Volume 9, Number 1 January 2004 – April 2004

Olympiad Corner Geometry via Complex Numbers

The Sixth Hong Kong (China)
Mathematical Olympiad took place on Kin Y. Li
December 20, 2003. Here are the
Complex numbers are wonderful. In this Z + W1W 2 Z = W1 + W 2
problems. Time allowed: 3 hours
article we will look at some applications
and Z − W1W2 Z = C − W1W2 C
Problem 1. Find the greatest real K such of complex numbers to solving geometry
respectively.
that for every positive u, v and w with u2 > problems. If a problem involves points
4vw, the inequality and chords on a circle, often we can By moving W2 toward W1 along the unit
(u2 - 4vw)2 > K(2v2 - uw)(2w2 - uv) without loss of generality assume it is the circle, in the limit, we will get the
holds. Justify your claim. unit circle. In the following discussion,
equation of the tangent line at W1 to the
we will use the same letter for a point to
Problem 2. Let ABCDEF be a regular denote the same complex number in the unit circle. It is Z + W12 Z = 2W1 .
hexagon of side length 1, and O be the complex plane. To begin, we will study Similarly, the equation of the line
center of the hexagon. In addition to the the equation of lines through points.
through C perpendicular to this tangent
sides of the hexagon, line segments are Suppose Z is an arbitrary point on the
drawn from O to each vertex, making a line through W1 and W2. Since the vector line is Z − W12 Z = C − W12C .
total of twelve unit line segments. Find from W1 to Z is a multiple of the vector
For a given triangle A1A2A3 with the unit
the number of paths of length 2003 along from W1 to W2, so in terms of complex
circle as its circumcircle, in terms of
these line segments that start at O and numbers, we get Z − W1 = t(W2 −W1) for
some real t. Now t = t and so complex numbers, its circumcenter is the
terminate at O.
origin O, its centroid is G = (A1 + A2 +
Z − W1 Z − W1 A3)/3, its orthocenter is H = A1 + A2 + A3
Problem 3. Let ABCD be a cyclic =
W2 − W1 W2 − W1 (because OH = 3OG) and the center of its
quadrilateral. K, L, M, N are the
midpoints of sides AB, BC, CD and DA Reversing the steps, we can see that nine point circle is N = (A1 + A2 + A3)/2
respectively. Prove that the orthocentres every Z satisfying the equation (because N is the midpoint of OH).
of triangles AKN, BKL, CLM, DMN are corresponds to a point on the line Let us proceed to some examples.
the vertices of a parallelogram. through W1 and W2. So this is the
equation of a line through two points in Example 1. (2000 St. Petersburg City
(continued on page 4) the complex variable Z. Math Olympiad, Problem Corner 188)
Next consider the line passing through a The line S is tangent to the circumcircle
Editors: ஻ Ի ஶ (CHEUNG Pak-Hong), Munsang College, HK point C and perpendicular to the line of acute triangle ABC at B. Let K be the
ଽ υ ࣻ (KO Tsz-Mei) projection of the orthocenter of triangle
through W1 and W2. Let Z be on this line.
గ ႀ ᄸ (LEUNG Tat-Wing)
‫ ؃‬୊ ፱ (LI Kin-Yin), Dept. of Math., HKUST
Then the vector from C to Z is ABC onto line S (i.e. K is the foot of
֔ ᜢ ‫( ݰ‬NG Keng-Po Roger), ITC, HKPU perpendicular to the vector from W1 to perpendicular from the orthocenter of
Artist: ྆ ‫( ़ ؾ‬YEUNG Sau-Ying Camille), MFA, CU W2. In terms of complex numbers, we get triangle ABC to S). Let L be the midpoint
Z − C = it(W2 − W1) for some real t. So of side AC. Show that triangle BKL is
Acknowledgment: Thanks to Elina Chiu, Math. Dept., HKUST
for general assistance and to Lee Man Fui and Poon Ming Fung Z −C Z −C . isosceles.
for typesetting. =
i(W2 − W1 ) i (W2 − W1 )
On-line: http://www.math.ust.hk/mathematical_excalibur/ Solution. (Due to POON Ming Fung,
The editors welcome contributions from all teachers and Again reversing steps, we can conclude this STFA Leung Kau Kui College, Form 6)
students. With your submission, please include your name,
address, school, email, telephone and fax numbers (if available). is the equation of the line through C Without loss of generality, let the
Electronic submissions, especially in MS Word, are encouraged. perpendicular to the line through W1 and W2.
