Problems in Geometry - Modenov
Problems in Geometry - Modenov
Problems in Geometry - Modenov
MOflEi-iOB
3ARAHW nO TEOMETPHH
MOCKBA «H A Y K A *
PS. MODENOV
PROBLEMS
IN GEOMETRY
Translated from the Russian
by George Yankovsky
H a cmeAUucKOM nabuee
PREFACE 7
SUBJECT IN D E X ....................................................................................396
PREFACE
in space we have
A(x, y,z) = —A (y, x, z), A(x, y, z) = - A (z , y, x),
A(x, y, z) = —^(x, z, y)
— and is normed (that is, it becomes +1 for some base).
This product may be defined as the result of two operations (in the
plane and in space)
(a, b) = [a] . b, (a, b, c) = [a, b] . c.
Although a free vector in geometry constitutes the class of all equiva
lent directed line segments, I will permit myself, in this book (in accord
ance with a very solid tradition) to identify a vector and a directed line
segment as equal (as, for example, in arithmetic, where one regards as
equal the fractions pjq and npjnq9 where /?, q, n are natural numbers).
For this reason, in this text, two directed line segments that are collinear,
have the same length, and are in the same direction will be termed equi
valent or equal.
The idea of using complex numbers in plane geometry came to me in
connection with some very interesting lectures on the theory of analytic
functions delivered at Moscow University by Professor A. I. Markushe-
vich, and also with a book on that subject by Markushevich. Also, since
the 1940 s, papers have appeared regularly in mathematical journals in
many countries illustrating how the use of complex numbers in plane
geometry makes for rather simple solutions to complicated problems by
relating the solutions to basic geometric transformations that are nor
mally studied in secondary school (motion, the similarity transformation,
circular transformations, including inversion).
A book by R. Deaux [2] appeared in France devoted specially to the
problems taken up in Chapter III of this book. Since this methodology
is not all represented in Soviet textbooks, I have given detailed explana
tions and calculations of the procedures. In this text I have made use of
the work of R. Deaux, R. Blanchard, Gourmagschieg, V. Jebeau and
others.
I believe that the contents of Chapter III is added proof of how much
elementary mathematics loses if complex numbers are not brought into
the picture. A consideration of the most elementary functions of a complex
variable,
of coordinates are also proper points; the same goes for space as well).
The limited scope of this book did not allow for the inclusion of that
method. And there are of course other general methods, which, unfor
tunately, have not been discussed in our textbooks or teaching literature
(for example, synthetic methods of solving problems with the use of iso
metric, similarity, affine and projective transformations). However, I am
sure that this situation will be remedied in time.
P. S. Modenov
The present edition was prepared after the author died. The material
of the book has been re-examined and brought into accord with generally
accepted terminology and notation. A small number of inaccuracies in
the Russian edition have been corrected and the bibliography has been
expanded. •
Chapter I
VECTOR ALGEBRA
Sec. 1. Vectors in the plane (solved problems)
Problem 1. Given the angles B, C of A ABC. Find /_<p = /^BAM ,
where M is the midpoint of BC.
Solution.
AM \\(AB + AC)
and so
->— >
AB(AB + AC) AB2 + A B -A C
cos <p
c yc2 + b2 + 26c cos A
\AB\ \AB + ~AC\
c + 6 cos A
]fb2 + c2 + 2be cos A
and since 6 : c = sin B : sin C, it follows that
sin C + sin B sin
cos
ysin2i? + sin2 C + 2 sin 2? sin C cos A
Problem 2. Given the angles A, B, C of A ABC.
Let M be the midpoint of segment AB, and let Z> be the foot of the bisector
of /_C. Find the ratio (CDM): (ABC) and also (p = /_ DCM.
Solution.
ah + 6a a + b
CD = -------- 9
a+ b 2
Furthermore, AM }} — — b a — 2b.
The desired /_(p is the angle between the vectors AM and CN;
consequently,
cos c p - f r - bH a ~ 2 b ) _ —2[a]b — [b]a
I[a — b]| |a — 2b| a - b| | a - 2b|
_ - 2 (a, b) + (a, b) _ (a, b)
|a — b| |a — 2b| | a - b| |a — 2b|
Vector Algebra 13
ab sin C
Ya2 + b2 — lab cos C Y&2 + 462 —4ab cos C
sin A sin B sin C
]/sin2/4 4-sin2# —2sin A sinB cosC /sin2/t 4-4sin2# —4sim4 sin# cos C
Solution. Let
. [b] [a]
a* = - ......., b*
(b, a) (a, b)
be the reciprocal basis of a, b. Then
(xa*)a + (xb*)b = ( x ) a + ( - i- J - , x )
V(b, a) ) V(a, b) )
(b,x) a , x) b p b — qa
(b, a) (a, b) (b, a) (a, b)
~ (aT b T
Problem 6. Two forces = {2, 3} and F2 — {4, 1} are specified rela
tive to a general Cartesian system of coordinates. Their points of appli
cation are, respectively, A = (1,1) and B = (2, 4). Find the coordinates
of the resultant and the equation of the straight line / containing it.
Solution. The coordinates of the resultant F are 6 and 4. Now let
M(x, y) be an arbitrary point of /. Then the moment of the resultant about
point M is equal to zero. This moment is equal to the sum of the moments
(AL4, Fj) and (MB, F2) of component forces (the cross product of vectors
is distributive).
Since MA = {1 X, 1 — y}, MB - { 2 x, 4 — >’}, it follows that
-\l - x 2 2 —x 4
( m a , f,) = yg \ (MB, F2) = fg
|i -y 3 4 -y 1
and, hence, the equation of the straight line / is
1- x 2 2 -x 4
+ 0
1 ■y 3 1 4 —y 1
or
4x — 6y + 13 0.
* The symbol B(OA)C is used to denote a dihedral angle with edge OA, in the half
planes o f which are points B and C.
Vector Algebra 15
e? = OEl, = OE\.
Or for a spherical triangle cut out o f a sphere with centre O by a trihedral angle.
16 Problems in Geometry
We have
e? = e2 + 2e3, eg = e2 + /*e3.
Forming the scalar product of both sides of each of these relations by
the vector e3, we obtain
0 = cos b + X9 0 — cos a + /z.
so that
eg = ex — e3 cos b, eg = e2 e3 cos a
and consequently
eV-eS _ (ex — e3 cos b) (e2 — e3 cos a)
cos C =
|Cl| ie 2| V (e i “ e3 COS ^ )2 ]f(e 2 ““ e3 C0S fl) 2
cos c — cos b cos a — cos a cos b + cos b cos a
]f I — 2 cos26 + cos2b ][ 1 — 2 cos2a + cos2 a
cos c — cos a cos b
sin a sin b
In similar fashion we calculate cos A and cos B. Thus,
, cos a — cos b cos c
COS A = ---------------------- ;----------------- 9
sin b sin c
„ cos b — cos c cos a
cos B = ---------------------------
sin c sin a
„ cos c — cos a cos b
cos C = --------------------------
sin a sin b
2°. The formulas obtained in item 1° can be rewritten thus:
cos A =
|[eie2]|![e1e3]|
cos B =
|[e2e1]i|[e2e3]|
[e3eiHe3e2]
cos C = --------------- •
l[e3ei]| |[e3e2]j
Note that in this notation the vectors el5 e2, e3 need not necessarily be
regarded as unit vectors because when e1? e2, e3 are replaced respectively
by Xel9 ^e2, ve3, where X > 0, it > 0, v > 0, the right-hand members
of these relations remain unchanged. Thus, el5 e2, e3 may be regarded as
— > — > — >
or
cos(7r — A) — cos (n — B) cos (n — C)
cos (n — a) =
sin (7r — B) sin (k — C)
or
cos ^4 + cos 5 cos C
cos a =
sin 1? sin C
The formulas for cos b and cos c are derived in similar fashion. Thus
cos A + cos B cos C
cos a
sin B sin C
cos 5 + cos C cos
cos b =
sin C sin A
cos C + cos A cos 2?
cos c =
sin A sin
5°. From the formula
cos a — cos b cos c
cos A =
sin b sin c
we get
sin A = VI — cos2^4
__ ^1 + 2 cos a cos &cos c — cos2a —cos2b—cos2c
sin b sin c sin b sin c
whence
sin A A
sin a sin a sin b sin c
sin B . sin C
The ratios — and have the same value. Thus
sin b sin c
sin A sin B sin C A
sin a sin b sin c sin a sin b sin c
6°. Let us write down the sine theorem for the trihedral angle OA*B*C*,
which is the reciprocal of the trihedral angle OABC:
sin A* sin B* sin C* A*
sin a* sin b* sin c* sin a*sin b* sin c*
or (see items 2° and 3°)
sin a sin b sin c
sin A sin B sin C sin A sin B sin C
Vector Algebra 19
where
1 cos b* cos c* 1/2
A* cos b* i cos a*
cos c* cos a* 1
y 1 + 2 cos a* cos b* cos c* — cos2 a* — cos2 b* - cos2 c*
= ][ 1 — 2 cos A cos B cos C — cos2 >4 — cos2 2? — cos2 C.
From the equations
sin A
------- A
------------------- 9
sin a sin a sin b sin c
sin a __ A*
sin A sin A sin B sin C
we obtain the following by thermwise division:
sin2 A __ A sin A sin B sin C A sin3/4
sin2fl A* sin a sin b sin c A* sin3 a
whence
sin A _ A*
sin a A
Similarly,
sin B __ sin C __ A*
sin b sin c A
To summarize,
sin A sin B sin C __ A*
sin a sin b sin c A
Problem 2. Given, in a parallelepiped, the lengths a, b, c of its edges
OA, OB, OC and the plane angles between them:
/_BOC = a, Z COA = 0, Z AOB = y.
1°. Find the length d of the diagonal OD of the parallelepiped.
2°. Find cosines of the angles <pl5 q>2, cp3 formed by the diagonal OD
and the edges OA, OB, OC.
3°. If the coordinates u, v, w of the projections of OD on the axes OA,
—>
OB, OC are also given, then prove that
d = y au + bv + cw.
20 Problems in Geometry
a cos y + b + c cos a
cos <p2 = ----------------------------- r,
d
a cos P + b cos a + c
cos cp3 = ------- ----------------------
d
3°. From the formulas of item 2° we have
u = d cos cp1 = a + b cos y + c cos p,
v = d cos q>2 = a cos y + b + c cos c l,
w = d cos cpz = a cos P + b cos a + c.
Vector Algebra 21
1 cos y w
cos y 1 v 9
cos P cos a w
where
1 cos y cos P
5= cos y 1 cos a
cos P cos a 1
= ^ 1 + 2 cos a cos P cos y — cos2 a — cos2 p cos* y,
and, consequently, on the basis of the formula
d2 =r=au + bv + cw
we have
u cos y cos P |j 1 u cos p 1 cos y u
ll v 1 cos a + v j cos y v cos a + w cos y 1 v
w cos a 1 ! COS P w 1 cos P cos a w
1 cos y cos p u
cos y 1 cos a v
~S cos P cos a 1 w
u v w 0
22 Problems in Geometry
so that
1 cos y cos /? u \ 1/2
d= cos y 1 cos a t?
V* cos P cos a 1 w
u v w 0 /
a2 ab ac
5°. F2= (a ,b , c)2 = ba b2 be
ca cb c2
a2 06 cos y ac cos p | cos
0Crt
1
0
ab cos y b2 cos a 1= cos y 1 cos a
ac cos p be cos a c2 | cos P cos a 1
and so
V = abc ]f 6 = abc f 1 + 2 cos a cos P cos y — cos2 a — cos2 p —cos2 y.
M1 = 0, A/o = By M1M2 = = b.
Now, the direction of the common perpendicular to the straight lines OD
and AB is given by the vector product of the vector a + b + c = OD
into the vector b — a = AB:
[a + b + c, b — a] = 2[a, b] + [c, b] + [a, c].
24 Problems in Geometry
Thus,
d= |b(2[a, b] + [c, b] + [a, c])l _ JaLb, c|
|2[a,b] + [c,b] + [a,c]|
where (see item 5°)
|a, b, c| = abc /<5,
T = 4[a, b]2 + [c, b]2 + [a, c]2 + 4([a, b]-[c, b]) + 2([c, b]-[a, c])
+ 4([a, b] •[a, c]) = 4a2b2 sin2 y + c2b2 sin2 a + a2c2 sin2 P
+ 4b2ac(cos P — cos a cos 7) + 4a2bc(cos a — cos P cos y)
—2c2ab(cos y — cos a cos /?).
VS
And so d = abc —— •
\t
8°. Suppose e is the direction vector of the straight line / and B is
an arbitrary point in space. Take some point A on I and let AB = a.
Then the distance d from point B to / is found from the formula d =
- |[a, e]|/|e|. Indeed, |[a, e]| - |a| |e| sin cp |e| d.
In particular, if e is the unit vector, then
d = |[a, e]|.
In determining the distance from point D to the straight line AB, note
that the direction vector of that line is equal to a — b, and since AD =
= b + c, it follows, using the formula
that
j l[(» ~ b), (b + c)]| _ | [a, b] + [a, c] + [c, b]j _ Kj j
la - b| la - b| ]fT2
where
7\ = a2b2 sin2y + b2c2 sin2a + c2a2 sin2P
+ 2a2bc(cos a — cos p cos y) + 2b2ca (cos p — cos y cos a)
— 2c2ab (cos y — cos a cos /?),
T2 = a2 + b2 — 2ab cos y.
Problem 3. Given the plane angles /_ BOC = a, /_ COA = b, /_ AOB=
— c of the trihedral angle OABC. The ray / emanates from point O and
— >— >— >
forms with the edges OA, OB, OC of the given trihedral angle the equal
angles cp. Find tan cp.
Vector Algebra 25
The angle q> may be regarded as an acute angle (because if q> is obtuse
the direction of the line segment OP may be reversed).
Thus
A. a . b . c
4 sm — sin — sm —
2 2 2
tan cp = ------------- ---------------
where
1 cos b cos c
A = cos b 1 cos a
cos c cos a 1
= 1 + 2 cos a cos b cos c — cos2a — cos2& — cos2c.
Problem 4. Given in a tetrahedron OABC the lengths of the edges
OA = a, OB = b, OC = c and the plane angles / BOC = a, /_ COA = fi9
/_AOB = y. Let PQ be the common perpendicular to the straight lines OA
and BC (point P lies online OA, point Q on line BC). Find the ratios
J )P _ = x Jsp =
OA BC
a(— 2a + p(c — b) + b) = 0,
(b - c) ( - 2a + /i(c - b) + b) = 0
or
ka2 — /ia(c — b) = ab,
— 2a(c — b) + ju(c — b)2 = — b(c — b).
Vector Algebra 27
From the resulting system of equations that are linear in A and /i, we
obtain these unknowns:
ft cos y(c2 + ft2 — 2be cos a)—(c cos P—b cos y)(c cos a —ft)
A
a c2 sin2/? + ft2 sin2y — 2ftc(cos a — cos P cos y)
since 00'_L O'C, OO' _L O'B, OB J_ OC; consequently, from the relation
(*) we obtain
O'B tan a2- O'C tan a3 -f O'B• O'C cos /?x = 0
whence
cos Pi = — tan a2 tan a3.
The formulas
cos /?2 = — tan a3 tan ax,
cos /?3 = — tan ax tan a2
28 Porblems in Geometry
2 ( f t - f ) + 2 ( f c - f ) + 2 ( f c - | ) = «,
Pi ~ n
we conclude that there exists a triangle A with angles 2 |
~2 )’
Indeed>
0i > Jt/2, 02 > jr/2, > n/2
Vector Algebra 29
since all plane angles of the trihedral angle OABC are equal to n/2 and
therefore ft, ft, f t are obtuse angles: a sphere with diameter AB passes
through the point O {/_ AOB = 7i/2), the plane ABC intersects the sphere
along a great circle since AB is the diameter of the sphere, the projection O'
of point O on the plane ABC will be inside that circle and, hence, the
angle AO'B = f t is obtuse (similarly n/2 < f t < n, n/2 < f t < n).
From these relations it follows that cos 2ax, cos2a2, cos 2a3are proportional
to the sines of the angles of the triangle A, and so also to the lengths of
its sides.
Finally, we will now prove that one of these triangles is formed by the
feet of the altitudes of AABC. Indeed, ABC is an acute-angled triangle
because the lengths of its sides
AB = ]jOA2 + OB2, BC = ]f(?B2 + O C \ CA = ]fOC2 + OA2
and, hence, for example, AB2 + BC2 > AC2 (angle B is acute) and so forth.
Furthermore, since OA _L OBC, it follows that OA J_ BC and, hence,
on the basis of the theorem of three perpendiculars AO' ± BC and, simi
larly, BO' _L CA, CO' 1 AB, that is O' is the point of intersection of
the altitudes of A A B C . Let Al9 Bx, Cx be the feet of the altitudes of A ABC.
What we then have is that since / ACxO' — /_ ABxO' = n/2, it follows
that points A, Cx, O', Bx lie on one circle (with diameter AO'). From
this it follows that /_ CxftO' — /_ CxAO' (both angles are intercepted
by the arc CjO'). But / C ^ O ' = 71 - B and so Z C1B1Or = % - B.
2
Similarly, the points Bx, O', Ax, C lie on one circle,, / AiftO ' = /_ AxCO'==
n
= ------ B. Thus, BxO' is the bisector of the interior angle Bx of A A ^ C ^
2
Now, from A 0 'B 1C1 we have
and since
Ax + Bx + Ci — n
it follows that
Similarly,
(X T -" )-
From this we find the vectors
C A ^ { 0 , - b , 0}ft{0, —1,0} = x,
CQ = | - - • C~ h , AJ t t { - a, c — b, 2 h} = y,
{— a , 0 , 0 } | | { — 1, 0 , 0 } = *.
We also find
[y, x] =
\c - b 2 h\ j2A - a
i - 1 0 | 10 0
fi c — b 2 h {Hi - a
7 "", H “'
a c — b\ 1
1
. ,v
[y, z] =
i 0 o ! ’ jo - 1 1 0 J = *0, ~ 2h’
and, consequently, we have
[y, x]-[y,z] a(c — b)
cos (p =
l[y, *]| l[y. z]| Y4h2 + a2 )[4fi£ + (c — b)2
Hint. Project the zero vector ctPA + fiPB + yPC onto the straight
line BC in the direction of the straight line PA. Let Px be the point into
which are projected the points P and A. Then
PP^B + yP^C - 0 .
6 . Let / be the centre of a circle (/) inscribed in a triangle ABC;
let D, E, F be the points of contact of the circle (I) with the sides BC,
CA, AB; let P be an arbitrary point lying in the plane of A ABC;
let Pa, Ph, Pc be orthogonal projections of point P on the sides BC, CA, AB.
Prove that the circle passing through the centroids of the triangles EPaFy
FPbD, DPCE has a diameter equal to IP.
Hint. Let G be the centroid of the triangle DEF, and let Ga, Gb, Gc be
the centroids of the triangles EPaF, FPhD, DPCE; then
/? = j (7 i+ 7 ? + 7 ? )
C«
Fig. 1
of segment OH. Since 0 9 is the midpoint of segment OH, and the points O
and H are projected respectively onto the side BC into the points Ax
and A2, it follows that the point 0 9 is projected into the midpoint of the
line segment AXA 2 and, hence, 0 '9AX= 0'9 A2, where 0 9 is the projection
of 0 9 on the straight line BC. But if the projections of inclined lines are
equal so also are equal the inclined lines themselves, hence, 0 9 AX= 0 9 A2.
Similarly, proof is given that 0 9 BX= 0 9 B2, 0 9 CX= 0 9 C2 and since
0 9 AX— 0 9 BX= 0 9 CX [0 9 is the centre of the circle (AXBXCX)], it follows
that the circle (AXBXCx) also passes through the points A2, B2, C2. Note
that the radius of the circle (AXBXCX) is half the radius R of the circle (ABC).
Now let us consider the homothetic transformation Under
this transformation, the point O goes into the point 0 9, and the circle (ABC)
goes into a circle with centre 0 9 and radius Rj2, that is, into the circle
(AxBxCj). But under the homothetic transformation —- j , the points
A, B, C go into the points A3, B3, C3 and since the points A, B, C lie on
the circle (ABC), it follows that the points A3, B3, C3 lie on the Euler circle
(AXBXCX) = (0 9).
3°. Finally, let us consider the homothetic transformation (H, 2). Under
this transformation, the circle (AXBXCX) goes into a circle with centre O
and radius R, that is, into the circle (ABC). On the other hand, under
the transformation (H, 2), the points A2, B2, C2go into the points Ax, Biy C4,
which are symmetric to the point H with respect to the straight lines
BC, CA, AB. But the points A2, B2, C2 lie on the Euler circle and, hence,
the points Ait B4, C4 lie on the circle (ABC).
ii hl()
34 Problems in Geometry
OA = a, OB = b, OC = c.
Let S be the centre of a sphere passing through the points 0 9 A, By C.
Find the vector OS = x.
a2 [b, c] + b2[c, a] + c2[a, b]
Answer, x =
2(a, b, c)
10. Given the vectors
OA = a, OB = b, OC = c.
The vectors b and c are noncollinear. Let H be the orthogonal projection
of point A on the plane OBC. Find the vector OH = h.
Answer, h = a — -?)_ [b, c].
[b, c?
11. Given four vectors
OA = a, d.
It is also given that the vectors a, b, c are noncoplanar and that the straight
line OD intersects the plane ABC at some point M. Find the vector OM = m.
(a, b, c) ,
Answer. ------------------------------------- d.
(d, b, c) + (d, c, a) + (d, a, b)
12. Given three vectors
OA a, c.
The vectors a and b are noncollinear. Let H be the orthogonal projection
of the point C on the plane OAB. Find the vector CH = x.
Answer, x = ----— [a, bl.
[a, b f
13. Find the vector x if three noncoplanar vectors a, b, c and their
scalar products into x are known:
xa = p, xb = q, xc = r.
p[b, c] + q[c, a] + r[a, b]
Answer.
(a, b, c)
36 Problems in Geometry
ocPA+PPB + yPC + 8 PD = 0
(at least one of the numbers a, /?, y, 8 is different from zero). Prove that
a: P: y: 5 = (PBCD): (APCD): (ABPD): (ABCP).
Hint. Project the zero vector olPA + fiPB + yPC + 8 PD on the straight
line AB by planes parallel to the plane PCD. The points P, C, D are pro
jected into the single point Pj and we obtain aP±A + PP±B = 0, and
so on.
16. Given a trihedral angle OABC such that among its plane angles
BOC, COA, AOB there is not more than one angle equal to n/2. Prove
vectorially that the three straight lines that pass through the vertex O,
lie in the planes of the faces BOC, COA, AOB, and are perpendicular to
the edges OA, OB, OC, respectively, lie in one plane.
Hint. If a, b, c are the direction vectors of the edges, then the direction
vectors of the indicated straight lines are [a, [b, c]], [b, [c, a]], [c, [a, b]].
Their sum is zero.
17. Prove vectorially that if all edges of the trihedral angle OABC,
all plane angles of which are right angles, are cut by a plane that does not
pass through its vertex O, then the point of intersection of the altitudes
Vector Algebra 37
DA = r„ DB = r2, DC = r3.
1°. Find the radius vectors DA' = t[, DB' = r2, DC' = r^, DD' =
and prove that if the straight lines AA' and BB' lie in one plane, then
AB J_ CD, and conversely.
2°. If it is also given that AC — AD = BC = BD, then prove that the
straight lines AA' and BB' lie in one plane. Let H be the point of intersection
of these straight lines, and let K be the point of intersection of the straight
lines CC' and DD'. Prove that the plane AHB intersects the segment CD
at its midpoint / and the plane CKD intersects the segment AB at its mid
point J. Prove that the point H is located on the straight line IJ.
19. Given, in a pyramid OABC, the length of the edge OA = a and
the plane angles /_ BOC = a, /_ COA = P, /_ AOB = y. A sphere (5)
is tangent to the face BOC at the point O and passes through the point A.
Find its radius x.
Solution. Consider the vector x = OS. Since the vector x is perpendic
ular to the plane BOC, it follows that x = 2[b, c], where b = OB, c = OC.
From the equality OS = SA, we find x2 = (a — x)2, where a = OA,
whence xa = a2 /2. Substituting 2[b, c] for x in this equation, we obtain
2(a, b, c) = a2 j 2 , whence X = and, consequently, OS = x =
2(a, b, c)
= a2 [b, c] . The length x of the vector x is equal to the radius R (of the
2(a, b, c)
sphere S):
a2 \[bc]\ a2bc sin a
R \x\ = x =
2|(a,b,c)| 2|(a, b, c)|
a2bc sin a
2abc 1^1 + 2 cos a cos p cos y — cos2a —cos2/? —cos2y
'finis,
a sin a
R —- ■ - ■ - ----- --- —:— ■. .v.— ' = •
2 ]/1 + 2 cos a cos /? cos y — cos2a — cos2/? — cos2 y
20. Given, in a tetrahedron OABC, the lengths of the edges OA = a,
OB — b, OC — c and the plane angles at the vertex O: /_ BOC = a,
38 Problems in Geometry
4°.
2 V« Af «A? ’ hi J
cos(/L5) cos(AD) cos (BC) cos(2?Z>) cos (CD)
hji* + KK hA hA h jic hahh
- 1 cos (CD) cos (BD) cos (BC)
5°. cos (CD) - 1 cos (AD) cos (AC) = 0 .
cos (BD) cos (AD) -1 cos (AB)
cos (BC) cos (AC) cos (AB) -1
Hint. Form the scalar product of the equation x + y + z + t = 0 b y x ;
write down the equation x + y + z + t = 0 as x + y = — z — t and
square both sides; square the equation x + y + z + t = 0 ; eliminate h
in the equations obtained in item 1°.
23. Prove that the six planes passing through the midpoints of the edges
of the tetrahedron ABCD and perpendicular to the opposite edges of the
tetrahedron pass through the single point M (Mongers point). Prove that
the Monge point is symmetric to the centre O of the sphere (O) = (ABCD)
with respect to the centroid G of the tetrahedron ABCD.
Hint. Let OA = rl 9 OB = r2, OC = r3, OD = r4. Then the equations
of the planes indicated in the statement of the problem may be written
thus:
+ r, + r , + r 4Lj(r<
l ,_ ~ _r*), =_ A / ^ y (/J = 1; 2, 3,4).
24. Given a tetrahedron ABCD and a point M. Let the straight line
passing through M parallel to the straight line AB intersect the faces CD A
and CDB at the points P and Q. Prove that the sum of the scalar products
M P • MQy the terms of which are made up as indicated for all six edges
of the tetrahedron ABCD, is equal to the power of the point M with respect
to the sphere (ABCD).
25. Given a tetrahedron ABCD and a point M. Prove that the sum of
the powers of the vertex A with respect to the spheres with diameters MC,
MB 9 MD is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of all edges of
the tetrahedron ABCD (and similarly for the vertices B, C, D).
26. Find the tetrahedron if we know the areas of its faces and also that
the altitudes intersect in a single point (such a tetrahedron is said to be
orthocentric).
Solution. Lagrange investigated this problem analytically (J. L. Lagrange
Mem. Acad. Berlin, 1773, p. 160; OEuvres, t. Ill, p. 662) and formulated
it slightly differently:
“Find a tetrahedron of greatest volume for which the areas of all its faces
are given”. From the formulas he obtained it follows that the desired
tetrahedron is an ortho centric tetrahedron, as was also pointed out by
Vector Algebra 41
Serret (P. Serret.—J. de Liouville, 1862, p. 377), who proved this fact
geometrically (without, however, going into the definition of such a tetra
hedron). In connection with this problem, Lagrange obtained a fourth-
degree equation and proved that it has at least one positive root; he com
puted the lengths of the edges of the tetrahedron as functions of that root,
but did not consider the conditions under which a tetrahedron with such
lengths of edges exists. Finally, an English mathematician Iyenger (Iyenger,
The Mathematics Student, 1947, p. 104) solved the same problem by reduc
ing it to a fourth-degree equation; he carried out a full investigation and
proved that for such a tetrahedron to exist it is necessary and sufficient
that the sum of the areas of any three faces be greater than the area of
the fourth face. We now give the solution proposed by Marmion (A. Mar-
mion, Mathesis, 1953, p. 69; problem No. 3253 proposed by V. Th6bault).
As we know, the sum of four vectors x, y, z, t perpendicular to the edges
of the tetrahedron ABCD and directed outwards (the lengths of the vectors
are equal to the areas of the faces of the tetrahedron) is equal to zero
(see example 22). From this it follows that there exists a closed spatial
quadrangle A 1 B1 C1 D1 whose sides are such that AXBX = x, B1 C1 = y,
C1 D1 = z, D1 A 1 = t and, consequently, the sum of the areas of any three
faces of the tetrahedron ABCD exceeds the area of the fourth face.
Putting DA = a, DB = b, DC = c, we conclude that for the vectors
x, y, z we can take the following vectors:
faces A1B1D1 and C1B1D1 leads to the fact that the dihedral angle formed
by these faces must also be a right angle. But since
A±BXLDBC, BXCX1.ACD, C A 1 BDA, DXAX 1 CAB
it follows that
AB 1 A&Dto BC _L B& Ato CD 1 C ^ A , DA 1
and, consequently, AB _L CD, BC 1 AD, that is, the tetrahedron ABCD
of maximum volume for which the areas of its faces are given is ortho
centric.
The coefficient of sin <p in the expression for Vx depends solely on one
variable AXCX= A. Applying the Heron formula for the areas of A AxByCx
and AAxDxCx and noting that AXBX= x, B1C1 = y, CXDX= z, DXAX = t,
we find that the square of the expression
area A ^ A C ra re a A A1C1Dl
A&
multiplied by 28 is equal to
m 2 ) = [V - ( x + y f] [A2 - (x - y f] [A2 - (t + z f ][A2 - (t - zf]
{A) A2
Putting A2 = n, we find the following expression for the logarithmic deri
vative of the function F(p):
fM . = 1 , 1
F(n) V -(x + y f II — (x — y f
1 1 1
n — (t + z f n - (t - z f n
Now let (x — y)2 < (t — z)2 < (x + j ')2 ^ (I + z f since it must be
true that
(t — z f < AXC\ = H, (x + y f > AXC\ = n
(only under this condition do triangles A1B1C1and A±DXCXexist with lengths
of sides y, x, A and t, z, A). The derivative F \n) has only one root in the
interval ((t — z)2, (x + y f ) and therefore there is only one value of A for
which the function F (A 2) attains an extremum, a maximum. Knowing A,
we can construct A Ai^ C j and A A ^ D ^ Putting one against the other
so that the dihedral angle B1{A1C-j)D1 is equal to n/2, we construct the tetra
hedron (and there is only one such tetrahedron to within isometry) that cor
responds to the tetrahedron ABCD with greatest volume. Furthermore,
by virtue of the relations
AB 1 AXCXDX, BC JL B & A ^ CD 1 DA 1 D1B1Cl
Vector Algebra 43
and
AB + BC + CD + DA = 0,
we conclude that AB, BC, CD, DA must be proportional to the areas of
the faces A ^ D ^ A & D ^ B j C ^ , C1D1B1 so that, denoting propor
tionality factor by k , we have
AB = k iA & D J , BC = k iA & D J ,
CD = k iB & A J , DA = k iC & B J ,
where, for instance, (A ^ C ^) is the nonoriented area of face A ^ C ^
and on the basis of the foregoing, we have
3 27
V = — k*Vf = -----k? V4,
4 64
whence we find the proportionality factor
k = _ i_ = _ 4 _
3V )[3Fi
The lengths of the edges AB, BC, CD, DA have been determined and
they must be perpendicular to the planes A ^ D ^ A ^ D ^ B ^ C ^ , C x D ^
respectively. To summarize: up to isometric transformations (motions),
there is only one tetrahedron that satisfies the statement of the problem.
CHAPTER II
ANALYTIC GEOMETRY
Sec. 1. Application of analytic geometry (solved problems)
Problem 1. The sides BC, CA, AB of a triangle ABC are divided by the
points P, Q, R in the ratios
PP __ ^ Cg AR
V, = v*
PC RB
Find (PQR)
(ABC)
Solution. We introduce a general Cartesian coordinate system in
the plane, putting C = (0, 0), A = (1, 0), B = (0, 1). Then P =
= ( 0, - L - V q = (-J L -; (A , * = - - - - - ) and, con-
I l+ X ) U+Ai ) ll+v 1 + vj
sequently,
0 — — 1
1+ X
(PQR) n 1 + Xp v
0 1
{ABC) 1+ n (1 + A) (1 + //) (1 + v)
1
— v- 1
1+ V 1+ V
Corollary. For the points P, Q, R, lying on the sides BC, CA, AB of
A ABC, to be collinear, it is necessary and sufficient that the following equa
tion hold:
BP _C Q _AR__ BP CQ AR
PC QA RB CP AQ BR
(Menelaus’ theorem).
Problem 2. A triangle ABC is inscribed in a circle. Prove that the points
P, Q, R of intersection of tangents to the circle at the points A, B, C are
respectively collinear with the sides BC, CA, AB (this is special case o f
the Brianchon theorem).
Analytic Geometry 45
AXA RB BxO
46 Problems in Geometry
PC QA RB
Suppose the straight lines BQ and CR intersect in the point Al9 the straigh
lines CR and AP in the point Bl9 and the straight lines AP and BQ in the
point Ci. Find the ratio *—
(ABC)
2°. Consider the special case A = p = v = 2.
3°. Under what necessary and sufficient condition do the straight lines
AP, BQ, CR belong to the same proper pencil?
4°. Under what necessary and sufficient condition do the straight lines
AP, BQ, CR belong to the same improper pencil?
Solution. 1°. Introduce a general Cartesian coordinate system and set
C = (0, 0), A = (\, 0), B = (0, 1). Then
1 + li
x y 1
whence
1 1 + A —1 2
1 +A* —J“
(A 1 B1 C1) _ V -1 0
(.ABC) (1 -J- [i -f- f i \ ) (1 -f- v -f- A v) (1 A -f- /iA)
= _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ H v - I ) 2_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
(1 + n + fiv) (1 + v + Av) (1 + A + /«A)
Remark. By solving the systems of the straight lines BxCl9 CxAl9 AXBU
we could have found the vertices of the triangle AXB^CX\
vti
1 + n + nv 1 + JJ +/iV
1 V
1 + v + vA 1 + v + vA,
A/z 1
1 -f- A -f- AjU 1 + A + A/i
and then
\i fiv 1 + /I + p v
1 V 1 + V+ Av
(A1 B1 C1) A^i 1 1 -j- A -f- A /i
{ABC) (1 + A + A /i) (1 + n + /tv) (1 + v + vA)
By subtracting from the last column the sum of the first two and simpli
fying, we obtain the very same result.
2°. For A = n = v = 2, we find — - - 1— = — •
(ABC) 1
3°. The straight lines AP, BQ, CR belong to a single proper pencil if
and only if A/z v = 1,1 + A+ A/z ^ 0 (by multiplying both sides of the in
equality 1 + A + X\x # 0 by v ^ 0, we obtain 1 + v + vA # 0; then,
multiplying by n ^ 0 , we obtain 1 + ^ + / i v ^ 0).
4°. The straight lines AP, jB<2, CR belong to the same improper pencil,
if and only if A// v = 1, 1 + A + A^ = 0 (in this case, the lines
CR are pairwise parallel, and there are no coincident lines).
Combining items 3° and 4°, we obtain a theorem: if the sides BC, CA,
AB of A arc divided in the ratios
48 Problems in Geometry
then the straight lines AP, BQ, CR belong to a single pencil (proper or im
proper) if and only if X p v = 1 ( Ceva's theorem).
Problem 6 . Prove that if a circle inscribed in A ABC is tangent to the
sides BC, CA, AB at the points, respectively, P, Q, jR, then the straight
lines AP, BQ, CR intersect in one point.
Solution.
BP p -b P -a
X
p -b
or
MO 2 = — _ — A B \
2 4
where O is the midpoint of segment AB. From the last relation, it follows
that if k < AB2/2, then the specified locus is empty. If k = AB2j2, then
the specified locus consists of the single point O, the midpoint of AB.
If k > AB2! 2, then the given locus of points M is a circle with centre O and
radius ]f2k — AB2/2.
Problem 8 . Three points A, B, C are fixed in a plane. Also fixed is a real
number k. Find the locus of points M for each of which
M A2 + MB2 + MC2 = k.
Solution. Introduce in the plane of A ABC a rectangular Cartesian coor
dinate system. In this system, let
A = (xl5 Ji), B = (x2, y 2), C = (x3, j 3), M = (x, y).
Analytic Geometry 49
Applying the formula for the distance between two points, we obtain
(x - Xj)2 + o - yyf + (x - x 2f + ( y - y 2 ) 2 + (x - x3)2 + ( y - y 3f = k
or
yi + y 2 + j 3 j 2j
From this it follows that if k < (a2 + ft2 + c2 )j3, then the desired locus
of points M is empty. If k = (<a2 + ft2 + c2)/3 then the locus of points M
consists of the single point G, which is the point of intersection of the me
dians of the triangle ABC. If k > (a2 + ft2 + c2)/3, then the locus is a circle
with centre G and radius j/3k — {a2 + ft2 + c2)/3.
Problem 9. Fixed in the plane are two distinct points Cx and C2 and also
a real number k . Find the locus of points Af for which
MC\ - MCI = k.
Solution. Let us introduce a rectangular Cartesian coordinate system
and take C±C2 for the x-axis and the midpoint O of segment CXC2 for the co
ordinate origin. In that coordinate system, let
Ci = (—a, 0), C2 = (a, 0), M = (x, y).
Then the given relation takes the form
k
(x + a) 2 + y 2 — (x — a) 2 — y 2 = k or x = — 9
4 a
which is the equation of a straight line perpendicular to CXC2 (the x-axis).
4-810
50 Problems in Geometry
Problem 10. The radical axis of two nonconcentric circles (Cl9 r±) and
(C2, r2) is the locus of points M for each of which its powers with respect
to the circles are equal. Set up the equation of the radical axis of the cir
cles (Cj, r2) and (C2? r2) assuming CXC2 to be the ;c-axis and taking for the
coordinate origin O the midpoint of the line segment CXC2.
Solution. In our coordinate system, C2= ( —a, 0), C2=(a, 0), M = (x, y).
The relation
or
MCI - r\ = MCI - r\
or
MCI - MCI = r\ - r\
takes the form
(x + a)2 + y2 — (x — a f — y2 = r\ — r\
or
o o
x = n ^ l.
4 a
This is a straight line perpendicular to the straight line C1C2 (also see the
preceding problem).
Remark. Consider the construction of a radical axis of two circles depend
ing on their different mutual positions.
(1) The circles (Cx) and (C2) intersect. Their radical axis is [the straight
line / that passes through the points P and Q (their points of intersection).
Indeed, the powers of both points P and Q with respect to (C2) and (C2)
are zero and hence the points P and Q belong to the radical axis of those
circles; therefore the radical axis itself is the straight line PQ.
(2) The circles (C2) and (C2) are located so that each lies outside the
other. Draw one of four straight lines tangent to the given circles; Pk, Qk
(k = 1, 2, 3, 4) are points of contact; Pk Qk are segments of the tangents.
Let the point M k bisect the segment Pk Qk. Then the point M k lies on the
radical axis of the given circles. Indeed, M k Pi = M k Q% = k 9 where k
is the power of the point M k with respect to both circles. Thus, the mid
points of the four segments Pk Qk of the common tangents to the circles
(Cx) and (C2) bounded by the points of tangency Pk and Qk lie on the ra
dical axis of the circles. To construct the radical axis, it suffices to construct
two of the points Ml9 M 2, M3, A/ 4 or even one (and then drop from it a
perpendicular to the line of centres CXC2).
Remark. If the nonconcentric circles (Cj) and (C2) do not intersect, their
radical axis does not have any points in common with either of them.
Indeed, suppose that the radical axis / of the circles (Cx) and (C2) has a
Analytic Geometry 51
common point A with circle (Cj). Then the power of point A with respect
to the circle (Cx) is equal to zero, and since point A lies on the radical axis
of (Cj) and (C2), it follows that the power of A with respect to the circle (C2)
is also zero and therefore A also lies on the circle (C2). This is a contradic
tion: the circles (Cx) and (C2) have a common point A , which runs counter
to the assumption.
It is left to the reader to prove a stronger statement: if each of the cir
cles (Cj), (C2) lies outside the other, then (Cj) and (C2) lie on different
sides of their radical axis, and if one of the circles (Q), (C2) lies inside the
other (see below), then (Cx) and (C2) lie on one side of their radical axis
[in all instances we are dealing with two nonconcentric circles (Cx) and
(C2)].
(3) The circle (Cx) is a zero circle (point Cx) and lies outside the circle
(C2). Construct the tangent lines CxTx and C2T2 drawn from the point Cx
to the circle (C2) (7\ and T2 are the points of tangency). Suppose Mx
and M 2 are the midpoints of segments CXTX and C2T2; the straight line
MXM2 is the radical axis of the circles (C2) and (CV). One could construct
a single tangent line CxTly the radical axis is a straight line passing through
the midpoint M x of segment CXTXperpendicularly to the straight line CXC2.
(4) The circles (Q) and (C2) are zero circles. Their radical axis is the per
pendicular bisector of the line segment CXC2.
(5) The circles (Cx) and (C2) are nonzero and are tangent to one another
externally or internally. Their radical axis is the tangent line / at their
common point T. Indeed, the powers of any point M lying on the tangent
line / with respect to (CA) and (C2) are equal to M T2, which means they
are equal.
(6) The zero circle (Cj) “lies” on the nonzero circle (C2). The radical
axis of these circles is the tangent line to the circle (C2) at the point Cv
Indeed, the point Cx belongs to the radical axis since its powers with
respect to (C2) and (C2) are zero, and, besides, the radical axis is perpen
dicular to the straight line CXC2.
(7) The circle (Cj) is a zero circle, the circle (C2) is nonzero and the point
Cj lies inside (C2); also the circles are nonconcentric (Cx ^ C2). Let us
construct some circle (C) tangent to the straight line CXC2 at the point Cx
and such that it intersects (C2) at the points A and B. Then the straight
line AB intersects the straight line CXC2 at the point P lying on the radical
axis of the circles (C2) and (C2). Indeed, the power of the point P with re
spect to the circle (C2) is equal to PA-PB. But this product is equal to PC\>
that is, to the power of the point P with respect to the zero circle (Cx).
The radical axis of the circles (Cx) and (C2) is a straight line passing through
P and perpendicular to the straight line CXC2.
(8) The nonconcentric circles (Cx) and (C2) are nonzero and the circle
(C,) lies inside the circle (C2). Let us construct some circle (C) which inter
sects (C2) at the points A and B, and the circle (C2) at the points A ' and B'.
Let P be the point of intersection of the straight lines AB and A'Bf. Then
P belongs to the radical axis of the circles (Q) and (C2), since its powers
52 Problems in Geometry
c = (PA) • (PB) and o' = (PA') • (PB') with respect to the circles (Ci)
and (C2) are equal: (PA) • (PB) = (PA') • (PB'); this is the power of the
point P with respect to the circle (C). The radical axis / of the circles (Q)
and (C2) is a straight line passing through the point P perpendicularly to
the straight line CXC2.
Problem 11. Fixed in a plane are two distinct points A and B and a
positive number k not equal to unity.
1°. Prove that the locus of points M for which the following equation
holds,
MA ,
-----= k ,
MB
is a circle (Cfc)*, the centre Ck of which lies on the straight line AB. Intro
duce a rectangular Cartesian coordinate system taking for the origin the
midpoint O of AB, and for the x-axis the straight line AB. On the x-axis
find the coordinate x k of the centre Ck of the circle (Ck) if we know the
coordinates —a and a of the points A and B (we assume a > 0, that is, the
positive direction of the coordinate axis is chosen from A to B). Also
find the radius R k of the circle (Ck).
2°. Prove that the centre Ck of the circle (Ck) is an external point of
the line segment AB.
3°. Prove that for any k (0 < k ^ 1) the circle (Ck) does not have com
mon points with the perpendicular bisector (or midperpendicular) s of
A B : for 0 < k < 1, the circle (Ck) and the point A lie to one side of the
midperpendicular ^ of AB [and, consequently, B and the circle (Ck) lie on
different sides of s], and for k > 1, the point A and the circle (Ck) lie on
different sides of s [and, hence, B and the circle (C*) lie on the same side
of s].
4°. Prove that if 0 < k < 1, then point A lies inside the circle (Ck)
and point B outside it. If k > 1, then, conversely, point A lies outside
(Ck) and B lies inside (Ck).
5°. Prove that the circles (Ckl) and (Ck2) (0 < # 1, 0 < fc2 # 1)
are symmetric with respect to the midperpendicular s of segment AB if
and only if kxk 2 = 1.
