IMO 2013 · Problem 4

Let \(ABC\) be an acute-angled triangle with orthocentre \(H\), and let \(W\) be a point on the side \(BC\), lying strictly between \(B\) and \(C\). The points \(M\) and \(N\) are the feet of the altitudes from \(B\) and \(C\), respectively. Denote by \(\omega_1\) the circumcircle of \(BWN\), and let \(X\) be the point on \(\omega_1\) such that \(WX\) is a diameter of \(\omega_1\). Analogously, denote by \(\omega_2\) the circumcircle of \(CWM\), and let \(Y\) be the point on \(\omega_2\) such that \(WY\) is a diameter of \(\omega_2\). Prove that \(X\), \(Y\) and \(H\) are collinear.

Official text of the problem. Official problem paper (PDF)

Solution

Choose Cartesian coordinates so that \[ B=(0,0),\qquad C=(1,0),\qquad A=(a,b),\qquad W=(w,0), \] where \(b>0\). Since the triangle is acute and \(W\) lies strictly between \(B\) and \(C\), we have \[ 0<a<1,\qquad 0<w<1. \] The altitude from \(A\) has equation \(x=a\), while the altitude from \(B\), being perpendicular to \(AC\), has equation \(y=(1-a)x/b\). Hence \[ H=\left(a,\frac{a(1-a)}b\right). \]

Write \(N=(n_x,n_y)\) and \(M=(m_x,m_y)\). Both feet lie strictly inside their respective sides, so \(n_y,m_y>0\). The right angles \(BNC\) and \(BMC\) show that \(N\) and \(M\) lie on the circle with diameter \(BC\), whose equation is \[ x^2+y^2=x. \] Moreover, \(N\in AB\) and \(M\in AC\) give \[ \frac{n_x}{n_y}=\frac ab, \qquad \frac{1-m_x}{m_y}=\frac{1-a}{b}. \]

Because \(\omega_1\) passes through \(B=(0,0)\) and \(W=(w,0)\), its equation has the form \[ x^2+y^2-wx+dy=0. \] Substituting \(N\), and using \(n_x^2+n_y^2=n_x\), gives \[ (1-w)n_x+dn_y=0, \qquad\text{so}\qquad d=-\frac{a(1-w)}b. \] Thus its centre is \[ O_1=\left(\frac w2,\frac{a(1-w)}{2b}\right). \] Since \(O_1\) is the midpoint of the diameter \(WX\), \[ X=2O_1-W=\left(0,\frac{a(1-w)}b\right). \]

Similarly, because \(\omega_2\) passes through \(C=(1,0)\) and \(W=(w,0)\), its equation has the form \[ x^2+y^2-(1+w)x+ey+w=0. \] Substituting \(M\) yields \[ w(1-m_x)+em_y=0, \qquad\text{so}\qquad e=-\frac{w(1-a)}b. \] Its centre is therefore \[ O_2=\left(\frac{1+w}{2},\frac{w(1-a)}{2b}\right), \] and consequently \[ Y=2O_2-W=\left(1,\frac{w(1-a)}b\right). \]

Finally, taking the indicated weighted average of these coordinates gives \[ (1-a)X+aY = \left( a,\frac{a(1-a)(1-w)+aw(1-a)}b \right) = \left(a,\frac{a(1-a)}b\right) =H. \] Since \(0<a<1\), this shows that \(H\) lies on the segment \(XY\). In particular, \(X,Y,H\) are collinear. \(\square\)

The solution was checked against the official IMO shortlist solutions.