The deadline for receiving material for the next issue is May 25, circumcircle of triangle ABC be the unit
2004.
In case the points W1 and W2 are on the circle on the plane. Let A = a + bi, B =
For individual subscription for the next five issues for the 03-04
academic year, send us five stamped self-addressed envelopes. unit circle, we have W1W1 = 1 = W2W2 . −i, C = c + di. Then the orthocenter is H
Send all correspondence to: = A + B + C and K = (a + c) − i, L = (a +
Multiplying the numerators and
Dr. Kin-Yin LI
c)/2 + (b + d)i/2. Since
Department of Mathematics denominators of the right sides of the
1
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong two displayed equations above by W1W2, LB = (a + c) 2 + (b + d + 2) 2 = KL,
2
Fax: (852) 2358 1643 we can simplify them to
Email: makyli@ust.hk triangle BKL is isosceles.
Mathematical Excalibur, Vol. 9, No. 1, Jan 04- Apr 04 Page 2

Example 2. Consider triangle ABC and Example 4. Let A1, A2, A3 be the Now the right side is
its circumcircle S. Reflect the circle with midpoints of W2W3, W3W1, W1W2 Z1 - Z 2 - Z1Z 3W + Z 2 Z 3W .
respect to AB, AC and BC to get three new respectively. From Ai drop a
Z1 - Z 3 - Z1 Z 2W + Z 2 Z 3W
circles SAB, SAC and SBC (with the same perpendicular to the tangent line to the
radius as S). Show that these three new circumcircle of triangle W1W2W3 at Wi. Multiplying the numerator and
Prove that these perpendicular lines are denominator by Z1Z 2 Z 3W and using
circles intersect at a common point.
concurrent. Identify this point of
Identify this point. Z i Z i = 1 = WW , we get
concurrency.
Solution. Without loss of generality, we Solution. Without loss of generality, let Z 2 Z 3W − Z1Z 3W − Z 2 + Z1
.
may assume S is the unit circle. Let the the circumcircle of triangle W1W2W3 be Z 2 Z 3W − Z1Z 2W − Z 3 + Z1
center of SAB be O´, then O´ is the mirror the unit circle. The line perpendicular to This equals the left side (P − R)/(Q − R)
image of O with respect to the segment the tangent at W1 through A1 = (W2 + W3)/2 and we complete the checking.
AB. So O´ = A + B (because segments has equation
OO´ and AB bisect each other). Similarly, Example 6. (2003 IMO, Problem 4) Let
W + W3 W + W3 . ABCD be a cyclic quadrilateral. Let P, Q
the centers of SAC and SBC are A + C and B Z − W12 Z = 2 − W12 2
2 2 and R be the feet of the perpendiculars
+ C respectively. We need to show there
Using W1W1 = 1 , we may see that the right from D to the lines BC, CA and AB
is a point Z such that Z is on all three new
respectively. Show that PQ = QR if and
circles, i.e. side is the same as only if the bisectors of ∠ABC and
|Z − (A + B)| = |Z − (A + C)| ∠ADC meet on AC.
W1 + W2 + W3 W + W2 + W3 .
= |Z − (B + C)| = 1. − W12 1
2 2 Solution. (Due to SIU Tsz Hang, 2003
We easily see that the orthocenter of From this we see that N = (W1 + W2 + Hong Kong IMO team member) Without
triangle ABC, namely Z = H = A + B + C, W3)/2 satisfies the equation of the line and loss of generality, assume A, B, C, D lies
satisfies these equations. Therefore, the so N is on the line. Since the expression on the unit circle and the perpendicular
three new circles intersect at the for N is symmetric with respect to W1, W2, bisector of AC is the real axis. Let A =
orthocenter of triangle ABC. W3, we can conclude that N will also lie on cosθ + isin θ, then C = A = cos θ − i sin θ
the other two lines. Therefore, the lines so that AC = 1 and A + C = 2cosθ. Since
Example 3. A point A is taken inside a
concur at N, the center of the nine point
circle. For every chord of the circle the bisectors of ∠ABC and ∠ADC pass
circle of triangle W1W2W3.
