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Geometry tangent circles
Stefan4024   68
N Apr 29, 2025 by zuat.e
Source: EGMO 2016 Day 2 Problem 4
Two circles $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$, of equal radius intersect at different points $X_1$ and $X_2$. Consider a circle $\omega$ externally tangent to $\omega_1$ at $T_1$ and internally tangent to $\omega_2$ at point $T_2$. Prove that lines $X_1T_1$ and $X_2T_2$ intersect at a point lying on $\omega$.
68 replies
Stefan4024
Apr 13, 2016
zuat.e
Apr 29, 2025
Geometry tangent circles
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Source: EGMO 2016 Day 2 Problem 4
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Stefan4024
129 posts
#1 • 8 Y
Y by fffggghhh, junioragd, HWenslawski, mathematicsy, Adventure10, Mango247, OronSH, Rounak_iitr
Two circles $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$, of equal radius intersect at different points $X_1$ and $X_2$. Consider a circle $\omega$ externally tangent to $\omega_1$ at $T_1$ and internally tangent to $\omega_2$ at point $T_2$. Prove that lines $X_1T_1$ and $X_2T_2$ intersect at a point lying on $\omega$.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by djmathman, Sep 12, 2020, 1:59 AM
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Lawasu
212 posts
#2 • 4 Y
Y by CherryMagic, gandhi, HWenslawski, Adventure10
Let $O,O_1 $ and $O_2$ be the centers of $\omega , \omega_1$ and $\omega_2$. Obviously $O_1X_1O_2Y_2$ is a rhombus. In this figure there are two homotheties: $H_1$, which sends $\omega_1$ to $\omega$, and $H_2$, which sends $\omega_2$ to $\omega$.
Let $Y_1$ and $Y_2$ denote $H_1(X_1)$ and $H_2(X_2)$. Obviously these two points are situated on the same side of $T_1T_2$. Due to the homothety properties we have $OY_1\parallel O_1X_1\parallel O_2X_2\parallel OY_2$. Now we may conclude that $Y_1\equiv Y_2$.
This post has been edited 3 times. Last edited by Lawasu, Apr 13, 2016, 3:25 PM
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mihaith
133 posts
#3 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Apply an inversion $\Psi$ with centre $X_1$, with an arbitrary radius and denote by $\Psi(X)$ the image of $X$ about the inversion $\Psi$.The fact that the circles $\omega_1 $ and $\omega_2$ have the same radius implies that, after inversion, the images $\Psi(\omega_1),\Psi(\omega_2)$( which are lines, because these two circles pass through the pole) form an angle for which the image of the radical axis $\Psi(X_1X_2)=X_1\Psi(X_2)$ is an angle bisector.

Now $\Psi(\omega)$ is a circle which is tangent to $\Psi(\omega_1),\Psi(\omega_2)$ and so from $\Psi(X_2)$ are drawn two equal tangents, which are $\Psi(X_2)\Psi(T_2),\Psi(X_2)\Psi(T_1)$, so the latter are equal.

Proving the required is equivalent to proving that the intersection of $\Psi(X_1T_1)=X_1\Psi(T_1) $ and $\Psi(\omega)$ lies on the circle $\odot(X_1\Psi(X_2)\Psi(T_2))$.Denote the intersection mentioned above with $L$.We have $$m(\widehat{\Psi(\omega_1),\Psi(\omega_2)})=$$$=$ $$m( \widehat{\Psi(X_2) \Psi(T_2) \Psi(T_1)} )+m(\widehat{ \Psi(X_2) \Psi(T_1) \Psi(T_2)})$$, so$$
\frac{1}{2} \big( m(\widehat{\Psi(\omega_1),\Psi(\omega_2)}) \big )=$$$=$ $$ \frac{1}{2} \big ( m(\widehat{\Psi(X_2)\Psi(T_2)\Psi(T_1))}+m(\widehat{\Psi(X_2)\Psi(T_1)\Psi(T_2) } \big ) $$.
From here we have $$m(\widehat{X_1 \Psi(X_2) \Psi(T_2)} )=m(\widehat{X_1 L \Psi(T_2)})$$The problem is solved.
This post has been edited 5 times. Last edited by mihaith, May 9, 2016, 5:48 PM
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anantmudgal09
1980 posts
#4 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Hmm, so basically by homothety centred about $T_2$ we only need to prove that lines $X_1T_1$ and $XX_2$ are parallel where $X$ is the second intersection of ray $T_2T_1$ with circle $\omega_1$.

