IMO 2021 · Problem 4

Let \(\Gamma\) be a circle with centre \(I\), and \(ABCD\) a convex quadrilateral such that each of the segments \(AB, BC, CD\) and \(DA\) is tangent to \(\Gamma\). Let \(\Omega\) be the circumcircle of the triangle \(AIC\). The extension of \(BA\) beyond \(A\) meets \(\Omega\) at \(X\), and the extension of \(BC\) beyond \(C\) meets \(\Omega\) at \(Z\). The extensions of \(AD\) and \(CD\) beyond \(D\) meet \(\Omega\) at \(Y\) and \(T\), respectively. Prove that \[ AD+DT+TX+XA=CD+DY+YZ+ZC. \]

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

Solution

Let \(E,F,G,H\) be the points where \(\Gamma\) touches \(AB,BC,CD,DA\), respectively. Equal tangent lengths give \[ AE=AH=a,\qquad CF=CG=c,\qquad DG=DH=d, \] so \[ AD=a+d,\qquad CD=c+d. \tag{1} \]

We first prove \[ IX=IY,\qquad IZ=IT,\qquad XT=YZ. \tag{2} \]

The congruent right triangles \(AIE\) and \(AIH\) show that \(AI\) bisects \(\angle BAD\). Put \[ \alpha=\angle BAI=\angle IAD. \] Since \(AX\) is opposite to \(AB\), while \(AY\) has the direction of \(AD\), \[ \angle IAX=180^\circ-\alpha,\qquad \angle IAY=\alpha. \] Writing \(R\) for the radius of \(\Omega\), the extended sine rule in triangles \(IAX\) and \(IAY\) gives \[ IX=2R\sin(180^\circ-\alpha)=2R\sin\alpha=IY. \] Likewise, \(CI\) bisects \(\angle BCD\), and the extended sine rule in triangles \(ICZ\) and \(ICT\) gives \(IZ=IT\).

Let \(O\) be the centre of \(\Omega\). Both \(O\) and \(I\) are equidistant from \(X,Y\), and also from \(Z,T\). Since \(O\ne I\), the line \(OI\) is the perpendicular bisector of both \(XY\) and \(ZT\). Reflection in \(OI\) therefore sends \(X\) to \(Y\) and \(T\) to \(Z\), proving \(XT=YZ\).

Next, the right triangles \(IEX\) and \(IHY\) have equal hypotenuses \(IX=IY\) and equal legs \(IE=IH\). Hence \[ XE=YH. \] The point orders specified in the problem give \[ XE=XA+AE=XA+a,\qquad YH=YD+DH=DY+d, \] and consequently \[ XA+a=DY+d. \tag{3} \]

Similarly, the right triangles \(IFZ\) and \(IGT\), together with \(IZ=IT\), give \(ZF=TG\). Thus \[ ZC+c=DT+d. \tag{4} \]

Combining (1)–(4), we obtain \[ \begin{aligned} AD+DT+TX+XA &=(a+d)+DT+TX+XA\\ &=2d+DT+DY+TX\\ &=2d+DT+DY+YZ\\ &=(c+d)+DY+YZ+ZC\\ &=CD+DY+YZ+ZC, \end{aligned} \] as required.

The reflection argument also covers the possible coincidences \(X=T\) and \(Y=Z\); in that case both corresponding chord lengths are zero.

The solution was checked against the official IMO shortlist solutions.