passing through A, consider the through the midpoints of the major and
intersection point of the two tangents at Example 5. (Simson Line Theorem) Let minor arc AC, we may assume the
the endpoints of the chord. Find the locus W be on the circumcircle of triangle bisectors of ∠ ABC and ∠ ADC pass
Z1Z2Z3 and P, Q, R be the feet of the through 1 and −1 respectively. Let AC
of these intersection points.
perpendiculars from W to Z3Z1, Z1Z2, Z2Z3 intersect the bisector of ∠ABC at Z, then
Solution. Without loss of generality we respectively. Prove that P, Q, R are
Z satisfies Z + ACZ = A + C , (which is
may assume the circle is the unit circle collinear. (This line is called the Simson
Z + Z = 2 cos θ ), and Z + BZ = B + 1 .
and A is on the real axis. Let WX be a line of triangle Z1Z2Z3 from W.)
Solving for Z, we get
chord passing through A with W and X on Solution. Without loss of generality, we
the circle. The intersection point Z of the 2 B cos θ − B − 1 .
may assume the circumcircle of triangle Z =
tangents at W and X satisfies Z1Z2Z3 is the unit circle. B −1
Z + W 2 Z = 2W and Z + X 2 Z = 2 X . Then Z1 = Z 2 = Z 3 = W = 1 . Now P is Similarly, the intersection point Z ′ of AC
Solving these equations together for Z, we on the line Z3Z1 and the line through W with the bisector of ∠ADC is
find Z = 2 /(W + X ) . perpendicular to Z3Z1. So P satisfies the 2 D cos θ + D − 1
Z'= .
Since A is on the chord WX, the real equations P + Z1Z 3 P = Z1 + Z 3 and P – D +1
number A satisfies the equation for line Z1Z 3 P = W − Z1Z 3W . Solving these Next, R is on the line AB and the line
WX, i.e. A + WXA = W + X. Using together for P, we get through D perpendicular to AB. So
WW = 1 = XX , we see that Z + Z 3 + W - Z1 Z 3W . R + ABR = A + B and R − ABR = D − ABD .
P = 1 Solving for R, we find
1 1 WX + 1 1 . 2
Re Z = + = =
W +X W+X W+X A
Similarly, A + B + D − ABD .
R =
So the locus lies on the vertical line 2
Z + Z 2 + W - Z 1 Z 2W
through 1/A. Q = 1 Similarly,
2
Conversely, for any point Z on this line,
and B + C + D − BCD
draw the two tangents from Z to the unit P =
circle and let them touch the unit circle at 2
Z 2 + Z 3 + W - Z 2 Z 3W .
the point W and X. Then the above R = and
2
equations are satisfied by reversing the
To show P, Q, R are collinear, it suffices to C + A + D − CAD .
argument. In particular, A + WXA = W + Q =
X and so A is on the chord WX. Therefore, check that 2
the locus is the line perpendicular to OA P-R P -R .
at a distance 1/OA from O. = (continued on page 4)
Q-R Q -R
Mathematical Excalibur, Vol. 9, No. 1, Jan 04- Apr 04 Page 3

Problem Corner Prove that there was a moment when the Problem 192. Inside a triangle ABC,
difference between the distances he had there is a point P satisfies ∠PAB = ∠
We welcome readers to submit their covered moving to the east and moving to PBC = ∠PCA = φ. If the angles of the
solutions to the problems posed below the west was at least half of the length of triangle are denoted by α, β and γ,
for publication consideration. The the equator. prove that
solutions should be preceded by the 1 1 1 1
solver’s name, home (or email) address ***************** 2
= 2
+ 2
+ .
and school affiliation. Please send sin ϕ sin α sin β sin 2 γ
Solutions
submissions to Dr. Kin Y. Li, Solution. LEE Tsun Man Clement (St.
**************** Paul’s College), POON Ming Fung (STFA
Department of Mathematics, The Hong
Due to an editorial mistake in the last Leung Kau Kui College, Form 6), SIU Ho
Kong University of Science & Chung (Queen’s College, Form 5) and
issue, solutions to problems 186, 187, 188
Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Yufei ZHAO (Don Mills Collegiate
by POON Ming Fung (STFA Leung Kau Institute, Tornoto, Canada, Grade 10).