6 °. Let Pk and Qk be points of intersection of the circle (Ck) with the
straight line AB. Prove that the ordered quadruplet of points A, B, Pk,
Qk is harmonic, that is,
APk. AQk j
K b o i
* A circle thus defined is called a circle o f Apollonius. The points A and B are termed
limit points , or Poncelet points o f the circles (Ck) (if k varies from 0 to + o o , with the
exception o f k = 1, then we obtain a family o f circles (Ck); the case of k = 1 is clearly
associated with the straight line: the midperpendicular o f points A and B).
Analytic Geometry 53
where k takes on all positive values (this set includes the midperpendicular
of AB as well) is termed a hyperbolic pencil o f circles. Points A and B are
called the limit points of the pencil, or Poncelet points.
The set of all circles passing through points A and B (this set includes
the straight line AB as well) is called an elliptic pencil o f circles which
is conjugate to the hyperbolic pencil. The points A and B are termed base
points of the elliptic pencil.
Remark. A hyperbolic pencil of circles may be defined in a variety of
ways (all the definitions given below are equivalent).
(1) A hyperbolic pencil r of circles is the image of a family of all con
centric circles (0) under inversion. Here, the pencil of straight lines with
centre O is transformed into an elliptic pencil E of circles which is conjugate
to the hyperbolic pencil r .
(2) A hyperbolic pencil r of circles is a set of all circles with a common
radical axis (that is, a set such that the radical axes of any two circles coin
side); in this case the radical axis does not intersect the circles.
(3) A hyperbolic pencil r of circles is a set of all circles (PQ) with dia
meter PQ, where the points P and Q are harmonic conjugates of the limit
points A and B (any two distinct points may be taken for A and B). The
set of all circles passing through A and B then form an elliptic pencil E of
circles conjugate to the hyperbolic pencil r.
(4) A hyperbolic pencil r of circles is a stereographic projection (see
Chapter IV) from an arbitrary points of the sphere of the set of all circles
of the sphere, the planes of which are perpendicular to any diameter N S
of the sphere. In this case, the projections A and B of points A and S are
limit points of the pencil r , and the stereographic projections of the set of
great circles of the sphere that pass through the points N and S form an
elliptic pencil E of circles conjugate to the pencil r .
(5) A hyperbolic pencil r of circles with limit points A (—a90) and
B (a9 0) is a family of circles given by the equation
A / + pep = 0 ,
54 Problems in Geometry
where
/ = x2 + y2 — 2px + a2 = 0,
<p = x2 + y 2 — 2qx + a2 = 0, p ^ q
are any two circles of the family (at least one of the numbers A and p is
nonzero).
(6) A hyperbolic pencil r of circles is a set of circles specified by the
equation
x2 + y 2 — 2px + 1 = 0 ,
where p is a parameter that takes on all values that do not exceed 1 in abso
lute value. Then the conjugate elliptic pencil is given by the equation
x 2 + ^2 _ 2qx — 1 = 0 ,
where the parameter q takes on all real values; the fundamental points of
the pencils r and E are (± 1,0).
There are other definitions as well.
9°. Let 0 < k x < k 2 < 1. Prove that the circle (Ckl) is inside the circle
(Cki). But if 1 < kx < k2, then the circle (Cki) is inside the circle (Ckl).
10°. Prove the validity of the following method of constructing a circle
of Apollonius: given Poncelet points A and B and one of the points Md
of the circle of Apollonius not lying either on the straight line AB or on
the midperpendicular of the segment AB; at the point M0 draw a tangent
to the circle (ABM0). If C is the point of intersection of that tangent with
AB, then the circle of Apollonius passing through M0 is a circle with centre
C and radius CM0. Consider the case where the point M0lies on the straight
line AB but is distinct from the points A, B and the midpoint O of AB.
11 °. Find the locus of points M for each of which
„, 0 MA , ^
lli. ------> where 0 < k # 1,
MB
112- ~ ~ < k, where 0 < k ^ 1.
MB
12°. Prove that two nonconcentric circles (C!) and (C") without com
mon points define uniquely a hyperbolic pencil of circles to which they
belong. How are the limit points of the pencil constructed? Consider the
case where one or both circles are zero circles.
13°. Fixed in the plane are two distinct points A and B. Given a straight
line /. On / find points M such that the ratio
MA
MB
assumes maximum and minimum values. Investigate the question depend
ing on the position of the straight line / relative to the points A and B.
14°. Given: a plane n and a straight line / intersecting the plane in the
point A. Given an angle cp that the straight line / forms with the plane n
Analytic Geometry 55
(if / is not perpendicular to the plane n, then <p is an acute angle between
/ and its projection /' on the plane n; if / is perpendicular to the plane n,
ip = 90°). A point B different from A is fixed on /.
Let PQ be an arbitrary line segment lying in space. Draw through points
P and Q straight lines collinear with / and let P' and Q' be the points of
intersection of these lines with the 7r-plane. The line segment P fQ' is called
the parallel projection of PQ on the rc-plane in the direction of /. The ratio
this is the equation of a circle with centre at the point Ck(xk, 0), where
k2 + 1
xk= a
k2 - 1
£2 i i
but this contradicts the condition 1. If 0<A:< 1, then x k= a ------- <0;
k2- 1
hence, the points Ck and A lie on one side of the midperpendicular of AB
and thus the point A and (Ck) lie on one side of the midperpendicular. If
k > 1, then x k > 0; hence, the points B and Ck lie on one side of the
midperpendicular of segment AB, and since the circle (Ck) does not
have any points in common with that midperpendicular, it follows that
the point B and (Ck) lie on one side of the midperpendicular of AB.
4°. The power of the point A with respect to the circle (Ck) is equal to
k2 + n 2 4a2 k 2 _ 4a2 k 2
k2- i ) (k2 - l)2 ~ k 2 - 1
If 0 < k < 1, then ga < 0, that is, point A lies inside (Ck) and, hence,
point B lies outside (Ck) since the points A and B lie on different sides of
the midperpendicular s of segment AB, and the point A and (Ck) lie
(for 0 < k < 1) on one side of the midperpendicular of AB; if k > 1,
then g a > 0 and A lies outside (Cfc).
The power g b of point B with respect to (Ck) is
k2+ 1 \ 2 4a2 k2 _ 4a2
k2 - 1 J (k2 — l)2 ~ 1 — k2
If 0 < k < 1, then g b > 0, and if k > 1, then g b < 0.
5°. Prove that if 0 < k x < k 2 < 1, then R kl < Rk2, and if 1 < k x < k 2,
then Rkl > Rki.
Indeed, if 0 < k x < k 2 < 1, then
2ak1_____ 2ak2 ^ {k1 k 2) (1 -|- k1k 2) ^ ^
-ftjfci ” Rk2
Y ^ k 2" i - k \ ~ (i - k\) (i - k2)
and if 1 < k x < k 2, then
A necessary condition for the circles (Cftl) and (Ckt) (in the case of 0 <
< k x < 1 < k 2) to be symmetric with respect to the midperpendicular s
of segment AB is that their radii be equal:
Rki —
2akx _ 2ak2
1 - k \ ~ ~ k f^ I 9
k x k\ — k x — k 2 + k\ k 2 = 0,
(ki + k 2) (kk k 2 — 1) = 0,
and since k x + k 2 > 0, it follows that k xk 2 — 1 = 0 , whence kjc2 = 1.
This condition is also sufficient for the circles (Ckl) and (Cki) to be sym
metric with respect to the midperpendicular s of segment AB. Indeed,
assuming that k xk 2 = 1, we have
k l + 1 = 2a w + i 1 +kl
x kl = 2a ~ x kt.
l-k\
kt-l
«- 1
Consequently the points Ch and Ckt are symmetric with respect to the point
O or, what is the same thing, with respect to the midperpendicular s of
segment AB. But from the condition k xk 2 = 1 it follows that Rkl = R kt,
which means the circles (Cfcl) and (Ckt) themselves are symmetric with
respect to the straight line s.
Remark. Everything stated in this item also follows from the fact that
the given equation is equivalent to the following equation:
MB _ 1
M A ~ lc
6°. One of the points A , B lies inside the circle (Ck) and other outside
the circle; to put it differently, one of the points A, B is an interior point
of the diameter PkQk of the circle (PkQk) and the other is an exterior point.
From this it follows that one of the points P k9 Qk is an interior point of
segment AB and the other is an exterior point. Therefore the numbers
PkB QkB
have different signs. But the absolute values of these ratios are equal to k>
since the points Pk and Qk lie on the circle (Ck) and, hence, belong to the
given locus. Thus,
APu.AQt = - 1.
PkB QkB
58 Problems in Geometry
draw two tangents to the circle (Ck). Let S T be one of them and let T be
the point of tangency.
The power of point S with respect to the circle (Ck) is equal to ST 2:
k2 + 1 \ 2 4a2k 2
a = ST 2 =
(' k2 — I j
+ b2 -
(k2 - 1 ) *
= a2 + b2
and, consequently,
ST = ]fa2 + b2 = )[0 A2 + OS2 = SA = SB.
We see that the length of segment S T is independent of k, and, hence,
all circles (Ck) and the zero circles A and B have a common radical axis,
the midperpendicular s of AB.
8°. From what was proved in item 7° it follows that the circle whose
centre is any point S of the midperpendicular s of AB and whose radius
is equal to SA = SB orthogonally intersects the circle (Ck), since SA =
= SB = ST, where T is the point of contact of the tangent (either one of
the two) to (Ck) drawn from point S. Any circle passing through the
points A and B has its centre on the midperpendicular of segment AB and
its radius is equal to SA = SB.
9°. Let 0 < k x < k 2 < 1. The circles (Ckl) and (Ck%) do not have any
points in common for k x ^ k 2 because if they did have a common point
M 0, then the following relations would hold true:
. _ m 0a _
1 — —
M0B
but this is not true (k± ^ k 2). In the case of 0 < k x < k 2 < 1, point A
lies inside both (Ckl) and (Ck2), but since these circles do not have any points
in common, one of them lies inside the other. But if 0 < k x < k 2 < 1 we
have R ^ < R ki (see item 5°); this means the circle (Ckl) lies inside (Ck%).
But if 1 < k x < k 2, then the point B lies inside (Cfcl) and (Ck2) (see
item 4°), the circles (Cfcl) and (Cki) do not have any points in common
and R kl > R k2 (see item 5°); which means (Cfc2) lies inside (Ckl).
10°. (1) Construct a circle (ABM0). By what was proved in item 8°,
the circle (Ck) of Apollonius must intersect (at point M 0) (ABM0) ortho
gonally. Therefore the radius of (Ck) will lie on the tangent to (ABM0)
at the point M0. On the other hand, the centre Ck of the circle (Ck) lies
on line AB and therefore it is the point of intersection of the straight line
AB with the tangent to (ABM0) at the point M0. The value of k that cor
responds to the circle (Ck) is:
M 0A
m 0b
(2) If point M0 lies on the straight line AB but differs from the points
A, B, O, then it is one of the points Pk, Qk of intersection of (Ck) with that
straight line. The other point Ar0 of intersection of (Ck) with AB is found
from the relation
(ABM qN0) = —1,
whence
(OM0)-(ON0) = a \
where O is the midpoint of AB,, the point N0 is the image of point M 0
under inversion with respect to the circle constructed on AB as a diameter.
The construction of point N0 is given in Figs. 4 and 5; the point N0
belongs to the circle of Apollonius passing through point M0 because
from the relation
(OM0y(O N 0) = a2
it follows that
(ABM0 N0) = - 1 ,
AM 0 _ A N 0
BM0 ~ B N 0(~
The construction of point A^0, which is the harmonic conjugate of point M 0
with respect to A, B may be carried out in a great variety of ways (without
recourse to inversion).
If a straight line parallel to AB is given in a plane, then that construction
may be performed even with a straightedge alone.
11°. The inequality
MA ,
------> k
MB
or
MA2 - k2 MB2 > 0
is equivalent to the following:
(1 - k 2) x2 + (1 - k 2) y 2 + 2a{\ + k 2) x + a2 (1 - k2) > 0.
Analytic Geometry
This inequality is satisfied by the coordinates of all points lying within (Ck).
In similar fashion, proof is given that for 0 < k < 1 the inequality
AIA
MB
is satisfied by all points M lying inside (Ck), and for k > 1, by all points
lying outside (Ck)
12°. Let s be the radical axis of the circles (C') and (C") and let O be
the point at which the radical axis intersects the straight line C'C" of cen
tres of the given circles. Denote by Pk, Qk, Pk\ Qk respectively the points
of intersection of the circles (C') and (C") with the straight line C'C".
Since the point O lies on the radical axis of (C') and (C"), it follows that
its powers with respect to these circles are equal :
a = {OP'k)(OQ'k) = (OP;;)-(OQ'k')
(these powers are positive since the radical axis does not intersect the
given circles and, hence, point O lies outside the circles).
Let us now construct on the straight line C'C" the points A and B dis
tant ][a from O. Then
OA‘»= OB2 = (OPk) ■(OQk) = (OP’k )-(OQk’) = a.
From these relations it follows that
{ABP'k Q'k) = - 1, (ASP? Q'k' ) = - 1,
that is, (C') and (C") are circles of Apollonius for values k equal to
P U _ QjA k „ = PL'A _ Qk A
PLB Q’kB Pk B Qk B
13°. Construct the midperpendicular s of segment AB. Suppose that a
straight line / intersects this midperpendicular but does not pass through
the points A and B [case (1) see Fig. 6]. Let S be the point of intersection
of straight lines / and s. Now construct a circle with centre S and radius
S A ; it intersects the straight line / in two points M± and M2. Draw a tan-
64 Problems in Geometry
AP = - ~ - AB,
k2 -
where P is the centre of the sphere S. The distance d from the centre P
of sphere S to the rc-plane is
k2
d — --------- AB sin <p.
k2 - 1
The sphere S intersects the 7r-plane if and only if its radius
k
r= AB
k2 - 1
66 Problems in Geometry
is greater than d :
k 'A B kVAB .
---------- > ----- sin w
k2 - 1 k2 — 1
or
sin q> < \/k.
When this condition is complied with, the sphere S intersects the rc-plane
along the circle <x, which is the locus of points M.
If sin (p = 1jk, then the sphere S is tangent to the 7i-plane at the point M,
which is the desired locus of points (this point M coincides with the point
A if and only if <p = n/2).
Finally, if sin <p > \jk, then the sphere S and the rc-plane do not inter
sect and the desired locus of points M is empty.
1. Plane geometry
1. Fixed in a plane are two distinct points A and B. Given: a real number
k. Find the locus of points M for each of which
2 MA2 + 3MB2 = k.
if k > —AB2, the desired locus of points M is a circle with centre at the
AP _ 3,
r— _y
Let us consider the straight line y = 3. This line intersects the circle (P, 4)
at the points A^5 — |/7, 3), A2(5 + )[l, 3). From this it follows that
A,C = 1^20 - 4 /7 < 3.1, A2C = K20 + 4 /7 > 5.5. Since AH> /lO >3,
it follows that point A must lie on the lesser arc AXA2of the circle (P, 4);
AXC < AC < A2C, hence 3.1 < AC < 5.5, and since it is given that the
length of AC must be a whole number, it follows that AC = 4, then AB = 8,
or AC = 5 and AB = 10.
Supplementary questions. Suppose the bisector AD of the interior angle
A of A ABC divides the side BC into segments BD = 4, and DC = 2.
(a) What is the maximum value of the altitude AH7 (Answer. 4.)
(b) Within what range do the lengths of the sides AB and AC vary?
(Answer. 2 < < 6, 4 < AB < 12.)
(c) Prove that AC and AB increase if the point A describes a circle of
AB
Apollonius---- = 2 from the point D to its diametrically opposite
AC
point.
(d) Prove that the length AD of the bisector of angle A varies from
0 to 8.
(e) Given the length m of a median emanating from A. What is a neces
sary and sufficient condition for the existence of a triangle with given
BD = 4, DC = 2, /»? How is such a triangle constructed? (Answer.
1 < m < 9.)
5. Find the images of the circles of Apollonius (see problem 11)
/ fc2 + l \ 2 , , 4a2 k 2
l x — a ---------- } + y2= --------
V k2 - I J (k2 — i)4
under the inversion I = (A ,A B 2):
X a
x + a = 4a2 4a2
(X + a)2 + Y2 (X + a)2 + T2
Under this inversion, into what do the circles of an elliptic pencil con
jugate to the hyperbolic pencil under consideration go?
Answer. (r'):(X — a)2 + Y 2 = (2ajk)2\ this is a family of concentric
circles (C^) with common centre B(a, 0); the radius of the circle (C*) is
equal to lajk. The circle E of the elliptic pencil conjugate to the pencil r with
centre at the point 5(0, s) goes into the radical axis of the circle E and
the circle of inversion, that is, into the straight line
a(X - a) + sY - 0.
6. Prove that the equations
x2 + y2 — 2px + a2 = 0,
x 2 + y 2 — 2qy — a2 = 0,
Analytic Geometry 69
(X - a2) + Y2 = 4a2 - ~ °
P+ a
with centre at the point B(a, 0) and radius R' = 2a P__ a . Note that
only under the values of the parameter p, p < —a and p > a, the
equation of r is the equation of a real circle.
Under the same inversion, the circle E goes into the straight line
a(X — a) + p Y = 0 passing through point B(a, 0); this is the radical
axis of the circle E and of the circle of inversion.
If we consider the circle f as a circle of Apollonius, then k and p
,, - .. A:2 + 1 , p —a 1 -
are connected by the relation p = a --------- whence-------- = — and, con-
____ k2 - 1 p + a k2
1
/
sequently, R' = 2a 1 - ---- - =
p a k
7. Prove that if
/ = x2 + y2 — 2p1 x + a2 = 0, (p = x2 + y2 — 2p2 x + a2 = 0
are two distinct circles of a hyperbolic pencil (px ^ p2) with limit points
(± a, 0), then any circle of this pencil may be given by the equation
¥ +h<P = 0,
where A and p are numbers. Conversely, for any A and p of which at
least one is nonzero, the equation A/ + pep — 0 is the equation of a circle
of a hyperbolic pencil (for A = —p ^ 0 , the equation of the midperpen
dicular of a line segment bounded by limit points).
Consider the special case of / = x2 + y2, cp = * — a.
8. State and prove a similar location for two distinct circles
/ = x2 + y 2 — 2qx y — a2 = 0, <p == x2 + y 2 — 2q2y — a2 = 0
of the elliptic pencil E.
9. Let M be an arbitrary point in the plane. Prove that the difference
between the powers of point M with respect to the circles (O) and (O')
with centres O and O' is equal to 2(00') • (KM), where K is the orthogonal
projection of point M on the radical axis of (O) and (O').
70 Problems in Geometry
10. AAXand BB1are medians of A ABC; CC1is the altitude. The straight
lines AA1,B B 1,C C 1 form A A 2 B2 C2. Find the ratio
(A2b 2c 2)
(ABC)
(cot B — cot A)2
Answer.
3(2 cot B + cot A) (cot 5 + 2 cot A)
11. A', B', C’ are the feet of bisectors of the interior angles of A ABC.
Knowing the lengths a ,b ,c of the sides BC, CA, AB of A ABC,
find the ratio
(A 'B 'C )
(ABC)
. 2abc
Answer.------------------------------
(b + c) (c + a) (a + b)
12. A’, B ’, C are points of tangency of a circle inscribed in A ABC
with the sides BC, CA, AB. Prove that
(A'B'C ') r
(ABC) ~ 2R
13. A', B', C' are the feet of the altitudes of A ABC. Given: the angles
A, B, C of the triangle. Find the ratio
(A'B'C ')
ABC
For what necessary and sufficient condition do we have A'B'C '\[A BC f
Answer. 2 cos A cos B cos C; A'B'C'\\ABC if and only if A ABC is
obtuse-angled.
14.. Given in the plane three circles (A), (B), (C) each of which lies
outside the other two. Let P, Q, R be the centres of internal similarity
of the pairs (B), (C); (C),(A); (A),(B). Find
(PQRl
(ABC)
knowing that the radii of (A), (B), (C) are respectively equal to Rlf R2, R2.
2Ri R2 R2
Answer.
(Rs + R») (Rj + Bi) (Ri + R >)
15. Given A ABC. Through point D lying on the straight line BC are
drawn straight lines DP and DQ, which are parallel, respectively, to AB
and AC. Prove that (DQC) + (PBD) = 0.
16. Through an arbitrary point lying inside A ABC are drawn straight
lines parallel to its sides. These lines divide A ABC into six parts, three of
which are triangles with areas Slt S2, S3. Find the area of A ABC.
Analytic Geometry 71
23. The straight lines AO, BO and CO intersect the sides BC, CA, AB
of triangle ABC in the points P, Q, R respectively. Prove that
m . + °Q + 0A = L
~AP ~BQ C7*
24. Given two straight lines / and m lying on an oriented plane and
intersecting in the point A. Through an arbitrary point O not lying either
on a line /, or on a line m a straight line n is drawn that intersects /
and m in the points B and C respectively. Prove that the sum
1 1
(iOAB) (OCA)
does not depend on the choice of n.
25. Through the vertex A of a parallelogram ABCD is drawn an arbi
trary straight line that intersects the diagonal j3D in a point E, and the
straight lines BC and CD intersect in points F and G respectively. Prove
that the line segment AE is the mean proportional between the lines EF
and EG.
26. Let a, p, y be points symmetric to some single point O with respect
to the midpoints of the sides BC, CA, AB of a triangle ABC. Prove that
the straight lines Act, Bp and Cy pass through the same point P. Also
prove that if point O describes some line r , then point P describes a
line r f that is homothetic to line F. Where does the homothetic centre lie?
What is the homothetic ratio?
Answer. The homothetic centre lies in the centroid M of A ABC;
MP 1
MO
27. A straight line / intersects the sides BC, CA, AB of a triangle ABC
in the points , j8, y respectively. Let a', P', y' be points symmetric to
cl
the points a, p, y respectively about the midpoints of the sides BC, CA, AB.
Prove that the points a', P', y' lie on one straight line.
28. Let A 'B 'C be a triangle that is obtained if through each vertex
of a triangle ABC we draw a straight line parallel to the opposite side;
ct, p, y are points taken respectively on the sides BC, CA, AB. Prove that
if the straight lines Act, Bp, Cy pass through a single point, then the straight
lines A' , B'P, C y also pass through one point.
cl
30. The points P and Q divide the directed sides BC and CA of A ABC
in the given ratios Aand fi. Suppose the straight lines AP and BQ intersect
in a point O. Find the ratios:
(!) (2) (3).< 4 2 ® ,
(ABC) (ABC) (ABC)
and similarly for the other two sides. Since the points a", /?", y" are colli-
near, it follows that
and, hence,
— » — >— >
Bcc CP Ay _
— » — >— > ~
otC PA yB
Consequently, the points a, /?, y are also collinear.
35, Let the straight lines A and A' intersect the sides of A ABC in
the points Al9 Bl9 Cx (line A) and A'x, B[, C[ (line A'), respectively. Prove
that the lines A ^ , B ^ i, CXA[ intersect, respectively, the straight lines
AB, BC, CA in the points p s,p » p * lying on one line and the lines A[Bl9
B[Cl9 C[Aj intersect the lines AB, BC, CA respectively in the points Qz,
Qx, C?2> which also lie on one straight line. The straight lines PiP2Pz and
QiQzQz are called the Brocardians XRrocard lines) of the straight lines A
and A' with respect to A ABC.
36. Given: the lengths a, b, c of the sides BC,CA, AB of A ABC.
Through point C is drawn a bisector CC0 of the interior angle C. Drawn
Analytic Geometry 75
through point A is the median AA0 to the side BC and through point B
the altitude BB0 to side CA. These lines form A AxBxCx. Find the ratio
(ABC)
J [b(a2 + b2 - c2) - a(b2 + c 2 - a2) ] 2
Answer. -------------------------------------------------------------—— •
(a2b + bz — be2 + lab2) (— a 2 + 3b2 + c2) (a + lb)
37. Let A ^ C x and A2B2C2 be triangles that are the images of A ABC
under the homothetic transformations (P, k), (Q, k). Denote by a, /?, y
the points of intersection of the straight lines AXA2, BXB2, CXC2 with the
straight lines BC, CA, ^42? respectively. Find the ratio
(aft?)
(v45C)
Answer. —&(& + 1).
38. Prove that if three diagonals of a hexagon (not necessarily convex)
have a common midpoint, then any two of the opposite sides are parallel.
39. From an arbitrary point Ax lying on side BC of a triangle ABC
draw a straight line A-fix parallel to BA up to intersection with CA at
point Bx\ then draw a straight line BxCx parallel to BC up to intersection
with line AB at point Cx and, finally, draw line CXA2 parallel to AC up
to intersection with line BC at point A2. Prove that if Ax is the midpoint
of segment BC, then points Ax and A2 coincide; otherwise, continue the
process, that is, draw line A2B2 parallel to BA, line B2C2 parallel to CB,
and line C2A3 parallel to AC. Prove that the path closes on itself, that is,
point A3 coincides with point Av
40. Join vertices A, B, C, D of a parallelogram ABCD with the midpoints
of the sides BC, CD, DA, AB so that a parallelogram is formed that lies
inside the parallelogram ABCD. Prove that the area of the thus formed
parallelogram is equal to 1/5 the area of the parallelogram ABCD. Another
such parallelogram is formed if we join the points A, B, C, D with the
midpoints of the sides CD, DA, AB, BC. Prove that the common part of
these two small parallelograms is a centrally symmetric octagon and has
an area equal to 1/6 that of the parallelogram ABCD.
41. ABCD is an arbitrary convex homogeneous lamina. Each of the
sides of the quadrangle ABCD is divided into three equal parts: AAX =
= A2A2 = A2B, BBx = BxB2 = B2C, CCx = CXC2 = C2D, DDX = D±D2 =
D2A. The straight lines A2Bly B2CX, C2Dl9 D2AX form a parallelogram.
Prove that the centroid of the lamina ABCD coincides with the point of
intersection of the diagonals of the parallelogram.
Hint. Take the diagonals of the parallelogram for the coordinate axes.
42. Given, with respect to a general Cartesian system of coordinates,
two points Mx(xl9y^, M2(x2,y 2) and the straight line ax + by + c = 0 .
It is given that the points M x and M2 do not lie on the given straight line
76 Problems in Geometry
and that the third line M XM2 intersects the line ax + by + c = 0 at some
point M. Find the ratio X in which the point M (x,y) divides the line
----- ►
segment MXM2.
A , axx + byx + c _r. *1 + Xx2 y x + Xy2
Answer. X = ------ - - - ■- — . Hint. jc - ---------“ , y =
ax 2 by2 + c 1 -f-A 1 -f- ^
these coordinates must satisfy the equation
ax + bx + c = 0 .
43. Taking advantage of the result of the preceding problem, prove
that if the straight line / does not pass through any one of the vertices of
triangle ABC and intersects its sides BC, CA, AB respectively at the points
P, Q, R , then the product of the ratios
PC QA RB
at which the points P, Q, R divide the directed line segments BC, CA, AB,
is equal to —1 :
Xpv = — 1 .
Hint. Introduce into the plane of the triangle ABC a general Cartesian
system of coordinates; in this system, let A = (xx, y x), B = (x2,y 2),
C = (x2, ^3) and let ax + by + c = 0 be the equation of the straight
line /. Then
, ax 2 + £y2 + c . + 6*3 + c axx + byx + c
A— 1 > fi * ^ '*
ax 3+ + c axx + b y x + c ax2 + by2 + c
Remark. The converse is true as well: if Xfiv ~ —1, then the points
P, Q, R which divide directed segments BC, CA, AB in the ratios X, \i, v
are collinear. Indeed, suppose the line PQ intersects AB in the point R'.
Denote by v' the ratio in which the point R' divides the directed line
segment AB. Then X\iV = —1. From this and from the equation Xfiv =
= —1 it follows that v = v', that is,
RB R'B
Hence, the points R and R' coincide.
44. A second-order curve given by the equation
F(x, y) — ax2 + 2bxy + cy2 + 2dx + ley + f = 0
Analytic Geometry 77
does not pass through a single vertex of the triangle ABC and intersects
the sides BC, CA, AB at the points A l9A2; Bl9B2; Cl9 C2 respectively.
Prove that the product of the ratios in which the points Al9 A2; Bx, B2;
Cl9 C2 respectively divide the directed line segments BCf CA, AB:
AC2
*i =
C2B
is equal to 1:
X1Xi n1n2 v2 v2 = 1.
Conversely: if on the sides of triangle ABC are chosen points Alf A2
(on BC), Bl9 B2 (on CA), Cl9 C2 (on AB) and if the product of the ratios
in which these points divide the directed line segments BC, CA, AB is
equal to 1, then the points Ax, A2, Bl9 B29 Cx, C2 lie on one and the same
second-order curve.
Hint. The numbers Xx and k2 are found from the equation
J *1 + Xx2 ' y x + Xy2 \ = Q
I 1+ A I +X j
where B(xlt >>,), C(x2,y 2) or
iTTFj
( * i + Xx2 \ 2 , + Xx2 y t + ).y2 , „ + Xy2 \ 2
+ 2d X2
1 +X
+ 2e * ± ± * * 1. + f ,
1 +X
or
F{x2, yi) P + • •. + F(xx, yx) = 0.
By Yieta’s theorem.
F (x x, y i)
^>1^>2 —
F(X2, y 2)
and so on.
The proof of the converse is similar to the proof given in the remark
concerning problem 43.
45. Suppose an algebraic curve / of order n does not pass through
a single vertex of A ABC and intersects each of the sides of the triangle,
BC, CA, AB in n points A if Bi9 Ct (/ = 1,2, . . . , n). Then the product of
the ratios
BA§ CBt AC{
A f i BiA C(B
is equal to (—1)" ( Carnot's theorem). Does the converse hold true?
78 Problems in Geometry
Hint. The proof is similar to that given in the hint referring to prob
lem 44. Generally speaking, the converse for n > 2 is not true.
46. Given in the plane are m points p. (i = 1 , 2 , . . . , m). An algebraic
curve / of order n does not pass through a single one of the points Pt
and intersects the straight lines PXP^ iV V - • •, Pm-1 PmPi ln n points
respectively
A ? \ A f \ A j ”~\ AW (/ = 1, 2, . . . , m).
Find the product of the ratios
4 n- 1} Pm ^P l
Answer. (—l)mn (a generalization of Carnot’s theorem; see problem 45).
47. Al 9 A 2 9 A3; Bl 9 B2 9 B3; Cl 9 C2, C3 are arbitrary points which lie,
respectively, on the sides BC, CA, AB of A ABC and are the interior
points of the sides. Introduce a general Cartesian coordinate system into
the plane of A ABC. Since the general equation of a third-order curve
contains 10 coefficients, there exists a third-order curve that passes through
9 points A i9 Bi9Ci (/ = 1,2,3). By the Carnot theorem, the product of
the ratios in which the points A i9 B i9 Ct divide BC 9 CA9 AB, respectively,
is equal to (—l )3 = —1, and yet all these ratios are positive end their
product cannot be a negative number. Wherein lies the error?
2. Solid geometry
1. AXA 2 A 3 A 4 is an arbitrary tetrahedron; Bl 9 B 29 B39 B4 are the centroids
of its faces A 2 A3 A4, A^A3 A4, AiA 2 A49 A^A2 A 3 9 Ci29 Ci3, C*4, C239 C249 C3 4
are midpoints of its edges AXA 29 AyA 39 AXA 49 A 2 A3, A 2 A 49 A 3 A4. The straight
lines AxBl 9 A 2 B2, A 3 B39 A 4 B4 (and also the line segments themselves) are
called medians o f the tetrahedron A ^ A q A ^ The straight lines Q 2C34,
C1 3 C24, C2 3 C1 4 (and also the line segments themselves) are termed bimedians
o f the tetrahedron A 1 A 2 A 3 A4.
Prove that four medians and three bimedians of the tetrahedron AXA2A3A4
pass through one and the same point G, called the centroid o f the tetra
hedron A1A2A3A4; here, A f i : GBt = 3 :1 and the bimedians are bisected
by the point G. Assuming the radius vectors of the points A x are equal
to OAt = ti (i = 1,2, 3, 4), find the radius vectors r l7 of the midpoints
of the edges AxAj, the radius vectors rijk of the centroids of the faces AxAjAk,
and the radius vector r of the centroid G.
_ r, + iy + rk
Answer, r.. *,• + *j
rijk T = ri + r2 + r3 4" r4
Analytic Geometry 79
2. Prove that the six planes passing through the edges A xAj of the tetra
hedron Ax A 2 A 3 A 4 and the midpoints of the opposite edges pass through
the centroid G of the tetrahedron.
Hint. A iA jC ki and A kA xCij intersect along the bimedian CklCxj.
3. Prove that the six planes that pass through the edges of the tetra
hedron and divide its volume into two intersect in a single point.
4. OA, OB, OC are the edges of a parallelepiped; A', B', C , O’ are the
vertices symmetric to the vertices A, B ,C ,0 about the centre of the paralle
lepiped. Prove the following statements:
1°. The diagonal OO' of the parallelepiped is divided into three equal
parts by the planes ABC and A'B'C'.
2°. The diagonal OOf intersects the planes of the triangles ABC and
A'B'C' in their centroids.
Hint. Set O = (0, 0,0), A = (1,0, 0), B = (0, 1, 0), C = (0,0, 1).
5. Let Ga, Gb, Gc, Gd be the centroids of the faces BCD, CDA, ABD,
ABC of the tetrahedron ABCD. Prove the following statements:
1°. If a straight line k intersects the faces BCD, CDA, ADB, ABC in
the points coa, cob, (oc, o d, respectively, then the midpoints of the segments
A oa, Bcob, Co)c, D od are coplanar.
2°. The tetrahedrons A 1 B1 C1 D1 and A 2 B2 C2 D2 are images of the tetra
hedron ABCD under the homothetic transformations (Pl 9 —1/2), (P2, — 1/2),
where P 1 and P2 are arbitrary points. Prove that the straight lines AXA2,
B±B2, C±C2, DxD2 intersect the faces BCD, CDA, DAB, ABC in the points
a, p, y, 3 lying in one plane.
Proof. Let G be the centroid of the tetrahedron ABCD; let a', /?', y', 3'
be the points of intersection of the straight line PXP2 with the straight
lines Aa, Bp, Cy,D3; let wa, (ob, wc, cod be points at which the following
lines intersect: Got and Gaa'; Gp and Gbp'; Gy and Gcy'; G3 and Gd3'.
— »— »— >— >
The points a', jS', / , 3' divide the directed line segments A a, BP, Cy, D3
in the ratio of 2 : 1 and therefore lie in the planes of the faces of the tetra
hedron Ga Gb Gc Gd. The point G divides segment AGa in the ratio of 3 : 1,
and therefore coa is the midpoint of segment Gaot' and Got = 3Go>a. On the
basis of item 1°, the points coa, cob, coc, a)d lie in one plane, and hence so
also do the points a, p, y, 3 obtained from the points coa, cob, coc, a>d under
the homothetic transformation (G, 3).
3°. The images co', a)b, w'c, co'd of the points coa, cob, coc, cod under the
homothetic transformations (Ga, — 1/2), (Gb, — 1/2), (Gc, —1/2), (Gd, — 1/2)
are coplanar.
AG ota' 3 G jx
Hint. See item 2°, —— =
2
A'Ga GGa a'A " \ GaA'
6 . Given: four arbitrary points A ',B ', C',D ' lying, respectively, in the
(A2, B2, C2, D2), (A3, B3, C3, D3) be images of the points A, B, C, D under
a homothetic transformation with ratio k and, respectively, with centres
(D', A', B', C'), (C\ D', A', B'), (B \ C', D', A') so that
of the tetrahedron A'B'C'D' draw planes a', b ' 9 c\ d' parallel to some plane
m'. Here the planes m and m' are chosen so that the straight lines (a9 a'),
(b, b'), (c9 c' ) 9 (d, d') lie in one plane (the P-plane). Prove that when the
planes m and m' are changed (however, the change must be such that
coplanarity of the indicated four lines is preserved at all times), the P-plane
will rotate about a fixed point.
12. Straight lines joining the vertices A, B, C9D of a tetrahedron ABCD
with point P intersect its opposite faces in the points A \ B \ C ' 9 D'. On
segments A A \ B B \ CC", DDf consider points A \ 9 &19 Cl9 D1 such that
AA’
= k
A ,A 1
and the points A2, A3, A 4 in which the straight lines AxBl 9 AxCl 9 AXDX
intersect the plane BCD. Prove that the areas of the triangles A 2 CD, A 3 DB,
A4BC are equal. Consider the case k — 2.
13. Given a tetrahedron T = ABCD and four straight lines a ,b 9 c,d
that pass through one and the same point P and are parallel to the four
given lines. Let line a intersect the planes BCD, CDA 9 DAB, ABC in the
points ll 9 m4 9 n3 9 p2; line b in the points l29 mx, h4,/?3, line c in the points
/3, m29 nl 9 /?4, and line d in the points /4, w3, n2 9 pv Prove that, generally,
there exists only one position of point P under which the quadruplets
of points (ll 9 ml 9 nl 9 px) (l2 9 m2 9 n2 9 p 2 ) 9 (/3, m3, w3, /?3), (/4, w4, w4, p4) are
coplanar. Consider the case where the straight lines a9 b9 c9 d are parallel
to the medians of the tetrahedron ABCD.
CHAPTER III
whence
x -j- x 9 = 0 .
Hence, AM ± BC. In similar fashion it is proved that BM _L CA and
CM ± AB. Hence, M —the point with affix a + b + c—coincides
with point H (the point of intersection of the altitudes of A ABC).
Furthermore, the affix of point G is
a+ b+ c
--------------- 5
3
whence and also from the fact that the affix of point //is equal to a + b + c
it follows that
OH = 30G.
That is, the points O, G, H are collinear.
2°. The midpoints Q of the sides BC9 CA 9 AB have affixes
b+ c c+a a+ b
ax —-------- 9 b1 = --------* Ci —--------•
Forming the half-sum of these equations, we find the affix z= a 2of point ^ 2:
a+ b+ c be
-------p be
a2 = -- G__
2 la la ’
whence
be 1 - JL
EA2 = |a2 — e| =
2a 2 ”2
(|a| = \b\ — \c\ = 1). Similarly, proof is given that
EB2 = R/29 EC2 = R/2.
Thus, the points Al9 Blf Cl9 A2, B2, C2 lie on a circle whose centre is the
midpoint of line OH and whose radius is equal to R/2.
Furthermore, the affixes of the midpoints A3, B3, C3 of lines AH, BH, CH
are, respectively,
ci Q b c Q
a3 = -------- = e H---- >
whence
EA3 = \a3 - e| = \a/2\ = 1/2 = R/2
and, similarly,
EB3 = ECZ = R/2.
Thus, all nine points Ak, Bk, Ck (k = 1,2, 3) lie on the circle (E, R/2)9
whose centre E is the midpoint of line OH and whose radius is R/2.
3°. Let us now go back to the equation of the straight line AH,
z — a = bc('z — a),
that passes through point A perpendicular to BC. Now find the affixes
of the points of intersection of this line with the unit circle zz = 1. Provided
\z\ = 1, we have
. \/ ----------
z — a = be 1 1
\ z a
or
z —a
z — a = — be
az
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 85
One of the roots of this equation is z = a (the affix of point A); the other is
be
the fact that point N with this affix belongs to the unit circle follows
he ‘
from the equality 1
- H
We will prove that the midpoint of line HN coincides with point A2.
Indeed, the affix of this midpoint is
, , , be
a -r b -V c— — ,
a be
---------- ~------ — = 8 - — = *2-
2 2a
Thus, point N coincides with point A4.
In similar fashion, proof is given that the altitudes emanating from
vertices B and C intersect the circle {ABC) in the points 1?4 and C4,which
are symmetric to the orthocentre H with respect to the sides CA and AB.
Problem 2. (Boutain points). Suppose A ABC is inscribed in the unit
circle (0). Let zl9 z2, z3 be the affixes of the points A ,B ,C . A Boutain
point for A ABC is a point such that when it is chosen as the unit point
(that is, a point whose affix is z 1), the equation cr3 = z1z2z3 = 1 holds
true. Prove that for a given circle (0) and A ABC inscribed in it, there
are three Boutain points on the circle (0) that form an equilateral triangle.
Proof. Take the point a (|a| = 1) for the new unit point. Then the new
affixes of the points A, B, C will be — , — 9 — • The point a will be
a a a
the Boutain point if the product of these affixes is equal to 1:
Z1 Z2 Z30 — 11 or a31 = (7,
------
3, £21^3.
3 __
where /cr3 is any one of three values of the cubic root of <r3, and e is
3
any one of two imaginary values ^1, that is,
- I + 1/3 -1 -//3
either £ = ------ -—-— or e = --------— -—
For example, let
e = — f_ + 1 /3 _ cos ]2 0 o j sjn |2o°,
86 Problems in Geometry
then
c2 = cos 240° + i sin 240°,
and to construct the Boutain points it is
necessary first to construct the point for the
3 __
chosen value )[<t3, then multiply it by £ (a
rotation through 120°) and then once again
by e (another rotation through 120°). We
obtain the vertices of an equilateral triangle
with affixes
3 ___ 3 __ 3 ____
f<73, 6jfo3, e2]faa.
Problem 3. Given an arbitrary triangle ABC. Take on the circle (ABC)
an arbitrary point M (Fig. 8). Let Al9 Bx and Cx be the orthogonal pro
jections of M on the straight lines BC, CA, and AB. Prove that the points
Al9 Bl9 Cx are collinear. Taking the circle (ABC) for the unit circle and
assuming that the affixes of the points A9B9C, M are equal, respectively,
to zl9 z29 z39z09 set up the equation of the straight line A ^ C x (the Simson
line for the point M with respect to the triangle ABC).
Solution. The equation of the line BC and the straight line passing
through point M perpendicularly to BC is of the form
z — z2 — z2z3(z — Z2),
Z Zq z2z3(z %o)
or
z + z2z3z = z2 + z39
Z Z2Z3Z — Zq Z2Z3Zq.
and so
*_ A = *l 03ZO*
ai bi zo
The equation of the straight line AXBX may be written as
Z Cl i — G3Z q{ z &i)
„ . A _ r * _ i ( ± + j . + ± _ i ) i .
L 2 \ Z0 z2 z3 z 2z 3 / J
The symmetry of this equation with respect to zx, z2, zs permits asserting
that line also passes through point C,. Incidentally, this becomes
evident by substituting into the left and right members of equation (1)
the affix
Cl = -- (z0 + zx + Z2 — ZjZjjZo)
2
of point Cj (the results will be the same; check this!) or by seeing that
the following equation holds:
aj ax 1
bx bi 1 = 0
cx c\ 1
(this is left to the reader to verify).
88 Problems in Geometry
Ifz0is the unit point, then the equation of the Simson line (1) assumes
the form
and if we take the Boutain point for the unit point (that is, <x3 = 1), then
Remark. It will be proved below that if point M does not lie on the
circle (ABC), then its projections Al9 Bl9 Cx on the sides BC, CA, AB
do not lie on one straight line.
Problem 4. Prove that if for the unit point we take the Boutain point M
with respect to &ABC inscribed in the unit circle (O), then the Simson
line corresponding to point M will be collinear with the diameter of the
unit circle passing through M (see problems 2 and 3).
Solution. The equation of the Simson line will have the form
z-z=j((7 (3)
which means it will be collinear with the x-axis or the diameter of the unit
circle passing through point M because M is the unit point of the A>axis.
Note the converse: if the Simson line for point M of (ABC) with respect
to A ABC is collinear with the diameter of the circle (the diameter passing
through M), then M is the Boutain point.
True enough, for if M is the unit point, then the slope of the Simson
line is equal to <r3 and if the Simson line is parallel to the diameter passing
through M , that is, parallel to the x-axis, then o3 = 1, since the slope
of the x-axis is equal to 1.
Problem 5. Let us consider A ABC inscribed in the unit circle (0).
Prove that:
1°. The point P with affix <x2 is symmetric to the orthocentre H of A ABC
with respect to the diameter 8 of the unit circle, which diameter is parallel
to the Simson line constructed for the unit point with respect to A ABC.
2°. The point Q with affix a3 is symmetric to the unit point with respect
to the diameter 8.
Solution. 1°. The equation of the diameter 8 is of the form
Z — <73Z — 0
[see equation (2) of problem 3]. The affix of the projection of the ortho
centre H on this diameter is found from the system of equations
z — o^z = 0,
z — o1 = — cr2(z — d±)
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 89
or
z — g 3z = 0,
z + g 3z = + o 3g ±
Z — <73Z = 0,
Z + ff3 Z = C7X + G2.
Adding these equations, we find the affix A of the projection of the ortho-
centre H on the diameter S:
X— G2
2
The affix co of the point symmetric to point H with respect to the di
ameter S is found from the equation
(O + Gx Gx + <72
2 2 ” ’
whence
co = g 2.
