√

bc inversion FTW!
Aharshi Roy
2 November 2024

“Were you rushing or were you dragging?”

§1 Introduction
Today, we are going to learn about
√ a special type of inversion, typically used in triangle
configuration problems, called bc inversion (obviously it will be beneficial if you had
some background knowledge about inversion, you can learn it from say EGMO Chapter
8, which is free from Evan Chen’s website).

This is a bit different than your normal inversion maps, because it is actually composed of
two transformations! Without further ado, we are going to give the statement.

√
Lemma ( bc inversion)
√
If we say to bc invert at X in △XY Z, then we are composing these two maps
√
ˆ Invert around the circle with center X and radius XY · XZ.

ˆ Perform a reflection around the internal angle bisector of ∠Y XZ.

√
Remark. If you have already seen the statement of bc inversion before, then you might
be a bit confused
√ why I wrote △XY Z instead of usual △ABC. This is because sometimes
you wont “ bc invert” per √ say. b and c refer to the side lengths AC and AB respectively
but sometimes
√ we will “ bc invert” at C or some other vertex! To save me the trouble of
writing ab√invert or even worse, write “Now we will invert around circle with center C
and radius CA · CB and reflect around the internal angle bisector of ∠ACB” all the time;
to remove ambiguity also, I write like this.

§2 Theory
§2.1 All the points we are going to use
Ok this is the long list of points we are going to use. By the way, some of these bullet
points should end with “.... of △ABC”.

ˆ I, G, O, H is the incenter, centroid, circumcenter and orthocenter respectively.

ˆ △IA IB IC is the ex central triangle.

ˆ △DEF is the orthic triangle.

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ˆ A′ is the A-antipode.

ˆ K is the point on (ABC) such that (A, K; B, C) = −1.

ˆ △M N P is the medial triangle.

ˆ TA is the A-mixtilinear intouch point.

÷
ˆ LA is the major arc midpoint of B C.

ˆ U , V , W is the tangency points of the A-excircle with BC, AB, AC respectively.

ˆ A2 is the point on (ABC) such that AA2 ∥ BC.

§2.2 Where do the important points go to?

Now
√ to honor that boring long remark, we will say throughout this section, we are going
to bc invert at A in △ABC.

Claim — B swaps with C. Hence BC swaps with (ABC).

Subproof. This is easy, as B ∗ (means image of B under this map) must lie on the isogonal
line of AB which is AC and AB · AB ∗ = AB · AC and hence the result follows. □

Claim — I swaps with IA .

Subproof. We can do this by a length bash, but I would like to do it by an angle argument
to show how it is useful sometimes.

We know that ∠ABI = ∠B ∗ ∠B

2 hence ∠AI C = 2 . But an easy angle chase gives
us
∠A ∠C ∠B
AIA C = 180◦ − ∠IA AC − ∠ACIA = 180◦ − − 90◦ − =
2 2 2
And see that AI ∗ is the isogonal line of AI which is itself and we are done. □

Claim — IB and IC swap with each other.

Subproof. Sometimes it is view a triangle config problem from the eye of the excentral
triangle (general advice) as we can then exploit Orthocenter-Incenter duality which might
be useful. Anyways, this is a good example of that.

See that I is the orthocenter of △IA IB IC ; if we reflect I over A, it lies on (IA IB IC ) (see
EGMO Chapter 1, if you didn’t know that) and hence if we denote that point by A1 , we
get by PoP that

AIB · AIC = AIA · AA1 = AIA · AI = AB · AC

And done. □

Sometimes isogonal line arguments are enough to get some crucial claims. The next two
pairings are examples of that.

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Claim — A′ swaps with D.

Remark. From this we can also get where O goes, as O is the midpoint of AAq ′ ; O ∗ must be

the reflection of A over D. But this might be more useful in something called bc 2 inversion,
we will have a short version of it later.

Claim — K and M swap with each other.

Now we will dedicate this minisection, just on Mixtilinear circles, especially the A-
mixtilinear incircle (call it Ω).

Claim — We have that

ˆ The A-mixtilinear incircle swaps with the A-excircle.

ˆ The A-mixtilinear excircle swaps with the incircle.

