets we get
the circumcircle Γ of ΔABC at D. Let From the given conditions, we can check
E be the mirror image of D with respect by math induction that xn = f(xn+1) ≥ 0 for AB sin(20o + x) AB sin80o AC sin30o
= , = , = .
to line BC. Let F be on Γ such that DF n = 0,1,2,…. Since z2+3z−4 =(z−1)(z+4), AM sinx AC sin70o AM sin20o
is a diameter. Let lines AE and FH we see xn=α+(−4)nβ for some real α and β.
Taking n = 0 and 1, we get f(c) = α+β and Multiplying the last 2 equations, we get
meet at G. Let M be the midpoint of
side BC. Prove that GM⊥AF. c = α−4β. Then β = (f(c)−c)/5 ≠ 0.
sin(20o + x) AB sin80o sin30o (†)
2k+1 = = ⋅ .
Problem 395. One frog is placed on If β > 0, then x2k+1= α+(−4) β→−∞ as sin x AM sin 70o sin 20o
every vertex of a 2n-sided regular k →∞, a contradiction. Similarly, if β < 0, Multiplying
polygon, where n is an integer at least 2. then x2k= α+(−4)2kβ→−∞ as k →∞, yet
sin 80o sin 50o
At a particular moment, each frog will another contradiction. o
= 2 cos 40o = ,
sin 40 sin 30o
jump to one of the two neighboring Other commended solvers: CHAN Yin sin 40o sin 70o
vertices (with more than one frog at a Hong (St. Paul’s Co-educational College) o
= 2 cos 20o = ,
and YEUNG Sai Wing (Hong Kong sin 20 sin 30o
vertex allowed).
Baptist University, Math, Year 1). we see (†) can be simplified to
Find all n such that there exists a Problem 388. In Δ ABC, ∠BAC=30° sin(20°+x)/sin x = sin50°/sin30°. Since
jumping of these frogs so that after the and ∠ABC=70°. There is a point M lying the left side is equal to sin20° cot x +
moment, all lines connecting two frogs inside ΔABC such that ∠MAB=∠MCA cos20°, which is strictly decreasing
at different vertices do not pass through =20°. Determine ∠MBA (with proof). (hence injective) for x between 0° to
the center of the polygon. 70°, we must have x=30°.
Solution 1. CHOW Chi Hong (Bishop Comments: One can get a similar
***************** Hall Jubilee Schol) and AN-anduud equation as (†) directly by using the
Solutions Problem Solving Group (Ulaanbaatar, trigonometric form of Ceva’s theorem.
**************** Mongolia).
Other commended solvers: CHEUNG
Problem 386. Observe that 7+1=23 Extend CM to meet the circumcircle Γ of Δ Ka Wai (Munsang College (Hong
and 77+1= 23×113×911. Prove that for ABC at P. Kong Island)), NG Ho Man (La Salle
Mathematical Excalibur, Vol. 16, No. 5, Mar.-Apr. 12 Page 4