2°. The equation of the perpendicular dropped from the unit point to
the diameter 8 is of the form
z — 1 = — g z ( z — 1).
Solving this equation together with the equation of the unit circle zz = 1,
we obtain
z
The roots of this equation are: z = 1, z = g 3 .
Problem 6. 1°. Let A l9 Bl9 CL be the orthogonal projections of point P
on the sides BCy CAf AB of A ABC. We take the centre O of {ABC) for
the origin. Let Rzl9 Rz2, Rz3 be the affixes of the points A , B9C, where R
is the radius of the circle (ABC) = (|zx| = \z2\ = [z3| = 1). Let p be the
affix of point P. Find the affixes al9 bl9 cx of points Al9 Bl9 CL and then
express the area ( A ^ C J of the oriented A A lBlC1 in terms of the area
------>
{ABC) of the oriented A ABC9 in terms of the lengths a9b9c of the sides
BC9CAy AB and in terms of the affix p of point P.
90 Problems in Geometry
Similarly,
Ci = - - (Rox + p — R z3 — ZaPsP)-
Zj Z i 1 z"l Zj 1
l
/p z 2 z 2 1 + z 2 z2 1
16
Z3 Z 3 1 Z3 z3 1
W - PP R* _ Q p 2
(ABC) = -------------(ABC).
4R2 4R2
Note that OP2 — R2is the power o> of point P with respect to the circle
(ABC). Therefore we finally have
R2
= — (3 + zt z 2 + z 2z x + z 2z 3 + z3z 2 + z3z x + ZxZ3).
But
a 2 = (Rz 2 — Rz3) (R z 2 — RY3) — R2[2 — (z2z 3 + z 3z 2)],
whence
Z2z 3 z3z 2 — 2
R2
and, similarly.
z3Zj -)- z1z 3 — 2
R2
zxz 2 + Z2Z l = 2 -
IP
92 Problems in Geometry
SO that
/j2 bp rp\ a2 + b2 + c2
3 + 2 - — + 2 -------- 1-2--------- 1 = R2 -
~ -t ( R2 R2 * 2/
Consequently,
a2 + b2 + c2
R2 - OG2 =
and therefore
sp -1
- hP -4- (p
But
R °bC
4\(ABC)\
hence
3°. If point P coincides with the centre / of the circle (I) inscribed
in A ABC, then pp = OP2 — Ol2 = R2 — 2/?r (Euler's formula, see
problem 33 below) and, hence.
_ (jR2 „ 2/?r)
(^ A C ,) (^ 5 C )= — (ABC)
4/P 2R
<, 1 ( ^ 0 1
a° c abc(a + b + c)
2M2fC)|
Thus,
4Q4,8C)3
(M C i)
abc(a + 6 + c)
Remark. Note the formula
(^ A A ) _ r
(,4£C) 2/? ’
where AX, B X, Cx are the projections of point / on the sides 2?C, C4, ,41?.
4°. If the point P coincides with the point O, then pp = OP2 = 0 and,
consequently,
( A ^ C ,) = — (^BC) = A (^BC)
4/?2 4
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 93
b2 Q2
Since —° — sin2A, = sin* B, -----= sin2 C, it follows that
4R2 4R2 4R2
(A1B1C1) a2 -4- W - L
------------ — 2 — sin2A + sin2B + sin2 C — 2
(ABC) 4TP
1 — cos 2i4 1 — cos IB t 1 — cos 2C
- H-------- 7 I-------- 1 -
2 2 2
Problem 7. Given A ABC and a straight line /. Let Ax, Bx, Cx be the
orthogonal projections of points A, B, C on /. Prove that the lines that
pass through the points Ax, Bx, Cx and are respectively perpendicular to
the straight lines BC,CA,AB intersect in a single point Q (called the
orthopole of the straight line / with
respect to the triangle ABC) (Fig. 11).
Taking {ABC) for the unit circle and
assuming / is given by
Z — z0 = x(~z - z0), \x\ = 1, (7)
find the affix o of the orthopole Q of /
with respect to A ABC. The affixes of
the vertices of A ABC are equal to
z l9 z 2, z3 respectively.
Solution. The equation of the straight
line passing through point A perpen
dicularly to / is of the form
z — z x = — x( "z - Z j). (8 )
z + xz = zx + x z x
and forming the half-sum, we find the affix z = ax of point Ax:
ax = — (z0 + zx + x z x — x z 0).
2
The equation of the straight line passing through point Ax perpendicularly
to BC is of the form
z - fli = Z j Z * ( z - a x)
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 95
or
z — J (z0 + z, + x z \ - XZ0) = Z^ 3 ( z - — ( z 0 + J - + — - — j j
or
... If , X
Z — z *,z3z = — z„ + Zj H---------- x z 0
2 V Zi
Z2Z3 „ ^ - °3 , Z 2Z3Z0 ^ /Q \
-------------- z2z3z 0 ----------1------------- • (9)
Zx X X )
Similarly, the equation of the perpendicular dropped from point B1
on AC is of the form
2 —Z3Zx¥
= - U + z2 + - - XZ0- Z*1 - z3z1z„ - ^ + . (10)
2 v z 2 z 2 x x )
Subtracting equation ( 10) from (9) termwise, we find the number co that
is conjugate to the affix co of the point of intersection of lines (9) and (10):
z a(z i ~ z i ) = [Zl“22+X(~—
l- “j
+ zs ( — — — ) — - z*)z<> - (^1 - z2)]
\ Z2 zi J x J
or, cancelling z, — z2,
1 (. x Z3Z i -J- Z3Z2 _ Z;3Z0 \
z&> = — 1 -------- + Z3 Z 0 —
2 V ZjZ; ZiZo ■ rj'
whence
co
2 \ Z3 Z jZ 2Z3 Z jZ 2 ^ /
or
CO
2 U 3 *3 * /
whence
1 / (T2 * , - \
CO = — - — + z0 - XZo]
\ Oz oz }
1
But a 2 = — * ct3 = — and so
O3 03
CO = — (o'1 — — + zo — * z0j ( 11)
The symmetry of this equation with respect to zl5 z2, za permits stating
that the perpendicular dropped from point Cx on line AB will also pass
96 Problems in Geometry
through the point with affix co defined by ( 11), that is, ( 11) defines the
affix of the orthopole of the straight line / with respect to A ABC. Inci
dentally, this is evident from the following: write down the equation of
the perpendicular dropped from Cx on the line AB and convince yourself
that the number co given by ( 11) satisfies the equation of that perpendicular.
In particular, if / passes through the centre O of the unit circle (O) =
= {ABC), then the affix co of its orthopole with respect to A ABC is
and if the Boutain point is taken for the unit point, then
z - Zl = — (z — z x)
a
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 97
or
az — az = azx — a zx. (15)
Adding the equations (14) and (15) termwise, we find the affix ax of the
projection A1 of point A on I:
az1 — a z1 + b
ai =
Id
The equation of the straight line passing through point A1 perpendicularly
to BC is of the form
z — a1 = z2z3(z — a j
or
azx — a z x + b /_ a zx — az1 + b '
z ------------------- — Z2z 3 I z
2a 0 2a
or
azt — a zt + b a z x — azx + b
z z2z3z — ^2^3 (16)
25 2a
Subtracting equation (17) from (16) term by term, we get the number dj,
which is the conjugate of the affix co of the orthopole Q of line / with
respect to triangle ABC:
z2 ( — - — ) a + bzz(zx - z2)
V *2 *1 /______________
+ 2a
and, cancelling zx — z2, we obtain
a z& i + Z2) a„ +, bz3
a --------------
zzco = - *1^2 Z1Z2__________
2d 2a
98 Problems in Geometry
whence
, a 1 1
, b
N 1I
1 1
l
1 _
i
>
2zz 2aaz 2z x 2a
N
to
ac* . b
CO —
2 ^ la 2a
and, hence,
If / passes through the centre of the unit circle, then 6 = 0 and for
mula (18) becomes
CO = ~ » (19)
co 1 (
t r H —
2 \ a )■ (20)
The equations (19) and (20) coincide, respectively, with (12) and (13)
of the preceding problem, since — = — x, where x = — ~ is the slope
_ a_ a
of / given by the equation az + az = b.
Problem 9. Let Alt Bu Cx be the feet of the altitudes of A ABC inscribed
in the circle {ABC) = (O), which we take to be the unit circle. Points
P, Q, R are chosen on the straight lines AAU BBU CCy so that
AAX
AP
Find the ratio
(PQR)
{ABC)
Solution. Take the circle (O) as the unit circle. Let zl9 z2, z3 be the
affixes of the points A, B,C, respectively. The equations of the straight
lines BC and AAX are
z + z2z3z = z2 4“ Za,
Z2Z3
Z ZoZoZ — Zi
whence
1 Z' <r3 \ , A — 1
P ~ 2x z f ) + ~~A
Similarly,
f
O’3 '\ . A — 1
- I+
4 ,1 A
(T3 )I , A - 1
0-1 - “7 + -
I A
wlicre q and r are the affixes of points Q and R. We now find
___g3 , - z 4- — 72 A- 1 1 <^2
1 + —+
2Azf ^ F " 1 2A 2kaa A 2Act3
^3 A - 1 1 I 0-2
(/'(>«)= — r, + ^ 4 ~1 -r
2;.za2 A 2A 2A<t3 ' A *2 2Ac73
<r3 . i n i r, + £ i A- 1 1 <^2
Z| 1 +
2Az§ A 2A 2A<r3 1 A *3 2Ac73
100 Problems in Geometry
^3 i_ A - 1 2? A— 1 1
2Azf 1 A 2X<j 3 + zi
,2
A- 1 Z2 A — 1 _1
z2 — 1
2Azl 1 A 2A<r3 A z2
LA - 1 4 A- 1 1
2Az| 2A«r» A z3
z-2'z zf 1
-Z2— (73(A -1 )
“ 2‘ zl 1 zf2 z f1 1
4A2 2A2
Z3 2 z\ 1 z3“ 2 Z3-1 1
Zl zf 1 Zl Z f*
A- 1 (A - l )2
z2 zf 1 z2 z f 1 (21)
' 2AV, A2
Z3 z§ 1 Z3 Z3 - 1
Furthermore,
z r 2 z2 1 1 z2 zf
z f 2 zf 1 1 zl z| z?)(z§ - z2)(zl - zf)
Z3-2 z3 1 1 z§ z£
Z1 1 2l
Z2 1 22 (<?1 - 2 i)(ffi - Z2) ( f f i - Zz)
<*3
z3 1 23
1 4
= (ABC) (<7i a2 — aq) := —
03 I
and the first term in round brackets in (21) is
/(l — ad1) i
■(ABC). (22)
A2
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 101
-4 i— — ~(ABC). (25)
whence
( /15C) 422 ( - D ( - t)
102 Problems in Geometry
z
H 2i+ 2,+ z’ ~ ~ t y
The affix b' of point B', which is symmetric to point B with respect to AC,
is found from the relation
b' + z2
2
whence
b' = zx + z3 *3^1
^2
104 Problems in Geometry
_1____ 1_
u, z 2 Zx Z3(Z i — Z2) z 3( z 2 — Z j)
Z1 — O = ------------------------- = -------------------------------------- f u — Z 1= ---------------------------------------9
Z3Z1
/— z3 + Zl — *2 1 [ _ Z3Zt \
ZX= Zi — Z3 + *1
Z3Z1 Zx V *2 /
UN
1
z3 Zl z2 *3 Zl z2 z3
1
- ( Z x - ■Z2) + z3 ( — ■(z1 - z 2) + z 3^ “ ^
Z3 V *2 *i / *3 ZiZ2
= (zx - z2) ( — +
V Z3 ZxZt /
and the equation of AB' takes the form
1 J3 _ = 0
*+
Z3Z1 ^3 *1*2
or
z2z + z3zxz — zi — zxz2 = 0 .
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 105
In similar fashion we can write down the equations of the straight lines BC’
and CA'. Thus,
Z .J I + z\zxz — zl — zxz2 = 0, (AB')
z3z 4 - zfz2z — z\ — z2z3 = 0, (BC)
zxz + z|z3z — z\ — z3zx = 0. (CA')
Denote by K, L, M the points of intersection of the lines B C and CA',
CA' and AB', AB' and BC. Then
z2 z 3z x z§ + z xz 2
727
z3 zxz2 .2
Zf + Z2Z3
z x Z2Z3
—2 —
z-.22 + Z3ZX
(KLM) =
4 o-3(z2z§ - - 4) (zi4 - 4 )
Furthermore,
z 2 z |z x z\ + z xz 2
zx zfz3 zl + Z3ZX
-7^7 73^ Z1Z2
ZiZ2Z z ? z lz 3 — z\z\— zxz\z% — z\z%
- 4 4 ( 4 - 4 ) - 4 4 ^ 4 2 - *i) + 4 (4 - z f) + z\z3zx(z\ - z f) - z\(z\ - z\yt
- zlzxz2(z2 — zx) = (z2 — zx)(zfz2 + z\z\ — zfzfz3 + z*3z2 + z\zx + z\z\zx
-I- z\z2z\ — z\z\ — z§z|zx — z§z2zf — z\z\ — zlzxz2) = (z2 — zx)[zfz2(zx — z3)
+ zf(zf — 4) — Z2Z§(zf - 4 ) — Zxz|(zf — 4 ) + ZjZ2Zx(zx — z3)]
: - (z2 - zx)(zx - z3)(zfz2 + zfzx + zfz3 — z2zxz3 z 2z 3 zfz§ z xz 3 -|-Z3ZxZ2)
= 0*2 - z x) ( z x - z 3) [ z ! ( z | - z i) + z x( z f - zl) + z 2z 3 ( z i — z\ ) ]
(z 2 — z x) ( z x — z 3) ( z 2 — z 3) ( z f z 2 + z fz 3 + z xz l + z xz 2z 3 + z xz l + z l z 3 + z 2z § )
= 2 Z i Z 2z 3 + z?z2 + z |Z i + z |z 3 + z 3z 2 + z |z x + z\z3.
from this it follows that the last factor — o3 — c3 = — 2<r8
so (hat
A = (z2 - Z j ) ( z 3 - z x) ( z 3 - z 2) (<rx<r2 - 2 ( t 3) .
106 Problems in Geometry
Thus,
i (z2 — Z1) 2(ZS — Z ^ { z z — Z 2) 2 (< T1<T2 — 2(73) 2
{KLM) =
4 <r3(z2z§ — zi)(z3zi — z^Cz^l — z;j)
Note that
(z3 - z2)(z3 - z1)(z2 - zx)
1 zx z? Zl 1 zt Zl *1 1
= 1 z2 zf = z 2 1 z2 = *3 z2 z 2 1 — 4icr3(ABC),
1 z\ *3 1 *3 Z3 Z3 1
so that
4ic3(o‘1(T2 — 2<t3)2(ABC)2
(KLM) = -
(z2zi - z?)(z3z2 - z i ^ z 2 - zl)
The lines A B \ BC \ CA' pass through one point if and only if
axa2 — 2<t3 = 0
or
Gx — — 2 = 0, G l (Tl — 2 — 0,
<^3
that is,
c r ^ = 0 / / 2 = 2 = 2R* (R = 1)
or
O H = R y2.
Incidentally, it follows from this that the triangle ABC is an obtuse-angled
triangle since OH > R, that is, the orthocentre H lies outside the circle
(ABC).
A triangle for which OH = R )[2 may be constructed as follows: con
struct two concentric circles (O) and (O') with radii 1 and ^2 (see Fig. 13).
On (O') take an arbitrary point H and on (O) an arbitrary point A. Divide
the line segment OH in the ratio 1 :2 :
OG : GH= 1: 2.
Then G is the point of intersection of the medians of the triangle ABC.
Join A and G and on the extension of segment AG beyond point G lay
off segment GAX= AG/2. The point Ax is the midpoint of side BC and
therefore, by drawing a line through Ax perpendicular to the straight line
OAx we obtain points B and C as points of intersection with the circle (0).
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 107
= 1+ t - 2- i1/2 a i
_ cos —
whence
a _5_
cos —
2 4]fi
and, consequently,
25 9
cos a = 2 - ---------1 = — t a = / POQ = arc cos (9/16).
32 16
The condition OH 2 = 2R2 may be rewritten in a different form. Since
OH2 = 9R2 — {a2 + b2 + c2) (see problem 6), it follows that
9* 2 - (a2 + b2 + c2) = 2R2
or
a2 + b2 + c 2 = 1R2.
And, in yet another form (since a = 2R sin A and so forth),
sin2 A + sin2 B + sin2C = 7/4
or
cos A cos B cos C = —1/8
(from this it also follows that ABC is an obtuse-angled triangle).
Problem 11. Inscribed in a circle (0) is a regular 14-gon:
108 Problems in Geometry
The angles of this triangle intercept arcs AXA39 A3A7, A7A± and, hence,
A = n p y B = 2n/79 C = 4n/l (Fig. 14) (that is to say, the angles of tri
angle T form a geometric progression with ratio 2). Denote by (/fl) the
circle escribed in the angle A of A ABC, and by H the orthocentre of
A ABC.
Prove that:
1°. OH = 01 a = R ]/2 (R is the radius of (0)).
2°. R = 2ra (ra is the radius of circle (Ia)).
3°. IaH = R.
4°. a2 + b 2 + c2 = 1R2 (here, a9 b9 c are the lengths of sides BCy
CA9 AB of the triangle; do not confuse with the affixes of its vertices!).
5°. OIaHAQ is a parallelogram whose centre coincides with the centre
of the Euler circle of triangle ABC.
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 109
6°. The midpoint P of segment HA6 coincides with one of the points
of intersection of (O) and (Od) ((09) is the Euler circle of A ABC).
T . The triangles AIaH, HBIa, IaHC are similar. Determine their
orientation (which pairs have the same orientation and which are
oppositely oriented).
8°. The straight lines BC, CA and AB intersect line HIa in points sym
metric to the points A, B, C with respect to the bisectors of the angles
C, A, B of triangle ABC (for angles C and B take the bisectors of the ex
terior angles).
9°. The squares of the lengths of the sides of A OIaA&and the squares
of the lengths of the sides of A A3IaH form a geometric progression with
ratio 2 .
Solution. 1°. Take (O) as the unit circle. Give point A± the affix 1 (that
s, A± is the unit point). Then the affixes ak of points A k are
(k — 1) 7T (k — 1) n
ak = cos + i sin 9
7 1
* = 1 , 2 , 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
The affixes of the vertices A = A7>B = Al9 C = A3 are
6n , . . 6n
a = a7 = cos------b i sin — >
7 7
b = a1 = 1,
2n , . . 2n
c — a3 — cos------ b i sin-----
7 7
Their sum is equal to the affix h of orthocentre H of A ABC:
27T 6n ,. . 2n . 6n
whence
h= C O S ----------- b C O S ----------- b I
1 1 (
sin ------ b sin —
7 7 )•
no Problems in Geometry
Let
- , _ 4ft , „ 6n
x = 2 cos------ b 2 cos------ b 2 cos —
1 1 1
then
ft . . ft 2ft , . . ft 4ft , ^ . ft 6ft
* sin — = 2 sin — cos------ b 2 sin — cos — + 2 sm — cos —
7 7 7 7 7 7 7
. ft , . 3ft . 3 ft , . 5ft . 5ft , .. f t
— — sin ------- b sin -----------sm ----------- b sin ---------- sm ----------- b sm ft = — sm —
7 7 7 7 7 7
and, consequently, jc = —1 ; therefore
OH 2 = 3 — 1 = 2 ,
whence
= ( /? = ! ) .
Now let us determine the affix ra of the centre Ia of the circle (/,). The
bisector of the interior angle B is BA5 since point A 5 bisects arc CA. From
this it follows that the bisector of the exterior angle B is the straight line
A1Z B since the points A5 and A12 are diametrically opposite points of the
circle ( O) , and therefore BA5 _L BA12. The bisector of the interior angle
A is AA2 = A7A2. T o summarize: Ia is the point of intersection of the lines
A 2A7 and AXA12. Now set up the equations of these lines. The slope of
A2A7 is 1, since A2A7 1| A±A8, and A ^ g is the real axis. Hence, the equation
of the straight line A2A7 is of the form
ft . . . ft \ / n . . 7r \
or
(c o s ------- b i sm — I
7 7 /
= z — I c o s ----------i sm —
V 7 7 /
ft
z — z = 2i sin (28)
7
The slope of the straight line AXA12 is
#12 1 #12 1
— #12
#12 1
#12
or
i ( 4;r . . An \
z — 1 = I cos— - + i sin — J (z — 1). (29)
a cos22 ^ i a ^ 2»n 9 2n . 9 2n
A ----- b 4 cos — co s-------b cos2 ---- + sm2 -----
7 7 7 7 7
n
4 cos2
112 Problems in Geometry
^ . n ^ . n n , . . 7r . 2n , - . n . 3n
2y sin---- = 2 s in ------sin------ b 2 sin ---- sin --------b 2 s in ---- sin —-
14 14 7 14 7 14 7
n 3n 3n 5n 5n In n
= COS-------- COS------- b COS-------- COS------- b COS------ cos — = cos —
14 14 14 14 14 14 14
* If the radius of the circle is equal to 1, the chord subtending arc a is equal to
2 sin (a/2). Angle A is an inscribed angle intercepting the arc 2tt/7, hence AXA3 = BC —
= 2 sin (7T/7) and similarly for the other two sides. The lengths o f the sides may also be
found by the sine theorem: a = 2R sin A = 2 sin (n jl) and so forth.
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 113
Hence,
1 n
y = — c o t-----
2 14
and so
n 1 A n 1
ra = ta n ----------c o t------= —
14 2 14 2 2
whence
R = 2ra.
3°. Furthermore, IaM = h — xa {h and xa were computed in item 1°),
whence
2k
cos----
. 2k , 6k 7 . . 2n
h — za = c o s ------ b cos-----------------------b / sin----
7 7 _ 7T 7
7 7 2 cos — 2*7
7
- 7T 2 tt , . 6n n 2n
2 cqs — c o s -------- b 2 c o s ----- c o s -------- c o s ------
7 7 7 7 7 , . . 2tt
= --------------------------------------------------------------- h zsin-----
2^ cos —71 1
7
7T 3ft , 5tt 2ft
cos----- b COS-------b cos--------1 — cos------
7 7 7 7 .2 n
= -------------------------------------------------------- + isin-----
- ft 7
2 cos — 7
7
6ft 4ft 2ft . 2ft
— cos--------cos---------cos--------- 1 — cos------
7 7 7 7 . . . 2tt
---------------------- b isin------
- 7T /
2 cos — 7
7
1 271 1 271
------ 1 — cos------ cos-----
2 7 . 2;r 2 7 . . 2tt
--------------------------- b i sin — =>------------------------- b i sin ------
7 2~ cos —* 7
2 cos — 71 0
7 7
4tt 6 ft . 5n n
cos---- ■+ cos---- 2 cos---- cos —
7 7 . 2 k 1 7 . 2 k
-------------------------- b * sin — = ------------------------- b *s m ------
~ ft 7 7T 7
2 cos — ■ 2 cos—
7 7
5k . . 2k 5k 5n
= cos-------b i s m ---- = cos----- 4- i s m ------ =
7 7 7 7
8 810
114 Problems in Geometry
Thus,
5n . . 5n
h — Tn cos i sin - = a,6
1
and so
HIa = |h T .I = 1 = R.
n 2n 3tt
4°. a2 + b2 + c2 = 4 sin2— + 4 sin2 + 4 sin2
~7 7 7
2n 4;t , , 66n ir \
C O S ------------ h i — COS h i — COS -
7 7 7 /
= 2 r 3, — I/ cos----
2,1 + cos — + c o s - ~ - j J = 2 [3 - ( - 1/ 2)] = 1—1R2.
L V 7
5°. The directed line segments 7fl/7 and CM6 are equivalent, that is to
say, they are parallel, equal in magnitude, and in the same direction; since
h — xa = a6 (see item 3°); hence IaHA%0 is a parallelogram. The centre of
this parallelogram is the midpoint of the line segment OH, that is, the
centre of the Euler circle of triangle ABC.
6°. The affix of the point P is
h + a Q _ 1 I"jt , 2n 6tc 5tt
1 + COS------- b COS------- b COS-----■
2 "2 L 1 1 1
2n . 6k . 57T
+ / + sin---- + sin----
—
7 7 7 /J
1 71 .( 27T . . 7T
: --- 1 — cos ----- b / 1 2 s in ---- -b sin —
2 L 7 I 7 7
■whence
I h + a* I2
^
=T [(1"cosf + sinV +““f
„n
)2 (2 )1
. . 0 2n , A . 2n . n , . _ n \
2 cos----- b cos2----- b4 sin2 — + 4 sin — sin -----bsin2— |
- i( - 7 7 7 1 1 1 )
That is, the midpoint P of segment HAe lies on (O). The centre 0 9 of the
Euler circle of A ABC is the midpoint of segment OH. Thus, 0 9P is
1 P
the midline of triangle OHAb and, hence, 0 9P = — OA6 = — . From this
2 2
it follows that point P also lies on the Euler circle (0 9).
7°. We will prove that A AIaH and A HBIa are similar and have the
same orientation. We have
h h - Tfl 0
|ai h 1
Tfl 1
h Ta lj
1 — k —h 1
h Ta 1
= (fl7 - A ) ( l - T j + ( A - T j 2.
Furthermore,
6k 6k 2k 6k . . 2k . . 6k
cos----- \~ i sin------ 1 cos------cos------- i sin-------- ism—
7 7 7 7
. 2k . . 2k
= —1 — cos---- i sm —
7 7
2k 2 ;r
co s---- cos
. sm
. - 71- = 7 . . K
11 — t* = 11 —
1 1 -------------------i
7 ------- i sin — >
^ K 7 K 7
2 cos — 2 cos
so
/7
(Ji — Ta)2 = ai2 = cos-------- .b ^• s•m ------=
I ®71 3K
— cos--------- i s. m. ------
3k
7 7 7 7
2k
cos
. . 71
— /i) (1 — rfl) = ^1 + cos ---- + i sin — - j ------- b 1sm—
2 cos-
2k . . 2k
co s-------b i sm -----
f 1 + cos — + i Sin — ) ------ -
y 7 77 2 cos —
2k t . . 2k
cos----- b i sin
( - 9 K , . 7T 7 7T \ 7 3k t . . 3k
= I 2 cos2----- b 2/ sm — cos— 1 ---------------------- = cos------b i s m ----
v 7 1 1 ) 2co a JL 7 7
116 Problems in Geometry
Consequently,
A = (It - Taf + (a7 - h) (1 - T0) = 0.
------ > ------> ------ > ------ >
To summarize: AIaH[[HBIa and the triangles AIaH and HBIa are
similar and have the same orientation (precisely for the order in which
the vertices are specified).
We can similarly prove that A AIaH and A are similar and have
the same orientation.
8 °. We will prove, for example, that point B*9 which is symmetric to
point B = Ax with respect to the bisector of the interior angle A , lies on
the straight line HIa. The equation of the bisector of the interior angle A is
- . n
z — z = 2i sin----
7
The equation of the perpendicular dropped from point AL = B on that
bisector is of the form
z + z = 2,
whence we find the affix bx of the projection Bx of point B on the bisector
of angle A:
, i , . • 71
b± == 1 i sin ----
7
The affix b* of point B* can be found from the relation
i* + i
whence
71
b* = 1 + 2/ sin
1 ’
Furthermore,
, 5n . . 5n
h — ra = c o s -------h i s i n ---- >
7 7
2n
c o s ----
Tfl — 6 * = 1 H---------------b i sin n---- 1 — 2i sin
7C 7 7
2 cos — 7
1
2k 2k . . 2n 5k . . 5k
c o s ----- c o s --------- i s in ------ cos------1 sin —
7 . . n 1 1 1 1
=z---------------- / sin — —------------------------- = r --------------------------
^ 71 7 - Tt ~ 71
2 cos — 2 cos — 2 cos —
7 7 7
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 117
1 + 2 ^ 1 + c o s ^ -j + 2 ^cos - ~ + cos— j
4 cos2 ~
~ ~ f 2k 4k 6 k\
3 + 2 1 co s------- cos---------cos------|
V 7 7 7;
4 cos2—
7
f 2^ 271 1\ 2rc
3 + 2 I c o s-------b c o s ---- 4------I 4 + 4 cos -
V 7 1 2 )
= 2.
4 cos2 - - 4cos2-—
1 7
And, finally, from the parallelogram OIaHA6 we have (the sum of the
squares of the diagonals of a parallelogram is equal to the sum of the
-squares of the four sides):
118 Problems in Geometry
(1) The transformation z z H----- takes the unit circle (QJ = (0, 1)*
respect to the real axis Ox, under which symmetry the circle (Q2)=
goes into the circle ((23) = and subsequent inversion (see chapter
IV) of (&3) with respect to (&+ under which inversion the circle (Q3)
goes into the circle (&4); to construct (&4) it suffices to draw the straight
line OQ3 and to construct the images P f and Q of the endpoints P and Q
of the diameter that cuts out that line on (&3). The circle constructed on
segment P'Q' as a diameter is precisely the circle (04). Let us compute
* The symbol (z0i R) will be used to denote a circle o f radius R , the affix o f whose
centre is z 0.
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 119
Fig. 15
the radius of (fi4) and the affix of its centre. To do this, note that (&3)
passes into (G4) under the inversion with respect to the circle (fix) and
under the homothetic transformation (0 , \ / g ), where g is the power of
the point O with respect to the circle ($23).
But under the homothetic transformation (O, l/<r), the centre of (&3)
goes into the centre of (0 4); hence the affix co4 of the centre Q4 of (0 4) is
equal to
G C
and the radius is equal to the product of the radius R ^ — 1 of the circle
(Q3) by the modulus of the homothetic ratio, that is, by 1/\ g \:
1 _1_
i £4 — Rs (*3 = I)-
kl
Furthermore,
dd — cc *
a = OQl - R j= —- — - 1
c c cc
* In the general case, under inversion with respect to the point Oy we have
(O M )-(O M ') = k ,
where k ^ 0 is the power o f the inversion, and, hence,
(OM) _ k
( ON) " cr ’
where k is the second point o f intersection o f the straight line O M with circle being
inverted; # 0, since \d\ ^ \c\.
120 Problems in Geometry
SO that
cd cc \
(Q*) = ( s r i f cc |ddj —cc\)
(3) The transformation
be — ad
1 c2
z + — d
z H-----
be — ad be — ad
c2
--------------------- ---------------
a
>—
c2
c , d
z + z H-----
c
carries the circle (Q5) into (fi6) of the same radius: R6 = R5, and the affix
of the centre Q6 of (0 6) is equal to
a d be — ad bd — ac
0)q — 1-------- I= = H'
c c dd — ac dd — cc
cc | ! |c|2 Id2 = 1.
|C2| Id 2
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 121
is equal to the vector OH', where H' is the orthocentre of the triangle
whose vertices are the feet of the altitudes of the given triangle ABC.
Prove that the straight line on which the resultant of these forces * lies
passes through the endpoint of the directed line segment 4OH.
Now if the squares of the second triplet have an orientation opposite
that of the first three squares, then the sum of the forces (31) belongs to
the straight line OH'.
Set up the equations of these two straight lines and take the circle (O) =
— {ABC) as the unit circle (Fig. 16).
Solution. 1°. Let a, b, c be the affixes of the points A, B, C. Find the
affixes p, q, r of the points P, Q, R. Denoting by au bl9 cl9 a2, b2, c2 the
affixes of the points Al9 Bl9 Cl9 A2, B2, C2, we have
b2 = c + CB2 = c + iCA = c + i{a — c) = ia + (1 — /) c,
(32)
ax = c + CAX = c — iCB = c — i{b — c) = {1 + /) c — ib.
Also,
p - bo + - - B.iA1 — —- B2A1 = b2 + - - (ax — b2) - (ax — b2)
2 2 2 2
_ bu2 +, •— „ --—
1 a1 t -------------------------
1 b2 tai , lb* 1 + 1 b2 1- i
— ai
2 2 2 2 2
Force is a sliding vector.
122 Problems in Geometry
Fig. 16
and, taking into account (32), we have
and, hence, A ABC and A PQP have a common centroid (the point of
intersection of the medians).
Now, from the equations of the straight lines BC and PPl9
z — b — — be (z — ~b)>
z — p = be (z — p)
or
z + bc~z = b + c,
z — bc'z = p — bcp9
we find the affix px of point Pt :
Pi = — ( b + c + p — bep);
2
and, hence,
PPz = p » - P = - - { c + a - p - cap),
PP$ = Pz — P = - - (a + b — p — abp),
2
whence
Similarly,
3 p + q + r 9 a+ b+ c 3 ^ a + b + c
------<x2------ -------- 3(7! 02 --------------
2 3 2 3 2 3
= 30, - { S - { - 3 (« , - { * - - - » .* ) ■
Let us now prove that h' is the affix of the orthocentre of A AhBhCh
formed by the feet of the altitudes of the given triangle. The equations of
BC and of the altitude from A to BC are of the form
z + bcz
be
z — bcz — a —
a
Adding, we find the affix ah of point Ah:
and, similarly,
If ca \ If ab \
bh = ~
2 I "1 ” T ) * Ck ~ ~2 ” ~ )
The slope of BhCh is
ab ac a(b2 — c2)
bh ~~ ch be
-a\
bh — c H __C_ c2 - b 2
ab ac abc
The equation of the altitude dropped from vertex Ah to side BhCh is
or
be 1
— a2z = — a1 a 2c*i +
2 2a 2be
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 125
or
z — a2z—= — 1 2- ------------------
1 o , ------a*G, , a* ~ b*c2 (35)
2 2 2o3
In similar fashion we can write down the equation of the altitude from 5k
to ChAh:
iB- 1 1 lb- , b* — c2a2
(36)
z — b2z — — o , ------ o2o, i ------------------
2 2 2os
Subtracting (36) from (35) term by term, we obtain
/t2 ax - 1 /La 2\ - b* — a* + c \b 2 — a2)
(6s - a2) z = - - (A2 - a2) ox --------------- ----------------
2 2 ct3
or, cancelling 62 — a2,
- -j, 1 _ a 2 + b2 + c2 1 _ o\ — 2o-2
Z h C7 O' i ‘
2 2o3 2 2o3
1- trf , o2 1_ crgOj , _
= Gi i ---- 1-------= — CTi b 0i
2 2<t3 (73 2 2
3 _ ^ 2^1 1 /0 — — v
= — 0i ------r — = - - (30i - 02)
2 2 2
and, hence,
h' = (3 0 ! - OjOa).
We now set up the equation of the straight line to which the resultant
thus found belongs. Since the nine indicated forces emanate three at a
time from a single point, their resultant is equal to the sum of three forces:
we find the affix p ' of point P' and, similarly, the affixes of the points
Q' and R':
1 1 _
q' - — q — 0*2q,
2 2
1 1 _
r' = *i “ — r ------ <r2r.
2 2
Remark. If on a plane (which we consider oriented by the introduction
of a rectangular coordinate system) there is given a set of forces A kBk
{k = 1, 2, . . w), then the principal vector of their resultant can be found
as the sum of the free vectors:
K=
*= 1
The straight line to which the sum of forces belongs is a locus of points
M (x,y) for which
n
£ mom,, AkBk = 0.
A:= 1
The equation of the straight line containing the vector of the sum of
forces A kBk may be written differently by introducting the affixes ak
and bk of points A k and Bk:
2 Z 1
£ ak a_k 1 = 0 .
i =l bk bk 1
(38)
z f(-{ «•») + * ( - { P +
1 1 _
+ PGi — P<Ti + - - o2p 2 ---- GiP2~
2 ~2
Adding together three similar expressions that result from this one by
substituting q for p and then r for q, and equating this sum to zero
we obtain the equation of the desired line in the form (also note th a t
d + q + r = a + b + c = <r1)
z ( T f 1_ + ~2 52<Tl) + j
or
or
(3dj— (TjO^z — (3(7!— djffa)? + a2(p2 + q2 + r2) — a2(p2 + q2+ r 2) = 0.
128 Problems in Geometry
We then find
That is, the carrier of the resultant passes through the endpoint of the
directed line segment 4OH.
-------------- ----------------- *.
2°. Now suppose the orientations of the squares AXB2C C ", B ^ A 'A " ,
C^AzB’B" are the same but are opposite to the orientations of each of
the squares BCA1A2, CABXB2, ABCXC2.
In order to keep Fig. 16 as simple as possible, only the centres P*, Q*, R*
------------- >. -------------- >■ --------------->■
of the squares A ^ C 'C " , B ^ A 'A " , C1A2B,Bn are constructed; the points
P*9 Q*, R* are symmetric to the corresponding points P, Q and R with
respect to AXB2, BXC2, CXA2. The figure shows only three of the nine forces;
------> ------> ------ >
namely the following forces are constructed: P*Pf, P*P$, P*P3*, where
P*>P*>P* are the orthogonal projections of the point P* on the sides
PC, CA, AB.
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 129
P* = b2 + — B2Ai + — B2AX
2 2
1+
r* _
c,
where <7* and r* are the affixes of points Q* and R*. Note that in this
case as well,
p* + q* + r* = a + b + c = < tv
/>* = ~ (b + c + p* — bcp*)
2
and, hence,
p*p* — p* _ p* = J_ q, _(_ c _ p* _ bcp*).
2
Similarly,
p * p * = — (c _|_ a _ p* _ ca/>*),
2
P V 3* = — (a + b - p* - abp*)
2
and, consequently,
P*P* + P*P* + P*P* = a 1 - — p * - - L o-2p *
2 2
9 -810
130 Problems in Geometry
and
¥ & * = ~ Q * Q t + 0 * 0 ! +~Q*Q!,
R*R'* = R*R? + R*R? + R*R*.
Let us find the affix p'* of point P'*:
P * ? * = p ’* - p * = <T1 - ^ - p * a2p*,
2 2
whence we find p'* and, similarly, q'* and r'*:
The equation of the straight line carrying the resultant is of the form
z p * p f* z q* q ' * z r* r’*
z p* p'* -1- z q* q'* + z 7* 7 ’*
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 131
We have
z p* p' * z p * C l - - _ c 2p *
z p* a 1 — ■— OiP*
2j 2
1 1_ * 1
Z 1* F * = z P * i—— P ~ ~ G*P z P* Ol - — ViP*
2 2 2
_3_
1 1 1 1 1 1 1
2
or
(3aj — 0±02) z — (3 ^ — 0X02) z
+ ^(P*2 + tf*2 + r*2) — ^ 2(P*2 + q *2 + r *2) = 0
Furthermore,
\2 / 1_ ; 1 _i_ / \ 2
- I 1- ' b 1 1+
I 2 4+ 2
i
____j
+ Cfl
2 J 2
+ _L (fl2 + 62 + C 2) = ff2,
2
o-2(P*2 + tf*2 + r*2) = oza2.
And therefore
<*2(P*2 + q*2 + "r*2) = <72^2,
which means our equation takes the form
(3d1! — 0 ^ 2) z — (3oi — 0X02) z = 0.
132 Problems in Geometry
(A'B'C')2 = 1 (A"B"C")-(PQR).
What is the necessary and sufficient condition for A A'B'C' and A PQR
to have opposite orientations?
Solution. We take (PQR) for the unit circle. Let zl9 z2, z3 be the affixes
of the points P, Q, R and let fi be the affix of point M.
The slope of the straight line MP is
p — z1
\ i - z1
and the equation of line BC is of the form
z— J* — *i (z - Zj). (40)
f l — zi
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 133
* -* 1 = - - ^ —
(* -* ■ )• (41)
P - *2
Subtracting equation (41) from (40) term by term, we find the complex
number z = c; it is the conjugate of the affix c of point C:
z2 - * = ( a - * . _ c + z, - z2
\H -z 2 n - z j H -Z i U— zi
or
Zi + ZA
z l) (z2 - zxy0
- 1
V ZlZ2 ZlZ2 ) zxz2
Zo z, —
(/« - * 1) - Z2) 0 < - z'l) 0 * - z 2)
Cancelling z2 — zx and multiplying both sides by (p— z x) (ji — z 2), we get
z . + z 8 \ . - , P/Z - 1
(p - ij) (p - z 2) = [ - p ----- -— b —1- ^ L ) C H--------------»
V ZlZ2 zxz2 / Z iZ 2
whence
or
( - \ i -
Z1Z2
h ± lC ] c
ZiZ2 )
(/Z - Zi) (n - z2) - Z!Z2(/l/t - 1)
and, hence.
p2 - p(zx + Z2) + (2 - nn) z1z2
— H ~ /iz1z2 + zx + z2
or
— n2 + n(zi + z2) + (nn - 2) zxz2
H + fi zxz2 — zx — z2
The affix c0 of the midpoint of segment MC is
1 i —^ + K zi + z2) + ( 0 ~ 2 ) z1z2\
<(i I P~r )
2 V fi + V zxz2 - (zx + z2) }
_ (pp - 1) zxz2
/i + /zzxz2 — Zx — z2
134 Problems in Geometry
and the affix c' of point C' obtained from C0 by inversion with the circle
of inversion (PQR) is
1 H + f i z ^ z — zx — z 2 ft + pztz3 — z1 — z3
Co (mP - 1) z t z t fiji - 1
We find the affixes a' and b' of points A' and B' in similar fashion:
B + PZ2 Z» ~ Z 2 - Z3 *
a —--------------------------
HH 1
H + fizi z 1 Z3 Z1
b' =
ftp. - 1
We now find
(A'B’C )
. a’ a ' \ ft -f- ftZ3Z3 Z2 Zg ft-(- flZ3Z3 Z2 Zg 1|
b’ b' 1 ft + pz3zx — z3 — zt p + ftz3z\ — z 3 —z x 1!
4(fift—l )2
c' c' 1 |ft + pZiZ2 — Zj — z2 p + ftz{zz — z x — z 2 1
ftz3z3 — Z2 — Z3 flZzZ3 z2 z3 1
pz3zt — z3 — zx /JZ3ZX —z 3 — Zx
4 { fi ft- \ f
f . I Z^Z 2 — Z i Z2 f l Z - ^ Z ^ 2"2
/ i f f 3 Zx + Zx f ia ^ i + Zx 1
/Zff3z 2 + Z2 jUff3Z2 + z 2 1
4(ftn—l )2 pa3z 3 + z3 /iff3z3 + z 3 1
■ ■
Zx Zx 1 Zx Zx 1
f t p a 3<f3 z 2 z2 1 + z2 z 2 1
4(ftp ~ l ) s
_ 1 Z3 z3 1 Z3 Z S 1 .
/(I - fi/i) (W )
Z2 z2 I
4(1 - w ? 1—
*3 *3 1
Furthermore, the slope of the straight line OA0 is
(ftp — 1) z2z3 (ftp — 1) z 2z 3
«O^0 =
ft + pz3z3 — z2 z3 p-\- ftz3z 3 z 2 z 3
(ftp — 1) z2z3 ftp 1
- *
Z.>Z.
243
ft + ftz3z3 — Z2 — Z3 /i + /Zz2z3 — z2 — z3
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 135
From this it is easy to find the equations of the polars of points A0 and B0
with respect to the circle (PQR); these are straight lines that pass through
points A' and Bf respectively and are perpendiculars to the lines OA'
and OB' ;
2—
/I PZ2 Z2 Z2 & + Hz2z 3 z 2 z 3
- z2z3 (I -z ------
Hi* - 1 Hi* - 1
and
H + HZ3 Z1 — z 3 — z 1 H+ 1— z 3— z 1
Hi* — 1 Hi* - 1
The affix z = c" of point C", the point of intersection of these lines,
can be found from the equation
_____1 _ ( 2 _ H + i*z &3 ~ Z2 ~ z a\ H + H ^ 2*3 ~ z~a — z 3
z2z3 V Hi* — 1 ) Hi*— 1
= _ 1 / _ H + i*zszi — z3 — \ + H + HZ3 Z1 — z 3 —z x
% V Hi* — 1 / Hi* — 1
or
Z ^ 2 /j + /^ 2z3 — z2 - z 3 = ___ z _ 2 n + /iz3zx — z3 — zx
Z2Z3 Z2Z3(HH 1) Z3Z1 Z3Z1(HH — 1)
(z2 — zx) z
0’s zi ]■
whence
c" = — ^ — - (H - z3).
HH ~ 1
Similarly,
a” — z~~~r (h — Zi)
/i/t - 1
and
b" = 3—— (/i — z2)
HH ~ 1
m> that
/ 4 H ~ zi H - z i 1
( l"/i"C")
4 ( p ji- i f H ~ *2 H — Z2 1
H - z 3 ji-~ z 3 1
Zi z x 1
4 i
Z2 z 2 1 - (Pfi*).