For this, we see that proving $T_2T_1$ bisects $X_1X_2$ is sufficient. (Since, then, rays $X_1T_2$ and $X_2X$ will be symmetric with respect to the midpoint of segment $X_1X_2$.)

Now, we let $O$ denote the centre of $\omega_2$ and apply inversion about $T_2$ of radius $\sqrt{T_2X_1.T_2X_2}$ followed by reflection in the bisector of angle $X_1T_2X_2$. Let $T$ be the intersection of the tangents to $\omega_2$ at points $X_1,X_2$.

Now, it is clear that circle $\omega_1$ is mapped onto the circumcircle of triangle $X_1OX_2$ and circle $\omega$ is mapped to a line tangent to this new circle parallel to $X_1X_2$. Thus, point $T_2$ being the tangency point, is mapped onto point $T$ and we see that $T_2T$ is a symmedian. Thus, line $T_2T_1$ is a median in triangle $X_1T_2X_2$.

Our proof is complete now, by the proposition made in the second paragraph.
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v_Enhance
6878 posts
#5 • 19 Y
Y by anantmudgal09, CherryMagic, mhq, Stens, serquastic, sualehasif996, reveryu, tapir1729, Vrangr, TheCosineLaw, Aryan-23, HamstPan38825, ike.chen, Adventure10, Mango247, Mogmog8, Ritwin, panche, Math-Problem-Solving
Consider the composition of homotheties \[ \omega_1 \xrightarrow{T_1} \omega \xrightarrow{T_2} \omega_2. \]This is a negative homothety, and since $\omega_1$ and $\omega_2$ have equal radius, it follows that the composition is just reflection about the midpoint of $\overline{X_1X_2}$. In particular, it sends $X_1$ to $X_2$, and thus $\overline{X_1T_1} \cap \overline{X_2T_2}$ is just the image of $X_1$ under the first homothety.
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Math_CYCR
431 posts
#6 • 2 Y
Y by fffggghhh, Adventure10
Call $O_1, O_2$ and $O$ the centers of $w_1, w_2$ and $w$ respectively.

And $A \equiv X_1T_2 \cap w$
$B \equiv X_2T_2 \cap w$.

Notice that $AB \parallel X_1X_2$. Hence $\triangle T_2AB \sim \triangle T_2X_1X_2$ and $AO \parallel X_1O_2$ which implies $\triangle X_2X_1O_2 \sim \triangle BAO$. Hence:

$\frac{OB}{O_2X_2} = \frac{AB}{X_1X_2} = \frac{T_2B}{T_2X_2}$.

Hence $OB \parallel O_2X_2$.

Since $O_1X_1=O_1X_2=O_2X_1=O_2X_2$ we get $O_1X_1O_2X_2$ is a parallelogram. Hence $X_1O_1 \parallel X_2O_2$

Since $O_1, T_1, O$ are collinear and $O_1X_1 \parallel OB$ by Reim's theorem, we get $X_1, T_1$ and $B$ are collinear.

Done!
This post has been edited 4 times. Last edited by Math_CYCR, Apr 13, 2016, 2:15 PM
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gavrilos
233 posts
#7 • 3 Y
Y by mihaith, aidan0626, Adventure10
Hello.

My solution,without transformations.