Hong Kong. The deadline for
Kui College, Form 6) were overlooked
submitting solutions is May 25, 2004. Let AP meet BC at X. Since ∠XBP = ∠
and his name was not listed among the
Problem 196. (Due to John solvers. We express our apology to him BAX and ∠ BXP = ∠ AXB, triangles
PANAGEAS, High School “Kaisari”, and point out that his clever solution to XPB and XBA are similar. Then XB/XP =
Athens, Greece) Let x1 , x2 ,..., xn be problem 188 is printed in example 1 of the XA/XB. Using the sine law and the last
article “Geometry via Complex Numbers” equation, we have
positive real numbers with sum equal
in this issue.
to 1. Prove that for every positive sin 2 ϕ sin 2 ∠XAB XB 2
= =
integer m, Problem 191. Solve the equation sin 2 β sin 2 ∠XBA XA 2

n ≤ n m ( x1m + x 2m + ... + x nm ). x 3 − 3x = x + 2. XP ⋅ XA XP
= =
XA2 XA
Solution. Helder Oliveira de CASTRO
Problem 197. In a rectangular box, the (ITA-Aeronautic Institue of Technology, Using [ ] to denote area, we have
length of the three edges starting at the Sao Paulo, Brazil) and Yufei ZHAO (Don XP [ XBP] [ XCP] [ BPC ]
Mills Collegeiate Institute, Toronoto, = = =
same vertex are prime numbers. It is Canada, Grade 10). XA [ XBA] [ XCA] [ ABC ]
also given that the surface area of the
If x < -2, then the right side of the equation Combining the last two equations, we
box is a power of a prime. Prove that
is not defined. If x > 2, then have sin 2 ϕ / sin 2 β = [ BPC] /[ ABC]. By
exactly one of the edge lengths is a
similar arguments, we have
prime number of the form 2k - 1. x 3 + 3 x( x + 2)( x − 2)
x3 − 3x =
Problem 198. In a triangle ABC, AC = 4 sin 2 ϕ sin 2 ϕ sin 2 ϕ
+ +
BC. Given is a point P on side AB such x3 sin 2 α sin 2 φ sin 2 γ
> > x + 2.
that ∠ACP = 30∘. In addition, point 4 [ APB] [ BPC ] [CPA]
= + +
Q outside the triangle satisfies ∠CPQ [ ABC ] [ ABC ] [ ABC ]
So the solution(s), if any, must be in [-2, 2].
= ∠CPA + ∠APQ = 78∘. Given that [ ABC ]
Write x = 2 cos a, where 0 ≤ a ≤ π . The = =1
all angles of triangles ABC and QPB,
equation becomes [ ABC ]
measured in degrees, are integers,
determine the angles of these two 8 cos 3 a − 6 cos a = 2 cos a + 2 . The result follows.
triangles. Using the triple angle formula on the left Other commended solvers: CHENG Tsz
+
side and the half angle formula on the right Chung (La Salle College, Form 5), LEE
Problem 199. Let R denote the side, we get Man Fui (CUHK, Year 1) and Achilleas
positive real numbers. Suppose P. PORFYRIADIS (American College
+ + is a strictly decreasing a of Thessaloniki “Anatolia”, Thessaloniki,
f :R →R 2 cos 3a = 2 cos (≥ 0).