ˆ A and I map to each other under inversion about Ω.

ˆ LA , I, TA are collinear.

Subproof. The first one is just because the fact that inversion preserves tangencies.

See that Ω is tangent to AB, AC and (ABC) and so Ω∗ is tangent to AC, AB and BC;
and see that Omega is “inside” △ABC and so Ω∗ is “outside” △ABC, and so it is just
the A-excircle. The next bullet point is the same argument.

Now for the third point, see that we just need to prove that (AV W IA ) is a circle
and (A, IA ; V, W ) − 1. The first thing is obvious due to right angles and see that AIA

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bisects ∠V AW and so it is a kite! Meaning we have that

−1 = (A, IA ; V, W ) = (A∗ , IA
∗
, V ∗ , W ∗ ) = (∞, I; V ∗ , W ∗ )
and hence I is the midpoint of the touch chord as required.

For the last bullet point, first see that the first bullet point tells us that TA swaps
with U (also means that ATA and AU are isogonal) and see that LA swaps with the
point on BC such that ∡L∗A AI = 90◦ . So we need to prove that (L∗A AIA U ) is cyclic
which is obvious due to right angles. □

Remark. See that if we define TB and TC similarly as TA , then ATA ∩ BTB ∩ CTC exists
because it is the isogonal conjugate of the Nagel Point!

Claim — The polar of AK with respect to (ABC) swaps with A2 .

Subproof. Try doing this one on your own (look at tangencies). □

Now you might be thinking “Why isn’t this guy talking about the two most important
triangle centers?” The reason is that they do not go to “very good points”.

But we still do it, because it seems a bit incomplete without them.

Claim — G∗ is the point on line AK such that AK = 2AG∗ .

Subproof. See that (A, M ; G, ∞) = − 12 and so (∞, K; G, A) = − 12 hence the result. So

see that one can actually see this as the reflection of the A-Dumpty point over K. □

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Claim — H ∗ = AO ∩ (BOC).

Subproof. This is just a quick angle chase

∡OH ∗ C = ∡AH ∗ C = ∡ABH = 90◦ − ∡BAC = ∡OBC

And done. □

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q
§2.3 Short section on bc
2
inversion
This is exactly how it sounds.

q
Lemma ( bc 2 inversion)
q
If we say to bc2 invert at X in △XY Z, it is composed of two maps again
q
ˆ Invert around the circle with center X and radius XY ·XZ
2 .

ˆ Perform a reflection around the angle bisector of ∠Y XZ.

√
This is basically just one more map that we do after the bc inversion, that is taking a
1
2 homothety at X.

Why am I saying this? Because sometimes this is more useful! I am just quickly
going to state where each of the points go.
q
bc
And oh before that! Throughout this section, we are going to 2 invert at A in
△ABC.

Claim — We have that

ˆ B swaps with N , C swaps with P .

ˆ N P swaps with (ABC) and BC swaps with (AP N ).

ˆ O swaps with D.

Subproof. All are trivial from the last section. □

One of the main reasons, we use this “weirder” force-lay inversion rather than the former
is because of this.

Claim — The nine point circle of △ABC swaps with (BOC).