(HH- i f 4 Zj Z3 1 (HH— I)2
136 Problems in Geometry
Thus
(A'B'C') = ~^PQR)~, (.A"B"C") = ------ (PQR),
I - fiH (1 - n n f
whence
(A 'B 'C 'f= (p QRf = _L
(1 - w ? 4
The triangles A'B'C' and PQR have the same orientation if and only
if 1 — pp > 0, that is, the power of point M with respect to the circle
(PQR) is negative; in other words, if and only if the point M lies inside
(PQR). In Fig. 17, M lies inside (PQR) and, indeed, A'B'C'i\PQR.
Problem 15. Given A ABC. Through an arbitrary point P of circle
(ABC) circumscribed about A ABC are drawn lines parallel to the sides
BC, CA, AB. Let A', B', C' be the respective second points of intersection
of these lines with the circle (ABC). Denote by A", B", C" the points
symmetric to points A ,B ,C about the straight lines B'C', C'A', A'B'.
1°. Prove that A ABC and A A"B"C" are congruent but have opposite
orientations.
2°. Prove that 0 0 " = PH, where O and O" are centres of (ABC)
and (A"B"C") and H is the orthocentre of A ABC (Fig. 18).
Solution. Version One. 1°. Take
(ABC) for the unit circle and assign
to point P an affix of 1 (that is, let P
be the unit point). Then the affixes a ',
b', c' of points A', B', C' are
a — z2 z3, b — z2Zi, c — z±z2,
where zl9 z2, z3 are the affixes of the
vertices A, B, C of the triangle. The
slope of line B'C' is
Zj z2 - zx z3 ^ zt(z2 — z3)
~Zi Z2 Z1 .1
Zi \ Z2 z3
= — z f Z2 z 3 = — Zi (T3
or
Fig. 18 Z + Zjl C73 z = zx z2 + zx z3. (42)
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 137
whence
Cl — 2flj Zx — (72 (73 Z2 Z3.
In similar fashion we find the affixes b" and c" of points B" and C":
b — (7% (73 Z3ZX, C = (72 Ct3 zx Z3.
From these relations it follows that the centre O" of circle (A"B"C")
has the affix
O = (72 (73,
and the radius is equal to 1 since
| a " - o " | - \b" - o " \ = \c” — o"\ = 1
= !)•
------- *
Let us consider 1\A qB'qC3 the affixes of the vertices of which are equal
respectively to —z2z3, —z3zl5 —zxz2. The triangle A'qBqCq is symmetric
--------> ------- >
to A A'B'C' with respect to the point 0 , and, hence, the triangle A"B"C"
is obtained by a translation of /\A'0B'0C'0 via the directed line segment OTt
where the affix t of point T is equal to <t2 — (73.
Furthermore,
(73 ... —
^2 ?3 — — &3 ^ 1? ^3 ^1 — ^3 Z2) Zj Z3 — C3 Z3.
*1
--------> ------>
The triangle A*B*C* is symmetric to AABC about line OP (the real axis
------► ------- >■
Ox), and therefore A ABC and A A*B*C* are equal and have opposite
--------> -------->
orientations. But AA*B*C* is equal to A A qBqCq and has the same orien
tation; A A qBqCo is equal to A A 'B 'C and has the same orientation, while
A A "B ”C" is equal to A A qBqCq and has the same orientation. Conse
quently, A B C l\A "B "C " and A ABC = A A”B"C" (the symbol = here
signifies congruence).
2°. The affix of point O" is equal to o" = <r2 — <r3, whence
or
z+ Zi ~p2 z = p z 2 + p z 3. (44)
The equation of the perpendicular dropped from point A on line B C is
z - zx = Z1 p \ z - Zl)
or
Z — Zj ~p2-
p 2 z = z x (45)
Combining the equations (44) and (45) term by term, we find the affix
z = ax of projection AL of point A on the straight line B'C
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 139
The affix a" of point A", symmetric to point A about B 'C \ is found
from the relation
+ a"
= *i
2
whence
a" = lay — z, = p z 3 + p z 3 — ~p2.
Similarly,
b" = p z 3 + p z x — p 2.
We now find
a" — b" = p ( z 2 — z , ) ,
a" — b" —P(z2 - H)
and, hence,
A"B"2 = (a" - b") (d" - b") = PP(?2 - H) (z 2 - zi) = AB2.
That is. A"B" = AB. In similar manner it can be proved that B"C" = BC,
C"A" = CA, that is A ABC and A A"B"C" are congruent.
------> ------- >
In order to prove that A ABC and AA"B"C" have opposite orienta
tions, it suffices to prove that
d" 1
A = z2 b" 1 = 0 .
^3 c" 1
We have
Zy p(Z2 + Z3) - P2 1 Zl pip 1 - Zl) 1 Zi — #>Zi 1
A = Z2 P(Z3 + Zl) — P2 1 == Z2 pia 1— Z2) 1 = z2 — pz2 1
Zg p(Zy + Z3) - P2 1 z3 P in - z3) 1 H — PH 1
Remark, From the relation o" = p{dx — p) it follows that the directed
line segment 0 0 " is equivalent to the directed line segment obtained by
symmetry in the x-axis of the directed line segment PH and a subsequent
rotation through the angle argp (the x-axis is a straight line passing
through point O and the Boutain point).
------►
Problem 16. On the sides BC, CA, AB are constructed triangles A'BC,
------> ------>
B'CA, C A B , which are similar and have the same orientation. Let P be
an arbitrary point lying on the circle (O) = {ABC), The directed line
segments OA', OB', O C rotate about point O through angles that are
respectively equal to {OP, OA), {OP, OB), {OP, OC) (these angles are
oriented). Let OA", OB", OC" be the respectively rotated segments.
Prove that the centroid G" of A A"B"C" is symmetric to the centroid G
of A ABC about the diameter of the circle {O), which diameter is parallel
to the Simson line constructed for point P with respect to A ABC,
Solution, We take the circle (O) = {ABC) for the unit circle, and the
point P for the unit point. Let zl9 z2, z3 be the affixes of the points A, B, C.
Denote by a', b', c' the affixes of the points A', B', C , Since the triangles
------> ------> ------>
A'BC, B'CA, C'AB are similar and have the same orientation, it follows,
assuming
CA'
cp = {CB, CA'), P=
CB ’
we will have
a = z3 + p{cos <p + / sin (p) (z2 — z3) = az2 + (1 — a) z3,
where a = p(cos <p + i sin cp), and similar expressions for b' and c' with
the same value of a:
b' = otz3 + (1 — a) zu
c' = OLZi + (1 — a) z2.
The affixes a", b", c" of the points A", B", C" are
a" = zx a', b" = z2 b', c" = z3 c'.
That is,
a" = zxz2a + (I — a) zLz3,
b" = z2z3 a + (1 — a) z2 zl9
c" = z3 zxa + (1 — a) z3 z2.
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 141
(for/< 73, any one of the two values may be taken; ][g3 is the conjugate
of that value). We then have
A = ][oz g - 1/V3g" = 1faz (g - c3g")
Solving this equation together with the equation zz — 1 of the unit circle,
we get
Z - Z i = Z2Z3 / ----------
1 1 Z Zj
or z — Zi = Z* 2a
V Z Zj Zt Z
One of the roots of this equation is z = zx (the affix of point A); the
other is
Z2 Z3
z = ax
Z1
(the affix of point AJ. Similarly,
*3 *1 zl z 2
bi = -
*2
The equation of the line OA is
z — z\ z = 0
and the equation of a perpendicular dropped from point P on the same
line is
z - 1 - - zf (z - 1).
Solve this equation together with the equation zz = 1 of the unit circle:
One of the roots of this equation is z = 1 (the affix of point P), the other
is the affix a' of point A':
z = a' = zf.
Similarly,
b' = zh cf = z l
are the affixes of points B' and C".
The equation of the straight line OA' is
z — z\ ~z = 0
and the equation of the straight line passing through point P perpen
dicularly to line OA' is
z - 1 = - z\ (z - 1).
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 143
From this and from the equation zz = 1 of the unit circle we find the affix a"
of point A":
z —1
z— that is, z — 1 = z?
z
One of the roots of this equation is z = 1 (the affix of point P), the other is
z = a" = z\.
Similarly,
b" = zi, c" = z l
where b” and c" are the affixes of the points B,r and C".
The slope of the straight line OP is equal to 1. Hence, the equation
of the straight line passing through point A ” perpendicularly to line OP
is of the form
z - a" = - (z - a").
Solving this equation together with the equation zz = 1 of the unit circle,
we find the affix A of point a:
One of the roots of this equation is z = a" (the affix of point A"); the
other is
which is the affix of point a. In similar fashion we find the affixes /z and v
of the points p and y:
1 1
or
-2 -2
z2 z3 —
z -------- Z
2
(46)
z1
The equation of the perpendicular dropped from the point a on this
tangent line is of the form
z ---- i = 4- ^4 ( z - z t )
4
or
-2 -2
Z2 Z3 — __
— 4- (47)
4
Combining equations (46) and (47) term by term, we find the affix a*
of the projection of point a on the tangent line:
Z? Zo
z = a? =
24
The affix a2 of point A2, which is symmetric to point a with respect to
the tangent to the unit circle at point Al9 is found from the relation
^1 + a2
= a* 9
whence
'l ♦ 1
a2 — 2a2 — — — 2O —
^ 2 Z3 2
------ ~\— i ^
----------^ Z 2 Z3
= — 2 -------- a3.2
Zi zj z* ZX
In similar fashion we find the affixes b2 and c2 of points B2 and C2:
L 9 Z3 “ 1 2 ^ Z1 Z2 2
b 2 — 2 03, c2 — — 2 -------- — 0^3.
Z2 Z3
From these relations it follows that the straight line A XA2 passes through
point Q with affix
q = o\
since the midpoint of segment A2Q has the affix
a2 + q z3 z2
— = --------=
2 zx
which is to say the midpoint of A2Q coincides with point Av Point Q lies
on the unit circle since \q\ = 1.
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 145
In similar fashion, we can prove that the points Bx and Cx are, respec
tively, the midpoints of line segments B2Q and C2 Q. Thus,
QA 2 _QB 2__QC2
= 2.
QA± QB± QC1
That is, A A 2 B2 C2 is an image of A A 1 B1 C1 under a homothetic transfor
mation with centre Q lying on {ABC) and with homothetic ratio 2.
Problem 18. 1°. Through the vertices A l 9 A2, A 3 of A A YA 2 A 3 lying
on an oriented plane, draw parallel lines intersecting the given straight
line A at the points Pl 9 P2, P3; note that the angle from the line A to the
lines A±Pl 9 A 2 P2, A 3 P3 is equal to a (Fig. 19).
Through points Bi, P 29 P3 draw straight lines ll 9 /2, 13 that intersect
the respective sides A 2 A3, A 3 A l 9 A±A2; note that angles reckoned from
the straight lines A 2 A 39 A 3 Al 9 A 1 A 2 to the straight lines ll 9 /2, l3 are all
equal to /?. Prove that the lines ll 9 /2, l3 form a triangle QiQ 2 Qz, which is
similar to the triangle AXA 2 A3; the factor of proportionality is
sin(a + P) j
sin a |
Consider the following special cases;
2°. P = 7i — a.
3°. p = 0.
Solution. 1°. Take the circle (O) = (A 1 A 2 A3) for the unit circle. Let
r j5 z2, z3 be the affixes of the points A l 9 A 29 A 3 and let
az + a ~z b
be the equation of the straight line A (a ^ 0 and b is a real number).
Put
X = cos 2a + i sin 2a, ju = cos 2p + i sin 2p.
The equation of line AXPX may be written in the form
a(z — Zj) + 2 a (z — z x) = 0 . (48)
Indeed, the slope of the straight line A is
a
x = ------
a
iuul the slope of the line (48) is
I lenee
X
In Ml()
146 Problems in Geometry
and so
= cos a + / sin a.
That is, the angle from the straight line A to the straight line (48) is equal
to a.
If we took the other value of ][X9
^X = — (cos a + i sin a) = cos(a + n) + / sin(a + n)9
then the angle from the straight line A to the straight line (48) would turn
out equal to n + a, that is, it would be congruent to a modulo it. From
the system of equations of the straight lines A and AxPl9 that is, from
the system of equations
az + a z = b9
az + Xa z = azx + Aa z l9
we find the affix px of point Px:
whence
z =Pi = —
a a )•
1
A / 1 b a zi\_ _ A f 1 b azx\
A — 1 \ zx Xa X a ) 1 — A\ zx Xa a j
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 147
P3
Fig. 23
Problem 19. Let A 1 A 2 A 3 A4 be a convex quadrangle inscribed in a
circle (0). Denote by A12, A23, ^ 34, ^ 4i the midpoints of its sides ^i/42,
^ 2^ 3? ^ 3^ 45A 4 Av Let <5 be some diameter of (0). Denote by a12, a23,
a34, a41 the orthogonal projections of the points A12, A<&,A 349 A 41 on the
diameter <5. Draw through the points a12, a23, a34, a41 straight lines p349 p l 4 9
p 129 P23 that are respectively perpendicular to the straight lines A 3 A4, A 4 A l 9
A±A2, A 2 A3. Prove that the lines p 349 P149 P12, p 23 form a quadrangle
B 1 B 2 B3 B4 similar to the given one but with orientation opposite that of
the quadrangle AXA 2 A 3 A 4 (Bx is the point of intersection of the lines p 23
and p34, B2 is the point of intersection of the lines P1 4 and P34, B3 is the
point of intersection of the lines p i 2 and P149 B 4 is the point of intersection
of the lines p 12 and p23; Fig. 23).
Solution. Regard (0 ) as the unit circle, and take the .x-axis so that the
diameter S lies on it. Let z l 9 z2, z3, z4 be the respective affixes of the points
A l 9 A 29 A3, A4. The midpoint A 1 2 of segment A 4 A 2 has the affix
and its projection aI2 on the line S (the x-axis) has the affix
zi + z2 H------ 1-----
_ a\2 ~f~ ^12 ________ Z1 Z2 ( 1|+ Zj z2) (z j+ z2)
T“ = — 2— 4 4z4 z2
The equation of the perpendicular P3 4 dropped from the point a12 to
the line A 3 A 4 (the slope of which is equal to —z3z4) is of the form
z t 12 = z3 z4(z f 12)
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 151
or
(1 + *i z2) (zi + z 2) (1 + Zi z2) (zl + z2)
z ------------------------------ = z3z4
4zx z, L 4Zj z2
or
(zx + z2) (1 + ^ z2) (1 - z3 z4)
Z Zo Z aZ (52)
4zj z2
Similarly, the equation of the perpendicular /?23 dropped from the point a 14
to the line A2A3 is of the form
_ _ - (Zl + Z4) (1 + Zj z4) (1 — z2 z3)
z — z2 z3 z = --------- (53)
4z4 z4
Multiplying both sides of equation (52) by z2, both sides of (53) by —z4,
and adding termwise, we obtain the affix z — bx of point Bx, the point
of intersection of the lines fi3i and /?23:
(Zj + z2) (1 + Zx z2) (1 — z3 z4) - ( z 4+ z4) (1 + z 4 z4) (1 - z 2 z3)
(z2 - z4) =
4zx
1
= —- (Zl + z2 + zj z2 + zl z4 — zx z3 z4 — z2z3 z4 — zf z2z3z4
4zj
-z2Zi Z3 z4 z4 z4 Zx Z4 Z4 ZJ -(- Zj Z2 Z3 + Z 2 Z3 Z4 -fZ | z4 z2 z3+zf z2 z3 z4)
b3 — 1 - <?4 1 ffl-
4z2 h 4
1 - <r4
b3 =
4z3 1 4
1 - <t4
K =
4z4 4
152 Problems in Geometry
To summarize:
bk = T + - — ( * = 1, 2,3,4).
4 4
From this relation it follows that the points Bl9 B2, B39 B4 lie on the circle
(BXB2B3B4)9the affix of whose centre is equal to aJA and the radius is 11 —
— <t4!/4. Since |<r4| = 1, it follows that the radius can vary from 0 to 1/2
(cr4 can assume the values ± 1).
Thus, if o4 — - 1, that is the Boutain point of the quadrangle is the unit
point, then the quadrangle BXB2B3B4 contracts to a point: all the lines
fi34, P23 pass through the centroid G (trJA) of the system of points
Al9 A2, A3, A4, to which are assigned equal masses.
If a1 = 0, that is, if the centroid of four points Al9 A2, A39 A 4 coincides
with the centre O of the circle (A1A2A3A4) = (0), then (AXA2A3A4) and
(BXB2B3B4) are concentric circles.
Finally, if the unit point does not coincide with any one of the four
Boutain points of the quadrangle A1A2A3A4 (these Boutain points form
the vertices of a square inscribed in the circle (0 )), then the quadrangle
--------- >
B1B2B3B4 does not degenerate. It is an image of the quadrangle AXA2A3A4
under a similarity transformation of the second kind:
We first take the points A[, A29 A 3, A4 that are symmetric respectively
to the points Al9 A2, A3, A4 with respect to the jt-axis, and then the quad
rangle A[A»A3A4 is rotated about point 0 through the angle arg -----
4
---------------->
and the rotated quadrangle A " A2A3 A4 is subjected to ahomothetic trans
formation with centre 0 and ratio |1 — a 4!/4; we get a quadrangle
---------------- >
d x 'A2 'A3 'A4 '; finally, the last quadrangle is subjected to a parallel transla
tion determined by the directed line segment OG, where the affix g of point G
is equal to <7j /4 (G is the centroid of the system of four points Al9 A2, A39 A4
--------- >
to which are assigned equal masses). We obtain a quadrangle B4B2B3B4.
Of all these transformations, only the first one (symmetry about the
----------- --------------->
x-axis) changes the orientation and, hence, and
the quadrangles A1A2A3A4 and BlB2B3B4 are similar.
Problem 20. A triangle ABC is inscribed in a circle with centre 0 ;
A 0, B0, C0 are the centres of the circles (OBC), (OCA), (OAB); Al9 Bl9 C4
are points symmetric to the points A0, B0, C0 about BC, CA, AB respec
tively. Prove that the orthocentre H of A ABC is the centre of one of the
circles (S) tangent to the straight lines BxCl9 CxAl9 AXBX and that the
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 153
circle (5) passes through the centre of the Euler circle of AABC. Prove
that the radius of (5) is equal to ~ OH.
Proof. Assume {ABC) to be the unit circle. Draw tangent lines to {ABC)
at the points A , B, C. They form a triangle A2B2C2. The circle {ABC) = {O)
is inscribed in A A 2B2C2 if ABC is an acute-angled triangle, and escribed
if ABC is an obtuse-angled triangle; if, for example, the angle C is
obtuse, then the circle {O) is escribed in the angle C2 of triangle A2B2C2.
In the quadrangle OBA2C the angles B and C are equal to 7i/2, and
so a circle can be circumscribed about it; the segment OA2 becomes a
diameter of that circle and, hence, its centre is the midpoint of segment OA2.
But the circle {OBC) coincides of course with the circle {OBA2C); hence,
the centre of {OBC) is the midpoint A0 of segment OA2.
Let zl9 z2, z3 be the affixes of the points A, B,C. Then the affix a3 of
the midpoint A3 of segment BC is
a y ??J r J s 5
2
and since point A2 is obtained from A3 by inversion with the inversion
circle {ABC), it follows that the affix a2 of point A2 is
_ 1_ 2___
#3 ~Z 2 + Z3
The affix o0 of point A0 will therefore be
1
a0 — —----- ——•
Z2 + Z3
The affix a± of point Al9 symmetric to point A0 about the line BC, is
found from the relation
ao + al
— #3>
whence
1 Zo ZQ Z2 ZZ <*2
— Z2 + Z3~" Z T — — = Z2 + Z 3 -------------
" - — 01~ —Zi=ax—
2 + Z3 Z2 + Z3 z2 + z3 Z2 + Z3
u<*2 1 —
t>i — G1 — C1 y O’2 b 2,
Z3 + Zi 2
<t2 1 _
Cl Cl — c 2 c2.
Zi + z2 2
154 Problems in Geometry
2 2
since the radius R of {ABC) is equal to 1.
Problem 21. Let AXA2AZA4 be an arbitrary quadrangle inscribed in
a circle {O) and let P be an arbitrary point. Denote by P12, P1Z, Pu , P23,
P 24, P 34 the points symmetric to point P about the straight lines AXA2,
A xAZ9 A xAa, A2A39 A2A49 A zA4. Let R 9 S9T be the respective midpoints
of segments P12, P ^ 9P139 P24, P14, P2Z9 and let O' be a point symmetric
to the centre O of (O) about the centroid of the system of four points
Al9 A29 AZ9 A4 (to which are assigned equal masses; Fig. 24).
Prove that the points R 9 S 9T, O' lie on one straight line.
Solution. Assume {O) to be the unit circle. Let zl9 z2, z3, z4 be the
respective affixes of the points Al9 A29 Az, A4. Denote by g19 g 29 g Z9 g 4 the
basic symmetric polynomials of the (complex) numbers z i9 i = 1,2, 3,4:
— Z1 + z2 + Z3 + Z4>
C 2 = Z X Z 2 ~f- Z j Z z + zl + ^2 Z Z + Z 2 Z4 + Z3 Z4>
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 155
— Z2 ZZ Z4 + Z \ Z3 Z4 + Z 1 Z 2 Z 4 4 ~ Z 1 Z 2 Z 3>
<74 = Zi Z2 Z4.
The affix g of the centroid G of the system of points Al9 A2, A3, A4 is
equal to a j 4, hence, the affix o' of point O', which is symmetric to point O
about point G, is equal to
o’ = ffJ2.
The equation of the perpendicular dropped from point P to the line AXA2
is of the form
z - p = z1 z2(z - p)
or
z - z1z2z = p - zxz2p , (55)
where p is the affix of point P. Adding termwise equations (54) and (55),
we find the affix z = of the projection P& of point P on the line AXA2:
P lZ = (^ 1 + ^ 2 + P ~ Z l ^2 P)-
156 Problems in Geometry
The affix p12 of point P12, which is symmetric to point P about line AXA29
is found from the relation
P + Pi 2
= Pl2,
whence
Pi 2 = 2P% — p = z1 + z 2 — z1z2p . (56)
Of similar form is the affix p34 of point ^345 which is symmetric to point P
about line A3A4:
P m = *3 + z4 - z3 z4p . (57)
From (56) and (57) we find the affix r of the midpoint R of segment ^12^34:
z7
2
This equation may be rewritten thus:
P rr
— •——
p
<J4
(*-a
2pz — 2p o4~z + <r3p — pa1 = 0 . (59)
Since this equation involves only symmetric polynomials of the affixes
zl9 z2, z3, z4 of points Al9 A2, A3, A4, the equations of the straight lines
O'S and O'T will be the same as equation (59), that is, the points O', S, T, R
lie on one straight line. Incidentally, we can see directly that the affixes s
and t of points S and T,
s = ~ [ ° i — (* 1 *3 + *2 *4) P ]
2
1= — “ (zi z4 + Z2za) P]
the straight line (59) does not change if point P describes a straight
line passing through the centre O of circle (O) (provided, of course, the
point O itself is excluded from the line).
Problem 22. Let A1,B 1,C 1 be projections of the vertices A ,B ,C of
A ABC on the diameter <5 of the circle {ABC), Denote by A2,B 2, C2 the
points symmetric to points Al9 Bx, C1 respectively with respect to the mid
perpendiculars of the sides BC ,C A ,A B of A ABC, Let A39 B3, C3 be
the midpoints of segments BC, CA, AB, and let A 4, I k C\ be the midpoints
of segments A2A3, B2B3, C2C3, Prove that A ABC and A ^ A C 4 are similar
and have opposite orientations. Prove that if the diameter <5of (ABC) = (O)
rotates about the point 0 , then the centre S of the circle (S) = (AaB^Ca}
describes a circle (0) that is concentric with (ABC), and the rotations
are in opposite directions. The radius of (S) is equal to — OH, where H
4
is the orthocentre of A ABC. The radius of (0) is equal to R/4, where R
is the radius of (ABC) (Fig. 25).
Solution. Take (O) = (ABC) to be the unit circle, and let the diameter &
be the x-axis. Let zl9 z2, z3 be the affixes of the points A, B, C. The affix aL
of the projection Ax of point A on the straight line <5 is
Since line BC has a slope of —z2z3, it follows that the equation of the
straight line OA3 is of the form
z z2z3 z
and the equation of the perpendicular dropped from point Ax to line OA3 is.
whence
a2 — 2a* — ax
2 2
_ 5 L ± Ii z r
a3 ± i *.
2
To summarize:
a\
l + 4 i ,’
/ a3 , (72 (61)
04 = ---- 1----- 9
4 4za
c4 — 0----
*3 . ^2
r •
4 4 z3
From this it follows that the points At, Bt, C4 are obtained from the
points A, B, C via the similarity transformation
(7o (To —
U= — + — Z
4 4
of the second kind, and, hence, A ABC and A A A Q have opposite orien
tations (and are similar).
From the relations (61) it also follows that the points A4, B4, C4 lie on
the circle (5) with centre S whose affix s is
s= < tJ4
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 159
*3 , *2 *3 I *2 *2
(a 4b 4c 4) = - -- z 2
4 4 *~4z2 4 + T4 Za 1 7 4 z2 4
*3 , *2 *3 ^2
1
4 T 4z3 4
J i *1 1
i O2 O2 k 2|2 (ABC) = kil - (ABC) = OH2
Z2 22 1 (ABC)
4 16 16 16 ~r<r
z 3 Z3 1
whence (6 2 )
(A4B4C4) OH2
(ABC) ~ 16
160 Problems in Geometry
------------—
whence
B= 2C .
Thus
A = 2B = 4C
and so
n 4tt
C = —> A=
7 7
2°. Assume {ABC) to be the unit circle, and A the unit point. The ver
tices A, By C of A ABC will be the vertices of a regular heptagon
AC'CB'A'QB inscribed in the circle (ABC). Setting a = cos (2n/l) +
+ i sin (27t/7) we find the affixes a, c \ c, b'> a', co, b of the vertices of this
heptagon:
a — 1, c = a (= a1), c = a2, 6' = a3, a' = a4, cu == a5, b = a®.
The quadrangle is a rhombus because we can take the straight
line for the straight line t (then all of the relations (63) of the statement
of the problem will be fulfilled) and, hence, by construction we have
t - AAX||CC', CB\\AC', C'C = C'A. The quadrangle CA,BB1 is also
a rhombus since its opposite sides are parallel: A'B | | t || CB1,A B B 1 | | A'C
and A'C = A'B. Similarly, we see that the quadrangle B'BCXA is a rhombus
as well.
From this we can find the affixes of the points A ^ C c , since
A^C + A ^ A = A^C',
it follows that
c — ax + a — ax = c' — al9
1 1 -8 1 0
162 Problems in Geometry
whence
al — c + a —- c' = a2 + I or.
A'C \ A B =- A'BX
we find
c — a’ + b — a’ = bx — a
and, consequently.
bx — c + b — a! = a2 + a6 or.
Finally, from the relation
¥ a +]F b = B T ,
we find
a —b' + b — bf — c, ~ b \
c1 —- a + b — // — 1 + ar>— a3.
To summarize:
= 1 — a + a2,
bx = a2 — a4 + ot6,
— 1 — a3 -f- a6.
->
The triangles ACB and are similar and have opposite orientations
if and only if the determinant
a bx 1
c cx 1
b 1
is equal to zero. We have
i a2 —a4 -|- a6 1 1 a2 —a4 + a8 1
A = a2 1 —a3 + a6 1 — a5 1 —a3 + a* 1
a8 1 — a + a2 1 a 1- a + a 2 1
---• 1 — a3 + a* + a6 — a® + a7 + a3 — a* + a7 — a -f a4 a7 - 1
+ a — nr® — nr7a7 + ot9 - a11 = 0.
the points Ax and B5 go into points B and A (then point C, goes into C).
Let z be the affi x of an arbitrary point M of the plane, and let M \u) be
its image under the indicated similarity transformation. Then
z u 1
bx 1 1 = 0
ax cl 1
or
u(ax — bx) + z( I — a) + abx — ax = 0
or
n(l — a -f- a4 — aB) + z(l — a) + a3 — a5 + a7 — 1 + a — a2 = 0,
whence, cancelling 1 — a, we have
u( a5 + a4 + I) + z + a(a3 + a2 + 1) = 0.
The fixed point of the similarity transformation satisfies the condition
z(a5 + a4 + I) + z + a4 -f- a3 + a = 0, (64)
whence (passing over to conjugate numbers) we have
z(a5 + a4 + 1) + z + a4 -1- a3 + a = 0
or, multiplying the left-hand side by a7 = 1,
z(a2 + a3 + 1) + z + a3 + a4 + a6 --- 0.
From the last relation we find
z = —z(a3 f a3 + 1) — a3 — a4 — a6
and equation (64) takes the form
—z(a2 r a3 + 1) (a5 + a4 -[- 1) — (a5 + a4 + 1) (a3 + a4 + a®)
+ z + a3 + a4 + a = 0
or
z( I — a7 — a6 — a2 — a8 — a7 — a3 — a5 — a4 — 1)
= a8 + a9 + a11 -f a7 + a8 -f- a10 + a3 + a4 + a6 — a3 — a4 — a
or
z(—a® -- a5 — a4 — a3 — a2 — a — 2) = a6 + a4 + a3 + a2 +■ a + 1.
But a7 == 1, and since a — 1 ^ 0, it follows that
a6 + a5 -f- a4 -f a3 + a2 + a + 1 = 0
and the last relation takes the form
164 Problems in Geometry
whence
z = a5.
That is, the fixed point of the~similarity transformation of the second kind
--------> ------ >
that carries A BXCXA^ into A ABC is the point Q.
Setting
a5 + a4 + 1 =- A, a3 + a2 + 1 r~ p,
we find the relation
Xu + z + olh = 0 (65)
that relates the affix z of the arbitrary point M of the plane with the affix
u of its image M ' under the similarity transformation at hand. The points
Bx and Ax go into points A and B under this similarity transformation, so
that
bx + <xfx +afi,
a= ,----- 9 b ... ------------------
X
whence
bx
a ~ b = <*i
X
and, thus,
A\B\
■= W-
AB
However,
a5 + a4 + l = a 2 + a 3 + l.
a5 + a4 + 1 -- a2 + a3 + 1;
consequently,
|A|2 = (a5 + a4 + 1) (a2 + a3 + 1)
~ a7 + a8 + a5 + a6 + a7 + a4 + a2 + a3 + 1
= 2 + a6 + a6 + a4 + a3 + a2 + a + 1 = 2,
whence
A\BX_Y2 9 __
AB ~ ’ A1B1 ~~ ](2
---------------------------- *
is the proportionality factor that carries A B ^ A i into A ACB; it is,
equal to 1//2.
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 165
3°. Let Ox be the centre of the circle (AXBXCX). The point 0 1 is the image
of point O under the indicated similarity transformation (item 2°). There
fore, the affix ox of point Ox is found from equation (65) by setting u = 0
in the equation:
ox ~ — a(a3 -f a2 + 1).
Let us consider a regular heptagon inscribed in a circle ( A ^ C j) with
the vertices arranged in the following order:
A qCqQqA qBqBqCo,
where A0 = Bx, B0 Cx, C0 = Ax. Such a regular heptagon exists since
the angles of A BXAXCX are
and, hence, AXBXis one of the sides of the heptagon and Cx is its third ver
tex. The affixes of the vertices of the heptagon are
Oi + (a0 — °i) 1 (k = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7).
Expanded, they are:
a0 = bx = a2 — a4 + a8,
c0 = = a2 — a + L
ct)0 = — a4 — a3 — a + (a2 + a6 + a3 + a) a2
— —a4 — a3 — a + a4 + a8 + a6 + a* = oc\
a'0 = — a4 — a3 — a + (a2 + a8 + a3 + a) a3
= — a4 — a3 — a + a5 + a9 + a* + <*4 — a8+ a5 —a3 + a*— a,
bo = — a4 — a3 — a + (a2 -f a6 + a3 + a) a4
= — a4 — a3 — a + a6 + a10 -f a7 + a6= a® + a5 — a4 — a -f- 1,
*o = = a6 — a3 + 1,
ci =-- — a4 — a3 — a + (a2 + a6 + a3 + a) a6
= — a4 — a3 —■a + a8 + a12 + a9 + a7 = a6 — a4 — a3 + a2 + 1.
From this it follows that Q0— Q and that this point is the centre of the simi
larity transformation under which A C 2A2B2 goes into That
these triangles are similar and have opposite orientations follows from the
-------------------> . ------------------- > .
= a2 — a + 1 + a8 — a3 + 1 — a6 — a5 + a* — a2 + a = 2 — a5.
Thus,
a2 = 2a2 — a5,
b2 = 2a6 - a5,
c2 = 2 — a5
and so A C2B2A2 is obtained from the triangle ABC (the affixes of whose
vertices are 1, a6, a2) via a homothetic transformation with centre Q and
ratio 2 since
c2 — 0) 2 - a5 - a5
2
z,,
a — 0) 1 - a5
b2 - - 0) 2a® — a5 - a5
b - 0) ~ a®— a5
a2 ~- (0 2a2 - 2a5 - 2
--
c — 0) a2 — a5
4°. The slope of the straight line OQ is equal to
(X5
— = a'° = a*.
a5
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 167
The straight line t passes through the points A and B' and so its slope is
1 - a3 1 - a3
a3.
1 - a3 ~ i __ 1
a3
The sum of the slopes of the straight lines OQ and x is 0 and so OQ _L x.
Problem 24. 1°. On the sides of the hexagon AyA2A3A4AbA6are construct
ed equilateral triangles
---------->.---- :----- > ----------> —--------> ----------> ----------►
AyA2Al9 A2A3A29 A3A4A39 A4AbA49 AbAeAb, A^AyAB (66)
which have the same orientation. Prove that the ends P[9 P3, Pb of the
directed line segments OP[9 OP3, OPb (O is an arbitrary point), which are
------ -------- >.------
respectively equipollent to the directed line segments A[A49 A3Ab, AbA2y
form an equilateral triangle T = P[P3Pb9 which has an orientation oppo
site that of any one of the triangles (66). In particular, A T can degenerate
into a point.
2°. Prove the converse: namely, that if an arbitrary equilateral triangle
T — P 1P3P 5 and a point O are chosen in a plane and directed line segments
A ;A 'A ;',A 'A ;A '', A'3A ’4A'3'9 A 'A 'A 4'9 A'bA'A'b\ A ,bA[A,bf (67)
are constructed so that they all have the same orientation and the orien
tation of any one of them is opposite that of any one of the triangles (66).
Prove that
------ > ------ > ------ > ------> ------> ------ >
A\Ay = A2A39 A2A2 = A3A4, A3A3 = A4Ab9
----- > ------> ------> ------ > ------> ------>
A4A4 = A bA69 AbAb = A6Al9 A€A6' = AyA2
where == is the sign of equipollency of (directed) line segments.
168 Problems in Geometry
A['A'a' = A W = A W = 3OG,
where G is the centroid of the triangle T* = M14A/36M52 and M liy Af36, A/52
are the ends of the directed line segments OMUy OM36, OM52 laid off
from an arbitrary point O and respectively equipollent to the directed line
------> ------> ----- >
segments A^AA9 A^A^ A^A^.
5°. Prove that the midpoint of the principal diagonal AXA4 of the hexagon
A ^ A ^ A ^ A q coincides with the point/C14, in which segments A['A'2' and
AZ'A$' intersect and are bisected; the midpoint of A3A6 coincides with the
point K3S, in which segments A z’ 'A a and A's A[' intersect and are bisected;
finally, the midpoint of A 5A2 coincides with the point A^52, in which seg
ments A ^A ^ and A2A'^ intersect and are bisected (Fig. 27).
Solution. We introduce in the plane a rectangular Cartesian system of
coordinates Oxy. Denote by a and a the imaginary roots of the equation
jc3 + 1 = 0 :
l+ijfa - 1-/K3
a
2 ’ “ 2
Let alt a2, a3)a4, a5, a6, p[, p'3, p3, a[, a2, a3, a[, a3, a«, be the respective
affixes of the points A u As, A3, At, A5, A„, P[, P3, P3, A[, A3, A3, A4, A3, A3.
Then
«2 — fli = <x(a[ - at),
o3 a3 = oc(n2 @z)y
o3 — oi(a3 a3).
as - a 4 = ct(a4 — at),
a6 - a 3 = a(as — a5),
— a6 = <x(a3 - a6).
From this we find (note that since a2 — a + 1 = 0 it follows that a — 1 +
+ a = 0, whence 1 — a = a)
a. = aa[ + aa4,
a3 — aa'3 + a a2,
a4 = aa3 + a a3,
(68)
o5 = aa4 + aa4,
= afls + a^s.
a4 = cta'i -f aa8.
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 169
Fig. 27
Multiplying these relations by a5, a4, a3, a2, a, 1 respectively and adding,
we obtain (note that aa = 1, a3 = a3 = —1)
a'2 — ab = a (a'6 — aJ) + a (a'A— flO-
Since
a’4 — a[ = p[, ai — a3 = Pz9 of2 ~~ afb = p b,
it follows that
pi = 05P* +
or
pi = <*/>3 + (1 - a) = />J
170 Problems in Geometry
or
/>5 ~ P'l = a (pZ - p[). (69)
From this it follows that AP[PZPZ (provided it does not degenerate into
a point) is equilateral because from relation (69) it follows that the directed
line segment P[P$ is obtained by a rotation of the directed line segment
P[PZ through the angle tt/3 (a = (1 + i J/3)/2 cos (tt/3 + / sin (it/3)).
------>
The orientation of A P1P3P5 is opposite that of any one of the triangles
of (66): this follows from relation (69) and, for example, from the relation
a-i — at = a (a[ — ax);
since aa = 1, it follows that
a [ - a x = a (a2 — a t),
that is, the directed line segment AXA[ is obtained by a rotation of the
directed line segment AXA2 through the angle —tt/3 (a = cos (—n/3) +
+ 1 sin (-tt/3)).
The case p[ -- pZ is also possible; then also p[ = pZ, that is, A P[PZPZ
contracts to a point. This occurs if and only if the directed principal di
agonals A[Ai AZAZ, AZAZ of the hexagon A[AZAZAZAZAZ are equipollent:
but with orientation opposite that of A P{PZPZ- On the basis of item 1°,
I with the aid of the construction given in item 1°, the hexagon AxA2A3A4AhA^
leads to the chosen points A[, AZ, AZ, A\, AZ, AZ and then to the chosen
triangle P[P’zP i
3°. The affixes a[, aZ,aZ,aZ, aZ,aZof the points A[, AZ, AZ, AZ, AZ, AZ
are connected with the affixes a", a2 , a2 , a4", aZf, aZ' of the points A x , A2 ,
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 171
A 3', A'a A'b\ Ab by relations of the form (68) in which the positions of
only a and a need be interchanged:
a2 — aa[f + cta[9
a'z = aa2 + aa2,
a\ = aaz + ctaZ9
ab == 0W4' + aaA,
= otab -f- 010r5,
a[ = a^e' -|- a^g*
From these relations and from the relations (68) we find
ata" = a2 — owj = a3a — 02& + <*i&= afl3 — ota2 + &Q\
and so
o-y ~ Q\ q 2 -|-
Similarly
a2 ~ a2 “F ^ 4 ?
# 3 ~ # 3 # 4 “ t“ ^ 5 >
(71)
# 4 * = £ 4 + ^ 6 ’
tffi* “ a% “t~al>
a* = a< — + a2.
From these relations it follows that
Oy Q\ ~ qz a2,
Cl2 Q2 = Q\ (2
Gz Qz ~ Qb 0 A,
aA aA= a6 ^5,
£6* #5 = ^1 ^65
#6 = @2 ^1»
and therefore
Consequently,
A ^A 4 = A ^A i' = a7 a ;\
Fig. 28
Solution. 1°. Take (O) — (ABC) for the unit circle. Let z„ zt, z3 be the
respective affixes of the points A, B, C. The equation of the straight line
BC is of the form
Z — z3 = —z., z3 (z — zs)
or
z + z2z3z = z2 + z3. (73)
The equation of the perpendicular dropped from point P to line BC is
z - p = z.,z3(z - p )
or
z- Z2Z3 Z = p — z2z3p, (74)
where p is the affix of point P.
Adding termwise the equations (73) and (74), we find the affix z = ax
of point A1:
ax = —- (z2 + z3 + p — z2z3p).
174 Problems in Geometry
Cl = - J - (Z i + z2 + p - z , z 2p ) .
2
Since it is given that A BCP and A C1B1Q1 are similar but have opposite
orientations, it follows that the affix of point Q1 can be found from the
condition
b cx 1
c b2 1 = 0
P <h 1
or
------ - - (z1 + z 2 + p - zxz2p) 1
2
— ~ (Z3 + zl + P - Z3Zxp) 1
z3 2
~P <h 1
or
1
—
Z1 + Z2 P — z& p 1
^2
1
Z3 + Z1 + P ~~ z 3zlP 1
*3
P 1
Subtract the second row from the first row of the determinant to get
— z3 + Z i + p — z 3Z j p 1
Z3
p 2 1
Cancelling z3 — z2 # 0, we get
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 175
9i y ~ P + P + * i)-
2°. The symmetry of the right-hand side with respect to z l 9 z3, z3 permits
asserting that (item 1°) A A y C 1Q l and A CAP are similar and have oppo
site orientations and that (item 2°) A P y Ay Qy and A A B P are similar and
have opposite orientations. At the same time we found the affix of
point Qy.
3°. Associated with the directed line segment Aybx is the complex
number
P - Z 1 Z — Zy
P - Zi ZZy
One of the roots of this equation is naturally z --- Zy (the affix of point A);
the other root (the affix a' of point A') and be found from the equation
P — Zy 1
P — Zy ZZy
whence
1 P - Zy
z --= a
Zi P ~~ Zi
176 Problems in Geometry
b, = _ _1. P - z2 ^
Z2 p — ~Z2
C' = - i m .
Z3 P — Z3
To the directed line segment ^f'5' there corresponds the complex number
b, _ , = J _ P - Z i _ _ L P - Z2
zi P — z i z2p z2
= z*(pP ~ ~ z iP + z i* a ) ~ zi(PP ~ ZiP ~ Z*P + z i z 2)
ZjZ2(p - z ,) (p — z 2)
_ z2pp — ZiZ2p — p + Zi — Z|PP + p + ztz2p — Zjj
ZiZ2(p - Zj) (p - z 2)
_ pp(z2 — zt) — (z2 — zt) __ (z2 - Zt)(pp - 1)
ZiZ2(p — Zl) (P — Z2) ZlZ2(P - Zl) (P - z 2)
From this it follows that
b’ - a' = __________ 2 ( p p - 1)__________
*1 - flj ZjZ2(p - Zj) (p - z 2) (z3p - 1)
2(pp — 1) _ 2(pp-l) .
<r3(P - Zi) (p — z 2) (p - z 3) a3(p 3 — ^ p 2 + d2p - d3) ’
J _ O’2 - Gl
and since a, = — t a2 = — 5 it follows that
CO
eo
b’ - a ' 2 (pp - 1)
(76)
— fli <r3P3 - <r2P2 + —1
Denoting the right-hand side by A, we have
t 2 (p p -l)
<r3P3 — <r2p 2 + atp — 1
and then obtain
b’ - a' = A(b! - a!>
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 177
o’ + b ' + c ' = JL P ~ J ± _ J _ P ~
Z\ P Z1 Z2 P Z2
___1_ P - Z3 _L x (79)
Z3 P Z3 a3 Y
where
X = z 2z3(p - z,) (p - z 2) (p - z 3)
+ Z-MP - z2) (P ~ z 3) (P + Zi) + zxz2(p - z3) (p - z,) (p - z 2),
Y — (p — z x) (p — z 2) (p - z 3).
12-810
'178 Problems in Geometry
Furthermore,
z 2z 3( p - z 2) ( p ~ Z 3) ( p - rO = z , z 3[ p a — (z2 + z 3) p + Z , z 3] ( p - z ,)
The other two terms in the numerator of (79) are of the form
Z3 Z1 ~P%
P - (z3 + Z2) pp + p - o3pa + ( z 2z 3 + ZjZj) p - z 2,
zLz2p ap — (Zj + z2)pp + p — o3p a + (ZjZj + ZjZ2) p - Zj.