[asy]import graph; size(12cm); 
real labelscalefactor = 0.5; /* changes label-to-point distance */
pen dps = linewidth(0.7) + fontsize(10); defaultpen(dps); /* default pen style */ 
pen dotstyle = black; /* point style */ 
real xmin = -5.3891428373224155, xmax = 10.896539640418274, ymin = -4.263644286871532, ymax = 4.950623430797529;  /* image dimensions */

 /* draw figures */
draw(circle((0.,0.), 2.)); 
draw(circle((3.024023033799519,0.), 2.)); 
draw((0.,0.)--(3.024023033799519,0.)); 
draw((1.5120115168997594,1.3091299296717986)--(1.5120115168997594,-1.3091299296717986)); 
draw((1.5120115168997594,0.)--(3.9000895026873623,1.7979175570894195), linetype("2 2")); 
draw((3.9000895026873623,1.7979175570894195)--(3.024023033799519,0.)); 
draw(circle((3.306000063645372,0.578690625266576), 1.3562656719328152)); 
draw((3.9000895026873623,1.7979175570894195)--(1.5120115168997594,-1.3091299296717986)); 
draw((1.1652346831652585,4.942650325192146)--(2.6490780130185403,-3.534394107098305)); 
label("y",(1.666965830194931,2.792464380645806),SE*labelscalefactor); 
label("y'",(2.416964365354042,-1.3860988866692336),SE*labelscalefactor); 
draw((0.,0.)--(3.306000063645372,0.578690625266576)); 
draw((1.970046704760118,0.3448419653461572)--(1.5120115168997594,1.3091299296717986)); 
draw((1.970046704760118,0.3448419653461572)--(1.5120115168997594,-1.3091299296717986)); 
 /* dots and labels */
dot((0.,0.),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$O_1$", (-0.32282620185985217,0.2516530166373936), NE * labelscalefactor); 
label("$\omega_1$", (-1.0116003668018925,1.3996099582074593), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((3.024023033799519,0.),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$O_2$", (3.136350715404617,-0.17691757488209764), NE * labelscalefactor); 
label("$\omega_2$", (2.432270457908309,2.042465845486696), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((1.5120115168997594,1.3091299296717986),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$X_1$", (1.3579866269894526,1.5985891614129375), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((1.5120115168997594,-1.3091299296717986),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$X_2$", (1.42206834932665,-1.6616085526460493), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((3.9000895026873623,1.7979175570894195),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$T_2$", (3.9628797133350653,1.8894049199440208), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((1.5120115168997594,0.),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$M$", (1.207783053566904,-0.2381419450991678), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((1.970046704760118,0.3448419653461572),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$T_1$", (2.04961814405162,0.6802236081568848), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((3.306000063645372,0.578690625266576),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$O$", (3.549615214369841,0.5577748677227444), NE * labelscalefactor); 
dot((2.2806554056762685,-0.3090733665902651),linewidth(3.pt) + dotstyle); 
label("$S$", (2.2945156249199012,-0.6973247217271941), NE * labelscalefactor); 
clip((xmin,ymin)--(xmin,ymax)--(xmax,ymax)--(xmax,ymin)--cycle); 
 /* end of picture */[/asy]

Let $O_1,O_2,O$ be the centers of $(\omega_1),(\omega_2),(\omega )$ respectively,and $M$ the midpoint of $O_1O_2$.Since$(\omega _1),(\omega _2)$ are equal,$M$ lies on $X_1X_2$ and $X_1X_2$ is the perpendicular bisector of $O_1O_2$.

Lemma:$T_1,T_2,M$ are collinear.

Proof:Let $r$ be the radius of $(\omega)$ and $R$ that of $(\omega_1),(\omega_2)$.Obviously,$T_1,O_1,O$ are collinear,and $T_2,O_2,)$ are collinear,since $(\omega)$ is tangent to $(\omega_1),(\omega_2)$.

We have $\frac{T_2O}{T_2O_2}\cdot \frac{O_2M}{O_1M}\cdot \frac{O_1T_1}{OT_1}=\frac{r}{R}\cdot \frac{R}{r}=1$,and the converse of Menelaus's theorem gives the desired result.

The theorem of medians gives

$OM^2=\frac{2O_2^2+2O_1O^2-O_1O_2^2}{4}=\frac{2(R+r)^2+2(R-r)^2-4O_1M^2}{4}=R^2+r^2-O_1M^2$.