Subproof. See that (N DP ) swaps with (BOC). □

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§3 Problems
√
Just for fun,
√ I have thrown in a “non bc problem”, a problem which I think cannot be
solved by bc inversion elegantly, but it has one of the nicest
√ solutions to a problem
ever in my opinion. This is so that, you guys do not think bc is a tool which nukes a
problem and apply it all the triangle geo problems you see!
Problem 3.1 (4-G-UnS-0). If DA is the A-Dumpty point where it is defined as (AO) ∩
(BOC). Then prove that DA is the midpoint of AK.
Problem 3.2 (4-G-UnS-1 (MOP 2017)). Let △ABC be a triangle with circumcircle γ
and denote by M and N the midpoints of AB and AC. Suppose the circumcircles of
triangles ABN and ACM meet again at P . Prove that AP is concurrent with the pole
of BC with respect to γ.
Problem 3.3 (Serbian National Olympiad 2013/3). Let M , N and P be midpoints of
sides BC, AC and AB, respectively, and let O be circumcenter of acute-angled triangle
ABC. Circumcircles of triangles BOC and M N P intersect at two different points X
and Y inside of triangle ABC. Prove that ∠BAX = ∠CAY .
Problem 3.4 (All Russian Maths Olympiad 2009/10.2). Let △ABC have its internal
angle bisector of ∠A cut BC at D and (ABC) at N . Now let circle with diameter DE
cut (ABC) again at K. Prove that AK is the A−symmedian of △ABC.
Problem 3.5 (USA TST 2016/2). Let ABC be a scalene triangle with circumcircle Ω,
and suppose the incircle of ABC touches BC at D. The angle bisector of ∠A meets BC
and Ω at E and F . The circumcircle of △DEF intersects the A-excircle at S1 , S2 , and
Ω at T ̸= F . Prove that line AT passes through either S1 or S2 .
Problem 3.6 (ELMO 2010/6). Let ABC be a triangle with circumcircle ω, incenter I,
and A-excenter IA . Let the incircle and the A-excircle hit BC at D and E, respectively,
and let M be the midpoint of arc BC without A. Consider the circle tangent to BC at
D and arc BAC at T . If T I intersects ω again at S, prove that SIA and M E meet on ω.
Problem 3.7 (ELMO 2014/5). Let ABC be a triangle with circumcenter O and or-
thocenter H. Let ω1 and ω2 denote the circumcircles of triangles BOC and BHC,
respectively. Suppose the circle with diameter AO intersects ω1 again at M , and line
AM intersects ω1 again at X. Similarly, suppose the circle with diameter AH intersects
ω2 again at N , and line AN intersects ω2 again at Y . Prove that lines M N and XY are
parallel.
Problem 3.8 (ELMO 2016/6). My dog Tiger is now learning olympiad geometry, but
he is a newbie so help him please. In a triangle ABC with AB ̸= AC, let its incircle
be tangent to sides BC, CA, and AB at D, E, and F , respectively. The internal angle
bisector of ∠BAC intersects lines DE and DF at X and Y , respectively. Let S and T
be distinct points on side BC such that ∠XSY = ∠XT Y = 90◦ . Finally, let γ be the
circumcircle of △AST .

(a) Help Tiger show that γ is tangent to the circumcircle of △ABC.

(b) Help Tiger show that γ is also tangent to the incircle of △ABC.

Problem 3.9 (Japan TST 2022/6). Given is a circle Γ with diameter M N and a point
A inside Γ. The circle with center N , passing through A, meets Γ at B and C. Let

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P, Q ∈ BC, such that ∠BAP = ∠QAC. The lines N P , N Q meet Γ at X, Y , respectively.

Prove that AM , P Y , QX are concurrent.
Problem 3.10 (Taiwan TST Round 3 2014/3). Let ABC be a triangle with circumcircle
Γ and let M be an arbitrary point on Γ. Suppose the tangents from M to the incircle
of ABC intersect BC at two distinct points X1 and X2 . Prove that the circumcircle of
triangle M X1 X2 passes through the tangency point of the A-mixtilinear incircle with Γ.
Problem 3.11 (IGO 2023/A1). We are given an acute triangle ABC. The angle bisector
of ∠BAC cuts BC at P . Points D and E lie on segments AB and AC, respectively,
so that BC ∥ DE. Points K and L lie on segments P D and P E, respectively, so that
points A, D, E, K, L are concyclic. Prove that points B, C, K, L are also concyclic.
Problem 3.12 (4-G-UnS-2). Let △ABC be a triangle and define Ωa to be the Apollonian
circle passing through A and foci B and C. Define Ωb and Ωc similarly. Prove that Ωa ,
Ωb , Ωc intersect at 2 points. The “inside” intersection is the First Isodynamic Point or
X15 . So further prove that X15 is the isogonal conjugate to the First Fermat Point or
X13 .
Problem 3.13 (4-G-UnS-3). Let there be △ABC with circumcenter O and incenter I.
Let ω be the circle externally tangent to (BOC) and tangent to AB and AC at say M
and N respectively. Prove that M N bisects AI.

