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In ΔABC, D, E, F are the midpoints of sides BC, AC, and AB, while X, Y, Z are the points of tangency of the incircle with those sides. Let M be the foot of the perpendicular from A to BI and N the foot of the perpendicular from A to CI. Then
- Points M, N, E, F are collinear,
- Points X, Y, M are collinear, as are the points X, Z, N.
Proof
Copyright © 1996-2010 Alexander Bogomolny
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By the construction, ΔABM is right with ∠AMB = 90°, implying
It follows that ΔBFM is isosceles and ∠FBM = ∠FMB. Thus the sum of these angles equals ∠AFM. On the other hand, since BI bisects ∠ABC, the sum of equal angles FBM and CBM equals ∠ABC. We see that
so that FM||BC and, since F is the midpoint of AB, FM is a midline in ΔABC and passes through another midpoint, viz., E. This shows that M lies on EF. By symmetry the same holds for N.
Further
| | EM | = FM - EF |
| | | = AF - EF |
| | | = AB/2 - BC/2 |
| | | = (AB - BC)/2 |
| | | = (AZ - CX)/2 |
| | | = (AY - CY)/2 |
| | | = (AC - 2·CY)/2 |
| | | = (2·EC - 2·CY)/2 |
| | | = EC - CY |
| | | = EY, |
implying that ΔMEY is isosceles: EM = EY. In addition, ∠XCE = ∠CEM wherefrom ∠XYC = ∠EYM making therm vertical and XYM a straight line. XZN is treated similarly.
Michel Cabart came up with a different proof:
Consider point D of intersection of lines AM and BC. Then
- M is middle of AD thus belongs to EF
- by symmetry XD = ZA = YA thus XC&midpoint;YA&midpoint;MD = XD&midpoint;YC&midpoint;MA and M belongs to line XY by Menelaus' theorem applied to triangle ACD.
(Triangle AMN along with two other triangles similarly constructed at vertices B and C have several engaging properties first observed by Antreas Hatzipolakis which explains the attribution in the title.)
References
- Jan Vonk, On the Nagel Line and a Prolific Polar Triangle, Forum Geometricorum Volume 8 (2008) 183–196
Copyright © 1996-2010 Alexander Bogomolny