Hence, PoP gives $MT_1\cdot MT_2=OM^2-r^2=R^2-O_1M^2$.Also,$MX_1^2=O_1X^2-O_1M^2=R^2-O_1M^2$.

Thus $MX_2^2=MT_1\cdot MT_2$,which gives that $MX_2$ is tangent to the circumcircle of $\triangle{T_1T_2X_2}$.

It follows that $\angle{T_1T_2X_2}=\angle{T_1X_2X_1} \ (1)$.

Let $\overline{yT_1y'}$ be the common tangent of $(\omega),(\omega _1)$ and $S\equiv T_2X_2\cap (\omega)$.

We have $\angle{X_1X_2T_1}=\angle{X_1T_1y}$ and $\angle{T_1T_2S}=\angle{ST_1y'}$.

Now $(1)$ gives $\angle{X_1T_1y}=\angle{ST_1y'}\Rightarrow X_1,T_1,S$ collinear.
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by gavrilos, Apr 13, 2016, 2:19 PM
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Tsarik
27 posts
#8 • 2 Y
Y by microsoft_office_word, Adventure10
Let $P$ be the radical center of $\omega,\omega_1,\omega_2$. Denote by $T$ the reflection of $T_1$ across line $X_1X_2$ (obviously $T \in \omega_2$).
Let $X = X_1T_1 \cap \omega$, by simple angle chasing we get that $\angle T_1T_2X = \angle X_1T_2T$ so we need to show that $T_1T_2$ and $TT_2$ are isogonal lines in $\triangle X_2T_2X_1$. Using the fact that $PT$ is tangent to $\omega_2$, we get that $PT = PT_1 = PT_2$, so $P$ is the circumcenter of $\triangle TT_1T_2$, in particular $\angle X_1PT  = \angle TT_2T_1$. Using some more angle chasing and since $\angle TT_2X_2 = \angle TX_1X_2$, we are done.
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by Tsarik, Apr 13, 2016, 3:28 PM
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ABCDE
1963 posts
#9 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Consider the problem from the perspective of triangle $T_2X_1X_2$. By an inversion about $X_1$, it is easy to show that $T_2T_1$ passes through the midpoint of $X_1X_2$. Let $T_3$ be the second intersection of $T_1T_2$ and $\omega_1$. Since the circles are congruent, $X_1T_2X_2T_3$ is a parallelogram. Now, the homothety centered at $T_1$ sending $\omega_1$ to $\omega$ sends $T_3X_2$ to a line parallel to it. $T_3$ goes to $T_2$, and $X_2$ goes to $X_2T_2\cap \omega$, so $X_2T_2\cap\omega$ lies on $X_1T_1$ as desired.
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EulerMacaroni
851 posts
#12 • 1 Y
Y by Adventure10
Invert about $X_1$ with the radius of the circles. The problem becomes the following:

Let $\omega \equiv \odot(X_1,R)$ be a circle and let $\ell_1, \ell_2$ be lines intersecting inside $\omega$ such that the internal angle bisector of the lines passes through $X_1$. Define $\gamma$ is a circle tangent to $\ell_1$ and $\ell_2$ such that the tangency point $T_1$ on $\ell_1$ is on the opposite side of $\ell_2$ as $X_1$ and the tangency point $T_2$ on $\ell_2$ is on the same side of $\ell_1$ as $X_1$. If $X_2\equiv\ell_1\cap\ell_2$, then $\odot(X_1X_2T_2)$ and line $X_1T_1$ intersect on $\gamma$.