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§4 Solutions
§4.1 4-G-UnS-0

Problem statement

If DA is the A-Dumpty point where it is defined as (AO) ∩ (BOC). Then prove that
DA is the midpoint of AK.

q
Proof. See that after bc ∗
2 inversion at A in △ABC, we get that DA = BC ∩(M N P ) = M .
Invert back and we are done. ■

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§4.2 4-G-UnS-1 (MOP 2017)

Problem statement

Let △ABC be a triangle with circumcircle γ and denote by M and N the midpoints
of AB and AC. Suppose the circumcircles of triangles ABN and ACM meet again
at P . Prove that AP is concurrent with the pole of BC with respect to γ.

q
bc
Proof. Let X be intersection of (ABN ) and (ACM ). We will apply 2 inversion at A
in △ABC to the whole problem and so we get

ˆ M and C are swapped.

ˆ N and B are swapped.

ˆ (ABN ) swaps with BN and similarly (ACM ) swaps with CM .

ˆ X ∗ = BN ∩ CM = G (which is the centroid of △ABC).

This basically means inverting back we get that since AX and AX ∗ is isogonal, AX is
exactly the A−symmedian of △ABC, and we are done. ■

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§4.3 Serbian National Olympiad 2013/3

Problem statement

Let M , N and P be midpoints of sides BC, AC and AB, respectively, and let O be
circumcenter of acute-angled triangle ABC. Circumcircles of triangles BOC and
M N P intersect at two different points X and Y inside of triangle ABC. Prove that
∠BAX = ∠CAY .

q
bc
Proof. We apply 2 inversion at A in △ABC to the whole problem and we get that

ˆ B swaps with N and similarly C swaps with P .

ˆ O swaps with D (which is the foot of the altitude from A to BC).

ˆ And so (BOC) swaps with (P N D) which is just (M N P ).

And hence this basically means X and Y are symmetric to each other with respect to
this inversion which means AX and AY are isogonal lines, and we win. ■

Remark. Overkill? Yes. I care? No.

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§4.4 All Russian Maths Olympiad 2009/10.2

Problem statement

Let △ABC have its internal angle bisector of ∠A cut BC at D and (ABC) at N .
Now let circle with diameter DE cut (ABC) again at K. Prove that AK is the
A−symmedian of △ABC.

√
Proof. We will apply bc inversion at A in △ABC to the problem. See that D swaps
with N and since center of DN is obviously on the angle bisector of ∠A, we get that the
circle with diameter DN stays put.

And so K swaps with (DN K) ∩ BC which is the midpoint of BC, call it M . And
so AM and AK are isogonal and we win. ■

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§4.5 USA TST 2016/2 (proposed by Evan Chen)

Problem statement

Let ABC be a scalene triangle with circumcircle Ω, and suppose the incircle of ABC
touches BC at D. The angle bisector of ∠A meets BC and Ω at E and F . The
circumcircle of △DEF intersects the A-excircle at S1 , S2 , and Ω at T ̸= F . Prove
that line AT passes through either S1 or S2 .

Proof. We define some new points

ˆ S = AT ∩ (DEF ).

ˆ X is where the A−Nagel Cevian intersects BC.

ˆ Y = AX ∩ (XEF ).

√
We apply bc inversion at A in △ABC to the entire problem (and remember that it is
well known that T is actually the A−Mixtilinear Touch point) and hence

ˆ E and F are swapped.

ˆ T and X are swapped.

ˆ S and Y are swapped.

Now see that SX ∥ T Y since

AX AS
AX · AT = AY · AS ⇐⇒ =
AY AT
and also (SXT Y ) is cyclic (by power of a point) and so AIEF ⊥ T Y and since the
center of the A-Mixtilinear incircle is on line AI we have that Y lies on that circle as
well, which means its image S lies on the A−excircle, as desired. ■

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§4.6 ELMO 2010/6

Problem statement

Let ABC be a triangle with circumcircle ω, incenter I, and A-excenter IA . Let

the incircle and the A-excircle hit BC at D and E, respectively, and let M be the
midpoint of arc BC without A. Consider the circle tangent to BC at D and arc
BAC at T . If T I intersects ω again at S, prove that SIA and M E meet on ω.

Proof. First we define some new points).

ˆ X = M E ∩ (ABC).

ˆ Y = AT ∩ BC.