Adding the last three expressions, we obtain
X = pp2<r9 — 2(7!/?/? + 3/? — 3(7.,/?2 — 2(T2p —
To summarize:
, . ,, , , -pp-O i + 2ffipp - 3p -f 3<r3pa - 2<s2p -f Ox
a + b + c —------------------- -3--------------------- -------------
o*(P - * i) (/> - - 2) iP - ^ 3)
Using the expressions for au bu cx obtained above, we get
1
«i + ^ + c2 = ' (2(71 + 3/? - cr2/?);
2 {p p - 1)
and since A — it follows that the relation
°*(P - z'i) (P - z%) (P - ^ 3)
2(PP - 1)
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 179
We have
iK ) 2P
pp + 1 P2P — <
t3p 2 + <r2p — o',
t - o 1=
2p 2(pp - 1)
p2p 2 — 1 —p2p 2 + a3p3 — <r2p 2 + ffjp _ a3p 3 — a2p 2 + o,p — 1
2P (PP - 1 ) Tpipp - J)
<r3(P ~ Z j) (P ~ z't) <P ~ z 3)
2p (p p - 1)
whence
: - <y3(P - Zj) (P ~ z2) (p - z3)
t — 01 —------------------------------------
2P(PP - 1)
and therefore
Ip — *iI8 \p — ^>12 !p — z3\2 _
(?i - <h) (tj - o,) =
4(pp - I)2
But this means that the points T and Qx are obtained one from the other
by inversion with the circle of inversion with centre Ox and radius
|p — Z ,| Ip — Z 2 1Ip — z 3| PA-PB-PC
(R = 1).
2 \pp — 11 2 | OP2 - R2 1
The radius of the circle (AXBXCX) — (Ox) can be found from the simi
larity relation z' = Az1 = p that carries the circle (AXBXC}) into the circle
(A' B' C'). Since the radius of (A'B'C') is R — 1, it follows that the radius
Rx of (AXBXCX) is
R R ! o3(P — Zi) (p — z >) (P — z3) _ PA-PB-PC _
1 |A| | 2(Pp - 1) ~ 2 \OP2 - R2\ P'
5°. The affix co of the fixed point Q of the similarity transformation that
carries one of the triangles, , into the other, A' B' C', is found from
180 Problems in Geometry
But
P2P — G-iP1 + <*lP — <*1 = 2ox(pp — 1),
<r3P* — <*iP' 4 - <?iP — 1 = 2p(pp - !)(/ — o,)
and so
20i(/>P - 1) 0i
0) — ----- =------------- ———---------------- “ ------------------ .
2(pp - 1) — 2p(pp — 1)(/ - o,) 1 - p(t - 0t)
6°. The points P and Qt coincide if and only if p = qlt that is,
— P*- =0.
03 0g 0S
that is,
p* — 0tp + 08
0,
and (80) takes the form
— 1 (0 8p2 — 0 10 a/> -h 0 !) —p + 0 i = 0
<*3
or
p* — 2 0 jp* + ( 0 ? -I- 0 2 )p 2 — ( 0 X0 2 + 0 3) p + 0 1 0 3 = 0 . (81)
second point of intersection with the circle (GH) of the straight line 0 }Q*,
where Ol is a point symmetric to the point O about the midpoint K of
segment GH, and Q* is a point symmetric to the point Q' about the mid
perpendicular of segment GH.
Solution. 1°. We take {ABC) for the unit circle, and Boutain point
of A ABC for the unit point. Let a, b, c, p, a', b', c , a", b", c" be the re
spective affixes of the points A ,B ,C ,P , A f,B f, C , A ",B ",C ". Then
~ abc — 1. The equation of the straight line passing through point A
and perpendicular to the straight line OP is of the form
z — a — —pl (z — a).
Solving this equation together with the equation of the unit circle zz 1,
we get
2 z —a
z — a = p * --------
az
One of the roots of this equation, z = a, is the affix of point A, the other
root is
z = a* ----- p2ja.
which is the affix of point A*.
The slope of the straight line perpendicular to the straight line OA* is
z - p = x(z - p ), P‘
a a
The equation of the straight line passing through point P perpendicularly
to OA* is of the form
P4
* ~ P = ------ (* - P l
a2
Solving this equation together with the equation of the unit circle zz = 1,
we find the affix a' of point A':
One of the roots of this equation is naturally z = p (the affix of point P),
the other is the^ affix of the point A \ that is, a! — p2/a2. In similar fashion
we find the affixes of the points B' and C . We thus have
a’ PL
c2 '
The equation of BC is
z + bcz = b + c.
184 Problems in Geometry
The equation of the perpendicular dropped from point A ' to the straight
line BC is
or
That is,
whence (since a3 = 1)
a" = b + c — a = a1 — a( 1 + p 3).
n3
P6
In similar fashion we find b" and c". Thus,
a" = ffj — (1 +p~*)a,
b" = <rx - (1 +p~3)b, (82)
c" = 0 i — (1 +P~3)c-
And so A A"B"C" is obtained from A ABC by a similarity transformation
of the first kind:
2 " = (Tx - (1 + p - * ) Z . (83)
Hence the oriented triangles ABC and A"B"C" are similar and have the
same orientation.
2°. We now prove that A ABC is inscribed in A A"B"C ". We will
prove that the straight line B"C " passes through point A. To do this it
suffices, for example, to prove that
a — b‘
a — c"
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 185
6°. The points A ", B '\ C" coincide with the point H if and only if /?3 +
3
I 1 ~ 0, that is, p — 1. The affixes of these points T2, T4, have the
arguments
(p2 = */3, </>4 == n, <p6 = 5n/3.
These points T2, r 4, Tb together with the Boutain points of A ABC form
a regular hexagon TxT2T3TATbT%inscribed in the circle {ABC). Thus, al!
the points A ”, B", C" coincide if and only if the point P coincides with
one of the three vertices T2, TA, T6 of a regular hexagon inscribed in the
circle (ABC), whose three other vertices are the Boutain points Tl9 T3, Tb
of A ABC.
7°. The triangles ABC and A"B"C” are congruent under six positions
of the point P. Indeed, A ABC and A A"B"C'f are congruent if and only
if | p3 f 11= 1, that is, 2 | cos (3<p/2) | ~ 1, whence
cos (3<p/2) — ±1/2, 3<p/2 == 2kn ± tt/3, 3<p/3 — 2kn ±2n/3;
consequently,
4 , 4
<P - kn ± — n. cp - kn ± ...
3 9 3 9
On the circle (ABC) there are altogether six points with such arguments
and they are obtained by rotations of the radii OTl9 OT3, OTb (Tl9 T3, Th
are the Boutain points of A ABC) through the angles ±40° (rotations of
the radii OTu OT29 OT3 through the angles ±80° lead to the same six
points).
8°. From the relation
z" = <7j — (1 + p " 3)r, (84)
which define a similarity transformation that carries A ABC into
A A "B nC,r9it follows that the affix to' of the fixed point Q' of the similari
ty transformation (84) is
co = - --------
2 + /T 3
[in relation (84), put z” = z \
9°. From the relation obtained in item 8° it follows that if point P
describes a unit circle, then the point Q' describes the ciicle (£') obtained
from the unit circle via the linear fractional transformation
z = — —.
2 + z
We will now prove that (Q') is an orthocentroidal circle of the triangle
ABC, that is, a circle with diameter GH. The affix k of the midpoint K of
segment GH is
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 187
Furthermore,
\z ' — k\
whence p3 = —1, that is, the point P coincides with one of the points
t 4, r 6.
12°. The centroid G" of A A"B/fC'f corresponds to the centroid G of
A ABC under the similarity transformation
* " - * 1 - 0 +/>■*)*•
That is, the affix g" of point G" is
(O 8" = y (2 - P 3)>
2 + />-*”’
188 Problems in Geometry
we obtain
V'
2+ p 3 —y ,
co
whence
3g" co' — 4co'<71 + a? = 0.
or
<*1 - ^1
2 2 = CO — (85)
^1
2— *1
<*1
or
z + - l- z = — ffj. (86)
trA 3
Adding termwise the equations (85) and (86), we find the affix z = 7r
of the projection of point G' on the midperpendicular of segment GH:
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 189
The affix co* of the point Q* can be found from the relation
co' + CO*
----------- —n— <h CO
2
whence
CO S '
01
but
a/ — 01
2 + p 3’
Hence,
to* 01
■3
+ P
We have
4 4 0i
<7i o1 — aU 2 - p 3)
0i to* g" 3 3 2 + p~ 3 3
0i S* g" 4 _ 4 _ 0i <r, «.
(7l o1 — L (2 -/7~3)
1 1 1 3 3 2+/T3 3
1 1 1
4 1
3 2+ p 3
= 0]01 4 1_ -0.
T 2-}V* 3<2 + ' ‘)
1 0 0
Problem 27. Let P, 0 , R be the orthogonal projections of point M
on the sides BC, CA, of AABC; let A0,B 0, C0 be the midpoints of
segments M A, AfP, MC, and let A', B', Cf be the points obtained by inver
sion of the points A0, B0, C0 with the circle of inversion (PQR). Prove
that the ratio of the area of A A'B'C' to the area of A PQR is equal to
the ratio of the square of the radius of (PQR) to the power of the point M
with respect to that circle with sign reversed (Fig. 30).
Solution. Take (PQR) as the unit circle. Let zl9 z2, z3i z0 be the respective
affixes of the points P, Q, R9M . Since the radius of (PQR) is regarded
as equal to 1, it follows that the power of the point M with respect to the
190 Problems in Geometry
Z0 "
The slope of the straight line AQ is equal to — —— — - and therefore the
z0 —z%
equation of this line is of the form
We have
A' = (z2z 0 + z 2z0 — 2) (z0 — z3) — (z3"z0 + z3z0 — 2) (z0 — z2)
” z 2Z qZ q -j~ z 2Z q 2z0 z 2z 3Z q z 3z 2Z q -f- 2z3
(■
Z? . Z2 + z 3
= (z2 — z3) Zo'z'o --------------h - ... — Z„
Z2Z3 Z2Z3 - 2)
zqZqZ2z3 — Zq 4" (z2 ~h ^3 ) 2z2z3
= (z2 - z3)
^2^3
A = ( z 0 — z 2) (z0 - z3) - (z0 - z2) (z 0 - z 3)
= ZqZq ZqZ3 z 2z0 + ZjiZa z3z 0 -|- z0z 3 -)- z2z 3 z2^ 3
* 0 "t" Z2Z?,Zt) Z2 Z3
The affix a' of the point A' is equal to l/a 0, that is,
1_
z 0 H-----— zo ---- -- -
a = Z2Z3 Z2 Z3 Z q - f - Z 2Z3Z q Z2 Z3
1 Z0 Z — 1
(ZflZo - 1)
Z9Z0
We now have
o' = - 1- (z 0 + Z^Zydz + z \ — IT,).
a
Similarly,
b' = — ( z 0 + ZoZg^g + z 2 —
<7
and, hence,
a' I z o “f“ z o z i ° ,3 ' i ~ z i — ° i Zo+ZqZ^j + z x &1 1
(A 'B C ) = b’ b' 1 Zo+ ZoZ2<734-z2—ax z 0+ z 0z8ff3+ z'a 1
4a2
c' c' 1 Z0~KZ0Z3°’3"l'Z3—^1 z 0+ZoZ3ff3+ z 3—a t 1
. zo*>3+zi ZqZ ^ + Zj I ; IZ| z l li Zi z \ 1 ■
/
^ 2 ^0Z2°3 i~Z2 Z0Z2^3 "hz 2 ^ ; Z0 Z» j Z 2 Z2 1, z 2 Z2 1
4(J2
! Z0Z3^3H~Z3 Z0Z3^3~KZ3 ^ I ! z 3 Z3 lj z3 z 3 1 .
= - 1 (PQR)
G
whence
(A'B'C') _ 1
(PQR) “ (7 ’
Problem 28. AXA2A3 is an arbitrary triangle; P is an arbitrary point.
Through P draw two mutually perpendicular straight lines S and 8'.
Let these lines intersect side A2A3 at the points B2 and B3, respectively,
and the altitude (dropped from point Ar on side A2A3) at points B2 and B3.
In similar fashion construct the points C3 and Cl9 C3 and C[ for side A3AX
and the altitude dropped from vertex A2 on that side; also construct the
points Dx and D2y D[ and D2 for side AXA2 and the altitude dropped
from point A3 on side AXA2. Prove that the centroids of the three groups
of points B2y B39 B2, B3\ C3, Cl9 C3', C[; Dl9 D2y D[yD2 lie on a single straight
line (to all indicated twelve points are assigned identical masses, see Fig. 31).
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 193
Solution. Take (AXA 2 A3) for the unit circle. Let zl5 z2, z3,/? be the re
spective affixes of the points A l 9 A2, A3, P. Let us write down the equations
of the straight lines 6 and S' in the form
z —p = t(z — p) or z — tz = p — rp, (89)
z — p = — t(z — p) or z + t ’z = p + xp, (90)
where | t | = 1. The equation of the straight line A 2 A3 is of the form
z + z 2z3z = z2 + z 3. (91)
Subtracting (89) from (91) term by term, we obtain the number z = ft2,
which is the conjugate of the affix b2 of point B2:
Z2 + Z 3 — P+'c'P (92)
b2
Z 2 Z3 + T
whence
1 + 1 - p + 1 p
Z2 ^3 T t (~ -2 + Zg z2z3p ) -{- z, z3p
h (93)
Z 2Z 3 + T
— +
Z2 Z3 T
From these formulas we find the number b23, which is the conjugate of
the affix b23 of the midpoint B2Z of segment B2B3:
^ = b 2 + bz = J _ / z 2 + z 3 — p + T p + z 2 + z3 - p - x p \
2 2 V z 2 z3 + t z2z3 — t )
= z 3 z3(z2+ z3) — p z 2 z3 — t2 p
z \z \ - T2
whence
1 / 1 1 \ _ 1 1
-----I ------- 1---- I — p --------- — P _
_ Z2z3 \ Z2 Z3 ) Z2Z3 T2 _ z\ z l p + T2 p z 2 z3—(z2+ z 3) T2
" 1 1 z2 z§ - t2
2 | Z§ T2
and, similarly,
p + x p — Zt + —
______________ £i_
b3 = Z2 Z3 + T
The number £ 23*which is the conjugate of the affix b23 of the midpoint £23
of segment B2B3y is
p - z p - z± Z2 Z3
p + tp — Zi + *2*3
Z1
Z2 Z3 T *2 *3 + T
72 72
z2 z3p — a3 .-----------
* 2 *3 o —
x2p
Z% Z% — T2
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 195
whence
l _ _1_ Z2Z ,
2 ^3 o -- «
— p J i— i , pz\ Z%— Zx T2 -f T2 — Z 2Z 3 p t 3
z 2 Z3 °3 z|z§ T2
1 z| z| — T2
-2 -2
Z2 Z3
The affix A of the centroid of the set of points B2, 2?3, 2?3 is equal to
the affix of the midpoint of segment B2ZB23, the ends B23 and B23 of which
are the midpoints of segments B2B3 and B2B3:
^ _ ^23 + ^23
2z| z\ p
■ (-¥ )
2(z| Z§ — T2)
(95)
Let us now prove that the point with affix A lies on the straight line A
given by the equation*
z \z \ t2 V z 2 z3/ _ (Ti z \z \ — a3 — 2p t 2
A = (97)
2(z| z| — T2)
if-1 -- 1 )
Ul 4 t2y
* The equation of this straight line could have been set up by similarly determining
the affix /i of the centroid o f the second set o f points C3, Clf C3, C\ :
_ 2 2
2z3 z ip
2(zi zf - t2)
also, by determining the affix v o f the set o f points D l t D2tD i9 Z>2*itis possible to verify
the validity of the necessary and sufficient condition o f collinearity o f the three points
A A 1
P P 1 = 0.
V v 1
196 Prooiems in Geometry
^ 2p z\ z| — t 2ax + x2
*3 )
+ ^ 4 z l ^ - o s - 2 p x2j ^2p + z— - <7! j
= 4p p z \ z\ + 2p z\ z\ — — 2p — zf zf — 2p x2o’! — Oi <r3 + 2t 2
t2 cr3 ff3
+
^ (z| zi - T2) + (Z2 Z2 - T2)*
t2 o3
Thus, the left-hand side is, for z = A, equal to
<,p- + l - ^ + 2 / |+ ^ .
<73 T2 <73
x2 a3 cr3
which is the same as the left-hand side. The symmetry of equation (96)
proves the theorem. At the same time, (96) is the equation of straight
line on which lie three centroids of three sets of points:
B2, B3, B2, B3\ C3, Ci, C3, Cii Di, D2, Di, D>.
From this theorem there follows a corollary (the Droz-Farny theorem)
(see Fig. 32): if through the orthocentre H of triangle AXA2A3 we draw
two mutually perpendicular straight lines, which cut off on sides A2A3,
A3Ax, A xA2 segments B2B3, C3CX, DXD2, then the midpoints of segments
B2B3, C3Ci , DxD2 lie on one straight line. Of course, this theorem can be
proved in a straightforward fashion, and its proof is technically not so
elegant as that given in the problem generalizing the Droz-Farny theorem.
In a direct proof of the Droz-Farny theorem, one should bear in mind
that Ci is the affix of the orthocentre H of the triangle A i A2A3.
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 197
Let us find the affix pa of point Ptt. The affixes of the points D', E’, F'
are ~zlt z 2, z 3. The slope of the straight line E'F' is
_L_ J.
Z2 Z 3 __ z2 z3 _ 1
Z2 z3 z2 z3 z2 z3
The equation of the straight line is
Z - Z2 = — (Z - Z2)
”2 Z3
or
Z + Z 2 Z 3 Z — Z j - |- Z 3. (98)
The equation of the perpendicular dropped from point P to this line is
z-p — < J ~ P )
%2^3
or
z z 2z3 z — p z2 z 3p. (99)
From equations (98) and (99) we find the affix p* of the projection of
point P on the straight line E 'F ' :
P* = ~r (*a + z 3 + P - *2 *3 P)-
2
The affix pa of point Pa, which is symmetric to point P about the straight
line E'F', can be found from the relation
The slope of the straight line ID is z1f z 1 = zf, and the slope of BC
is equal to —zf. The equation of BC is
Z — ZX = - zf(z — z 2)
or
z + zf z = 2zx. (100
The equation of the perpendicular dropped from point Pa on the side BC is
Z - P a = zl& -P a )
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 199
or
2 — z\ Z = pa — z\ p a. (101)
From equations (100) and (101) we find the affix p , of the projection of
point Pa on line BC:
X \ Pa ~ Pa ~ “ (Pa A p a + 2ZX)
2 2
we find the affix X of point a :
X = 2z1 — z?(z2 + z3 — z2z3p) = 2zj — zx(zx z2 + z1zs — a3p)
= 2zj — Zy{a2 — z2z3 — <r3p) = <r3 + zx(2 — <r2 + p<r3).
The affixes p and v of points P and y have similar expressions:
p = <xs + z2(2 — cr2 + pff3),
V = ff3 + z3(2 — <r2 + p<r3).
Thus we see that the points a, /?, y lie on a circle, the affix of whose centre
is equal to a3, and since |er3| = 1, it follows that this centre lies on the
circle (DEF). The radius of the circle (a/ty) is
P — |2 — o3 po31— |2 — c2 + p<r3| 2 —— + —
^3 O’3
|2ct3 — + p|
= |2<r3 - ox + p | + -d -O i)
k 3l
The fact that the Simson line corresponding to the point with affix a3
is parallel to the real axis follows from problem 3.
The affix p* of point P*, which is symmetric to point P about the straight
line <5, is equal to p* = p. To the directed line segment HP* there corre
sponds a complex number p* — ax — p — av *
The directed line segment HP* 12 = QN is associated with the complex
number (p — <x1)/2 = n — a3y where n is the affix of point N. From this
we have n — < j 3 + (p — Ci)/2. Since n is the affix of point N and (/) is
taken as the unit circle, it follows that
IN = |n| + — (P - Oi)
2
* Let the points A and B have affixes a and b, respectively. We will say that the
directed line segment AB is associated with the complex number b — a.
200 Problems in Geometry
Fig. 33
Problem 30. On the circle (O) take four arbitrary points Al9 A2, A39 A4.
Take any one of six segments joining these points in pairs, for example,
segment AXA2. Construct an isosceles triangle A1A2A12 with vertex A 12
and base AXA2 so that its centroid coincides with the point O. Let A[2
be a point symmetric to point A12 about the straight line A3A4. Prove
that the six points thus obtained, A[29 A[39 A[49 A23) A24, A349 lie on one
circle, (S), that is concentric with (O); note that the radius of (S) is
four times the distance from point O to the centroid G of the system of
four points Al9 A2, A3, A4 (Fig. 33).
Solution. Take (O) for the unit circle and let zl9 z2, z3, z4 be the respective
affixes of points Al9 A29 A39 A4. The affix a12 of the midpoint of segment
AXA2 is a12 = (z4 + z2)/2; hence, the affix a12 of vertex A12 of the isosceles
triangle AXA2A12 (AxAl2 = A2A12)9the centroid of which coincides with O, is
The equation of the perpendicular dropped from the point A12 to the
straight line A3A4 is
z + z x + z 2 = z3 z4(z + z x + Zo)
or
z — z3z4 z = — z1 — z2 + z 3z4 z 1 + z 3 z4 z 2. (103)
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 201
Adding equations (102) and (103) termwise, we find the affix z = a*2 of
the projection of point A12 on A3A4:
or*012
~ Z1 ~~ Z2 + 012
Y (Z3 + Z4 “ Zl ~ Z2 + Z3 Z4 Z4 + Z3 Z4 Z2),
2
whence
012 ~ Z3 + Z4 + Z 3 Z4 Z 1 + Z 3 Z4 2 2 == Z 3 Z a { 2 1 + Z 2 + Z3 + 2 4) = Z 3 Z A &1*)
Thus, the points ^ 2, d[3, A[4, A23, A24, A34 lie on one circle, whose radius
is equal to p = |o-J = 4|o’1/4|. But gJ4 is the affix of the centroid of the
system of four points Al9 A2, A3, A4; hence, \gJ4\ = 0(7. Thus,
p = 40G.
Problem 31. Let D, E, F be points of tangency of the sides FC, CA, ^42?
of AABC with an inscribed ciicle. Consider an arbitrary diameter S of
the circle (I) = (DEE). Draw through points 2)*, F*, F*, in which the
altitudes of A DEF intersect the circle (DEE), straight lines parallel to
the straight line <5, and let A \ B \ C be points at which these lines intersect
the circle (/) a second time. Denote by A *, 2?*, C* points symmetric to
the points A \ B \ C", respectively, with respect to the sides BC, CA, AB
of A ABC. Prove that the centroids G and G* of A D F F and AA*B*C*
are symmetric about the orthopole a> of the straight line 8 with respect
to A DEF (Fig. 34).
Solution. Take {DEF) for the unit circle, and let the diameter 8 be the
real axis Ox (point O coincides with point I). Denote by zl9 z2, z3 the
respective affixes of the points D, F, F. The equation of the straight line
passing through point D perpendicularly to line F F is
Z — Zi = z2z3(z — zx).
202 Problems in Geometry
Fig. 34
Solving this equation together with the equation of the unit circle zz = 1,
we find the affix z — d* of the point D*. Indeed,
Z~ Z,. = Z2Z3 ^ ~ ~ y j
or
Z* Z*
Z Zi — ----------- ( Z - Z i ) .
zx z
Naturally, one of the roots of this equation is z == zx (the affix of point Z)),
the other root is
Zi
which is the affix of point D*. Similarly we find the affixes
e* _ _ El E1 } f * = —
Z2
of points E* and F*.
The equation of the straight line passing, for example, through the
point D* parallel to line <5 is of the form
Zj_ Z2 Zg
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 203
Solving this equation jointly with the equation of the unit circle zz = 1,
we find the affix of point A':
z_ H,------
Z 2 Z3
= — 1+ , -----
Z1
,
Zl 2 Z2 Z3
z±z + z 2z3 = zxz + z 2z3
Z\ Z2 Z3 Z
One of the roots of this equation, z = — z2z j z l9 is the affix d* of point Z>*,
the other root is equal to the affix a' of point A':
a' =
z 2 Z3
Similarly,
Z3 Z1 Z1 Z2
where b’ and c' are the affixes of points B' and C" respectively.
The slope of ID is equal to z1j z 1 = z\; hence, the equation of BC (the
slope of which is — z\) is
2 — Zi = - z\{~Z — Zj)
or
z + zI z = 2z2. (104)
The equation of the perpendicular dropped from point A ' to line BC is
_ Z1 2 ( ; Z 2 Z3
Z --------- = Zl \ Z ---------
z2 z3 V z1
or
From (104) and (105) we find the affix a of the projection of point A'
on line BC:
“ = - ( 2Z1 + - - ^ 3 )•
2 V z2z3 /
The affix a* of point v4* is found from the relation
a' + a*
= a
2
204 Problems in Geometry
or
whence
0 * = 2z1 — cr3
and, similarly,
b* = 2z2 — <r3, c* = 2z3— <r3,
where fe* and c* are the affixes of the points B* and C* respectively.
From the relations obtained it follows that
d* —cr3 __ 2zx — 2<t3
Z1 03 Z1
and, similarly, that
b* — <t3 = 2 c* — <r3 = 2
Z2 <X3 Z3 <J3
That is, the point P with affix = cr3 is the centre of the homothetic trans
formation under which AD EF goes into A A*B*C* (see Fig. 34).
Furthermore, the affixes g and g* of points G and G* respectively are
The midpoint Q of segment GG* has the affix co = (a1 — cr3)/2 and,
hence, coincides with the orthopole of the straight line 6 (the real axis)
[formula (11), problem 7, z0 = 0, x = 1].
Remark. Let us find the affix of the point symmetric to point A' about/)/:
the equation of the perpendicular dropped from point A' to D l is of
the form
or
z + Z1 Z — — -— (- <t3.
The equation of D l is
z — z \ z = 0.
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 205
From this we find the affix z = X of the projection of point A' on line DI:
The affix p of the point symmetric to point A' about DI is found from
the relation
^ r ~ S- = a
2
or
whence
V= =P-
Thus, all points symmetric to points A', B \ C about the straight lines
DI, El, FI coincide with the same point P, which is the centre of the homo-
thetic transformation r = (P, 2) that carries A DEF into AA*B*C*.
Problem 32. The circle {DEF) = (I) inscribed in A ABC is taken as
the unit circle; D9E, F are the respective points of tangency of the straight
lines BC, CA, AB with the circle; zl5 z2, z3 are the respective affixes of
the points D, F, F. It is required to find:
1°. The affix o of centre O of the circle (O) = (ABC).
2°. The radius R of the circle {ABC).
3°. The radius p of the Euler circle of A ABC.
4°. The affix h of the orthocentre 77 of A ABC.
5°. The affix e of the centre 0 9 of the Euler circle (0 9) of A ABC.
6°. Prove that the circle inscribed in A ABC is tangent to the Euler
circle constructed for that triangle at some point <P0 (called the Feuerbach
point). Find the affix cp0 of the Feuerbach point <P0.
7°. Prove that the three circles {Ia), {Ib), (7C) — they are escribed circles
of A ABC at the angles A, B ,C — also touch the Euler circles of A ABC
at the points <Pl9 <P2, # 3 (also called Feuerbach points). Find the affixes
xa, t ^ Tc °f the centres 7fl, h ,Ic of the circles (7fl), (7ft), (7C). Find the affixes
tl912, t3 of the points Tl9 T2, T3 of tangency of the circles (7a), {Ib)9(7C)
to BC, CA, AB. Find the radii of these circles (Fig. 35). Find the affixes
<Pi><P2 ><?3 of the Feuerbach points &l9 <P2, # 3.
Solution. 1°. The affix of the midpoint of segment EF is equal to
(z2 + z3)/2 and since point A is obtained from this midpoint by inversion
with respect to the unit circle (7), it follows that the affix a of point A is
2
a = -3----- — .
*2 + ^3
206 Problems in Geometry
bb — aa
z3 4z.z. zx(z| + 2 z2 z3 + z|) — z2(zf + 2 z3 zx + zf)
= 4z«
(“3 + ^ l ) 2 (Z2 + Z 3) 2 " (Z 3 + ^ l)2 ( z 2 + Z3) 2
0102 03
whence
/ , x — 2(T3 + 2z2(z3 + z 3 z 1 + zf) + 2 z3 z 1( z 3 + zx)
( z 3 + Z j) o = -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
01 0*2 (T3
4<t3 + 2z2z\ + 2z2 zf + 2zt zf + 2z3 zf
01 (T2 <r3
Zi z2 Z3 + Zi z2 z3 + z2 zf + z2zf + z x zf + z3 zf
= 2
01 0*2 03
Z2 Z3(z3 + Zj) + z3 zt(z3 + zx) + Z y Z 2( Z y + z3)
= 2
01 02 03
208 Problems in Geometry
Consequently,
2<7o
o=
G 1 G2 (73
2 5.
2d2 2(Ti (73
O = _________ __
o-! (73 (72 1 (7i (72 (73
r2
°3 U’a
2°. jR2 = \o — a\2 = (o — a) ( 0 — a) = do + ad — do — oa
i*2 Zo2 Z
^3
< (7i (7o Z2 Zo (7o
+ •
4 (cra (J2- <73) 2 (z 2 + Z 3)2 (<7X <72— ff 3) ( z 2 + z 3) (Z is + Z s X ffiffg — ff3)
<*3 <*3
We now prove that \c±\ < 1. Indeed, since all angles of AD EF are always
acute, it follows that the orthocentre of ADEF, the affix of which is equal
to cl9 lies inside ADEF and, hence, also inside the circle (DEF). But we
assumed the radius of (DEF) to be 1, and so \cx\ < 1, and, hence, A > 0;
now since R2 = 4A2, it follows that R = 2A, that is,
_ 2o-3 2
R = - - - - - - - -— = — .
C3 Ci C2 1 CiCi
OA + OB + O C = OH,
where O is the centre of the circle (O) = (ABC), and H is the orthocentre
of A ABC, it follows that
a — o + b — o + c — o = h — o.
whence
h = a + b + c — 2o,
where h is the affix of H. We have
h z 2 Z3 _|_ zz zi zi z 2 2 c1 c2
2 Z2 + z3 Z 3 + Z1 z l + ^2 02 — 03
1 4 -8 1 0
210 Problems in Geometry
e= 0I 0i 0*3 4~ °*3
0102 03 01 02 03
6°. The equation of the radical axis of the circle (DEF) (zz — 1 = 0)
and of the Euler circle, the equation of which is
(z - e) (z - e) 0I
= 0,
(^3 — CTi GT2)2
is of the form
o
zz — 1 — (z — e) (z — 1) + ^3 = 0
(<r3 -o-jff,)2
or
— 1 + ez + ez — e~e = 0.
(<73 - ffiffjj)2
Solving this equation together with the equation zz = 1 of the circle (DEF),
we find
- 1 + — + «z - es + ------^ ------ = 0, ( 110)
Z ((T3 -ffi(T2)2
and since
*5 *1
<r2 ___1_ 01 02 03
*3
it follows that ee~ = a\ 0 |/( 0 3 — ax 0 2)2 and, hence,
_2 _2 —2
03 03 0102 03 + 01 02
—ee +
(ff3 — (Tj <r2) 2 (<r3 — <7X<t2)2 <r3 — cr1 <j2
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 211
+ + -1 = 0
Z G3 Gi G2
or
■i. + l2 + -..??■ »■. = o
z a3 0i <t2
Consequently, equation (111) has equal roots. This means that the radical
axis of the circle (I) and of the Euler circle (0 9) of A ABC has a single
point <*>o in common both with the circle (/) and the circle (0 9), that is,
the circles (0 9) and (/) are tangent at the point <P0- The affix <p0 of point <P0
(the point of tangency) is found from equation (111):
^ Gi G2 G i G2 Gi G2 G3 G2
And so we have
G2
<Po = — •
<*1
Remark. If for the unit point on the circle (DEF) we take a Boutain
point of A DEF, then g 3 = 1 and the affix cp0 of the Feuerbach point <P0
may be written thus
0i
7°. We find the affixes xa, xb, zc of the centres of the circles (Ia), (Ib), (Ic)
escribed in the angles A, B, C of A ABC. The slope of the straight line IB
is equal to b/b and, hence, the slope of the straight line perpendicular to
IB is equal to —b/b, that is,
_ _b Zl +*3 Z\ z3.
X~ b z 1 Jr~z3
212 Problems in Geometry
and the equation of the bisector of the exterior angle B is of the form
_2_
^1 + Z3 V Z1 ++ Z3
*3 ./
or
- 4zj z3
z -f Zj z2 z = - ( 112)
Z1 + z3
In similar fashion we can write down the equation of the bisector of the
exterior angle C:
, - 4zx z2
z + zx z2 z = (113)
Zi + Z2
From the system of equations (112) and (113) we find the affix z = za
of the point /a:
or thus ^divide the numerator and the denominator of the fraction by <rs
*2
and substitute dx for
)■
4
r„ = • ( Z2 + Z3) kx - *i)>
- 1 k i I2 — i
4
- ks + z l) = - k i - z2),
k il2- i k il2- 1
4 4
Zr = ■k i + z2) = • k i - -3).
k il2 l k il2- i
or, finally, thus:
ra = — 2fl(oi — zj) =— 2/? o’!+ 2R zu
zb = — 2/?(o'1 — z2) =— 2/? o'!+ 2i?z2,
t c = — 2-R(oi — z3) =— 2/? 01+ 2R z3.
From this it follows that the centre of the circle (IJblc) has the affix
4oj o3 4ff!
— 2R o 1 =
Gi <J2 C3 (Ti (Ti 1
and the radius of the circle (IaIbIc) is equal to 2R.
We now find the affixes tl912, f3 of the points 7\, T2, ^3 of contact of
the circles (7fl), (Ib), (7C) with the sides BC, C4, ,42? respectively. Since
the line segments TXD and BC have a common midpoint, it follows that
t x -{- zx = b + c, whence
* a _L_ _ 2zj z3 2z2 zx _ 3z2z3+ z 1z3+ z 1z2—z?
/i — 0 + c — z1 — — r z,1 = z.
Z i + ^3 *2+ ^ 1 " Oi + Z 3 ) (zx + z2)
2 z 2 z3 + (T2 — zf 2(73 +
z 1 < 2 —
t z \
= *1
k i + z2) (zx + z3) (zx + z3)(zx + z2)
Similarly,
2 o -3 + z2 o-2 — zi , _ 2 o-3 + z3 o2 — z3
^2 — t3 =
(z2 + Zi) (z2 + z3) (z3 + Zi) (z3 + z2)
We now find the radii ra, rb>rc of the circles (70), (Ib), (Ic). We first find
4(7, 2o 3 + zx o 2
za — t, =
k i + z2) (zx + z3) k i + Z 2 ) ( z 1 + z3)
= 2zxz2 z, — zx(z2Z3 + Z3 zx + Z i z2) + zx
k i + ^2) k i + z3)
ZaZa-ZjZg-ZjZa+zf _ z ^ -z ^ -z ^ -z ,) k j - z 2) k i-^ s )
zi — —— :— —---------------- —zi = z i
k i + z2) k i + z3) k i + z ^ k i + z3) (zi+ z2) k i + z3>
214 Problems in Geometry
- h (Z l - Z 2) ( Z 1 - Zo)
ra
ID Zl (Z l + Z 2) ( z x + Z q)
and, similarly,
= (z2 - *i) (z2 - Za) r = (23 - zx) (z3 - z2)
(*2 + Zl) (z2 + *3)’ C (z3 + Zl) (z3 + z2)
If for the unit circle we take the circle (Ia) = (DaEaFa) escribed in the
angle A of A ABC [Da9 Ea9 Fa are the points of tangency of this circle (7a)
with the straight lines BC, CA, AB], then the proof of the fact that this
circle touches the Euler circle constructed for A ABC will be precisely
the same as the proof that the circles (/) and (0 9) are tangent; however,
now it is necessary to assign the affixes zl9 z2, z3 to the points Z>fl, Ea>Fa.
Then the affixes a, b, c of the points A, B ,C will remain
_ _ ? u _ _? c __ _
z z + Z 2 Z 3+ Z 1 Z x + Z2
and even the affix <p± of the Feuerbach point &l9 in which the circles (7a)
and (0 9) are tangent, will be <Pi = — , where a1 and <r2 are expressed
n terms of the affixes zl9 z2, z3 of the points Da, Ea, Fa. We have to express
(pl9 <p2i <p3 in terms of the affixes zl9 z2, z3 of the points 7), E9F. The fore
going simplifies this problem because the fact (established above) that
the circles (7a), (7^), (7C) are tangent to the circle (0 9) will simplify the
computations (see below).
The equations of the circle (7a) and the circle (0 9) are
(z - ra) (z - T a) - r l = 0
(z — c) (z — e) — p2 = 0
By what has been proved, these circles are tangent at the Feuerbach point <Pl9
the affix of which is, consequently, found from the equation
'a
+ Ta ~ — — + «,
Z -* a z —e
r2
'a
+ Ta — e = 0,
Z — Ta
rl(z — t) — p \z — Ta) + [z2 — (Ta + e) z + xa e] (za — e) = 0,
(ia — e) z 2 + [rl — p2 — (xfl + e) (fa — b)] z — £r2+xa p2+ t a £(fa—e)= 0.
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 215
Since the circles (Ia) and (0 9) have only one point in common, it follows
that this quadratic equation has equal roots, which are the affixes (px of
the point 4>x of tangency of the circles (/fl) and (0 9):
r? — n2 (ta + e ) (fa - e) rl-p* Ta + £
<Pl =
2(e - ta) 2 (6 - t a) 2
zfz?z|
(zi - z2)2 (zx - z3)2 ____________________________
( Z i + Z2) 2 (zx + Z3) 2 (zx + Z2) 2 (z8 + z3)2 (z3 4- Z i ) 2
(Z i + Z2 + z 3) 2 4zx(z2 + z3)
f e + Z t ) (z% + Z3) (z3 + zx) (zx + z2) (z2 + z3) (z3 + Z i) _
, i r 4zx z2 z3 , ,_______________________
(z2 z3 + z3 zx + zxz2)2 1
2 L(zx + Z 2) (zx + Z j) (zx + Z2) (z2 + z3) (z3 + zx) J
_ _1_ (zt — z2)2 (zx — z3)2 (z2 + z3)2 — zf zf zf
2 (zx + z2) (z2 + z3) (z3 + zx) (z2 + z3 — zx)2
| 1 4zxz2z3(z2 + z3) + (z2Z 3 + Z3 zx + zxz2)2
2 ( Z X + Z2) (Z g + Z3 ) (z3 + zx)
Furthermore,
Ol — z2) (zx — z3) (z2 + z3) — zx z2z3 = (zx — z2 — z3) (zx z2+ z x z3—z2 z3)^
' Z2) (zx — z3) (z2+ z 3) + z x z2 z3= (z x—z2—z3) (zx z2+ z xz3—z2 z3) + 2<x3.
Hence,
(zx - z2)2 (zx - z3)2 (z2 + z3)2 - z? zf zf = (z2 + z3 - zx)2
X (zxz2 4- zxz3 — z3 z3)2 — 2zxz2 z3(z2 4- z3 —zx) (zx z, + zx z3 — z2 z3),
and so
1 (z24-z3—zx)2 (zxz24 - z xz 3 —z2z3)2—2zx z2z3(z24-z3- z x) (zxz24 z xz3 - zz3
<Pi=
2 (z2 4- z3) (z3 4- zx) (zx 4- z2) (z2 4- z3 — zx)2
1 4 z xz 2z 3( z 2 4- z3) + (zxz24- z2z34- z3zx)2 = J_ (zxz2 4- zxz3 — z2z3)2
+
2 (z2 4- z3) (z3 4- zx) (zx 4- z2) 2 (z2 4- z3) (z3 + zx) (zx + z2)
i
2 Z j Z 2 Z’3 ( z 2 + ^ 3) ^1 ^2 ^ 3 (^ 1 ^2 4“ ^1 ^3 ^ 3 ) ________
4-
(z2 + Z3) 0 3 + *l) (* 1 + ^2 ) O2 + *3> (*3 + * l) O l + z 2> O 2 + *3“ * l)
1 <t| <TZ Z j Z2 Zx Z3 Z2 Z3
+
2(<7j<72— (73) 2 <7j 02 (Tz Gi O’2 G3 ^2 "1" ^3^1
1 a\ g \ gz Zi z 2 + Zj z3 z 2 z3
+
2 (Tjj — ^3 &1 & 2 ^3 0*1 ^2 ^3 ^2 ^3
216 Problems in Geometry
&2 ~~ O3 0 \ g2 g3 Z S 4“ Z 1 Z2
°2 Os Z3 Z1 + ZS Z2 Z1 Z 2
<P3
0\ o2 — °3 Oi G2 <73 Z 1 4“ Z 2 — Z S
The formula for the affixes of the Feuerbach points are better
as follows:
<NCl
°3 + Z1 Z2 Z2 Z3
to
Z1 Z3
(Pi + 9
&i a 2 03 03 Gi G2 Z 2 + Z 3 —Z 1
a\ Os Z2 Z1 + *2*3 Z1 Z3
<p2 + 9
®2 ~~ ° 3 G3 Gi O’2 Z 3 4~ Z 1 Z2
o\ Os Z3 Z1 + *3*2 Zi Z2
<Pz + 9
0\ o2 °3 03 Gi O’2 Z1 + Z2 — z3
or as:
Z\ ZS l Z1 Z2 Z2 Z3
<Pi = £ + P
Z 2 4~~ Z 3 Z1
Z2 Z1 Z2 Z3 Z3 Z1
<p2 = £ + p
Z3 Z! Z2
Z3 Z1 + Z3 Z2 Z1 Z2
(p3 = £ + P
Z1 + Z2 — Z3
or as:
<Pl = « + PUU <P2 = « + PW2, <P3 = £ + pW3,
where
_ zxz2 + Zj z 3 — z 2 z 3
111 — >
Z2 + Z3 — Z1
Z 2 Z 1 4 “ Z 2Z 3 Z3 Z1
U2 =
Z3 i Z1 — Z2
Z3 Z1 4 “ Z3 Z2 Z1 Z2
Mo =
Z1 + Z2 — z 3
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 217
— Z1 Z2 Z 1 Z3 Z2 Z3 Z 2Z 3 Z1
--------------------- —--
J _ + J _______ L Z l Z2 + Z1 Z3 — Z2 H
Z2 Z3 Z1
and, hence, u1u1 = 1. This of course immediately follows from the fact
that \<pk — e\ = p {k = 1, 2, 3).]
Problem 33. ABC is an arbitrary triangle; {ABC) is the circle circum
scribed about it with centre O; the radius of circle (O) is equal to R;
(/) is the circle inscribed in the triangle ABC; I is its centre and r the
radius. Let d be the distance between the centres O and I of the circles
circumscribed about and inscribed in A ABC. Prove that
d 2 = = R 2 _ 2 R r.
Solution. Take the circle (ABC) for the unit circle (O) = (ABC) =
= (A0 B0 C0) circumscribed about the given triangle ABC. Let zu z2, z3
be the respective affixes of the points A, B, C. The bisector of the interior
angle A of A ABC inscribed in the circle
{ABC) bisects by a point A0 the arc BC
subtended by the chord BC; note that the
points A 0 and A are located on different
sides of line BC. The situation of the points
B0 and C0 is similar (see the statement
of the problem). Therefore, for the affixes
a0 = z3, *o = K* 3 Zi, c0 = i *2 014)
of the points A0, B0, C0 values must be
chosen (each of the radicals has two values)
Fig. 36 so that the points A and A0 lie on different
sides of line BC, the points B and B0 lie on
different sides of line CA, and the points C and C0 lie on different sides
of line AB. It is under these conditions that we have to solve the system
(114), which we rewrite as follows:
z3z3 == =L bo, Zi z2 Cq. (115)
From the system (115) it follows that
z\ z\z\ = alblc%
so that
Z\ ^2 Z3 — i Qq bo Cq.
In the case
Z\ Z2 Zq = Qq Cq (116)
we have
___________ Cqa0 a0 b0
Z\ — » z2 - 5 z3 . (117)
Qq bQ Cq
In the case
Zi Zo Z3 = QqbQCq (118)
we have
bQCQ CqQq ^0^0
Zi - z2 — , z3 , (119)
Q0 ^0 ^0
Now we have to establish which of the two solutions (117) or (119) (or
neither or both) constitutes a solution to the problem. Let us investigate
the values of zu z2, z3 given by formulas (117). Since the foot of the perpen-
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 219
Zo j £
dicular dropped from point O on line BC yields the affix — ---- —, it
2
follows that the equation of line BC may be written in the form
—L_ + = 2
Z 2 ~f~ Z3 Z 2 “f” Z Z
2 2
or
z
+ — ■-z — - 1 - 0 . ( 120)
Z2 + Z3 z 2 + z 3
We have
c0a0 a0b0
*2 + z3 = ■— i ------- ~ ( * i + cS),
O0 Co D0 C0
(i+ 6p + eg
_boCo
z 2 T~ Z 3 — --------
*0 c ') 0q b0Cq
and the equation (120) of line BC takes the form
f(z) = -----bo£o----z + a_oboC_o j _ l = o.
a0(bl + Co) b% + c§
^ 0 Cp , b p Cq _ (b p Cq)2
/(a.) =
bo + Cq b o ~ { - Cq bo + Cq
and, consequently,
4
(cq — a0) (c<) — bo) (b0 — a0) = a0boCo(AoBoCo) = 4/Vz0io^o(^o^o^o)-
i
Thus,
f(z l) (a0 -}~ b0) (dp 4~ Co) (b0 c0)
4icio bQCq(AqB qCq)
f(ao) a&b0 - c0)4
We consider the point A * with affix a* = — a0, which point is diametri
cally opposite the point A0 on the circle {ABC) = (A0 B0 C0). We have
(*o + b0) (a0 + c0) (b0 - c0) = (b0 - fl?) (c0 - a%) (b0 - c0)
4/tf0b0c0(A* B0 Co).