To prove this, let $K'\equiv X_1T_1\cap \gamma$. Then
$$\angle X_2T_2K'=\angle T_2T_1K'=\angle T_2T_1X_1=\angle X_2X_1T_1=\angle X_2X_1K'$$as $X_1X_2 \parallel T_1T_2$ since they are clearly both perpendicular to the external angle bisector of $\ell_1,\ell_2$. Hence, $K\equiv K'$ and we're done.
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kapilpavase
595 posts
#13 • 3 Y
Y by biomathematics, Adventure10, Mango247
By de monge's theorem,$T_1,T_2$ and midpoint of $X_1X_2,$(the negative centre of homothety mapping $\omega_1$ to $\omega_2$)say $M$ are collinear. Now consider the composition of homotheties \[ \omega_1 \xrightarrow{T_1} \omega \xrightarrow{T_2} \omega_2 \xrightarrow{M} \omega_1\]Since this composition has dilation factor $1$ and $\omega_1$ ie fixed, we have that the entire plane is fixed under this transformation. So if $X_1$ was mapped to a point say $X$ on $\omega$ by $\omega_1 \xrightarrow{T_1} \omega $ then $\omega \xrightarrow{T_2} \omega_2$ take it to $X_2$, so that after $\omega_2 \xrightarrow{M} \omega_1$ takes it to $X_1$. So $X$ is the required point lying on $\omega$. Done :D
This post has been edited 1 time. Last edited by kapilpavase, Apr 14, 2016, 6:51 AM
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buratinogigle
2401 posts
#15 • 6 Y
Y by mihaith, uraharakisuke_hsgs, baopbc, doxuanlong15052000, Adventure10, Mango247
Nice problem, I have seen general problem and extension as following

Problem. Let two circles $(K),(L)$ intersect at $A,B$. $I$ is insimilicenter of $(K),(L)$. $BI$ cuts $(K),(L)$ again at $M,Q$. $AI$ cuts $(K),(L)$ again at $N,R$. A circle $(\omega)$ is tangent to $(K)$ externally at $S$ and is tangent to $(L)$ internally at $T$.

a) Prove that $NS$ and $AT$ intersect at $E$ on $(\omega)$. $MS$ and $BT$ intersect at $F$ on $(\omega)$. $QT$ and $BS$ intersect at $G$ on $(\omega)$. $RT$ and $AS$ intersect at $H$ on $(\omega)$.

b) Prove that $FH,EG$ and $AB$ are concurrent.
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r3mark
255 posts
#16 • 4 Y
Y by WinterSecret, Nuterrow, Adventure10, Mango247
Wait, is my solution valid?
My Solution
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MathPanda1
1135 posts
#17 • 2 Y
Y by Adventure10, Mango247
Let tangents to $\omega$ at $T_1$ and $T_2$ meet at $X$.
Let $\angle X_1T_2X_2 = \theta, \angle X_1T_1X = \angle X_1X_2T_1 = \beta$, and $\angle X_1T_2X = \angle X_1X_2T_2 = \gamma$, where we used some tangency formulas. Hence, $\angle T_1X_2T_2 = \gamma - \beta$
Because of same radii, $\angle X_1T_1X_2 = 180 - \theta$.
Thus, in quadrilateral $XT_1X_2T_2$, $180 - \theta + \beta = \angle T_1XT_2 + \gamma + \theta + \gamma - \beta$ i.e. $\angle XT_1T_2 = \angle T_1T_2X = \frac{180 - \angle T_1XT_2}{2} = \theta + \gamma - \beta$, so $\angle T_1T_2X_2 = \gamma + \theta - (\gamma + \theta - \beta) = \beta$ and $\angle X_1T_1T_2 = \beta + \theta + \gamma - \beta = \theta + \gamma$ i.e. if $P$ is the intersection of lines $X_1T_1$ and $X_2T_2$, then $\angle T_1PT_2 = \theta + \gamma - \beta = \angle T_1T_2X$, showing that $XT_2$ is tangent to the circumcircle of $T_1T_2P$ i.e. $P$ lies on $\omega$.

Does this work? Thanks!
This post has been edited 2 times. Last edited by MathPanda1, Apr 16, 2016, 10:34 PM
Reason: Latex
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codyj
723 posts
#18 • 8 Y
Y by serquastic, I_m_vanu1996, DrMath, Ankoganit, 62861, AlastorMoody, Aryan-23, Adventure10
Problem authors: me + Charles Leytem :)
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