2 Greece).
function such that for all x, y ∈ R + ,
f (x + y) + f (f (x) + f (y)) Then 3a ± (a/2) = 2nπ for some integer n. Comments: Professor Murray
KLAMKIN (University of Alberta,
= f (f (x + f (y)) + f (y + f (x))). Since 3a ± (a/2) ∈ [-π/2, 7π /2], we get
Edmonton, Canada) informed us that the
Prove that f (f (x)) = x for every x > 0. n = 0 or 1. We easily checked that a = 0, result csc2 φ = csc2 α + csc2 β + csc2 γ in the
(Source: 1997 Iranian Math 4π / 5 , 4π/7 yield the only solutions x = 2, problem is a known relation for the
Olympiad) 2cos(4π/5), 2cos(4π/7). Brocard angle φ of a triangle. Also
Other commended solvers: CHUNG Ho known is cot φ = cot α + cot β + cot γ. He
Problem 200. Aladdin walked all over
Yin (STFA Leung Kau Kui College, Form mentioned these relations and others are
the equator in such a way that each
7), LEE Man Fui (CUHK, Year 1), given in R.A. Johnson, Advanced
moment he either was moving to the LING Shu Dung, POON Ming Fung Euclidean Geometry, Dover, N.Y., 1960,
west or was moving to the east or (STFA Leung Kau Kui College, Form 6),
SINN Ming Chun (STFA Leung Kau Kui pp. 266-267. (For the convenience of
applied some magic trick to get to the interested readers, the Chinese translation
College, Form 4), SIU Ho Chung
opposite point of the Earth. We know (Queen’s College, Form 5), TONG Yiu of this book can be found in many
that he travelled a total distance less Wai (Queen Elizabeth School), YAU Chi bookstore.–Ed) LEE Man Fui and
than half of the length of the equator Keung (CNC Memorial College, Form 7)
and YIM Wing Yin (South Tuen Mun Achilleas PORFYRIADIS gave a proof
altogether during his westward moves. Government Secondary School, Form 4). of the cotangent relation and use it to
Mathematical Excalibur, Vol. 9, No. 1, Jan 04- Apr 04 Page 4

derive the cosecant relation, which is the (Kiangsu-Chekiang College Shatin, Teacher),
Helder Oliveira de CASTRO There are C3n pigeonholes. For each
equation in the problem, by trigonometric
(ITA-Aeronautic Institute of Technology, Sao segment joining a pair of endpoints, that
manipulations. Paulo, Brazil), LEE Tsun Man Clement (St. segment will be in n − 2 pigeonholes. So
Paul’s College), LING Shu Dung, POON
Problem 193. Is there any perfect square, Ming Fung (STFA Leung Kau Kui College, if x(n − 2) ≥ 2C3n + 1 , that is
which has the same number of positive Form 6), SIU Ho Chung (Queen’s College,
divisors of the form 3k + 1 as of the form Form 5), YEUNG Wai Kit (STFA Leung Kau 2C3n + 1 n(n − 1)(n − 2) + 3
Kui College), Yufei ZHAO (Don Mills x≥ = ,
3k + 2? Give a proof of your answer. Collegiate Institute, Toronto, Canada, Grade 10) n−2 3(n − 2)
Solution 1. K.C. CHOW (Kiangsu-Chekiang and the proposer. then by the pigeonhole principle, there is
College Shatin, Teacher), LEE Tsun Man
Clement (St. Paul’s College), SIU Ho Chung If S, N, T are collinear, then triangles SO1N at least one triangle having these line
(Queen’s College, Form 5) and Yufei ZHAO and SOT are isosceles and share the segments as edges.
(Don Mills Collegiate Institute, Toronto, common angle OST, which imply they are
Canada, Grade 10). If f (n) = (n(n − 1)(n − 2) + 3) / (3(n − 2))
similar. Thus ∠SO1N = ∠SOT and so is an integer, then 3(n − 2) f (n) = n(n −
2 a
No. For a perfect square m , let m = 3 b lines O1N and OT are parallel. Similarly, 1)(n − 2) + 3 implies 3 is divisible by n −
with b not divisible by 3. Then m2 = 32ab2. lines O2N and OS are parallel. Hence, 2. Since n > 3, we must have n = 5. Then
Observe that divisors of the form 3k + 1 OO1NO2 is a parallelogram and OO2 =
or 3k + 2 for m2 and for b2 consist of the f (5) = 7. For the five vertices A, B, C, D,
O1N = O1S, OO1 = O2N = O2T. Therefore, E of a regular pentagon, if we connected
same numbers because they cannot have SO1/OO1 = OO2/TO2. Conversely, if
any factor of 3. Since b2 has an odd the six segments BC, CD, DE, EA, AC,
SO1/OO1 = OO2/TO2, then using OO1 = OS BE, then there is no triangle. So a
number of divisors and they can only be − O1S and OO2 = OT − O2T, we get
of the form 3k + 1 or 3k + 2, so the minimum of f (5) = 7 segments is needed
number of divisors of the form 3k + 1 O1S OT − O2T to get a triangle.