To summarize:
f&i) = - 16(^0 B0 Co) (A* B0 Co)
/K ) (b0~ c 0)4
Therefore, u2 > 0 (u # 0). Now note that A A qB0C0, whose vertices are
the points of intersection of the bisectors of the interior angles A, B, C
of AABC with the circle (ABC), is always an acute-angled triangle. Indeed,
the interior angles A0, B0, C0of A A 0B0C0are respectively equal to
B+ C 71 A
2 ~ 2 2'
C+A 7t B
~~2 ~2 2’
A+B n C
2 ~~ 2 2
irrespective of whether A ABC is acute, obtuse or right-angled.
From this it follows that the diameter A0A$ cuts the chord B0C0 and,
------> ------>
hence, A A 0B0Co and A A ^B 0C0 have opposite orientations. Thus, the num-
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 221
bers (AqBqCq) and (A*BqC^) are of opposite sign, and from formula (121)
it follows that f(zi)lf(a0) > 0, that is, the points A 0 and A lie on one side
of the chord BC. Thus, the values (117) do not afford any solution to
the problem. The required solution of system (115) is given by formulas
(119), provided that A AqBqCq is acute-angled. If it is obtuse-angled or
right-angled, the problem does not have any solution.
The points A, B9C are points of intersection of the altitudes of A A 0 B0 C0
and the circle (ABC). Indeed, the slope of line B 0 C0 is equal to —b0 c0
and so the equation of the perpendicular dropped from point A 0 to the
line B0 Cq is of the form
z a0 = b0 Cq(z ab
solving this equation together with the equation zz = 1 of the unit circle,
we obtain
z a0 — b0 Cq j I,
V z <*o)
_ b0 Co(z a0)
z — a0 = ------------------ .
a0z
One of the roots of this equation is naturally z = a0 (the affix of point A0)y
the other is z = — bQColaQ, which is the affix of point A :
Z\ — bo Cq/(2 q.
Similarly, proof can be given that
[z2 — coa o/bo> ~3== a0 bo/co,
which are the affixes of points B and C respectively.
Remark. From what has been proved it follows that formulas (114)
should be written as follows:
a0 = — ]fz2 ][z39 b0 = — ]fz3 J(z l 9 c0 = — Vzx ^ z2, (122)
where we take the same value for ][zx, / z 2, ]fz3 (in that case, for example,
Vzi ]fzi = Kz2 ]fZ 2 — z2» Yzs Yzs — Z 3 9 but if for ]f zx we take different
values in the last two formulas of (122), then ^zx ][z1 = — zx).
Problem 35. Construct A ABC if we are given the points A 1 ,B 1 ,C 1;
these are the points of intersection of its altitudes with the circle (O) =
= (ABC) circumscribed about A ABC [(O) = (ABC) = (A^C ^)].
Solution. Take (A ^ C ^ ) = (ABC) as the unit circle. Let al 9 bl 9 cx be
the affixes of the points A l 9 B l 9 Cl 9 and let z l9 z2, z3 be the affixes of the
vertices A , B, C of the desired triangle ABC. Since the slope of the line AB
is equal to —z 1 z 29 it follows that the equation of the altitude dropped
from vertex C on the side AB is of the form
222 Problems in Geometry
Solving this equation together with the equation zz = 1 of the unit circle,
we obtain
/1 1\
z3 — zx z2[ I’
Vz z3)
*3= (Z - z 3) .
Z3 Z
which is the affix of point Cx. In similar fashion we find the affixes
Zl = f ^ ]fct.
II
Z2 = Yc1 f a 1,
Zi = - V bi Vci> *2 = - / c x fa x. ?3 = f« l f* l.
Z\ = Y h V clt *2 = - Y a i> z3 = - Y<*i Y ^ i,
zt = - V bi Y c i, *2 = fc i /fli. z3 = - Y a x f £ ; .
zi ~ Y b i Y ci> *2 = - f c x ffli. z3 = fa f^ i.
1
Zl = - Y b i Y c 1. *2 = fc i ffli, z3 = f ax f />i,
(127)
Zi = Y b i Y c i> *2 = - f<a f a , 1 z3 = fa i f*i,
Zi = Y'bi Y c i» *2 = fc i fai. 2 3 = — f« i f*l- .
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 223
From the system (123), (124) it follows that dxbxCx = — zxz2zz and so
all number triples (126) fail to serve as solutions to the system (124). Now
any row of relations (127) is a solution of the system (123), (124). Indeed*
*1 Z 2 _ _ ][b i 1 /c x f c x Va! _
Z2 - ] f a i I fo U
Z 2 Z 3 __ __ )fc i )[<*! Y a t ] f b i
- V bi ] fc .
Z3 Z1 = _ ] fa i y b i y Cl _ b
Z2 - yCl y a i 1
and also for the other three relations (127).
To summarize, then, there exist four triangles that satisfy the condition
of the problem. Let us construct, for example, a triangle corresponding
to the first row of solutions (127). To do this, draw to the circle (A ^ C x )
any one of two tangent lines parallel to the straight line QAX(& is the unit
point); the point Pi, which is the point of contact of the tangent drawn
to the circle (^j^C j), has as its affix one of the values ] (Fig. 37).
In similar fashion, construct the points Qx and Rl9 whose affixes are the
values 1fbx and ]fc±. To construct a point with the affix Yb± ]/ci, draw
through the point Q a straight line parallel to the line QxBxl the second
point P9 the point of intersection of the drawn line and the circle (AxBxCx),
has the affix Y^i Yci• Finally, point A , which is symmetric to point P
with respect to the centre O of (AxBxC^) has the affix ~~Ybi Yci-The
points B and C with affixes —Yci an(* —Yai Y&i are constructed
in similar fashion.
The other three triangles that satisfy the conditions of the problem are:
AQR, PBR, PQC.
Problem 36. Inscribed in the unit circle is A ABC, the affixes of whose
vertices are zl9 z2, z3. Find the affixes t 0, rl9 t 2, t 3 of the centre of the circle (/)
inscribed in that triangle (affix t 0) and of the centres of the circles (Ia)9
(/*), (/c) escribed in that triangle (in the angles A9B9C9 respectively).
Solution. The centre / of the circle (/) inscribed in A ABC is the point
of intersection of the bisectors of the interior angles. These bisectors inter
sect the circle (ABC) in the points A0, B0, C0; note that /\A QBQC0 is always
an obtuse-angled triangle (see problem 34). The affixes a09 b09 c09 of the
points A0, B0, C0 are expressed by the formulas (122) of problem 34:
Qq = YZ2 YZ3’ *0 = YZ3 YZ1* Co YZ1 Y^2> (128)
where the same values are taken in all formulas for the square roots J/z^
Yz 2 >YzZ’ note that these values for Yzi> / z2, Yzz must always be taken
so that formulas (128) define just the points of intersection of the bisectors
224 Problems in Geometry
To summarize, then, AA0, BB0, CC0 are the bisectors of the interior
angles A, B, C of A The slope of the bisector AA0 is equal to
?2 + ^0 - YzaYz
= — Z* / Zs / Zl.
^ 2 ~T bo
Yzs f z
and the equation of line BB* is
z - z2 = z2 / z 3 f z x (z - z2)
or
z + z2 YzzYzi z = Z2 + YzaYzv '(132)
1 5 -8 1 0
226 Problems in Geometry
From the equations (129) and (132) we find the affix t1 of the centre Ia of
the circle (Ia) escribed in angle A of triangle ABC:
Ti (zx } f z 2 + Z2 Yzx) = ZZZX (fz 2 + Yzl) ~ Y zl f Z 2 Yz 3 ( z 2 - Zl)
or
Tj j/zj / z a (/z x + / z 2) = Z jZ g (]/zx + ]/z2) - f z , 1fz3 [(/z2)2 - fl/z^2],
that is,
Z1 = / zi KZ2 — YZ3 ( / Z2 — / z l) = f Zl f Z2 — Y Zs Y z z + fz s/z x ,
and, finally,
Tj = — / z 2 f z 3 + f z 3 Yzi + f zi f za = a0 — b 0 — c0.
Similarly we find t 2 and r3. Thus,
T0 = — Y Z1 Y Z3 — Y Z3 Y Z1 — Y Z1 Y Z2 = «0 + b0 + C o,
Zx — | / z 2 V z 3 "I" K z 3 V Z1 "i" K Z1 K z2 — Qq ho C o,
Ta = Y z 3 ] / z 3 + / z 3 Y Z1 — Y z 1 f z 2 — — — h0 + C0 .
[problem 36, formulas (128)]. The slope of the bisector of the interior angle
A of A ABC is
.*■ + = *, V* yf,
Zl + ]f^2
and the equation of this bisector is
z — zx I!zn ]fz3 z = z1— ][z2 ]fz3 (135)
[see problem 36, equation (129)].
The equation of the perpendicular dropped from point P on this line
is of the form
Z -P = — Zi ]fz 2 ]fz 3 ( z - p)
or
z + Zj, ]fz2 ]fz3 z =~-p + zx f z 2 1fz3 p. (136)
Adding the equations (135) and (136) term by term, we find the affix
z —p' of projection P' of point P on the bisector of the interior angle A
of A ABC:
The affix p f of the point P *, which is symmetric to point P about the bi
sector A l of the interior angle A of A ABC is found from the relation
p + p*
= p' = ( Z i + p —Vzz ]fz3 + Zj ][z2 ][z3p).
2
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 229
whence
P t = Z1 - V*3 + 1^2 1^3 P-
The equation of the line >42^* may be written thus:
2 Z />f
Z ZX JP f 0
1 1 1
or
Z *1 *1 — f * 2 V *3 + Zx If z 2 ][ z 2 p
(138) and subtracting the second equation from the first term by term,
we get
( z 2 — z ±)pq + z3 (zt — z2)q + z* - zt + z3 ( — — — ) + ^ ( ^ 1- ^ 2) = 0
V *1 *2 /
or
Z1 — Z2
pq + - z J - (zi - z2) - —— ( z l-z t)+ z 2p(zi—z2) = 0.
Z1Z2 Z1Z2
Cancelling zt — z2 and multiplying both sides by zxz29 we obtain
pq + <r9(p + q ) ^ a* = 0. (139)
Now this is the Morley relation. Indeed, passing to conjugate numbers,
we have
P q + 0z(P + q) “ 0 2 = 0. (140)
But <78 = l/a3, <r2 = 0 J 0 2 and so
P + q + 03Pq = 0 i - (141)
From the relations (139) and (141) it is easy to express q in terms of p.
From (139) we find
0 2 - pq _ -
q =
02
1 — pp
From the symmetry of this expression with respect to zl9 z2, z3 it follows
that the straight line C as well passes through the point Q.
(2) If point P lies on the circle {ABC) but does not coincide with any of
the points A ,B 9C9 then the straight lines (137) and (138) are collinear;
as will be evident from what follows, there is a third line collinear with
them: it is the line symmetric to line CP with respect to the straight line
C l (Fig. 40). The slopes of these lines are:
1 1
^2^3 02P Zi - P P - Zi 03
03 = 03 —09Pt
1 - z\p 1- Z i P p(zi- p ) P
Z
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 231
and if we take a Boutain point for the unit point, then x = —p. Setting
p = cos a + i sin a, we find
x = cos (7i — a) + i sin (n — a).
The affixes of the ends of a diameter of the unit circle (ABC), which has
such a slope, are
From this it follows that if the point P describes the circle (ABC), then
this diameter will turn through an angle n in a direction opposite that of
the radius OP (Fig. 41). If the Euclidean plane is completed to a projective-
Euclidean plane by points at infinity, or ideal
points, we can then assume that if the point P /
lies on (ABC) but does not coincide with any
one of the vertices A, B, C of A ABC, then it
will be associated with the ideal point of the
projective-Euclidean plane. The Morley relation
p + q + OzPq= <7i does not, of course, hold in
this case since no complex number can be as
sociated with ideal points.
Finally, from geometric reasoning it is clear
that if point P lies on line BC but does not
coincide with B or C, then point A will be
isogonally conjugate to it (the same goes for the
lines CA and AB). Finally, if point P coincides
with one of the vertices of A ABC, for example
232 Problems in Geometry
Note that the centre / of the circle (/) inscribed in A /4#C, and the cen
tres Ia, /*, l c of the circles (/fl), (/fc), (Ic) escribed in the angles A, B, C of
that triangle are isogonal conjugates of themselves with respect to A ABC.
It will be proved below, in problem 41, that besides the points /, /a, Ib, Ic
there are no points that are isogonal conjugates of themselves with respect
to A ABC.
We also note that if we eliminate from the Euclidean plane the circle
(ABC) circumscribed about A ABC and eliminate the lines BC, CA> ABy
then the isogonal correspondence between the points P(p) and Q(q) will
be a one-to-one mapping (P *-* Q) or a one-to-one and involutory trans
formation (involution) described by the relation p + q h p qoz — ox.
If the Euclidean plane is completed to a projective-Euclidean plane,
and the straight lines BC, CA, AB are deleted, then the correspondence
between the points P(p) and Q(q) will again be one-to-one, but then the
relation p + q + pqoz — ox will refer only to the ideal points P(p) and
Q(q). Finally, throughout the projective-Euclidean plane, the mapping
of P(p) on Q(q) will no longer be a one-to-one mapping and the relation
p + q + pq<Tz= gx will again be valid only for the proper points P(p)
and Q(q) (ideal points do not have affixes).
Problem 38. The circle (O) = {ABC) circumscribed about A ABC is
taken as the unit circle; zl9 z2, z3 are the affixes of the vertices A, By C.
Find the affixes of the points that are isogonal conjugates of the following
points with respect to A ABC:
1°. The point G, the point of intersection of the medians of A ABC.
2°. The orthocentre H of A ABC.
3°. The centre 0 9 of the Euler circle of A ABC.
Solution. Let us take advantage of the formula of problem 37;
P + P<*2 ~ — <r»P*
PP - 1
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 233
which defines the affix q of point Q ; this is the image of point P with affix
p under an isogonal transformation with respect to A ABC. We have the
following.
1°. Since the affix g of point G is equal to <t3/3, it follows that the affix
/ of the image L of point G under an isogonal transformation with respect
to A ABC is
<*1 2 (7?
aL i. ? .\_ (7o (7i (7a — + --------------
3 3 _ 3 3 (To 9<73
9 9
2
-1- 2 '
3 1 + ~q 9<---
7o ^ 3(7j
?1<*1 <^1 - 9
9
The point L, which is the isogonal conjugate of point G with respect to
A ABC, is termed the Lemoine point. Thus, the affix / of the Lemoine
point I of A ABC is
I _2 3 o~i
- 9
2°. The affix of the point that is isogonally conjugate to the orthocentre
H with respect to the triangle ABC is
_ of
_ ^3_______ q
(TiO1! “ 1 <T101 — 1
that is, the orthocentre H and the centre O of the circle (ABC) are isogo
nally conjugate with respect to A ABC (the straight lines AO and AH
are symmetric about the line AI and similarly BO and BH are symmetric
about B l, CO and CH are symmetric about Cl).
3°. The affix of the point isogonally conjugate to the centre 0 9 of the
Euler circle (0 9) with respect to A ABC is
5i_ + a\ ____ ?i_
2 2 2 2<t3 4(t3*2
o^i _ o1o1
4 4
ffi a\
2 4o3 a2cr1 — 2xx
_ j CTiffi - 4
T
234 Problems in Geometry
Problem 39. Prove that the midpoint M of a segment whose ends are
points Px and Ql9 which are isogonal conjugates (with respect to A ABC)
of the ends P and Q of any diameter PQ of the circle (Q), which is con
centric with the circle (ABC), describes (as the diameter PQ rotates) a
circle that touches the tangents drawn from the orthocentre H of A ABC
to the circle (ABC), Triangle ABC is assumed to be obtuse, and the radius
p of the circle (£) is assumed to be less than OH [only in this case is it pos
sible to draw tangents from point H to (ABC)],
Solution, Take (ABC) for the unit circle; let zx, z2, zz be the respective
affixes of the points A, B, C, Let PQ be an arbitrary diameter of (Q), and
let p and —p be the respective affixes of the points P and Q.
Denoting by px and qx the affixes of points Px and Ql9 which are the res
pective isogonal conjugates of the points P and Q with respect to A ABC,
we will have (see problem 37)
2 _
02P ~ P + <*1
Pi
1 ~ pp
<*sP2 + 02P + p + <T1
<h
1 - pp
From these we find the affix m of the midpoint M of segment PXQX:
m = Pi + <7i °dP* + ffi
2 1 -P P
From this relation it follows that if point P describes a circle (&) which
is concentric with the circle (ABC), then 1 —/>/>=constant [1 — pp —
= —< 7 , where a is the power of the point P with respect to (ABC)] and,
From this relation it follows that point T is the image of the centre O of
the circle (ABC) under a homothetic transformation with centre 77 and
OP2
r a tio ----------- . Therefore the circle (T7) described by point M touches
OP2 - 1
the tangents drawn to (ABC) from the orthocentre 77 of A ABC (only
here is the condition used that A ABC is an obtuse-angled triangle).
Remarks. (1) The radius Rx of (T) is equal to the radius 1 of (ABC) if
and only if
OP2
1 - OP2
whence, obviously.
OP2
1 - OP2
(2) The radius Rx of (T) is equal to the radius of the Euler circle if and
only if
(3) The radius R± of (T) is equal to the radius of ((2) if and only if
(143)
236 Problems in Geometry
<
p* = 044)
since the slopes of the lines 07, 0 Ia, OIb, OIc are respectively,
T0 Tj_ T2 T3
Xq — ^1 — “ > ^2 — _ i ^3 ~
To Tx T2 Ts
We now have to prove that <po, <p[, </>2, </>£ are the affixes of the respective
Feuerbach points. Let us first consider the formula (142):
whence
, , ._ 1
I ^0 °9 I — " “
2
and so the point lies on the Euler circle. By the Euler formula for the
distance between the centres of a circumscribed circle and an inscribed
circle of the triangle,
Ol2 = R2 — 2Rr = 1 — 2r (because we have R = 1),
where r is the radius of (/) inscribed in A A B C . Since 012 = t 0t 0, it fol
lows from the last formula that
(146)
4
We now prove that the point <P'0 with affix
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 237
<Po - *0 = - T0 ,
2 2t0
and since r0 is the fixed point of an isogonal transformation with respect to
A ABC [see problem 37, formula (141)], it follows that
2 t0 + a 3 fg — a x = 0,
whence
*i ~ T?>
t0 =
2
and therefore
, _ *i y:)To 0*1 , 0*3Tp
</>0 “ T0 —
2t 0 2 2
ffsio <r3f0
( t 0t 0 - 1).
2t0 2t0 2 t0
(<Po - T o) ( 9 i - T o) = (T ° T(> — = r 2.
4
That is, the point <P'0 with affix </>' lies on the circle (/), the equation of which
is of the form (146). Furthermore, the slope of the straight line I<Pq is
<P0 - T o ____ 2 f §
-/ - ^ 9
<Po ~~ T0 T0
- ~<Po
2
and this means the points 0 9, #o, /lie on one straight line. To summarize,
then: the point <P'0 with affix </>o lies both on the circle (/) and on the Euler
circle (0 9), and, besides, the points #o, h 0 9 lie on one straight line. Now
if two circles have one common point (in this case, $o) and their centres
238 Problems in Geometry
(in the given case, 7 and 0 9) lie on the same line as that common point,
then they are tangent to one another at precisely that point. But the point
of tangency of the circles (7) and (0 9) is precisely the Feuerbach point <P0,
and so the points 4>9 and <P0 coincide and, hence, q>'0 = (p0.
To derive the other three formulas
<Pl — ^P19 ^2 = <p2, <Ps = <Ps,
where q>[9 <p2, (p's are given by (143), (144), (145), and <p1? <p2, <p3, are the
affixes of the Feuerbach points <Pl9 <P2, <P3, we first derive the formulas
Oil = R2 + 2raR9 (147)
Oil = R2 + 2rbR, (148)
01* = R2 + 2 rcR (149)
for the distances between the centres of the circumscribed circle and escrib
ed circle (it is of course sufficient to prove only the first one of them).
Let us consider the inversion [7fl, r%|, whose centre is the centre Ia of the
circle (Ia) escribed in the angle A of triangle ABC, and the power is equal
to ra. Let the circle (Ia) be tangent to the straight lines BC, CA, AB respec
tively at the points Pl9 P2, P3 (see Fig. 35). Under the inversion [7fl, r%]9the
points A, B, C go respectively into the points'^*, B*, C*9 in which the fol
lowing straight lines intersect: IaA and P2P3; IaB and 7>37>1; IaC and 7>17>2.
The points A*, B*9 C* are the respective midpoints of the segments R 2 R&
P3Pi,PiP2. Thus, the circles (ABC) and (A fB fC f) go into each other under
this inversion with the circle of inversion (7>17>27>3)=(7a).The circle (AfBfC *)
is the Euler circle of A 7>17>2P3 and therefore the radius of (AfBfC *) is
equal to R'a=rJ2. On the other hand, the ratio R'JR of the radii of (A?BfC*)
and (ABC) is equal to \kja\9 where a is the power of the centre Ia with
respect to the circle (ABC), and k is the power of the inversion at hand,
that is k = r*. Indeed, suppose M and M ' are corresponding points under
the inversion at hand [point M on the circle (ABC) and point M ' on the
circle (A*B*C*)]. Then
(IaM )(IaM') = r*a ( = k ) . (150)
Let M y be the second point of intersection of the line IaM with the circle
(ABC). Then
(IaM )(IaM1) = c. (151)
From the relations (150) and (151) we find
(hM ‘)
ChM 1) a a
Incidentally, this means that the circle (0*)=(A*B*C*) may be obtained
from the circle (ABC) by a homothetic transformation with the centre of
similitude (homothetic centre) I a and ratio k j a . (Of course, the correspon-
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 239
dence of points under this homothetic transformation and under the inver
sion that we considered is different.) Since a homothetic transformation
is a similarity transformation, it follows that
g
K a
R o il- *T
Since the point Ia lies outside the circle (ABC) [the midpoint of segment
IIa lies on the circle (ABC) — see problem 36], it follows that OIa > R
and, hence.
2R O il ~ R2 ’
whence
Oil = R *+ 2Rra.
We assumed /J = l. Besides, Oil = t 1t 1 since is the affix of point Ia;
hence, ra = (txt l — 1). We now prove that the point with affix
2
<Pi
lies both on the Euler circle and on the circle (/a). We have
r
<P1 *1
2t,
and since Ia is a fixed point of an isogonal transformation with respect to
A ABC, it follows that
2xx + <r3 ff — <rx = 0,
whence
*1 — *3*1
Tl =
2
and therefore
, <*i *1 — *3*1
2 tx 2
* 3*1 *3*1 *3*1
■ ( V i - l ) . (152)
2 2t 2 2t x
From this we have
? ;-? ! = — ( v i- i)
2ti
240 Problems in Geometry
and so
(*1*1 - l)2
(<P'i - Tj) (ipl - Tj) =
4
That is, the point with affix <p[ lies on the circle (/fl) whose equation is
(z - Ti) (z — = r\.
Furthermore, 0 9 = aJ2 is the affix of the centre of (0 9). Therefore,
/ 1 / fi \ 1 a3t1
2 - -2 « . = -
whence
| ^ - o 9| = 1/2
and therefore the point <P[ lies also on the Euler circle, the equation of
which may be written down in the form |z — o9\ = 1/2. The slope of the
straight line Ia <P[ is
<Pl - T, = 2ti__________ = Tf
V' ~ ^ ^ Tl (t.T, - 1) 3
2fx
The slope of the straight line 0 9<P[ is
Consequently, the points 0 9, Ja and lie on one straight line. Thus, the
point also lies on the circle (0 9) and on the circle (Ia) and the centres 0 9
and Ia of these circles lie on the same straight line as their common point
<P’i\ hence, (Ia) and (0 9) are tangent at the point <P[ with affix q>[. But
the point of tangency of (/a) and (0 9) is the Feuerbach point &l9 and so
the points and <P± coincide and (p[ — (px.
In the same way we can prove that cp'2 and cp3, that is, the affixes of the
orthopoles of the straight lines OIb and OIc with respect to A ABC are
the affixes of the Feuerbach points ^>2 and tf>3. That is, <P'2 and are points
of tangency of the circles (Ib) and (Ic) with the Euler circle (0 9) of A ABC.
Problem 41. Let zl9 z2, z3 be the affixes of the points A, B, C in a system
of coordinates in which (ABC) = (O) is taken as the unit circle. It is re
quired to prove that:
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 241
1°. The affixes t (), zl9 r 2, t 3 of the centres of the circles inscribed and
escribed in A ABC are given by the equation
T4 — 2 (7 2I 2 + 8(73 T + <?2 — 4(72(73 = 0.
2°. The affixes ij/0, i//l9 ^ 2, <A3 of the points !P2, symmetric
to the orthocentre H of A ABC with respect to the Feuerbach points are
found from the equation
(4cf2 — a\)+ 4^1j/3 + 2a1a1ij/2 + 4al\// + 4<72 — a\ = 0.
These points *F09 *Fl9 *F29 X
V3 lie on the circle (ABC) (see Fig. 42).
Solution. 1°. Let T be the centre of the circle inscribed in A ABC (or
the centre of one of the escribed circles). Any one of these points has the
characteristic property that it coincides with the point that is isogonally
conjugate to it with respect to A ABC. It is easy to verify the sufficiency
of this condition geometrically; namely, any one of the indicated four
points T is fixed under an isogonal transformation. We will now prove that
there are four such points. Indeed, for point Twith affix t( |t| # 1) to
coincide with its conjugate point, it is necessary and sufficient that the
Morley relation
P + q + <r3 P ~q' =
hold for p = q = t, that is,
2t + (73 T2 = at.
For example, we will prove that it holds for the affix
T# = - 1f z 2 1 ^ 3 - If z 3 1! z t - ][z2
of the centre of the circle (/) inscribed in A ABC (see problem 36). We have
- = _ _ _ J________ }_________1 _ = _ + KZ2 + fcg
0 K*2 1^3 ]/zz fzj ]fz1 ]fz2 1lzx Vz2 )[zz
or
To = — [*1 + Z2 + Z3 + 2 (^z2 ]fz3 + ]/z3 ]/zx + /z j / z 2)].
<r3
From this we have
2t0 + o3xg = 2(— f z 2 ]/z3 — 1lz3 ]fz2 — ]!z2 j/z2)
+ zx + z2 + z3 + H]fz2 1fz 3 + 1fz3 j/zj + |/zj ]/z2) = Zj + z2 + z3 = alt
and so also for the other affixes zl9 t 2, t 3 [formulas (133) of problem 36].
Adjoining to the equation
2t + a3 t 2 — ax = 0 (153)
the equation obtained by equating to zero the conjugate number of the
left-hand side, we obtain
2t -f a3 z2 — ax = 0, (154)
16-810
242 Problems in Geometry
Fig. 42
whence
T <7
X =
or
8r + t* + — t 4 - 4ox = 0
0*3 <T3
or
T 4 — 2(7 2 T 2 + 8 0 -3 T + — 4(7! (73 = 0.
mation is the characteristic property of the centres of the circles (I), (Ia),
(Ib), (Ic) (there are no other fixed points under an isogonal transformation
with respect to A ABC).
2°. The Feuerbach point # is an orthopole, with respect to A ABC,
of the straight line OIk that passes through the centre O of the circle (ABC)
and the centre Ik of the corresponding circle tangent to the lines BC, CA>
AB. If the straight line is given by the equation
z — z0 = A (z — z 0),
then its orthopole with respect to A ABC has the affix
/‘ = - | f f i - y + Zo - ^ 0j
(see problem 7). In particular, if the line at hand passes through the coor
dinate origin, then
H = —■Oi — o^)-
The affixes q>k of the Feuerbach points <Pk corresponding to the centres Tk
of the four circles (Tk), each of which is tangent to the lines BC, CA, AB,
will be (see problem 40)
?* = ~ (155>
where zk is the affix of the point Tk (incidentally, it follows from this that
the slope of line OTk is equal to 2k = — and so — = Xk). We will
** **
denote the affixes xk and <pk of the points Tk and 4>k that correspond to
each other by t and cp. Then the relation (155) can be rewritten as
<P = — — (156)
Let us find the affix \j/ of point lF, which is symmetric to point H with respect
to point 0:
+ * _ 1 (n „ f \
2~ ~ " t r “ * 7 j'
whence
ik = - a 3 - . (157)
T
Since |^| = 1, the point W lies on the circle (ABC). Incidentally, this also
follows immediately from the fact that under the homothetic transforma-
244 Problems in Geometry
tion (H, 2) the Euler circle of A ABC goes into the circle (O) = (ABC),
and since all Feuerbach points lie on the Euler circle, their images TV
*Pl9 ^ 2, under the homothetic transformation (H, 2) lie on the circle
{ABC).
Let us eliminate r and f from the equations (157), (153), (154). We
obtain an equation for finding if/. From the relation (157) we have
f = — ^ T dz
and, hence, the relations (153) and (154) take the form
2r + — (T1 — 0 (158)
—2 ^ t <t3 + <t3 t 2 — dx — 0 (159)
or
<r3 + 2 t — ax = 0, (160)
ovr2 — 2 \j/ x <x3 — = 0. (161)
It remains to write the resultant of these equations as equal to zero. But
this can be done differently: multiply Eq. (161) by —if/2 and add it to
Eq. (160) to get
(2^3 az + 2) t = (T1 —
whence
= ~ 1
2ip* <r3 + 2
Substituting this value of t , for example, into equation (161), we obtain
_ G\ — 2<71(X1^ 2 + C73^4
2^<t3 gi - — (Tj — 0
** 4(^«r3 + l)^ 2 + 1)
or
( ^ 1 — 4(T1ff3) \p4 — 4ff16:3^ 3 — 2cr1a 1^3^2 — 4<T1a 3i/' + — 4^ - 0
or, cancelling (j3,
(<rf — 4(71d:3)^4 — 4<71i/f3 — 2(71d:1^ 2 — 4(7^ + a2 — 4<t1(73 =- 0
or
(<t2 — 4<t2) 1/f4 — 4<r1i/f3 — 2 — 4a1ij/ + cr2 — 4<72 = 0.
Note that the coefficients of this equation that are equidistant from the
ends are conjugate in pairs: the first and the last, the second and the fourth
(an antireciprocal equation).
Problem 42. Let M be a variable point of a circle (O) of radius R circum
scribed about ABC\ P is a point symmetric to the orthocentre H of
A ABC with respect to the diameter of (O) parallel to the Simson line
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 245
for the point M with respect to A ABC; A', B \ C' are points symmetric
to M about the straight lines OA, OB, OC. Prove that the point Q, which
is symmetric with the orthocentre //' of A A'B'C' with respect to point P
describes a circle concentric with (O) and having a radius OQ equal to
O Q = ^ O I O I a-Orh O!c,
m 2 = — (z0 + Z 1 + Z 3 — ZC3 Z0 )
2
The slope of the straight line M 2 M 3 is
m3 — m2 _ z2 — z 3 — ZjZpjzz — z3)
m3 — m2 z 2 — z 3 — z Yz3( z 2 — z 3)
Zq — Z1
(z2 - z3)
(z2 — z3)( 1 - Z3Z o)
(z2 - z 3) ( l - Z 1Z0) ZZ Z2 Z\ Zq ZQ
Z2 Z0 z1
and so the equation of the diameter of the circle parallel to the Simson
line of point M with respect to A ABC is of the form
z = - 3- z (164)
z0
or
ZqZ — gzz = 0. (165)
Incidentally, this equation could have been written at once by proceeding
from the equation of the Simson line and dropping the absolute term of
the equation [problem 3, equation (1)].
The equation of the perpendicular dropped from point H to the straight
line (165) is of the form
<r3 -x (166)
z ~ *i = -------(z — ffi).
zo
Adding the equations (164) and (166) term by term, we obtain
<7l<73
2 z — a1 = 9
Zo
whence
z= <r2
+
2 zo }
This is the affix of the projection of point I f on the straight line (164). The
affix p of point P is found from the relation
= X
2
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 247
whence
p — o-2z0.
Furthermore, the equation of line OA is
z = z\z or z — z\z — 0.
The equation of the straight line passing through point M perpendicular
to line OA is
z — Z0 = —z\ (z — z„).
Solving this equation together with the equation zz = 1 of the unit circle
(ABC), we obtain
whence
q = 2p — h' — 2 <r2z 0 — (z\ + z\ + z§)z0
= z 0 [2<r2 — (zx + z 2 + z3)2 + 2(Z2Z3 + z3zt + zxz2)] = z 0(2<r2—a\+ 2a^
= z 0 (4<r2 - «rf).
Thus,
q = (4<t2 — a l)z0.
From this it follows that if point M with affix z0 describes a circle (ABC),
then point Q describes a circle (12), in the opposite direction, that is con-
248 Problems in Geometry
ToTiT2t 3 = al — 4a,a3 — - - - 4y = 4° 2
a\ a\ ai
and, thus,
| V i T 2 t 3| = I to T ^ jT a j = |a \ - 4<t2| = p
or
P= | t (,1 | t ,| ;t 2| [ t j |
or
OQ = O IO Ia OIb OIc.
If the affixes of the points A 9 B9 C are taken in the form Rzl9 Rz29 Rz29
where \z±\ = \z2\ = |z3| = 1, then we obtain
OQ = 0 1 'O h '< > h 'O h
^ R3
Problem 43. The points A l9 A29 AZ9 A4 lie on a single circle (O) =
= (A1A2A3A4) which is taken as the unit circle. Denote by ipl9 (p29<p3, ty* the
affixes of the Feuerbach points <Pl9 tf>2, ^>3, ^4 that lie on the circles in
scribed in the triangles A2A3A49 AXA3A4, A XA2A49 AXA2A3. Prove that the
midpoints of the segments Ax<Pl9 A2<P29 A3<P3. A4<P4 lie on one circle.
Find the affix of the centre of this circle and its radius.
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 249
Solution. Let zl9 z2, z3, z4 be the respective affixes of the points Alf A2,
A3, A4. Then the affix <p1 of the Feuerbach point <P4 of the circle inscribed
in A A2A3A4 is computed from the formula (see problem 32, item 6°)
ZoZ3 | z2z4 ~b z*>z4
(Pi = ----------------- "—
Z2 + Z3 + Z4
and so the affix pL of the midpoint of segment Al<Pl is
__ <P i ~ h Z l z l z 2 4 ~ Z 1Z 3 ~ h Z l Z 4 ~t~ Z 2Z 9 Z2Z4 ~t~ Z3~4 &2
From this it follows that the points pk (k= 1, 2, 3, 4) lie on the circle ((2),
the equation of which is
u — ------------------- ,
2 g 4 — 2z
where z describes the unit circle.
Performing an inversion of this circle with the circle of inversion (0),
we obtain the circle
1 2 — 2z &x 2
v= — -------= 2 z.
u 2 2 2 g g g
This is the circle (0'), the affix of whose centre is 2 g J g 2 and the radius is
equal to 2/|<t2|. The circle (G) may be obtained from (0') by the same inver
sion and also by a similarity transformation. From this we can find the
affix of the centre of (G) and its radius.
But we can also take advantage of the formulas of problem 12 that
yield the affix of the centre,
bd — ac
(o = — —
dd — cc
and the radius
be — ad
250 Problems in Geometry
of (Q) into which the unit circle (O) goes under the linear-fraction trans
formation
u = — Z tL t a d - b e * o. (167)
cz + d
Let us consider the transformation
(168)
20*! — 2z
Here [compare with (167)], a = 0, b — er2, c = — 2, d = 2a1 and so the
affix co of the centre of (£) on which the midpoints of the segments
Ai&i, A 2 & 2 9 A3*P39 A4<P4 lie is
co — 20-201 &2&1
4(01*1 ~ 1) 2(* 1 *1 - 1)
and the radius is
— 2at i ___*2
4axCi — 4 ~ ~2 *1*1 ~ 1
Problem 44. Let Bx and Cx be the points of intersection of the bisectors
of the interior angles B and C of A ABC with the circle (ABC) = (O).
Consider the sum of the directed line segments OBx + OCx — ON. Prove
that IN JL BC, where / is the centre of the circle inscribed in A ABC.
Also prove that the segment IN is equal to the radius of (ABC) = (O).
Solution. Take (O) as the unit circle. Let zl9 z2, z3 be the respective
affixes of the points A9B, C. The affixes al9 bl9 cx of the points A l9 Bl9 Cx
of intersection of the circle (ABC) and the bisectors of the interior angles
of A ABC are given by the relations
01 = — ] f Z2 V Z3, *1 = — V z 3 ) f ZU C = — fr , ]fz2 ,
where we take for the roots ]fzlt ]Jz2, J[z3 values such that ^ z 3\<.
< 1. The affix n of point N is
n = - ]fz3 ]jzl - /z j )Jz,,
and since the affix of point I is equal to
T0 = - jfz2 Vz3 - ]}z3 1(7X - fz j )[z2,
it follows that the directed line segment IN is associated with the complex
number ][z%]fz3, whence IN = \fz~3 ][z3\ = 1 = R. The slope of the
straight line IN is
* bc — — a4a5 = — a9 — r/2
(since a7 = 1) and, hence, the equation of the straight line passing through
point A perpendicularly to BC is
z — 1 = ct2(z — 1).
The equation of BC is
z— - a1
nr4 = - a2(z - a4).
Solving the system of equations
z — 1 = a2(z — 1)
z — a4 — — a2(z — a4),
we find
2z — 1 — a4 = — a2 + a2 = — a2 + a5,
whence
1 — a2 + a4 + a5
z = a2 = -----------------------,
252 Problems in Geometry
Consider the affix o9 of point Og obtained from point O under the homo-
thetic transformation ^<7,----—j, that is, the affix of the centre 0 9 of the
Euler circle of A ABC. Since the affix h of the orthocentre of A ABC
is equal to 1 + a4 + a5 and 0 9 is the midpoint of OH, it follows that
1 + a4 + a6
2
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 253
We now find
1 — a2 + a4 + a5 1 + a4 + a5
Oo oti
2 2 2
1 — a + a4 + a5 1 -f a4 + a5 a
bo On ---
2 2 2’
a4 + a5 1 + a4 + a5 1
0\ o9 —
2 2 T ’
ftC1
1 + a4 + a5 — a6 1 + a4 a°
+
c2 O9 —
2 2 2
1 + a4 1 + a4 + a5 _ a5
Cl On ---
2 2 T ’
1 + a5 1 4- a4 + a5 a4
b\ o9 —
2 2 2'
These numbers form a geometric progression with ratio 1/a; and the moduli
of all these differences are equal to — . This means that each of the directed
2
line segments
beginning with the second, is obtained from the preceding one by a rotation
in one and the same direction through an angle of 2n/7, that is, A2, B2r
A 1, C2, Clf 2?x are the six successive vertices of a regular heptagon inscribed
in the Euler circle of A ABC.
and so
F ig . 4 6
whence
we find
AXDX= — AD | ad + be |,
2
whence
v.
AjC B,A C,B
Find the ratios
CP
x = z=
PC,
Hint. Apply the Menelaus theorem to A AA,B and to the transver
sal CC,.
Answer, x = (1 + /I) v, y — (1 + /0 A, z = (1 + v) \i. Complex num
bers can also be used.
4. A triangle A,B,CXis inscribed in A ABC (that is, point A, lies on line
BC, point B! on line CA and point C, on line AB).
1°. Prove that A ABC and l ^ A ^ C , have a common centroid if and
only if the ratios
, Ta x Cfit AC,
X = ---------II = ------------------- V = ------------------- ----
A,B,C, A2 - A + 1
(A + l ) 2
ABC
3°. Suppose A A 2B2C2 is circumscribed about A ABC and has a common
centroid with A ABC. Prove that the ratio A', in which the points A, B, C
260 Problems in Geometry
divide the directed line segments B2C2, C2A2, A2B2, is then equal to 1//,,
that is, the inverse (in magnitude) ratio in which the points Al9 Bl9 C1
divide BC, CA, AB. Find
A1BiC1
A2B2C2
and prove that
(ABC)2 = (A & C J (A2B2C2)
(R. Deaux).
5. The triangles ABC and A1B1C1 are homothetic under the homothetic
transformation with centre S and ratio
O N O L = ~ - R 2.
3
8. A triangle ABC is inscribed in a circle (O). Construct right-angled
------ ^ > ------ >
triangles AO A', BOB', COC' (in all three triangles, the angle O is equal
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 261
Fig. 47
to n/2) with the same orientation. Let the circles (A', A'A), (B',B'B),
(C', C'C) cut the sides AB and AC, BC and BA, CA and CB in the points
Ba, Ca; Cb,A b; AC,B C.
Prove that the triangles ABaCa, BCbAb, CAcBc have the same Euler
circle (Fig. 47) (R. Blanchard).
Hint. Take (O) as the unit circle. Let a, b, c, a', b \ c' be the affixes of
the points A, B,C, A', B', C . Then
a! = ia, b '^ib , c'=ic, AA' = ]f2.
The equation of the circle (A', A'A) is
(z — ia) (z + ia) — 2. (170)
The equation of AB is
z + abz = a + b,
whence
z + abz = a + b,
z = a + b — abz.
and equation (170) takes the form
(z — ia) (a + b — abz + ia) — 2
or
(z — ia) (abz — a — b — ia) + 2 = 0.
262 Problems in Geometry
Answer * z0 = Zl J l ^ 3 ^ + Zg ~ + 73 ~ *i)
*1 z i 1
z2 z 2 1
Z3 Z 3 1
(a + b).
P- P
and, hence, is the image of A A2B2C2 (which “ supplements”
A ABC) under the similarity transformation with centre O, angle of rotation
a rg fc ^
264 Problems in Geometry
A C, = A.
17°. If Qa, Qb, Qc are the feet of the bisectors of the interior angles of
A ABC, and Q'a, Qb, Q'c are the feet of the bisectors of the exterior angles
of the triangle, then
b2 a2 be ac
AQa
1 QO a
f
/~%2
. ^L \/a T
i
be
I
D /^ 2 i
T
BQb
r * r \ 2 ___
a+ c
•
= C — a, CQc =
a+ b
= b — a.
3 _____
Hint. If a is any one of the imaginary values of Y —I, then the affixes
of the points A \ B \ C', A ", B '\ C" are expressed in terms of the affixes
of the points A, B ,C by the relations
af = etc + a by
b' = cca + ac,
c' = CLb + a a;
a" = a c + a6,
b" — aia + ac,
c" = a6 + acr.
The affixes of the third vertices of the equilateral triangles constructed
------>-
on the segments B’C' and i?"C" and with orientation the same as ABC A"
------>
and ABC A', respectively, are
ac' + cub' = b + c — a
ac" + ab" = b + c — a
and, hence, these third vertices coincide with the point A1 (R. Deaux).
16. Prove that if the angles A, B ,C in A ABC are connected by the
relation
sin A = cos I? tan C,
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 267
then the altitude A A \ the median BB', and the bisector CC' intersect
in one point.
Hint. The angles B and C are acute. Hence, the foot A' of the altitude
AA' is an interior point of segment BC and
BA' c cos B
b cos C
A'C
From there on use Ceva’s theorem.
Supplementary question. What theorem results from what has been
proved if we apply an isogonal transformation to point M in which the
altitude A A \ the median BB', and the bisector CC' intersect? (after Morley).
Hint. Since, under an isogonal transformation, the centre O of {ABC)
goes into the orthocentre H of Is ABC (and conversely), we get the following
theorem: if angles A, B, C in Is ABC are connected by the relation sin A —
= cosf?tanC, then the diameter AO of the circle (O) = {ABC), the
bisector CC', and the cimedian BB* (the straight line symmetric to the
median BB' with respect to the bisector of the interior angle B) intersect
in one point.
17. Inscribed in the unit circle is a triangle ABC, the affixes of whose
vertices are respectively equal to zl9 z2, z3. Given a point P whose affix is
p =
azj + pz2 + yz2
--------------------------------- ,
a + P+ y
where a, p, y are real numbers. Let Al9 Bl9 Cx be points in which the straight
lines AP, BP, CP intersect the sides BC, CA, AB respectively. Find
(M C i)
{ABC)
Hint. The affixes of the points Al9 Bl9 Cx are
fiz2 + yz3 t yzs + a z j a z x + 0 z2
a, — ---------------, ol , cx = -------------- .
