A fascinating problem in Geometry

Hoang Quoc Viet

Department of Mathematics
University of Auckland
June 7, 2011

Abstract
Geometry is an old yet interesting subject in Mathematics. For over
50 years, Euclidean geometry is a compulsory topic in IMO contest (Inter-
national Mathematical Olympiad). Hence, in this article, we will explore
some properties of tangently inscribed circles and wonderful facts behind
it. Nevertheless, I presume that you have a bit knowledge about power-
point to a circle.

1 Interesting facts
Lemma 1. Let ABC be the triangle inscribed a circle (O) where A is the com-
mon intersection of another circle internally tangent to (O) and touch BC at a
point D. Then we have AD bisects the arc BC (i.e AD is the internal bisector
of the ∠CAB

1
Proof. In order to prove this great lemma, we shall start to construct the ex-
ternal tangent to both circles (denoted Ax). Let {E} = AD ∩ (O).
Hence, we have the following properties

∠DAx = ∠BDA (1)

∠DAx = ∠ECA (2)

Thus, from (1) and (2), it implies that ∠BDA = ∠ECA. Now, we continue to
compare angles

∠BDA = ∠CAD + ∠DCA (outter angle of a triangle) (3)

∠ECA = ∠CEB + ∠DCA (4)
= ∠DAB + ∠DCA (5)

Thus, from (3) and (5), it follows that ∠DAB = ∠CAD. Accordingly, AD is
the angle bisector of ∠CAB. We are done with the first one.
Lemma 2. Let ABC be the triangle inscribed circle (O). I is the incenter of
4ABC. CI meets (O) at H. (I) touches BC at D and F is the intersection of
HD and (O). Thus, we have CF ⊥ IF .

Proof. Let E be the intersecting point of FI and (O) (E 6= F ). Thus, if we can

show that (this statement is extremely important in the method I temporarily
call ”Backward Analysis”) ∠ICF + ∠F IC = 900 , we will finish the proof.
We consider the following

HA2 = HI 2 = HD × HF (power point H to (AFD))

2
Hence, it implies that H is a powerpoint to the cirle (DIF). Accordingly, we
obtain
∠IF D = ∠DIH = ∠IHO (OH k ID)
We have

∠F IC = ∠EIH = ∠IF D + ∠IHF (6)

=⇒ ∠F IC = ∠IHO + ∠IHF = ∠OHF (7)
∠ICF = ∠ICA + ∠ACF (8)
∠ACF = ∠AHF (9)

Hence, from (6) and (7), we have

∠F IC + ∠ICF = ∠ICA + ∠AHF + ∠OHF

| {z }
∠BCA
= + ∠AHO
2
∠BCA ∠AHB
= +
2 2
1800 0
= = 90
2
Finally, we complete our proof for the second lemma here.

2 Application
Problem Tap chi toan tuoi tho (Children Fun Maths Journal 2011 May 2011)
ABC is a triangle inscribed in a circle with center ) and I is the center of the
incircle of the triangle. Let G be the point of tangency of BC and (I). Construct
a circle of center (Ia ) touching (I) at G and internally tangent to (O) at F. AF
meets BC at D. Prove that ∠AID = 900 .
Proof. Using the lemma 1, we easily see that FG bisects the smaller arc BC and
by lemma 2, we also have IF ⊥ AF .
Hence, IFDG is a concyclic quadrilateral. Let J = AI ∩ (O). It greatly implies
that
∠DGF = ∠DIF
Nonetheless, we still break down angles to consider further

∠DGF = ∠BJF
| {z } + ∠CBJ
| {z } (outter angle of 4BJG) (10)
∠CAB
= ∠F AB + ∠IAB (Since ∠IAB = ∠CBJ = 2 ) (11)
= ∠IAD (12)

3
Moreover, as mentioned above, by lemma 2,

| {z } +∠F IA
∠IAD = 900
=⇒ ∠DIF + ∠F IA = 900
=⇒ ∠AID = 900

Thus, our proof is complete.

This article is dedicated to my family, without their immense encour-

agement, this article could not be published.