College, Form 5), Bobby POON (St. Solution. CHEUNG Ka Wai (Munsang
Paul’s College), St. Paul’s College College (Hong Kong Island)), Ioan Then the binomial coefficient ⎛⎜ n ⎞⎟ is
Mathematics Team, Aliaksei ⎜k⎟
Viorel CODREANU (Satulung ⎝ ⎠
SEMCHANKAU (Secondary School Secondary School, Maramure, Romania)
No.41, Minsk, Belarus) and divisible by at least two different
and Aliaksei SEMCHANKAU
ZOLBAYAR Shagdar (9th grader, primes.
Orchlon International School, (Secondary School No.41, Minsk,
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia), Belarus). Problem 6. On a square board with m
Lemma. The system a −b =c and
2 2 2 rows and n columns, where m ≤ n,
Problem 389. There are 80 cities. An some squares are colored black in such
a2+b2=w2 has no solution in positive
airline designed flights so that for each a way that no two rows are alike. Find
integers.
of these cities, there are flights going in the biggest integer k such that for every
both directions between that city and at Proof. Assume there is a solution. Then possible coloring to start with one can
least 7 other cities. Also, passengers consider a solution with minimal a2+b2. always color k columns entirely red in
from any city may fly to any other city Due to minimality, gcd(a,b)=1. Also 2a2 = such a way that no two rows are still
by a sequence of these flights. w2+c2. Considering (mod 2), we see w+c alike.
Determine the least k such that no and w−c are even. Then a2=r2+s2, where
matter how the flights are designed r=(w+c)/2 and s=(w−c)/2.
subject to the conditions above,
passengers from one city can fly to
Let d=gcd(a,r,s). Then d divides a and Casey’s Theorem
r+s=w. Since a2+b2=w2, d divides b. As
another city by a sequence of at most k (continued from page 2)
gcd(a,b)=1, we get d=1. By the theorem
flights.
on Pythagorean triples, there are relatively We have∠IAB =∠AA”C’+∠AC’A”=
(Source: 2004 Turkish MO.) prime positive integers m,n with m>n such ½(∠B’A”C’+∠B’C’A”)=½ ∠ A’B’C"
Solution. William PENG. that {r,s}={m2−n2,2mn} and a=m2+n2. and similarly∠IBA=½∠B’A’C”. So
Now b2 = (w2−c2)/2 = 2rs = 4mn(m2−n2)
Below we denote the number of implies b is an even integer, say b=2k. ∠AIB= 180°−∠IA”B”−∠IB”A”
elements in a set S by |S|. Then k2=mn(m+n)(m−n). As gcd(m,n)=1, = 180°−½∠C"A"B"−½∠C"B"A"
we see m, n, m+n, m−n are pairwise = 90°+½∠A”C”B”
To show k≥27, take cities A1, A2, ⋯, A28.
relatively prime integers. Hence, there = 90° + ½(180°−2∠C) by (***)
For i=1,2,⋯,27, design flights between
exist positive integers d,e,f,g such that = 180° −∠ACB.
Ai and Ai+1. For the remaining 52 cities,
partition them into pairwise disjoint m=d 2, n=e2, m+n=f 2 and m−n=g2. Then Hence, I lies on Γ.
subsets Y0,Y1,⋯, Y9 so |Y0|=6=|Y9| and d2−e2=g2 and d2+e2=f 2, but
the other |Yk|=5. Let Z0={A1,A2}∪Y0, Let D be the foot of the perpendicular
d2+e2=m+n < 4mn(m2−n2)=b2 < a2+b2, from I to A”B”, then ID=r is the
Z9={A27,A28}∪Y9 and for 1≤m≤8, let
Zm={A3m,A3m+1,A3m+2}∪Ym.Then design inradius of ∆A”B”C”. Let E, F be the
contradicting a2+b2 is minimal. The feet of the perpendiculars from B to
flights between each pair of cities in Zm lemma is proved.
for 1≤m≤8. In this design, from A1 to A”B”, B’A’ respectively. Then BE =
A28 requires 27 flights. Now for the problem, the equation may be BF = hB.
rearranged as z4−(x2+y2)z2−x2y2=0. If
Let T(X) be the length of tangent from
Assume k > 27. Then there would exist there is a solution (x,y,z) in positive
X to Γ, where X is outside of Γ. Since
two cities A1 and A29 the shortest integers, then considering discriminant,
∠A”B”I = ½ ∠A”B”C”=90° −∠B
connection between them would we see x4 + 6x2y2 + y4 = w2 for some integer
by (***), we get
involve a sequence of 28 flights from w. This can be written as (x2−y2)2+2(2xy)2
cities Ai to Ai+1 for i=1,2,…,28. Due to = w2. Also, we have (x2−y2)2 + (2xy)2 = T ( B" ) = B" B ⋅ B" I
the shortest condition, each of A1 and (x2+y2)2. Letting c = |x2−y2|, b = 2xy and
A29 has flights to 6 other cities not in a = x2+y2. Then we have c2+b2=a2 and BE ID
= ⋅
B={A2,A3,…,A28}. Each Ai in B has c2+2b2 =w2 (or a2+b2=w2). This contradicts sin(90 − ∠B) sin(90 o − ∠B )
o

flights to 5 other cities not in C = the lemma above. So there is no solution. hB r

{A1,A2,…,A29}. = .
Other commended solvers: Mathematics cos B
Next for each Ai in {A1,A4,A7,A10,A13, Group (Carmel Alison Lam Foundation
Let R be the circumradius of
A16,A19,A22,A25,A29}, let Xi be the set of Secondary School).
∆A”B”C”. Then
cities not in C that have a flight to Ai.
We have |X1|≥6, |X29|≥6 and the other hB r
|Xi|≥5. Now every pair of Xi’s is Olympiad Corner T ( B") ⋅ C" A" = 2R sin(180o − 2∠B)
cos B
disjoint, otherwise we can shorten the (continued from page 1) = 4 R r hB sin B.
sequence of flights between A1 and A29.
However, the union of C and all the Xi’s Problem 4. Let a, b, c be positive real Similarly, we can get expressions for
would yield at least 29+6×2+ 5×8 =81 numbers such that 2a2+b2=9c2. Prove that T(A”)·B”C” and T(C”)·A”B”. Using
cities, contradiction. So k = 27. the lemma, we get
2c c
+ ≥ 3.
Problem 390. Determine (with proof) a b T(A”)·B”C” + T(B”)·C”A”
all ordered triples (x, y, z) of positive = T(C”)·A”B”.
Problem 5. Prove that if n and k are
integers satisfying the equation By the converse of Casey’s theorem,
positive integers such that 1 < k < n−1,
x2y2 = z2(z2 − x2 − y2). we have the result.