P + y y + « <* + P
Answer.-----------= -------------------------------.
{ABC) {P + y){y + * ) { x + P )
18. Prove that a necessary and sufficient condition for the orthogonal
projections Bx and Cx of the vertices B and C of A ABC on the sides
AC and AB respectively to lie on the same straight line as the centroid G
of A ABC is the equality 3a2 = b2 + c2 or a2 = b2 + c2, where a, b9c
arc the lengths of the sides BC9CA9AB of A ABC. _
Hint. Take {ABC) as the unit circle. Prove the equations z2z3 + z3z2=
2 — a2 and so forth, where zl9 z2, z3 are the affixes of the vertices of
the triangle, and a9b9c are the lengths of its sides.
268 Problems in Geometry
19. Let zl9 z 2, z 3 be the affixes of the vertices of A ABC inscribed in the
unit circle. Prove that the equation z\ = z 2z 3 is a necessary and sufficient
condition for A ABC to be an isosceles triangle: AC — AB.
20. ABC is a right-angled triangle (C = n/2); (/) is a circle inscribed
in the triangle. Let Al9 Bl9 Cx be the orthocentres of the triangles IBC,
ICA, IAB. Prove that the length of the projection A$B$ of segment A1Bl
on the hypotenuse AB is equal to the diameter of (/). The length of the
projection B*C* of segment BXCX on leg BC is equal to the diameter of
the circle (Ih) escribed in angle B, and the length A£C?, the projection
of segment AXCXon leg AC, is equal to the diameter of the circle (Ia) escribed
in angle A.
Hint. Take (/) for the unit circle. Let P9Q, R be the points of tangency
of (/) with the sides BC, CA, AB, and let their affixes be 1, /, a respectively.
Then the affixes of the points A, B ,C are
2 2a/ , 2 2a
a = z------= -------- , b - ------== -------- ,
a + i a + / 1+ a 1+ a
2
c= - 1+ /
1+ 7
since the points A 9B9C are images, under inversion with respect to circle (/),
of the points A \ B \ C (the points of intersection of the straight lines IA y
IB, IC with lines RQ, PR, PQ, respectively) (Fig. 49). Now, the affix ax of
the orthocentre Ax of A IBC is ax = —----------- and so forth the
1+a
calculations are rather unwieldy).
21. ABC is a right-angled triangle (C = n/2). The circle {ABC) ={0)
is taken as the unit circle. The point M(z0) describes this circle. Let Q
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 269
be the midpoint of segment OM and let / be the Simson line for point M,
which line is constructed with respect to A ABC. Find the locus of points P
symmetric to Q with respect to /.
Answer. The segment A'B' obtained by a parallel translation of diameter
ABy the translation being defined by the directed line segment OC
(Fig. 50).
22. Given in the plane two distinct
points A(zj) and B(z2). Find the affix p' P
of point P' which is symmetric to point
P{p) about AB.
Hint. The affix /?' is found from the
equation (Fig. 51) Pt 5
! zi z\ 1
Z2 Z 2 = 0, where pL = (p + />')/2.
\ P i P i 1| P'
Answer. pr — (z, ~z2 — z2 z\ + p(z2 — Fig. 51
- z i))l(z 2 - z i)-
23. Two distinct points ^(zj) and B(z2) are given in a plane. Prove that
if the point M(X) describes the unit circle (with the exception of a point
with affix X = — 1), then the point M 'l | describes the mid-
V 1 + A )
perpendicular of segment AB.
24. Let Dy Ey F be the points of tangency of the circle (7) inscribed
in A ABC with sides BCy CA, AB. Denote by Al9 Bl9 Cx the midpoints
of the medians DA0, EB09 FC0 of the triangles ADI, BEI, CFI emanating
from the vertices Z>, E, F (A0, B0, C0 are the respective midpoints of the
segments AI, BI, Cl). Let H be the orthocentre of A DEF. Prove that
(Fig. 52)
III IH IH
IA i = IB ,= 1C, - -
4 sin(/4/2) f 4 sin(^/2) 4sin(C/2) *
k il ___ 2 ^ _
IA ,= IA = k? I = k i I
2\z2 + Zz\ Iz2 + z s \
and so on.
270 Problems in Geometry
Fig. 53
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 271
second point of intersection of this line with the circle (ABC), and let P
be the point symmetric to point A' about the diameter of (O) parallel
to BC. Prove that:
1°. A similar construction carried out for the points B and C leads
to the same point P.
2°. The Simson line of point P with respect to A ABC is parallel to
the line OP.
26. Let A1,A 2,A 3,A 4 be four straight lines lying in the same plane;
none are parallel and no three pass through one point. Any three of them,
say Ax, A2, A2, form a triangle. Suppose
Ci2 3 is a circle circumscribed about this
triangle. Construct similar circles C124i,
C134, ^ 234- Prove that:
1°. The centres of the circles C234, C134,
C124, C123 iie on one and the same circle
C1234.
2 . The circles C234, C134, Ci24, C123, CA34
pass through the same point y4 (Fig. 54).
To the lines Ax, A2, Az, A4 add a fifth
straight line A5, but do this so that no
three lines of the five belong to a single
pencil. Eliminating one of these lines, say
A5, we construct circle C1234 and, simi
larly, eliminating lines Ax, A2, A3, A4 in
turn, we construct the circles C2345,
^1345? Cl245> Cl235 (Fig. 55). Prove that:
3°. The centres of these five circles lie on one and the same circle C12345.
4°. The circles C2345, C1345, C1245, C1235, C1234 pass through the same
point yB, which, however, does not generally lie on the circle C12345.
Prove similar statements for any number of straight lines Ax, A2, . . ., An.
Hint. Here, in brief form, is the solution to this problem given by a
9th form student of a Moscow secondary school.
Let xl9 x2, . . . , xn be the affixes of points symmetric to the point O (an
arbitrary point taken as the origin) with respect to the straight lines
Ax, A2, . .., An. Set tj = — Xj/xj. Consider the expression
a m==___________ xi A_____________ |___________ X2J2__________
(A h) (h A)* •• (A A) (A h) (h A)- • • (A A)
From this relation it follows that
t^n.i “f" i+1 A+l @n+l,i (175)
and
Qn,i= ( 1)” &n art.n-i-l> (176)
where an = txt2. .. tn. The equation of the straight line A} is
X = fA X ~ Xj).
272 Problems in Geometry
Z2 — i — # 2 .1 — # 3 .2 ^ 3 # 3 |1
h ~h h~ h
and, similarly, the affixes of the points of intersection of the lines Al9 A3
and A29 J 3are a3t2 — f2#3.i and #3,2 — fi# 3,i- From this it follows that the
points of intersection of the lines Al9 A2, A3 taken in pairs lie on the circle
x = a3t2 — ^#3.i (|f| = 1), the affix of whose centre is a3 2 and the radius
is \a3 i|. This circle is said to be a circle associated with three lines Al9 A29 A3,
and its centre is a point associated with these three straight lines. Also
consider the straight line A4. From the relation a3 2 = a4 3 — t4a4t2 it follows
that the affix a3t2 of the centre of the circle associated with the lines Al9
A2, A3 may be taken in the form a4t3 — t4a4y2 and, similarly, the affixes
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 273
of the centres of the three circles associated with triplets of straight lines
(Al9 A2, d4), (Al9 A3, ^ 4,) (A2, 2I3, 2I4) will be tf4f3 t3a ^2, 04,3 ^*04,2>
^ 4,3 ~ ^ 4,2* From this it follows that the centres of these four circles
(circumscribed about the triangles formed by the straight lines (Al9 A2, A3),
(Al9A29A4)9 (Al9A39A4)9 (A29 A39 Aa)) lie on the circle x =~- a4%3 — ta4t2,
the affix of whose centre is a4 3 and the radius is equal to |a4f2|. We will
call this circle the circle associated with four straight lines Al9 A29 A39 A4
and its centre the point associated with these lines.
Continuing this reasoning, we arrive at the following theorem: if n
straight lines Al9 A29. .., A„ are given in a plane, then, by eliminating one
line at a time from this set An9. . . , A2, Al9 we obtain n groups of lines with
n — 1 lines in each group; the centres of the n circles associated with
these n groups belong to one circle r „:
X= „-i - ta„' „_2 (|f| = 1), (177)
the affix of whose centre is an, n_i and the radius is |a„t n_2\. We call this
circle r n the circle associated with n straight lines Al9 A2, . . ., An9 and its
centre is called the point associated with these lines. The equation of the
circle r„_x associated with the n — 1 lines Al9 A29. ..,
A„_x is of the form
X = an_1, „_2 - ta„ „ _ 3 (|r| = 1). (178)
The complex number
gn,n-3\
tn
an, n- 2/
has a modulus equal to 1 [this follows from (176)]. If this number is substi
tuted into (178) instead of /, we obtain
u n ,2
Jn n -1 n - 2>
a n t1
0/1.1 0 4 ,1
associated with the four lines Al9 A2, d3, d 4 [that is, containing the centres
of the four circles circumscribed about the triangles (Al9 A29 A3), (Al9 A2t d 4),
1H 810
274 Problems in Geometry
(Al9 A39 A4)9 (A29 A39 A4)] also passes through the point with affix
**4,2
y4 — tf4 ,3 **4,2‘
**4,1
A similar situation does not hold when n > 4, because, for example, the
modulus of the complex number C^ ~ is no longer (generally speaking),
**5,1
equal to 1.
27. AXA2A3A4 is an arbitrary quadrangle (not necessarily convex).
--------> --------> --------- > -------- >
Squares AXA2PXP29 A2A3P3P49 A3A4P$P39 A4AxPnP3 are constructed on
its sides; the squares have the same orientation; also constructed on its
sides are the four squares AXA2P\P29 A2A3P3P49 A3A4P3P39 A4AxP^Pg9
which also have the same orientation, but the orientation of any one of
the squares of the first group is opposite that of any one of the squares
of the second group. Let Bl9 B29B39 B4 be the centres of the squares of
the first group, and let B[9B29B3f B4 be the centres of the squares of the
second group. Prove that:
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 275
1°. Segments BXB3 and B2B4 are equal and mutually perpendicular
(the quadrangle B1B2B3B4 that satisfies this condition is termed a pseudo
square).
2°. B[B2B3B4 is also a pseudosquare.
3d. The segments B4B3 and B2B\ have the same midpoint C\; the seg
ments B[B3 and B2B4 have the same midpoint C2. Let C3 and C4 be the
respective midpoints of the segments AXA3 and A2A4. Prove that CXC2C3C4
is a square (Fig. 56).
[Solve this problem by using complex numbers; also solve it by the
methods of analytic geometry and the methods of vector algebra.]
28. A1A2A3A4A5A(iA7A8 is an arbitrary octagon (not necessarily convex).
On its sides, construct the squares
3°. The point M is the pole of the straight line m with regard to the
circle (O) (or, what is the same, m is the polar of point M with respect
to this circle) (Fig. 60).
Hint. Take (O) for the unit circle.
33. AXA2A3 is an arbitrary triangle lying in an oriented plane; P is an
arbitrary point lying in the plane of that triangle but not lying on any
one of its sides, nor on the circle {A4A2A3). Let S l9 B2, B3 be the orthogonal
projections of point P on the lines A2As, A3Al9 A1A2; Cl9 C2, C3 are the
orthogonal projections of point P on the straight lines B2B39 B3Bl9 BXB29
and Dl9 D2, D3 are the orthogonal projections of point P on the straight
lines C2C3, C3Cl9 CLC2 respectively. Prove that A A tA2A3 and A D 1D2D3
are similar and have the same orientation (Fig. 61).
Hint. Take point P for the coordinate origin. Let ak9 bk, ck9 dk (k =
== 1,2, 3) be the respective affixes of the points Akf Bk, Ck9 Dk. Express bk
in terms of ak; ck in terms of bk; dk in terms of ck.
34. On the circle (O) take six arbitrary points Al9 A2, A39 A4, A59 A6.
Prove that the three points P, Qy R ,
P — (A1A2f A4A5), Q — (A2A3, A5A6), R = (A3A4j A6A4),
278 Problems in Geometry
the p oints of intersection of the straight lines, lie on one straight line
(Pascal's theorem) (Fig. 62).
Hint. Take (O) for the unit circle.
35. Prove that the points A(z1) and B(z2),
where zx and z 2 are the roots of the
equation
z2 + 2pz + q = 0
(pand q are complex numbers and p2—
— q 7^ 0), lie on the straight line passing
through the origin of coordinates if and
only if one of the following conditions is
valid:
(1) P = 0;
(2) p t^O, qjp2 is a real number and
(qjp2) < 1; here, if p # 0 , 0 ^ qjp2 < 1,
then the points A and B lie on one ray
emanating from the coordinate origin 0 \
and if p ¥= 0, qjp2 < 0, then the points A and B lie on opposite rays
emanating from the origin.
36. Given a cubic equation:
a0z 3 + 3ax z2 + 3a2z + a3 = 0 .
Let z1? z2, z3 be its roots. Prove that a necessary and sufficient condition
that the points A(zx), B(z2), C(z3) be collinear is as follows: either
( 1) 2a\ — 3a0 axa2 + eft az = 0
or
(2) -------(Pojh---- <h)-------- which is a real number less th a n —1/4.
(2a\ — 3a0ax a2 + dba3)2
Hint. Under the translation transformation
z= C -^
ao
(Tschirnlraus transformation), the given equation takes the form
C3 + 3/?C + q = 0 ,
where
_ a0 a2 — a\ _ 2a\ — 3a0 ax a2 + a%a3
The sum of the roots t l9 C2, C3 of the last equation is zero, and since
(Ci + C2 + C3)/3 = 0 is the affix of the centroid of the system of points
A'(Ci), B'(Q , C'(C3), it follows that this centroid coincides with the coordi
nate origin. If the points A, B9C are collinear, then the points A \ B'y C'
Complex Numbers in Plane Geometry 279
are also collinear (and conversely). If the points A', B \ C' are collinear,
then, by the foregoing, they lie on a straight line that passes through
the origin.
37. Let a general Cartesian system of coordinates Oxy be introduced
in the plane. The affine transformation of the plane is a correspondence
under which the coordinates x', y' of the image M'(x', y') of a point M(x, y)
are expressed in terms of the coordinates *, y of the preimage M (x9y) of
the point M '(x', y') by the linear relations
x' = axx + hxy + cl9
y' = a2x + b2y + c2,
where al9 bly cl9 a29 b2, c2 are arbitrary real numbers and axb2 — a2b1 ^0.
Prove that:
1°. Every affine transformation may be written as
z' = otz + pz + y,
where z and z' are the respective affixes of the points M and M', and
|a| ^ \fi\. Conversely, if |a| ^ \P\9 then the relation z9 = ccz + p~z + y
defines a certain affine transformation.
2°. There exists an affine transformation (and only one) which carries
any three noncollinear points A(zx), B(z2), C(z3) into the three noncollinear
points A'(zi), B '(z 2), C'(z'3), respectively.
3°. A triangle ABC is said to be metaparallel to A A'B'& if the straight
lines that pass through the points A9B, C and are parallel respectively
to the lines 2?'C', C 'A \ A'B' intersect in one point. Let z9 = <xz +
+ P'z + y be an affine transformation under which A ABC goes into
AA'B'C'. Prove that A ABC is metaparallel to A A'B’C if and only if:
(1) a is a pure imaginary number or, what is the same,
*1 1
Zo 1
Z3 1
is a real number.
4°. Prove that the concept of metaparallelism is symmetric, but not
reflexive and not transitive.
----->
5°. Prove that if A ABC is metaparallel to two of the three triangles
------> ------> ------^
A'B’C , B'C 'A\ C'A'B\ then it is metaparallel to the third one as well
-----> ------>
(in this case we say that A ABC and AA'B'C' are three-times metaparallel).
6°. Given a triangle ABC in a plane:
A = (zj), B = (z2), C = (z3).
280 Problems in Geometry
Find the affix z3 of point C' if we know that A ABC is three-times meta-
------>
parallel to A A'B'C' with vertices
A ’ = (0), = C' — (zg).
( 2) Z2 Z 2 1
*3 z* 1
Zl - Z i z2 1
^2 — z2 z3 1
— Z3 Z i 1
Answer. 6°. 4 =
Zi ZX 1
z2 z 2 1
z3 z3 1
Chapter IV
INVERSION
Sec. 1. Inversion defined. Properties of inversion
Let us adjoin to the set of all points of the Euclidean plane a single ele
ment which we will call the ideal point or the point at infinity of the plane n.
Let us agree that any straight line of the rc-plane passes through the point
at infinity and that this point does not belong to any finite figure. The
Euclidean plane supplemented by a single point at infinity (with the indi
cated agreements) is termed a Euclidean circular plane or, simply, a circular
plane. Straight lines lying in the circular plane will sometimes be called
circles of infinite radius. We will also regard points as circles; such
“circles” will be called circles of zero radius or zero circles. Two inter
secting straight lines have two common points, one proper point and the
other the point at infinity. Two parallel lines have only one point in com
mon: the point at infinity; we will say that two parallel straight lines
or two circles of infinite radius meet at the point at infinity.
Suppose 0 is a fixed proper point of a circular plane, and k is a
fixed real number not zero. An inversion [0, k] with pole 0 and power k
of the rc-plane is a one-to-one transformation of that plane under which
each proper point M of the rc-plane distinct from point 0 is associated
with a proper point M f lying on the straight line OM and such that
Thus, the point M ' is the image of point N of the circle C under the
homothetic transformation (0, kja). But under the homothetic transfor
mation (0, k ja \ circle C goes into circle C'. If point M describes a
circle C, then the point N too describes the same circle C, and, hence,
its image M ' under the homothetic transformation (0, kja) describes
the circle C . Thus, the circle C is the image of C also under the homo
thetic transformation (0, kja), where a is the power of the pole 0 of
inversion with respect to the circle C* and under the inversion [0, k].
* Note that the inversion [0 , £ ] and the homothetic transformation (0 , fc/rr) carry
circle C into one and the same circle C'; however, the points lying on circle C are
transformed by the inversion [0 , k ] and the homothetic transformation (0 , kja) into
different points of circle C u n d e r the inversion [0, k], point M goes into point M ' of
circle C', and under the homothetic transformation (0 , kfo), point M goes into point
N 'y where N' is the second point o f intersection of straight line O M ' and circle C'.
284 Problems in Geometry
If circle C passes through the pole of inversion 0 , then its image under
the inversion [0, A] is a straight line that does not pass through the pole
of inversion and is perpendicular to the straight line joining the pole of
inversion and the centre of circle C.
If the straight line does not pass through the pole of inversion 0 , then
its image under the inversion [0, A] is a circle that passes through the pole
of inversion.
If the straight line passes through the pole of inversion 0 , then under
the inversion [0, A] it passes into itself.
Under inversion, the tangency of the circles is retained.
This follows from the fact that under inversion, a circle passes into a
circle and the inversion is a one-to-one transformation (to explain this
more fully: under inversion, two tangent circles can go into two tangent
circles or into a circle and a tangent line to the circle, or into two parallel
straight lines).
If the pole of inversion [0, A] lies outside circle C, and C is the inverse,
then the set of points lying inside circle C goes into the set of points
lying inside circle C' (and conversely). The set of points lying outside (C)
goes into the set of points lying outside (C') (and conversely) (see Fig. 67).
If the pole 0 of inversion [0, A] lies inside circle C, and C' is the inverse
of (C), then the set of points lying inside (C) goes into the set of points
lying outside circle C', and the set of points lying outside (C) goes into
the set of points lying inside circle C'.
Remark. When investigating the mapping of regions under an inversion,
it is useful to bear in mind the following. Let us consider the inversion
[0, A] where A > 0. Let M be an arbitrary proper point of the circular
rc-plane, and let M' be its image under the inversion [0, A], that is,
{O^-OMT) = OM OM’ = A.
From this relation it follows that if the point M moves along the ray OM
receding from the pole, then the point M f will move in the opposite direc
tion since the product OM- OMr must remain constant and equal to A
(the points M and M ' will meet on the circle of inversion). The same
occurs in the case of the opposite ray to the one we considered. In concrete
cases (see below), this reasoning may be utilized profitably when investi
gating the mapping of regions under an inversion and when finding in
variant regions, that is, regions that go into themselves under the inver
sion in question.
The angle between two intersecting circles is preserved under an inver
sion, but the orientation of the angle is reversed (inversion is a conformal
transformation of the second kind). The proof of this proposition is given
below when we consider the inversion of space.
Inversion 285
z' = a d - b e * 0, c = 0
cz + d
may be rewritten in the form
, a A t A be — ad
z — -----\---------- —, where A = -----------.
c . d c2
c z H-----
c
It may be interpreted geometrically as follows:
d
1°. zx = z H-----is a translation.
c
2C. z2 = — is an inversion with respect to the unit circle with subse-
quent symmetry with respect to the x-axis *.
3°. z3 = A z 2 is a similarity transformation with centre O : a rotation
about the origin of coordinates through an angle arg A and a homothetic
transformation (O, jA ).
4°. z' = z3 + is a translation again.
c
From this it follows that a linear fractional transformation is a conformal
transformation of the first kind (that preserves orientation of angles), si nee
the transformations 1°, 3°, 4° preserve orientation of angles, and the inver
sion z2 — — with subsequent symmetry with respect to the x-axis also
preserves orientation of angles.
Problem 1. Let A' and Bf be images of the points A and B under the
inversion [0, k\. Express the length of segment A'B' in terms of the lengths
of the segments ABy OA, OB and in terms of k. It is assumed that the points
A and B are distinct from point O.
Solution. Suppose that the points O, A and B do not fie on one straight
fine. Let k > 0. Then the points A' and B' fie, respectively, on the rays
OA and OB, and we have
OA •OA' = OB OB’ = k.
Hence, A OAB and A OB’A’ are similar (but with opposite orientations)
(Fig. 68). From the similarity of these triangles it follows that
OAOB’
This formula is also true if the points O, A and B lie on one straight line
and in the case of k < 0.
Problem 2. Prove that it is possible to circumscribe a circle about a
convex quadrangle ABCD if and only if the product of the diagonals of
the quadrangle is equal to the sum of the products of its opposite sides
( Ptolemy's theorem):
AC-BD = 'AB CD + BC-AD.
B C + C D ’ = B ’D’
Inversion 287
into the points A', B', C' that lie on K' and, hence, do not lie on one
straight line. On the basis of problem 1, we have
BC OA BC
OB-OC OA- OB-OC
CA O BC A
(i)
OC OA _ OA- OB-OC
AB _ OCAB
OA OB ~~ OA- OB-OC
and, hence,
B'C' : C fA' : A'B' = OA : OB : OC
since BC = CA = AB. Thus, the segments OA, OB, OC are proportional
to the sides B'C', C'A', A'B' of A A'B'C' and, hence, there is a triangle
with sides OA, OB, OC (this triangle is similar to A A'B'C').
Suppose point O lies on the circle K, for example, on the arc AC, that does
not contain B (Fig. 71). Under the inversion [O, 1], circle K goes into line
A", the points A, B, C go into the points A', B', C' that lie on K', and the
point B' will lie between points A' and C'; thus,
A'B' + B'C' = O'C'
and since relation (1) is valid in this case as well, it follows that
OB = OA + OC.
Remark. The theorem holds if point O is chosen arbitrarily in space.
The proof is analogous.
Problem 4. Two circles Cx and C2 with centres Ox and 0 2 are externally
tangent to each other. The straight line / touches both circles at distinct
Inversion 289
F ig . 71
points A and B. Construct a circle tangent to the two given circles and the
straight line /.
Solution. Let us consider the inversion [A, AB*]. Under this inversion,
circle C2 goes into itself because if an arbitrary straight line is drawn
through point A , the line intersecting circle C2 in points M and M \ then
AM -A M 1= AB2. Circle Cx goes into line C[ parallel to line / and tangent
to circle C2 (Fig. 72). Thus, the problem reduces to constructing a circle
that is tangent to circle C2 and to two tangent lines I and C[ parallel to it.
There are two such circles. Let K[ be one of these circles, let A[ be the point
of tangency of circles K{ and C2, and let B[ be the point of tangency of
K[ to line C[. Let Ax be the second point of intersection of line AA[ with
circle C2; point Ax is the image of point A[ under the inversion [A, AB*]. Let
Bx be the point of intersection of line AB[ with circle Cx (point Bx is dis
tinct from point A); point Bx is the inverse of point B[. The points Ax
and Bx are points of contact of the desired circle with the circles C2 and
Cx respectively. The centre Px of one of the desired circles is the point of
intersection of the straight lines 0 2AX and OxBl9 and the radius is equal
to PXAX= PXBX. The second circle is constructed in similar fashion.
F ig . 72
19—810
290 Problems in Geometry
F ig . 7 3
F ig . 7 5
F ig . 7 6
Inversion 293
F ig . 7 7
the circle K with centre O and radius m will intersect both circles Cx and
C2 orthogonally. Denote by A and B the points of intersection of K with
the line of centres of Cx and C2. Then under the inversion [A, AB2],
the circles Q and C2 go into two concentric circles with centre B. Indeed,
the circle K goes into the straight line K ' that passes through point B and
since K is orthogonal to the circles C2 and C2, it follows that line K' will
be orthogonal to C2 and C[ into which circles Cx and C2 go; that is, the
centres of C[ and C2 must lie on the straight line K \ But they also must lie
on the straight line AB, hence, the centres of C[ and C2 coincide with
point B.
Furthermore (see Fig. 76), since the centre A of inversion lies inside circle
Cl9 the region Dx of points lying inside Cx goes into the region D[ of points
lying outside C[. Since the centre A of inversion lies outside C2, the region
D2 of points lying inside C2 will go into the region D'2 of points lying inside
C2. Hence the region Z)3 of points lying outside Cx and C2 will go into a
plane annulus bounded by the circles C[ and C2.
Consider the case where the circle C2 is put inside circle C2 (see Fig. 77).
In this case, the circle K that cuts C2 and C2 orthogonally goes into the
line K' = BC, where C is the second point of intersection of K and the
circle of inversion. If T and L are the points of intersection of K with Cx
and C2 and if the straight lines TA and LA intersect K' in the points T'
and L \ then the images of and C2 are the concentric circles C'2 with
centre B and radii B T and B L Furthermore, since point A lies inside C2,
it follows that the region D2 of points lying inside C2 goes, under the inver
sion [Ay AB2], into the region D2 of points lying outside C2. The region D3
of points lying outside Cx goes into the region D'3 of points lying inside C[,
and this means that the eccentric annulus Dx bounded by C2 and C2 goes
294 Problems in Geometry
F i g . 78
Inversion 295
to C3 (S 3 and Si). The centres of the circles S[ and S'2 are points of inter
section of the circles (O', + Ri)/2) and (O", (Ri + R£)/2 + Ri), and
the centres of the circles Si and Si are the points of intersection of the
circles (O', (R[ + J?£)/2) and (O", (R[ + R'2) /2 - Ri). All these eight
circles K{, Ki, Ki, K4', S[, Si, Si, Si are constructed in Fig. 78. Their images
296 Problems in Geometry
Kl9 K2, Ks, K±, Sl9 S2, S2, S4 under the inversion [A, ,42?2] will be tangent
to the three given circles Cl9 C2, C3. Thus, in the case at hand, the
problem has eight solutions.
Figure 79 gives the positions of the circles Kt and S t with respect to the
circles Cl9 C2, C3 on eight separate figures.
Problem 10. Prove that the Euler circle of A ABC is tangent to the circle
(I) inscribed in that triangle and is tangent to the three circles (4 ), (4 ), (/c)
escribed in that triangle (the points of tangency are <P0, <Pl9 <P2, # 3 and are
called Feuerbach points).
Solution. Let (/) and (Ia) be the respective circles (one inscribed in the
given triangle and the other escribed in Z_A). Denote by R and S the points
of tangency of (/) and (4) with side BC (Fig. 80). Then BS = CR (= p —c9
where p is the semiperimeter of A ABC). Let A', B', C' be the respective
midpoints of the sides BC9 CA9 AB. Denote by A", the orthogonal projec
tion of point A on the side BC, and by Q the point of intersection of side
BC with bisector IIa of /^BAC. The set of points A, Q, I, Ia is an harmonic
set of four points, that is, the double ratio of these four points is equal to
—1. Hence the points A ", Q, R, S, which are the orthogonal projections of
the points A, Q, I, Ia on line BC, will also be an harmonic set of four points.
Point A ' is the midpoint of segment R S (since A' is the midpoint of BC
and BS = CR); hence, A'Q -A'A" = A'R2. Let us consider the inversion
[A', A'R?\. Under this inversion, the circles (I) and (Ia) are invariant (since
the circle of inversion is a circle with diameter R S and is orthogonal to
both circles). From the relation A'Q-A' A" — A'R2 it follows that
under this inversion the point A" goes into point Q.
On the other hand, point A" (the foot of the altitude from A onto BC)
lies on the Euler circle, the point A' (the midpoint of side BC) also lies
on the Euler circle and, hence, under the inversion [A', A'R2] the Euler
F ig . 8 0
Inversion 297
circle goes into a straight line that passes through point Q and is anti-
parallel to the straight line B'C' with respect to /_ C'A'B'* or into a straight
line antiparallel to BC with respect to /_ CAB (because BC || B'C', CA\\
]|C'A', AB || A'B'). But the straight line that passes through point Q and
is antiparallel to line BC (with respect to BAC), is a straight line sym
metric to line BC with respect to the bisector of /_BAC, that is, the second
common tangent co' (interior) to the circles (/) and (7fl). Let and be
points of tangency of co' with (7) and (7fl). Under the inversion [A', A'R2],
the straight line co' is transformed into the Euler circle (co), and the points
#o and <P[ into the points # 0 and #1 that lie on (7) and (7fl). In these points
<2>0 and <Pl9 the Euler circle is tangent to the inscribed circle (7) and to the
escribed circle (7fl) because the straight line co' is tangent to (7) and (7a)
in the points d>o and <P[; # 0 and are the points of intersection of the
straight lines A'<P'0 and A'<P[ with the Euler circle or the second points of
intersection of these lines A'<P'0 and A'&[ with (7) and (7fl). Figure 80 depicts
the construction of thirteen points A', B', C , A", B", C", A" B" ', C"
<P0, # 2, # 3 (all of them lie on the Euler circle).
* Straight lines that are symmetric with respect to the bisector o f / _ CAB are
termed antiparallel with respect to that angle.
298 Problems in Geometry
F ig . 8 2
Problem 4. A circle C passes through the centre of the inversion [0, r2]
and cuts the circle of inversion K. Under the inversion [0, r2], the image C'
of circle C is a straight line passing through the points of intersection of C
and K. The correspondence of the regions under the inversion is shown in
Inversion 299
Fig. 84
Fig. 84. The regions Dx U D[ and D5 u D'b are simply connected and are
invariant under the inversion [09r2]. The circle of inversion K divides them
into the regions Dx and D[, D5 and D 's, which go into one another under
the inversion at hand (Fig. 84).
Problem 5. The circle of inversion K lies inside circle C. The image of
the connected region Dl9 which consists of points lying outside circle C
is a simply connected region D[, which consists of points lying inside circle
C', where C is the inverse of C with respect to circle K. The image of region
D2, which consists of points lying outside K, but inside C, is the region D'29
which consists of points lying inside K but outside C'. The connected region
D2 U D2 is invariant under the inversion under consideration (Fig. 85).
Fig. 85
300 Problems in Geometry
Fig. 89
302 Problems in Geometry
Fig. 9
25 5
which is an ellipse with centre at the point (—4/5, 0) and with semi-axes
equal to a = 6/5, b= 2/^5. Figure 92 depicts the limagon under consid
eration and the ellipse, which intersects the limagon p = 1.5 + cos cp for
values of q> that satisfy the equation
3_ 1
+ COS (p =
2 3
-------- , C O S (p ’
\-
2
er: D i ^ D[, Z>2 ^ The region Z)3, which is bounded by an arc of the
lima^on and an arc of the ellipse, contains the centre O of inversion (the
pole of the polar coordinate system), goes into the region D3, which consists
of all points lying outside the ellipse and the limagon. Conversely, under
the inversion [O, 1], the region Z>3 goes into the region Z>3.
Problem 13. Let us consider Pascal’s limagon once again in polar coor
dinates; it is given by the equation
p = m + n cos cp9
but it is now assumed that 0 < m < n. The equation p = 0 now has the
solution
cos cp = — mjn
and if we assume 0 ^ cp < 2k, then the last equation yields two values
for<p:
cp = arccos (—m/ri), cp = 2 n — arccos ( —mjn).
Therefore, when 0 < m < n the limagon passes through the pole twice.
In the case at hand, this is a curve with self-intersection; it forms a loop
inside the rest of the curve. Under the inversion [O, 1], where O is the pole
of the polar system of coordinates, the limagon goes into a curve whose
equation in the same polar system of coordinates is of the form
1
P = — -----------
m + n cos cp
or
H 9
1 + e cos cp
where p= 1/m, e = njm. Since we now have e > 1, the curve specified by
this equation is a hyperbola with eccentricity e and parameter p (half the
focal chord).
Let us now take, for example, m = 1, n = 2 (Fig. 93). The equations of
the limagon and its image (hyperbola) under the inversion [O, 1] are
9 3
2 0 -8 1 0
306 Problems in Geometry
Fig. 93
Fig. 94
Under the inversion [0,1] (0 is the pole of the polar system of coordinates),
the cissoid is transformed into a curve whose equation in the same polar sys
tem is of the form
cos cp
2 sin2 <p
or
2'y2 = x.
This is a parabola for which the polar axis serves as the axis. The circle of
inversion K passes through two points in which the cissoid and parabola
intersect. (Note that the circle of inversion does not intersect the asymptote
x = 2 of the cissoid.) The cissoid, the parabola, and the circle of inversion
divide the plane into eight regions Dk9 D ’k (k = 1,2, 3, 4), which pass into
one another under the inversion at hand: Dk Dk.
The regions Dx U D[ and Z>4 U D\ are simply connected and are in
variant under the inversion [<9, 1] (Fig. 94).
308 Problems in Geometry
= BC). On the other hand, the straight lines OM and O M \ which are
parallel to the bases BD and AC of the trapezoid in the original position
of the figure, will all the time remain parallel to them. Indeed,
AM _ AO BM' __ BO
~AD ~~ AB BC ~ A B '
When the antiparallelogram ABCD is deformed, these proportions are
preserved. In particular, from what has been said, the points O, M and
M ' remain on one straight line. Furthermore, from similar triangles we find
OM _ AO_ OM' __ AC
BD ~ AB 9 OB ~~ AB ’
whence
Fig. 97 Fig. 98
Problem 2. Construct with compass alone the image M of a point M '
under the inversion [O, r2].
Solution. 1°. OM > r/2. If point M lies on the circle of inversion, then
its image M ' coincides with itself. Therefore, let us assume that point M
lies either inside the circle of inversion (Fig. 98) or outside it (Fig. 99).
In both cases we construct the circle (M, MO). Let X and Y be the points
of intersection of this circle with the circle of inversion. We construct the
circles (X , XO) and (F, YO); the second point of intersection of these circles
is the point M f. Indeed, since the points X and Y are symmetric about the
Inversion 311
Fig. 99
straight line MO, and the circles (X, XO) and ( Y, YO) are congruent, it
follows that the second point M ' of their intersection lies on the radial
line OM. Furthermore, if H is a point diametrically opposite point O on
the circle (M, MO), and E is the point of intersection of X Y and OM (E
is the midpoint of segment OM' ; neither point H nor point E need be con
structed, they are introduced merely to aid the proof), then
r2 = OX2 = O H O E = OMOM' .
2°. OM < r/2. In this case (M, MO) does not intersect the circle of inversion.
We construct on the radial line OM a point N such that rrO M = ON and
such that ON > rjl. Construct point N' obtained by the inversion [O, r2]
from point N (case 1°) and then construct on the radial line ON' a point
M ' such that OM' = rrON'; then
___ ___ ON ___
O M •OM' = ------ •nON' = ON•ON' = r2.
n
From the solution of this problem there follows the possibility of con
structing with compass alone a point C lying on segment AB and such that
n*AC = AB. Indeed, construct on the extension of segment AB, beyond
point B, a point C' such that AC' — rrAB (problem 1). Let C be the image
of point C' under the inversion [A, AB2] (problem 2). Point C is the desired
one. Indeed,
AC AC' = AB2, AC nAB = AB2, n-AC = AB.
Problem 3. Using only a compass, construct a circle C as the image,
under the inversion [O, r2], of the straight line C that does not pass through
the pole O of the inversion. The straight line is assumed to be given by two
distinct points X and Y lying on it.
312 Problems in Geometry
Solution. 1°. PQ ,p MN. Construct circles (0, PQ) and (0, MN),
where 0 is an arbitrary point in the plane. On (0, PQ) take an arbitrary
point A and construct (with compass alone) a point Bin which the straight
line OA intersects (0, iVtN) (take the point B which lies on the radial
~
line OA). Construct a circle (0, RS) and on it take an arbitrary point C.
Construct a circle (ABC) (problem 5). Let D be the second point of inter-
section of this circle with line OC (it is constructed with a compass alone).
Then
OA· OB = OC· OD
or
PQ· MN = RS· OD;
OD is the desired line segment.
2°. PQ = MN. In this case we consider segments PQ and 2MN (seg-
ment 2MN is constructed with compass alone). Construct (with compass
alone) the segment X1 Y1 such that
PQ· 2MN= RS· X1 Y1 (case 1°).
* *
We now introduce a number of geometric constructions and analytic
derivations associated with stereographic projection in connection with
the use of this mapping of a sphere on a plane when making maps
Inversion 315
passing through the straight line AB. Incidentally, they can also be carried
out in space by drawing the appropriate tangents not to the circles Q
and a), but to the spheres Q± and a>x.
From the foregoing we arrive at the following important conclusion:
on the set of all points of (with the exception of point A), a stereo-
graphic projection coincides with an inversion, the pole of which is the
centre of projection A, and the power of the inversion is equal to the
square of the diameter of in other words, a stereographic projection
on the set of all points of (with the exception of point A) coincides
with an inversion with the sphere of inversion col9 the centre of which is
point A, and the radius is equal to the diameter of Qv
From this it follows that the geometric properties of a stereographic
projection may be obtained from the familiar properties of inversion,
namely: under an inversion (and, hence, under a stereographic projection)
the circles that lie on the sphere and do not pass through point A
go into circles (lying in the plane b2). Since inversion is a conformal trans
formation (that is, angles are preserved), it follows that a stereographic
projection has the same property, so that using a stereographic projection
makes it possible to construct a conformal map of the globe (it is not,
however, possible to construct a map of the earth on which distances
are preserved).
Let us now see how one constructs the centre of circle C", into which
circle C, which lies on the sphere and does not pass through p oints,
is mapped. Let us first suppose that C is not a great circle of We
construct a cone K tangent to along the circle C. Let P be the vertex
of the cone. We construct a sphere T with centre P that passes through
circle C (Fig. 103). This sphere intersects Qx orthogonally. Under the
inversion I = [A, AB2], the sphere goes into the plane bl9 and the
sphere Tgoes into the sphere T \ which will intersect the plane bx ortho
gonally. From this it follows that the centre M ' of T' must lie on the plane
But, on the other hand, the centre of sphere T must also lie on line AP
Inversion 317
above) the straight line b in the point M \ which is the centre of circle C".
Since M'D' = M 'E ' = M 'A, it follows that to construct the centre and
the radius of circle C' we need not draw the straight lines AD and AE:
by dropping the perpendicular AL from point A on the diameter DE of
circle C we obtain both the centie M ' of circle C" and the radius AM '
of that circle. Also note that the orthogonal projection L of point i on
the straight line DE lies on the circle with diameter OA (O is the midpoint
of line segment AB). This reasoning is used below in the geometric cons
truction of a spectrum of meridians when constructing maps of the western
and eastern hemispheres of the earth.
It remains to consider the case where the circle C passes through the
centre A of projection. In this case, the stereographic projection of circle C
is the straight line C' along which the plane b1 intersects the plane n (in
which circle C lies) (Fig. 106).
Let us now examine the construction of maps.
The geographic coordinates of a point lying on the earth’s surface are
called the latitude (p and the longitude 0. The lines on which the latitude (p
is the same, (p = constant, are termed parallels. These are sections of
the earth by planes perpendicular to the axis N S of the poles. The lines
on which the longitude 8 has the same value, 0 = constant, are termed
the meridians of the earth. They are semicircumferences of the great circles
of the earth, the boundary points of which are the poles N and S . The
network of meridians and parallels of latitude on the earth’s surface is
an orthogonal network. Figure 107 depicts, in axonometric projection,
the parallels of latitude and the meridians of a sphere.
Ordinarily, two methods are employed in the construction of a map
o f the earth with the use of stereographic projection: in one method the
map of the northern and southern hemispheres is done as follows. Let N
and S be the north pole and south pole, respectively, and let n and s
be the planes tangent to the earth at these poles. To construct a stereo-
graphic projection of the northern hemisphere, one projects this hemisphere
from the south pole S on the plane tangent to the earth at the north pole,
and to construct a map of the southern hemisphere, one projects that
Inversion 319
780'
165'
15
F ig . I l l
Now let us prove that if we take three points with latitudes <p1 < q>2 < <P3
such that (p2 — <Px = <p3 — <p2, then the corresponding values of the func
tion x , that is,
or
1 — sin cp2 2 cos <p2
cos <p2 cos <Ps - <P1
2
That is,
1 — sin <p2 ^ _______ cosq)2_______
cos C0S<P?JZh-+ sin <p2
2
2 1 -8 1 0
322 Problems in Geometry
— <Pi
Since cos <p2 > 0, cos - > 0, sin (p2 > 0, it follows that the inequa
lity is equivalent to the following:
or
(D., (toy
cos —-----— + sin q>2 < 1 + sin <p2.
That is.
__ (P s-(pi
cos----- ^ , 1.
------<
2
This inequality is valid since 0° < <Pz - <Pl < 90°; the inequality x x —
— x 2 > x 2 — x3 is equivalent to it and, hence, it too is valid.
Remark. The very same result can be obtained by using derivatives.
We have
— (i+ i)-
X = — < 0.
- ( t +t )
Consequently, on the interval [0, n/2], the function x = cot ( - - + — |
V4 2)
is a decreasing function. Furthermore,
I t H )
* = >0, (pe [0, n/2].
+ for the following values of q>: 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90° and
the values of Ax = x t — x t +1 (/ = 1,2, 3,4, 5, 6). We see that the values
of Ax diminish as the latitude increases, that is, as we recede from the equator
<p X Ax
0° 1,000
0.2327
15° 0.7673
0.1899
30° 0.5774
0.1632
45° 0.4142
0.1463
60° 0.2679
0.1362
75° 0.1317
0.1317
90° 0.0000
F ig . 1 1 4
— q>! = q>3 — (p2 > 0), that is, <p2 — (<px + <?3)/2, are associated with
the values of the function
Ti = tan (<pJ2), y2 = tan(<?>2/2), y 3 = tan((/>3/2)
such that y 2 — yt < y 3 — >’2 or that 2y2 < y\ + y3. Such is the proof
that the spectrum of parallels becomes less dense near the poles. Thus,
we have to prove that
2 tan(<p2/2) < tan(<pj/2) + tan(<p2/2),
that is,
2 sin(<jg2/2) < s in ^ ! + <p3)/2)
cos(<p2/2) cos(('/)1/2) cos(<p3/2)
or
2 sin(^>2/2) sin <p2
cos(q>2/2) cosOx/2)cos (< p 3 1 2 ) ’
which is equivalent to
cos(<px/2) cos(<p3/2) < cos2(<p2/2)
or
that is.
2
This inequality is valid since 0 < (<p3 — <px)/2 < n/2; the inequality
y2 < (yx + y3)/2 is equivalent to it and, hence, is true as well.
The same values can be obtained if one uses derivatives. We have
y = tan(<jo/2).
Finally, the fact that the spectrum of parallels expands near the poles
is confirmed by the following table too, in which are given the values of
the function y = tan(<p/2) at 15° intervals of latitude and the values of
Ay = J i +1 — y% O' = 152, 3,4, 5,6).
<p y Ay
0° 0.0000
0.1317
15° 0.1317
0.1362
30° 0.2679
0.1463
45° 0.4142
0.1632
60° 0.5774
0.1899
75° 0.7673 \
0.2327
90° 1.0000
Incidentally, all of this immediately follows from the fact that the spec
trum of the function y = tan(<p/2) repeats “in inverse order” , as q> varies
from 0° to 90°, the spectrum of the function
x = cot (p <P_
+
2 )
Fig. 118
isolate from the elliptic pencil of circles and the conjugate hyperbolic pen
cil that part contained within the circle of the elliptic pencil, whose dia
meter is the line segment NS, where TVand S are base points of the elliptic
pencil.