= ,
cannot be the same as the number of OS − O1S O2T
Other commended solvers: K. C. CHOW
divisors of the form 3k + 2. Therefore, (Kiangsu-Chekiang College Shatin,
which reduces to O1S + O2T = OS. Then Teacher) and POON Ming Fung (STFA
the same is true for m2. OO1 = OS − O1S = O2T = O2N and OO2 = Leung Kau Kui College, Form 6).
Solution 2. Helder Oliveira de CASTRO OT − O2T = O1S = O1N. Hence OO1NO2 is
(ITA-Aeronautic Institute of Technology, Sao again a parallelogram. Then
Paulo, Brazil), LEE Man Fui (CUHK, Year
1), LING Shu Dung, POON Ming Fung ∠O1 NS + ∠O1 NO2 + ∠O2 NT
(STFA Leung Kau Kui College, Form 6), Olympiad Corner
Achilleas P. PORFYRIADIS (American = ∠O1 SN + ∠O1 NO2 + ∠O2TN
College of Thessaloniki “Anatolia”, 1 1 (continued from page 1)
Thessaloniki, Greece), Alan T.W. WONG = ∠OO1 N + ∠O1 NO2 + ∠OO2 N
2 2
(Markham, Ontario, Canada) and YIM Wing Problem 4. Find, with reasons, all
Yin (South Tuen Mun Government Secondary = 180°.
integers a, b, and c such that
School, Form 4). Therefore, S, N, T are collinear. 1 (a + b) (b + c) (c + a) + (a + b + c)3
No. For a perfect square, its prime Other commended solver: TONG Yiu 2
factorization is of the form Wai (Queen Elizabeth School). = 1 – abc.
2 2e1 32e2 5 2e3 ···. Let x, y, z be the number Problem 195. (Due to Fei Zhenpeng,
of divisors of the form 3k, 3k + 1, 3k + 2 Yongfeng High School, Yancheng City,
for this perfect square respectively. Then Jiangsu Province, China) Given n (n > 3) Geometry via Complex Numbers
x + y + z = (2e1 + 1) (2e2 + 1) (2e3 + 1) ··· is points on a plane, no three of them are (continued from page 2)
odd. Now divisor of the form 3k has at collinear, x pairs of these points are
least one factor 3, so x = (2e1 + 1) (2e2) connected by line segments. Prove that if
By Simson’s theorem, P, Q, R are
(2e3 + 1) ··· is even. Then y + z is odd. n ( n − 1)( n − 2 ) + 3 collinear. So PQ = QR if and only if Q =
x ≥ ,
Therefore y cannot equal z. 3( n − 2 ) (P + R)/2. In terms of A, B, C, D, this may
Other commended solvers: CHENG Tsz then there is at least one triangle having be simplified to
Chung (La Salle College, Form 5) and YEUNG these line segments as edges. Find all C + A − 2 B = ( 2CA − AB − BC)D .
Wai Kit (STFA Leung Kau Kui College). possible values of integers n > 3 such that
n ( n − 1 )( n − 2 ) + 3 is an integer and
In terms of B, D, θ, this is equivalent to
Problem 194. (Due to Achilleas Pavlos (2cosθ − 2B)D = 2 − 2Bcos θ. This is
PORFYRIADIS, American College of 3(n − 2 )
the minimum number of line segments easily checked to be the same as
Thessaloniki “Anatolia”, Thessaloniki,
Greece) A circle with center O is guaranteeing a triangle in the above 2 cos θ − B − 1 2 D cos θ + D − 1 ,
situation is this integer. =
internally tangent to two circles inside it, B −1 D +1
with centers O1 and O2, at points S and T Solution. SIU Ho Chung (Queen’s
College, Form 5), Yufei ZHAO (Don i.e. Z = Z ' .
respectively. Suppose the two circles
inside intersect at points M, N with N Mills Collegiate Institute, Toronto,
Canada, Grade 10) and the proposer. Comments: The official solution by
closer to ST. Show that S, N, T are pure geometry is shorter, but it takes a
collinear if and only if SO1/OO1 = For every three distinct points A, B, C, fair amount of time and cleverness to
OO2/TO2. form a pigeonhole containing the three discover. Using complex numbers as
segments AB, BC, CA. (Each segment
Solution. CHENG Tsz Chung (La Salle above reduces the problem to straight
College, Form 5), K. C. CHOW may be in more than one pigeonholes.)
computations.