A stereographic projection of a network of meridians and parallels may
be carried out by chosing, on a sphere, any two diametrically opposed
points A and B and projecting the sphere from point A on a plane tangent
to the sphere Qx at the point B. Since a stereographic projection is a con
formal mapping of the sphere on a plane, it follows that the orthogonal
network of meridians and parallels will be mapped into the same kind
of orthogonal network of two pencils of circles: the meridians are mapped
into an elliptic pencil with base points N and S, and the parallels into the
conjugate hyperbolic pencil with limit points N and S. The projection
of the principal meridian is some circle K that passes through the points N
and S, and N S is a chord of that circle. A map of one of the hemispheres
(western or eastern) will lie inside circle K. The construction of the map
of the other hemisphere is similar.
If we isolate any one of the circles (say circle a) from the hyperbolic
pencil of circles and regard it as a representation of the equator (and
regard the Poncelet point lying inside the chosen circle a as a represen
tation of the pole), then we obtain a map of the northern or southern
hemisphere. Representations of the parallels are all the ciicles of the hyper
bolic pencil that lie inside the circle a, and the semimeridians are arcs of
Inversion 329
the conjugate elliptic pencil that lie inside the circle a and emanate from the
pole (located inside a). In this situation, these semimeridians will join
up into an arc of one circle if the sum of the longitudes (east and west)
is equal to 180° (or, to put it differently, if the difference between the posi
tive and negative longitude is equal to 180°).
Such is the qualitative picture of representation of meridians and parallels
under an arbitrary stereographic projection of the western, eastern, northern
and southern hemispheres.
We will now show how an exact geometric construction is performed of
the spectrum of meridians and parallels under an arbitrary stereographic
projection.
Let us begin with the construction of the spectrum of meridians and
parallels when representing the western (or eastern) hemisphere; we
assume the latitude and longitude to vary in 15° intervals. Consider the
section Q = ANBS of the sphere by a plane passing through the dia
meters AB and SN (Fig. 119). Let N and S be projections of points#
and S from point A on a tangent to the section Q at the point B. Since
the meridians pass one into another (and the parallels are invariant) under
rotation of the sphere about the axis SN, it follows that any circle with
chord N S may be taken for the representation a of the principal meridian
with a supplement to complete the meridian to a full circle. Since a stereo
graphic projection is a conformal mapping of the sphere on a plane, in
order to construct the representation of the meridians in equal intervals of
longitude, one has to construct arcs of circles whose centres lie on the
midperpendicular of line segment NS, the centres lying inside the repre
sentation a of the principal meridian and forming a sequence of equal
angles. For example, if the longitude changes in 15° intervals, then we
obtain the representations of thirteen meridians (the circle a is a repre
sentation of two meridians with longitudes of 0° and 180°), which intersect
in succession at 15° angles. In Fig. 120, the constructions have been carried
out in superposed planes: the plane of the circle Q is brought to coincidence
with the plane tangent to the sphere Qx at the point B (the coincidence
is attained by rotating about the straight line along which these two planes
intersect).
For a geometric construction of the representation of these meridians,
note that the angle between two intersecting circles is equal to the angle
between their radii drawn to the point of intersection of the circles. For
this reason, to construct the radii and centres of the representations of
the meridians, turn the radius NO of the circle a about point # in a succes
sion of, say, 15° angles. To do this, construct the semicircle CDE with
centre N, whose diameter CE is tangent to the circle a at the point N
(see Fig. 119). Divide the arc CDE into 12 equal parts and project the points
of division from point N onto the midperpendicular of line segment NS.
These projections T are the centres of the representations of the meridians
(which correspond to 15° intervals of longitude), and TN are their radii.
330 Problems in Geometry
Fig. 119
Inversion 331
2°. A determinant preserves its absolute value but changes sign when
any two columns are interchanged; for example:
b i ax c1 01 b± Cl
b% a<± C2 = — 02 b<2 C3
«$»
C0O
«?
#3 ^3 C3
A determinant remains unchanged under a cyclic permutation of its
columns:
0 i bx Ci bi cx 0i Ci 0i b±
02 b% C2 = b% C2 02 = c3 02 b%
CI3 b$ c3 63 C3 03 C3 03 63
and changes sign if the cyclic order of its columns is disrupted [see (3)].
3°. If two columns of a determinant are the same, the determinant is
equal to zero.
4°. If all the elements of some column of a determinant are equal to zero,
the determinant is zero.
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 335
and analogously for the second and third columns. In particular, a deter
minant remains unchanged if any column is added to or subtracted from
another column.
7°. For a determinant to be equal to zero, it is necessary and sufficient
that its columns be linearly dependent, that is, that there exist numbers
A, n, v among which at least one is nonzero and such that
Xax + \ibx + \cx = 0,
Xa2 + i*b2 + vc2 — 0, (7)
Xaz + /x*3 + vcz = 0.
In other words, for a determinant to be equal to zero, it is necessary and
sufficient that one of the columns be a linear combination of the other
two, for example:
cx = Xax + \ibi,
c2 = ?m2 + \ib2, (8)
cz— kaz + fibz.
8°. Multiplication of determinants is carried out with the aid of the
following formula:
0i *1 01 *1 yi Z1
ct2 b2 c2 *2 y 2 Z2
03 *3 03 *3 y& z 3
the number of the row and the number of the column, at the intersection
of which that element lies:
A = ( - 1)i+J M.
~AB = a
and from the point B lay off the vector b:
B C = b.
2 2 -8 1 0
338 Problems in Geometry
Then
a + b = AC.
The properties of a sum of vectors are:
a + (b + c) = (a + b) + c,
a + 0 = a,
a + ( - a) = 0,
a + b = b + a.
The difference a — b between two vectors is a vector x such that b + x = a.
To construct the difference a — b, lay off vectors a and b from some
point O:
OA = a, OB = b.
Then a — b = BA.
The product Aa o f a number A ^ 0 by a vector a ^ 0 is a vector defined
as follows: |Aa| — \X\ |a|, and we have Aa ffa if A> 0, and Aa j j a if A< 0.
If either A = 0 or a = 0, then, by definition, Aa = 0.
The properties of a product of a number (scalar) by a vector are:
1 a = a,
A(^a) = (Aju) a,
A(a + b) = Aa + Ab,
(A = Aa -f~ fia.
j|
If a || b ^ 0, then the ratio — is a number A such that Ab = a. If
b
a |al
0 # a||b # 0, then — = + — , the sign being if a ttb and the sign
b |b|
being ” if a | j, b. If a = 0, b # 0, then — = 0.
b
A linear combination of the vectors a, b, c, . . . is the sum Aa + pb +
+ vc + . . .
The vectors a, b, c, . . . are said to be linearly dependent if there are num
bers A, p, v such that at least one of them is different from zero and such that
Aa + pb + vc + . . . = 0. If this equation is possible only for A = p =
= v = . . . = 0, then the vectors a, b, c are said to be linearly independent.
For the vectors a and b to be collinear, it is necessary and sufficient that
they be linearly dependent.
For the vectors a, b, c to be coplanar, it is necessary and sufficient that
they be linearly dependent.
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 339
x9 /
A necessary and sufficient condition for two vectors a = (x, y, z} and
b = {x' y \ z'} to be collinear in space is the condition
y z | |z x x y
/ z’ \ iz' x ’ x’ y
A necessary and sufficient condition for the coplanarity of three vectors
a = {x ,y , z}, b = {x ’, y z'}, c = {x", y", z"}
is the equation
x y z
x' y z 9 = o.
A scalar product a-b (or ab) of two nonzero vectors a and b is the product
of their magnitudes by the cosine of the angle between them:
ab = |a| |b| cos <p.
If a = 0 or b = 0, then, by definition, ab = 0.
The properties of a scalar product of two vectors are:
a2 = aa > 0 if a # 0, a2 = 0 if a = 0,
ab = ba,
(Aa) b - A(ab),
a(b + c) = ab + ac.
The scalar product aa (ordinarily we write a2) is called the scalar square
of the vector a.
If, in an orthonormal basis i, j in the plane,
a = {x,y}, b = { * ',/} .
then
ab = xx' + y y \
and if
* = {x>y}, b = { * ',/}
in an arbitrary basis e2, e2, then
ab = guxx' + gn (xy' + x'y) + g22yy'.
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 341
where
£ij ei e7*
The collection of scalar products = e, ey- of the basis vectors e2
is termed the fundamental tensor of that basis.
If, in the orthonormal basis i, j, k,
a = {x, y, z}, b = {x', / , z'},
then
ab = x*' + yy' + zz\
and if
a = {x, y, z), b = {jt\ / , z'}
in the arbitrary basis el9 e2, e3, then
ab = gn xx' + g12 yy' + g33 zz' + g12(xyf + x'y)
+ gniyz' + y ’z) + g*i(zx' + z’x \
where gxi = e; ey (the fundamental tensor o f the basis el5 e2, e3).
A plane is said to be oriented if a basis el5 e2(with a fixed order of vectors)
is introduced in the plane and the whole set of pairs a, bof noncollinear
vectors is partitioned into two subsets in the following manner. If an ordered
pair a, b of noncollinear vectors a and b have the same orientation as that
of the basis ex, e2;
a>MT eJL>e2,
that is,
sm cp — .-----------------------—
Ygr-(xy'- - x'y)._ .—.. . Zy
Yg n x 2 + 2g12 xy + g22y 2 Yg n x'2 + 2g12 x' / + g22y '2
where g is the Gram determinant:
£ll ^12
g= = («i e2)2.
g 21 <§22
Our formulas specify a set of values of the angle cp of the form {cp +
+ 2k 7i}, where k assumes all integral values and cp is some value of the
angle formed by vector a and vector b.
Suppose vector a lies in a plane oriented by the basis el9 e2. The vector
Up is a vector obtained by rotation of vector a through the angle cp (if
0 < cp < n, then the pair a, a^ is a right-hand pair; and if —n < cp < 0,
then it is a left-hand pair; if cp = 0, then a^ = a, if cp = n9then a^ = —a).
The vector obtained by rotation of vector a through the angle n/2 is
symbolized thus: [a].
We have the following formula:
(a, b) = [a] b.
If, in the orthonormal basis !, j,
a = {x,y}, b = {x9, / } ,
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 343
then
a<p = {x cos q>— y sin q>, x sin <p + y cos <p},
[a] = { - y, *},
(a,b) = * y
x' y'
If the vectors a = {x, y } and b = { x \ / } are specified in an arbitrary
basis el9 e2, then
(a, b) = \x y
Two bases el9 e2 and e1, e2 in a plane are said to be dual bases if
when i = j,
[0 when / / j.
The vectors of dual bases are connected by the relations
W [ej ^ [e2] _ [e1]
(ea.ej)' (el5 e2) ' 1 (e2, e1) ’ 2 (e1, e2)
In other notation: the vectors of dual bases a, b and a*, b* are connected
by the relations
(a,>*) = (a, b*) = 1, (a, b*) = (a*, b) = 0,
[b] b* _ [a] [b*] [a*]
, b
[b, a] (a, b) (b* a*)' (a*, b*)
An expansion of an arbitrary vector a in terms of the bases e1; e2.and e1, e2
is of the form
a = (ae^-ej + (ae2)-e2,
a = (aei)^1 + (ae2)-e2,
where in parentheses we have scalar products of the vectors ( Gibbs' for-
mulas).
The numbers a1 = ae1, a2 = ae2, that is, the coefficients of ej and e2
in the expansion of the vector a in terms of the vectors ej, e2 are called the
contravariant components of the vector a with respect to the basis ex, e2,
and the numbers a± = aex, a> = ae2, that is, the coefficients of e1, e2 in
the exapansion of vector a in terms of the basis e1, e2, are called the cova
riant components of the vector a with respect to the basis ex, e2.
If one of the vectors is specified in the basis el5 e2 by its contravariant
components.
a = x e f+ ye2 = {x, y).
344 Problems in Geometry
(a, b, c) = Yg x y
//
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 345
[•>»]=IKz,
liy *
z x
z' x'
■ ' I}.
' / If
Two bases el9 e2, e3and
id e1, e2, e3are
; said to be dual bases if
when i = j 9
when i ^ j.
The vectors of dual bases are connected by the relations
_ [e2e3] _ [e3e J _ _
(ex e2 es) [ei e2 e3) (ei e2 e3)
_ [e2 e3] _ [e^e1] _ [e1 e2]
1 (e1 e2 e3) ’ 2 (e1e2 e3) ’ 3 '(e1 e2 e3)
Other notation: the dual bases a, b, c and a*, b*, c* are defined by the
relations
(a, a*) = (b, b*) = (c, c*) = 1,
(a, b*) = (a*, b) = (b, c*) = (b*, c) = (c, a*) = (a, c*) = 0
346 Problems in Geometry
and, furthermore,
a * = b * = c* =
(abc)’ (abc)’ (abc)
[b* c*] [c* a*] ^ [a* b*]
(a* b* c*) 5 (a* b* c*) ’ (a* b* c*)
Any vector a is expanded in terms of the bases el9 e2, e3 and e1, e2, e3 as
follows:
a = (ae1) •ex + (ae2)*e2 + (ae3)-e3,
a = (aej)•e1 + (ae2)-e2 + (ac3)-e3,
where the numbers in parentheses are scalar products of vectors. These are
the Gibbs formulas.
The numbers a1 = ae* are called the contravariant components (coordi
nates) o f the vector a in the basis el9 e2, e3, and the numbers at = aef are
called the covariant components (coordinates) o f the vector a in the same
basis.
If the vectors a and b are specified by contravariant components in an
arbitrary basis el5 e2, e3,
a = xej + ye2 + ze3 = {x, y, z),
b = x'Ci + y'e2 + z'e3 = {x \ y ’, z'},
then the covariant components of the vector product
IZ X x y\]
[ • , b ] = y * f K z,
(z' x' ’ X' y 'W
We note here a number of other identities:
ac ad ac ad I
(a, b) (c, d) = ,[«, b][c, d] =
be bd be bd|
[a[b, c]] = b(ac) - c (ab), [a, b]2 + (a b)2 = a2b2
(the parentheses in the last two formulas contain scalar products);
[[a, b] [c, d]] = c(a, b, d) - d(a, b, c) = b (a, c, d) - a(b, c, d),
a(b, c, d) + b(c, a, d) + c(b, d, a) + d(a, c, b) = 0,
[a [b, e ]]+ [b [c , a]] + [c [a, b]] = 0,
ax ay az
(a, b, c) (x, y, z) = bx by bz
ex cy cz
(a, a) (a, b) (a, c)
(a, b, c)2 = (b, a) (b, b) (b, c)
(c, a) (c, b) (c, c)
([a, b], [b, c], [c, a]) = (a, b, c)2.
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 347
There are problems in this text that also involve what are known as slid
ing vectors.
A sliding vector is also a directed line segment; however, the equality
of such vectors is defined as follows: two nonzero sliding vectors AB an
CD are said to be equal if the lengths of segments AB and CD are equal,
if AB and CD are in the same direction, and if they lie on the same straight
line. A sliding vector co is given in a plane by its components x , y and by
the moment z = (r, co) with respect to some point O (r = OM, where
M is an arbitrary point of the straight line); (r, to) is the cross (or pseudo
scalar) product.
r - OM.
The general Cartesian coordinates x ,y o f a point M in the general Carte
sian system of coordinates (<0, el9 e2) in the plane are the coordinates of
its radius vector r = OM in the basis el9 e2:
r = xeL + ye2.
The coordinates o f point M in the rectangular Cartesian system
of coordinates (O, i, j) in the plane are the coordinates x, y of its radius
vector r = OM in the basis i, j:
r = xi + y\.
348 Problems in Geometry
r = OM = xe± + je 2 + ze3.
r = OM = xi + y] + zk.
If the point M has coordinates x 9y , then we write M(x, y) or M = (x, y)
[in space: M(x, y , z) or M — (x, y, z)].
If rx and r2 are the radius vectors of points A and B, then
AB = r2 — r2.
In coordinates:
mm2
No matter what the number X ^ — l and no matter what the nonzero direct-
------>
ed line segment MXM29 there is one and only one point M which divides
the line segment M XM2 in the ratio X.
If ii and r2 are the radius vectors of the points Mx and M 2 then the radius
vector r of point M is defined by the relation
r = ri + ^ .
1+ X
In particular, the radius vector of the midpoint of the line segment is equal
to the half-sum of the radius vectors of its endpoints:
2
In a general Cartesian system of coordinates, the coordinates of the point
M are expressed in terms of the coordinates of the points M x and Af2 by the
relations
*i + Xx2^ y_i+ 4 v2(in the plane).
i + ;/’ i + x~
+ Xx2 yx + Xy2 zx + Xz2
--------------------------- 9 V— ------------------------------ 9 Z= ------------------- (in space),
1+ X 1+2 1+2
350 Problems in Geometry
*1 + X2
------------------------9
+ z 2 (in space).
2 2
Points A, B,C, . . . are called collinear if there is a straight line on
which they all lie.
Points A, B ,C ,D , . . . are said to be coplanar if there is a plane in which
all the points lie.
If rl9 r2, r3 are the radius vectors of the points A, B,C , then a necessary
and sufficient condition for their collinearity is of the form
(*i - r3, r2 - r3) = 0
and, in a general Cartesian system of coordinates,
“ *3 7i — 73 0
X2 *3 y 2 73
or
*i yi 1
*2 72 1 = 0 ,
*3 ys i
where A = (xl9 7i), B = (x29y2), C = (x3, y9).
If rl5 r2, r3, r4 are the radius vectors of the points A, B,C , D, then a
necessary and sufficient condition for their coplanarity is of the form
(fi — r4, r2 - r4, r3 — r4) = 0,
and, in a general Cartesian system of coordinates,
*i “ *4 7i - >4zi - *4
*2 “ *4 J 2 — 7 4 *2 — *4
-o .
*3“ * 4 73 “ 74 *3 “ * 4
where
A = Oi> 7i> Zi)9 B = ( x 2 , y 29 z2), C = ( x 3 , 73>Z * ) 9 D = ( x A9 yA9 z4).
A triangle ABC is said to be a collection of three points A, B,C . An
oriented triangle ABC is an ordered set of three points A ,B ,C . If the
points A ,B ,C are noncollinear, then A ABC is said to be nondegenerate,
and if they are collinear, then the triangle is degenerate.
The area (ABC) of a nondegenerate oriented A ABC lying in an oriented
plane is a number whose absolute value is equal to the area of A ABC,
it is positive if A ABC has a right-hand orientation (that is, the ordered
pair CA,CB has a right-hand orientation), and is negative if A ABC has
,
Basic Definitions Theorems and Formulas 351
PQR
0.
ABC
352 Problems in Geometry
PQR (PQR)
> (ABC)
ABC
P gi?5
ABCD
PQRS
0.
ABCD
PQRS (PQRS)
(ABCD) '
ABCD
2 3 -8 1 0
3 54 Problems in Geometry
S = ---]f A\ + A\ + A2,
where
}’i - y t a - z3 5 A% — Z1 — ^ 3 *1 — * 3 *i — X a y , , —
Ax = j ^3 —
y s — y 3 - z3 z2 Z Z X2 -*3 *2 — xs y 2 — y3
and in a general Cartesian coordinate system:
t r — r, M XM
a a
Suppose in a general Cartesian coordinate system we have r = {x, y}9
ri = {*i> yi}> a = {/, w}; then we obtain the parametric equations of the
straight line in the form
x = x x + It, y = yi + mt.
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 357
Let rx and r2 be the radius vectors of two distinct points Mx and Mt.
Then the equation of the straight line M ±M 2 is of the form
(r - rl9 r2 - rx) = 0.
In a general Cartesian coordinate system.
x - *1 y - y i = o
*2 - *1 y* yi
-
or
x y 1
*i yi i = 0
*2 ^2 1
or
X — x1= y — y1
x* ~ x 1 y2 — yx
(if any one of the denominators is equal to zero, then this notation is to
be understood in the sense that the numerator is also zero).
The equation of a straight line passing through point M x given by radius
vector rx and having the normal vector n is
n(r — rj) = 0.
If in a rectangular Cartesian coordinate system rx = {xl9 y x}, n =
= {A yB}y r{x, y }, then the equation n(r — = 0 becomes
A(x - Xj) + B(y - yf) = 0.
Such also is the form of the equation n(r — = 0 in general Cartesian
coordinates if t x = {xl9 y x}9 r = {x9 y] but n = [A, B] (covariant coor
dinates).
A necessary and sufficient condition that two straight lines specified
by the equations
Ax -f By + C = 0,
A 'x + B'y + C = 0
with respect to a general Cartesian coordinate system intersect, are parallel,
or are coincident is that the system of equations have only one solution,
no solution, or an infinity of solutions, respectively.
If these straight lines intersect, then to find the coordinates of their point
of intersection we have to solve the following system of equations:
Ax “f- By -|- C — 0,
A'x + B'y + C' = 0.
358 Problems in Geometry
A pencil o f straight lines is the set of all straight lines passing through
the same point S (proper pencil; the point S is called the centre o f the
pencil) or the set of all parallel straight lines (improper pencil).
If general Cartesian coordinates are used to specify the equations of
two straight lines
Ax + By + C = 0
A 'x + B 'y + C ' = 0
that intersect in a point S, then the equation of the pencil with centre S
is of the form
oc(Ax + By + C) + P(A'x + B'y -f- C') — 0,
where a and ft take on all values with at least one nonzero value.
If the straight lines
Ax -f By -f~ C — 0,
A 'x + B'y + C' = 0
are parallel, then the preceding equation is the equation or an improper
pencil to which the given lines belong; note that all possible values are
taken for a and P but such that at least one of the coefficients of x and y
is nonzero:
ocA -f PA' y ccB -f- BB .
A necessary and sufficient condition that three straight lines given in
a general Cartesian coordinate system by the equations
Ax 4“ By + C — 0,
A'x + B'y + C ' - 0 ,
A "x + B"y + C" = 0
belong to a single pencil is the equality
A B C
A' B' C' = 0.
A" B" C"
Here, the straight lines in question belong to a single proper pencil if at
least one of the determinants
A' B’ A" B" A B
5 9
A" B" A B A' B'
is different from zero, and they belong to one improper pencil if all the
determinants are equal to zero.
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 359
The tangent of the angle <p formed by straight line p and straight line p' is
k' — k
tan <p =
1 + kk'
and in a general Cartesian coordinate system
][A2 + B2
and if the vector n = {A, B}, which is normal to the straight line under
consideration, is a unit vector: A2 + B2 = 1 (in this case the equation
Ax + By + C = 0 is said to be normal), then
d = \Axq + By0 + C|.
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 361
mod - *o y ± - yQI
/ m I
where the symbol mod x denotes the absolute value of the number x. In
general Cartesian coordinates,
fgm od * i — * o y± — y n
I m
d=
]fgul* + 2gn lm + g2Zm2
and if a = {/, m} is a unit vector, then
d = ] fg mod J i-J .
/ m
If the straight line is given by the equation
n(r - rO = 0,
then the distance d from the point M 0 with radius vector r0 to this straight
line is computed from the formula
j !n(r, - r0)|
a = --------------- f
362 Problems in Geometry
The area {ABC) of an oriented A ABC whose sides are specified with
respect to a general Cartesian coordinate system by the equations
(BC): Axx + Bxy + Cx = 0,
(CA): A 2x -f- B2y -j- C2 = 0,
(AB): A 3x + B3y + C3 = 0,
is computed from the formula
Ax Bl Cx 2
A2 B2 C2
VF A3 B3 c 3
(ABC)
2 a 2 b21 A2 Bg A Bt
A3 B3 U i Bx A2 B2
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 363
The vector n = {A, B,C } is called the principal vector o f the plane speci
fied by the equation
Ax "j- By -j- Cz -f- 2) — 0.
---- **
If it is laid off from any point M0 of the plane, M0P = n, then point P
lies in the positive half-space.
If A, B ,C are regarded as covariant components, then the vector [A, B, C]
is normal to the plane
Ax + By + Cz + D = 0.
In a rectangular Cartesian system of coordinates, the principal vector
n = {A, B, C} of the plane specified by the equation Ax + By + Cz + D =
= 0 is a vector normal to that plane.
The equation of a plane passing through point M 1 defined by the radius
vector rx and normal to the vector n is of the form
n(r - rj) - 0.
If in general Cartesian coordinates rx = {xl9 y l9 zx}9n[A, B, C], r = {x9y 9z}9
then the equation n(r — r2) = 0 becomes
A(x — A'i) + B(y —y j + C(z — zL) = 0.
In rectangular Cartesian coordinates,
d = {A9B9C} = [A9B9C].
The vector PQ =£ 0 and the plane n are said to be coplanar if the straight
line PQ is either parallel to, or lies, in the plane n. The zero vector is
assumed to be coplanar with any plane.
For a vector a = {/, m9n} and a plane Ax + By + Cz + D = 0 to
be coplanar, it is necessary and sufficient that the following equality be
valid:
Al -f- Bin -f- Cn — 0
(the coordinates are general Cartesian).
The equation of a plane passing through a point and coplanar
with two noncollinear vectors a and b is of the form
(r - r 1? a, b) = 0.
In general Cartesian coordinates,
y - yi z —>
H
H
1
k mi = 0,
k m2 n2
where a = {ll9 ml9 n ^ 9 b = {/2, m2, «2}, tx = {xl9 yl9 z j , r = {x9y 9z).
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 365
The equation of a plane passing through two points Afifo) and Af2(r2)
------>
and coplanar with the vector a Ik M XM2 is of the form
(r - rl9 r2 - rl9 a) = 0.
In general Cartesian coordinates.
x - x x y — y\ z - Zi
*2 — >’2—y± z2— = 0,
I m n
where M x = (xl9 y l9 Zj), M 2 = (x29y2, z2), a = {/, m9n}.
The equation of a plane passing through three noncollinear points
M2(t2), M3(r3) has the form
(r — r3, rx — r3, r2 — r3) = 0.
and, in general Cartesian coordinates,
x — x 3 y — ys z — z3
*i — *3 T1 - T 3 z1 — z3 = 0,
* 2 — * 3 >J2 —y* z2— z3
or
x y z 1
^1 J i 1 _ Q
*2 T2 ^2 1
x 3 x 3 z3 1
where M x = (*l5 z*), M2 = (x2, y 2, z2), M3 = (x3, >>3, z3).
The equation of a plane passing through a point Mjfo) (and coplanar
with two noncollinear vectors a and bean be written in parametric form:
r = r± + wa + fb.
In this equation, u and v are the coordinates of the point M in a general
Cartesian coordinate system in the plane at hand, in which the origin is
the point Af1(r1) and the basis is a, b.
The parametric equations of a plane in a general Cartesian coordinate
system are:
X = Xt + + vl2.
y = yi + umX + vm2,
z = zx + uitx + 1m2y
where rx = {xx, y u z j , a = {/x, mu wx}, b = {/2, m2, «2}.
366 Problems in Geometry
-^ + ^ + ^ = 1
a b c
(the intercept form o f the equation o f the plane).
For two planes given by the equations
Ax By -J-' Cz -f- D — 0,
A x - \~ B y - \- C z - { - D — 0
with respect to a general Cartesian coordinate system to intersect, it is
necessary and sufficient that the vector
(15 C C A
||5 ' C C A' ' B' I]
be nonzero: a ^ 0. In this case (a # 0), the vector a is the direction vector
of the straight line along which the planes in question intersect.
For the two planes
Ax -f- By -f Cz -f- D — 0,
A'x + B'y + C'z + D' = 0
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Form ulas 367
■5T
to be parallel, it is necessary and sufficient that the vector a be equal to
zero but that at least one of the determinants
A D B D C D
A' D' ’ B' D' C D'
be different from zero.
For the two planes
Ax -I- By -J- Cz -f- £) — 0,
A 'x + B'y + C'z + D' = 0
to be coincident, it is necessary and sufficient that the corresponding
coefficients of the equations of the planes be proportional:
A ' = kA, B' = kB, C = kC, D9 = kD.
Three planes specified with respect to a general Cartesian coordinate
system by the equations
Ax -f" By -f- Cz -f- D — 0,
A'x + B'y + C z + D ' = 0 ,
A"x + B"y + C"z + D" = 0
have only one point in common if and only if the following inequality
is valid:
A B C
A' B' C' * 0 .
A" B" C"
To find the coordinates of this point it is necessary to solve the system of
equations of the three given planes.
A pencil o f planes is a set of all the planes passing through one straight
line / (proper pencil). The straight line / is called the axis o f the pencil.
An improper pencil of planes is the set of all parallel planes.
If two planes given by equations with respect to a general Cartesian
system of coordinates.
Ax -f- By -j- Cz -f- D — 0,
A'x + B'y + C 'z + D ' = 0
intersect along a straight line /, then the equation of the pencil of planes
with the axis / is of the form
oc(Ax + By + Cz + D) + fi(A'x + B'y + C'z + D') = 0,
where a and /? take on all possible values with at least one of them being
different from zero.
368 Problems in Geometry
If the planes are parallel, then the last equation is the equation of the
improper pencil of planes to which they belong, and for a and P one
takes all possible values with the exception of those for which all the
coefficients of x , y , z, that is,
ocA + p A \ <xB + PB', aC + p C
are equal to zero.
A bundle (or sheaf) o f planes is the set of all planes that pass through
the same point S (proper bundle) or the set of all planes coplanar with
one straight line (improper bundle). The point S is termed the centre
o f the bundle.
If three planes specified by equations in general Cartesian coordinates,
Ax + By + Cz + D = 0 ,
A 'x B'y -f- C'z -}- D; = 0,
A"x + B"y + C"z + D" = 0,
have the same common point 5, then the equation of the bundle of planes
with centre S is of the form
<x(Ax + By + Cz + D) + P(A'x + B'y + C z + D)
+ y(A"x + B"y + C z + D") = 0,
where a, p , y take on all values, at least one of which is nonzero.
If the three indicated planes are coplanar with one and the same straight
line, but do not pass through one straight line, then the last equation is
the equation of the improper bundle to which the three given planes belong;
and for a, p9y one takes all possible values, with the exception of those
for which all the coefficients of x, y, z, that is,
ocA + PA' + yA", ctB + p V + yB", <xC + fiC' + PC"
are equal to zero.
The distance d from the point M 0(x09y09 z0) to the plane given by the
equation
Ax -f- By -J- Cz -f Z) — 0
in rectangular Cartesian coordinates is computed from the formula
j _ 1Ax0 + By0 -j- Cz0 + D I
“ y A 2 + B 2 + C 2
\ A B C 0
IN', B', C']|
= YgnA'2 + g*F* + gMC'2 ^ 2 ^ 'B '~ + 2 g ^ B ’Cr :\-2g2lC'A'
/ 811 S12 813 A' \ 1/2
_ 821 822 822 B'
£31 £32 8%3 C'
V A’ Bf C 0
.
Basic Definitions Theorems and Formulas 371
M XM
t = 1— .
a
In a general Cartesian coordinate system, the parametric equations of
a straight line are written as follows:
* = *i + tl ,
y = yi + tm,
z = zx + tn ,
where Mx = (xl9 yl9 zx), a - {/, m, n}.
The parametric equation of the straight line passing through two
points A f ^ ) and M2(r2) is of the form
r = Ti + f(r2 - rx),
and, in general Cartesian coordinates,
X = X \ 4 - t ( X o — A'x),
y = yi + t(y i- yi),
z = zx + t(z2 — Zx).
Two straight lines are said to be coplanar if they lie in one plane.
For two straight lines
r = rx + fa, r2 = r2 + fb
to be coplanar, it is necessary and sufficient that the following equality
hold:
(r2 — rlf a, b) = 0
or, in general Cartesian coordinates,
*2 — *1 y* — yi z2 zx |
/i m± *i = 0,
k m2 no
where M1 = (xly yu zt), M2 = (x2, y2, z2), a = {/„ mu n j , b = {/2, nu, n2).
Remark. The equations of a straight line are often written in the form
x — x x _ y — y x _ z — zx
I m n
372 Problems in Geometry
_ 8 21 8 2 2 822 A2
831 832 #33 ^3
A\ A 2 A 3 0 /
Ax + By + Cz + D = 0,
A 'x + B'y + C z + D' = 0
374 Problems in Geometry
and for all points M (x, y , z) lying inside the sphere we have
g = (x — a)2 + (y — b)2 + (z — c)2 — r2 < 0.
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 377
The number a is called the power o f the point M with respect to the sphere
(S, r) and is equal to
2 + ( - 2) = 0,
z + z' = z f + z.
z(z'z") = (zz') z",
22' = Z’Z
Z (z ' + Z " ) = ZZ' + 2Z " ,
fc = 0, 1,2,. .. , n — 1.
Two complex numbers z = x + yi and z = x — yi are said to be conj
ugate. They have the following properties of conjugacy:
z = z,
z + z' = ~z + z',
z — z' = z — z',
zz' = zz'.
*1 Z l 1
(ABC) = — Z2 Z2 1
4
Z3 *3 1
In particular, a necessary and sufficient condition for the collinearity
of three points A{z1), B(z2), C(z3) is of the form
Zi z\ 1
z2 z 2 1 - 0 .
z3 z 3 1
380 Problems in Geometry
then a necessary and sufficient condition that A ABC and i\PQ R be similar
and have the same orientation is
zx 1
z2 m2 1 = 0,
z3 *^3 i
and a necessary and sufficient condition that A ABC and A PQR be similar
but have opposite orientations is
«i 1
Zg Ug 1
z 3 «3 1
Basic Definitions, Theorems and Formulas 381
Let us consider two distinct points M x(z^) and A/2(z2). On the basis of
the foregoing, point M(z) lies on the straight line MXM2 if and only if
z z 1
Zi *i 1 = 0.
z2 z2 1
This equation can therefore be called the equation of the straight line MXMV
It can be transformed to
Z2 Z1 /— — v
z zi ~ -------- ZT (z - z l)*
Zo Zi
where |x| = 1.
Conversely, any equation of the form
Z — Zx = x(z — Zj),
where |x| = 1, is an equation of a straight line. Indeed, since \x\ = 1, it
follows that
x = cos <p + i sin <p.
Setting up the equation of the straight line passing through two points
with affixes zx and zx + cos - - + / sin — , we obtain the equation
2 2
Z ~ Zjl = x (z — z’j).
In particular, note the equation of the straight line that passes through
the coordinate origin:
z = xz,
where
x = cos (p + / sin (p = —
zi
382 Problems in Geometry
and zx ^ 0 is the affix of any point (zx) of the straight line under consi
deration.
Note that the straight line
z = xz
passes through points of the unit circle (the unit circle is a circle with centre
at the coordinate origin and with radius equal to 1) with affixes ][x (J/x
always has two values: they are the affixes of the endpoints of the diameter
of the unit circle). Indeed, if ]/x is either of the values of this radical,
then for z = ]fx the equation z = xz becomes an equality (the left-hand
side is ]/x; the right-hand side is, x]fx = J/x).
The two straight lines
Z — zx = x(z — Zj), \x\ = 1,
z — z2 = x'(z — Z2), \x'\ = 1,
are collinear if and only if x = x'. True enough, these lines are collinear
if and only if the system of equations
z — xz = z1 — x z l9
z — x'z = z2 — x z 2
in z, z either has no solution or has an infinitude of solutions, and this
occurs if and only if
1 —x
= 0 or x = x \
1-x '
The two straight lines p and q given by the equations
z — Zx = x(z — Zj), |x | = 1,
z — *2 = x'(z — Z2), |x'| = 1,
are perpendicular if and only if
x + x' = 0.
Indeed, let us consider the straight lines p ' and q \ which are collinear
respectively with p and q, but which pass through the coordinate origin :
p': z = xz,
q': z = x ’z
The straight lines p and q are perpendicular if and only if the lines p '
and q' are perpendicular. Suppose p ‘ and q' are perpendicular. On p ’
take a point with the affix z0 ^ 0. Then by virtue of the relation
the point with affix zz0 lies on the straight line q\ We have
z0 — x z o, iz0 = x iz0
or
z0 = xz'o, iz0 - — x f i z 0
or
Zq — xz o, Zo — X Z q.
is equal to
y x*
arg — (mod n).
yx
Indeed, the straight lines z = xz, z = x'z, which are collinear with the
given lines, pass through points with affixes |/x and |/V respectively
and so the angle formed by the two straight lines is equal to
X = (z + z ) 9
y = — (* - 2) = — (Z - Z),
21 2
it can be rewritten thus:
“ P(z + Z) + — Q(z - 2) + R = 0
or
P - Qi
2 z + 2 '.' z +R = 0
or
A z+ A z + C = 0 (C = 2R).
Conversely, setting
A — P — Qi, A = B = P + Qi,
we can rewrite the equation
Az + B z + C = 0
as
(P — Qi) (X + yi) + (P + Qi) (X — yi) + C = 0
Basic Definitions. Theorems and Formulas 385
or
2Px + 2 Q y + C = 0,
which is a first-degree equation.
The equation
Az + A z + C = 0
is called a self-conjugate equation o f a straight line since the left-hand side
of the equation is a real function of x and y:
u = Az -f- A z -j- C,
u = A z + Az + C = u.
If a straight line is given by the self-conjugate equation
Az -f- Bz C — 0,
where B = A ^ 0 and C is a real number, then the distance d from point
(z0) to this line is
, \Az0 + B z0 + C\
a = ----------------------.
2\A\
Indeed, the equation of the straight line passing through point (z0) per
pendicularly to the given straight line is of the form
Z — z0 = — ( z — z0)
or
Az — Bz — ZqA + z 0B = 0.
From the system
Az + B z + C = 0,
Az — Bz — Az0 + B z o = 0
we find the affix of the projection of point (ze) on the given straight line:
Az0 — B~z0 — C
z =
2A
whence
Az0 -j- B zq -j- C
z9 — z =
2A
and so
\Az%+ B z %+ C|
d = \ z Q- 2 ' I =
2\A\
21—SIS
386 Problems in Geometry
1
S'
A 3 Bz j A\ j\
4 mod I \ A2 B%
' \ A a B3 A-l B- j a 2 b 2 J
LIST OF SYMBOLS
vector
AB a vector with origin at point A and terminus at
point B: a ray (radial line) with origin at A and
passing through B
0 zero vector
1*1 = a magnitude (absolute value) of vector a
\AB\ =- AB magnitude of vector AB
a ij b vectors a and b are collinear
■TM vectors a and b are collinear and in the same
aU b/ direction
•Tib vectors a and b are collinear and in opposite
directions
*9 a vector obtained from vector a by a rotation
through an angle <p in an oriented plane
[*] a vector obtained from vector a by a rotation
through the angle n/2 in an oriented plane
(a, b)l a pseudo scalar (or cross) product of vector a by
a x bf vector b in an oriented plane
(a, b, c) triple scalar product (or cross product or mixed
product) of three vectors in oriented space
ab = a-b scalar product of vectors a and b
a2 scalar square of vector a
[a, b] vector product of vector a by vector b in oriented
space
general basis of vectors in a plane
e1, e2 dual basis of the basis el5 e2
general basis of vectors in space
e1, e2, e3 dual basis of the basis e1? e2, e3
i, J orthonormal basis of vectors in a plane
i, j, k orthonormal basis of vectors in space
a*, b* dual basis of the basis a, b in a plane
a*, b*, c* dual basis of the basis a, b, c in space
(O, e1? e2) general Cartesian system of coordinates in a plane
(O, e2, e3) general Cartesian system of coordinates in space
( O , i, j) rectangular Cartesian system of coordinates in a
plane
388 Problems in Geometry
♦Thus, the notation (ABC) has the following distinct meanings: (1) the (oriented)
area o f A ABC: (2) a circle passing through A , B, C (no confusion can result because
the first meaning o f the symbol is a number, the second is a figure).
Appendix
-f p x + q = 0; x 12
- - M t -
n -k ± Y k r-a c
ax2 + 2kx + c *= (0; x 1>2 = ---------------------- (a ^ 0).
Progressions
(a) Arithmetic progression.
1. General term of an arithmetic progression:
<*n = <*i + (n - 1) d.
2. The sum of n terms of an arithmetic progression:
“n =
2. The sum of n terms of geometric progression:
ux - unq 1 - qn qn — 1
Sn = t------- ' ui -------= p
5= "i
q'
Logarithms
1. The notation loga N = is equivalent to the notation ax = N (a > 0, a / 1,
log N
N > 0) so that a a = N.
N
2. loga 1 =* 0. 3. loga a = 1* 4. loga(AT- M ) = logfl AT + loga M. 5. loga ---- =
M
1
= loga N A/- 6- loga Af" = « loga W (V > 0). 7. logaK^Vr= — loga AT. 8. log* TV =
n
__ loga AT
loga *
Relationships between
trigonometric functions of an angle
sin a cosa
1. sin2a -f cos2a = 1 . 2 . ------- = tan a. 3. —— = cot a. 4. sin a • cosec a*= 1. 5
cos a sina
cos a • sec a = 1. 6. tan a • cot a = 1. 7. 1 + tan2a = sec2 a. 8. 1 + cot2 a = co sec2a.
Table of Signs and Selected Values of Trigonometric Functions
Quadrants I II III IV
Function
O
o
o
00
©
cot a + - + - 00 1'T 1 K 0 00 0 00
3
Angle
—a 90° =F a 180° =f a 270° a 360° k a
Function^'"'"-
sin — sin a + cos a ± sin a — cos a sin a
cos + cos a ± sin a — cos a =F sin a + cos a
tan — tan a db cot a =f tan a ± cot a =F tan a
cot — cot a ± tan a | dF cot a ± tan a d1 cot a
392 Problems in Geometry
+ COS a
3. sin i . ± y i r p iM1- . ± y i
2
COS a 1 — cos a sin a
tan
+ cos a sin a 1 + cos a
x x
2 tan — 1 - tan2 2 tan
2
4. sin * : -; cos * = tan jc =
1 + tan2 1 + tan2 — 1 — tan2
2
1 -f cos 2a 1 — cos 2a
5. cos2 a = ---------------; sin2 a = -------------- .
2 2
a ± P a ip P
6. sin a ± sin P = 2 s m ------- c o s ---------;
2 2
a -f- P a —p
cos a + cos p *= 2 c o s --------c o s ---------;
2 2
a ^ . a + 0 . a —, „ . a + 0 . P —a
cos a — cos p *= — 2 s m --------s i n -------- ‘ 2 s m --------s m ---------;
2 2
„ sin(a ± 0) sin(ft ± a)
tan a ^ tan 0 *= -------------- ; cot a ± cot p 1
cos a cos /5 sin a sinp
Symmetric Polynomials
For three numbers z l9 zZt z3
<Tl — •Z’l 4“ ^2 4" ^3»
0*2 = Z 1Z 2 + ^ 2 Z 3 4 " ^ 3 Z 1»
°3 = Z 1 Z 2 Z 3*
<Ti = Z i + Z2 + ^3 + Z 4>
°4 = Zl Z2Z3Z4*
Kronecker delta
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 Coxetcr, H. S. M., Greilzer, S. L. Geometry Revisited, Random House, New York,
1967 (New Mathematical Library, Vol. 19).
2. Deaux, R. Introduction to the Geometry o j Complex Numbers, Ungar, New York,
1956.
3. Dubnov, Ya. S. Basic Vector Calculus, Parts 1 and 2, (Osnovy vektornogo ischi-
sleniya), Gostekhizdat, 1950, 1952 Moscow (in Russian).
4. Golovina, L. I., Yaglom, I. M. Induction in Geometry, Mir Publishers, Moscow, 1979.
5. Johnson, R. A. Advanced Euclidean Geometry (Modern Geometry), Dover, New
York, 1960.
6. Modenov, P. S., Parkhomenko, A. S., Geometric Transformations, Academic Press,
New York, 1965.
7. Pedoe, D. A Course o f Geometry for Colleges and Universities, Cambridge University
Press, Cambridge, 1970.
8. Schwerdtfeger, H. Geometry o f Complex Numbers, University o f Toronto Press,
Toronto, 1962.
9. Wooton, W., Beckenbach, E. R., Fleming, F. J. Modern Analytic Geometry, Houghton
Mifflin, Boston, 1975.
10. Yaglom, 1. M. Complex Numbers in Geometry, Academic Press, New York, 1968.
11. Yaglom, I. M. Geometric Transformations I-IV, Random House, New York, 1962,
1968, 1973 (New Mathematical Library, Volumes 8,21, 24).
12. Yaglom, I. M. Geometric Transformations (Geometricheskie preobrazovaniya),
Vol. 2, Chap. II (in Russian), Gostekhizdat, Moscow, 1956.
13. Yaglom, I. M. A Simple Non-Euclidean Geometry and Its Physical Basis, Chapter II
and Supplement, S. Springer-Verlag, New York, 1979.
NAME INDEX
Hamilton 262
Hart 308 Vatricant, S. 260
Vieta 390
Ilin, V. A. 9
Iyenger 41 Wooton, W. 394
Jebeau, V. 8
Jensen 322 Yablonsky, S. V. 9
Johnson, R. A. 394 Yaglom, 1. M. 394
SUBJECT INDEX