ˆ O is the center of (ABC).

ˆ R is the foot of altitude from A to BC.

First we note some preliminary stuff.

ˆ By the Shooting star lemma, we get that M , D, T are collinear, which means that
T is the infamous A−Sharky-Devil point.

ˆ This also means that S is the A−antipode.

And so see that X is the reflection of T over M O. This shows us that AT and AX are
isogonal.
√
Now comes up the meat of the problem. We apply bc inversion at A in △ABC
to the problem (yay). See that

ˆ X and Y are swapped.

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ˆ IA and I are swapped.

ˆ S and R are swapped.

And hence we have to prove that A, I, R, Y are concyclic. And this is equivalent to
prove that 90◦ = ∡ARY = ∡AIY . But see that (BIC) and (AIT ) are tangent to each
other (since I, M and midpoint of AI are collinear obviously) and hence since

Y T · Y A = Y B · Y C ⇐⇒ Y lies on the radical axis of the two circles

we are done. ■

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§4.7 ELMO 2014/5

Problem statement

Let ABC be a triangle with circumcenter O and orthocenter H. Let ω1 and ω2

denote the circumcircles of triangles BOC and BHC, respectively. Suppose the
circle with diameter AO intersects ω1 again at M , and line AM intersects ω1 again
at X. Similarly, suppose the circle with diameter AH intersects ω2 again at N , and
line AN intersects ω2 again at Y . Prove that lines M N and XY are parallel.

Proof. Surprisingly, no new points added!

√
We will apply bc inversion at A in △ABC to the problem and see it is well known that
(BHC) and (BOC) are swapped; and that M and N are isogonal conjugates. and And
hence we get that

ˆ M and Y are swapped.

ˆ N and X are swapped.

And so we get that

AM AX
AM · AY = AN · AX ⇐⇒ =
AN AY
and so we are done. ■

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§4.8 ELMO 2016/6

Problem statement

My dog Tiger is now learning olympiad geometry, but he is a newbie so help him
please. In a triangle ABC with AB ̸= AC, let its incircle be tangent to sides BC,
CA, and AB at D, E, and F , respectively. The internal angle bisector of ∠BAC
intersects lines DE and DF at X and Y , respectively. Let S and T be distinct points
on side BC such that ∠XSY = ∠XT Y = 90◦ . Finally, let γ be the circumcircle of
△AST .

(a) Help Tiger show that γ is tangent to the circumcircle of △ABC.

(b) Help Tiger show that γ is also tangent to the incircle of △ABC.

We define some new points.

ˆ Let G, H be the intersection points of AI and (DEF ) (order does not matter).

ˆ Let K = AD ∩ (DEF ).

ˆ Let L = BC ∩ AI.

Claim (Main Claim) — X and Y are exactly the incenter and A−excenter of △AST
respectively.

D
Subproof. See that (A, L; X, Y ) == (K, D; E, F ) = −1 and since ∠XSY = 90◦ , we have
SX bisects ∠ASL and similarly T X bisects ∠AT L, which means X is the incenter and
also Y is the A−excenter. □

Proof for (a). See that AI bisects ∠AST and hence AS and AT are isogonal lines.
√
So by bc inversion at A in △ABC we get T ∗ = AS ∩ (ABC) and similarly S ∗ =
AT ∩ (ABC) and hence (AST ) swaps with S ∗ T ∗ which is parallel to BC as required. ■

Proof for (b). We need one more claim.

Claim — (DEF ) and (XT Y S) are orthogonal.

Subproof. See that it is equivalent to prove that (G, H; X, Y ) = −1 which is evident after
projecting on the incircle by D. □

Again by the Main Claim, we get that midpoint of XY actually lies on (AST ) by
Incenter-Excenter Lemma. And hence inverting about (XT Y S) we get

ˆ (DEF ) stays put.

ˆ (AST ) swaps with ST .

Obviously both these objects are tangent to each other and we are done. ■

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Remark. Did you help him? Regardless, he says “Woof Woof!”, which means “Thank you!”
in dog language.

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§4.9 Japan TST 2022/6

Problem statement

Given is a circle Γ with diameter M N and a point A inside Γ. The circle with
center N , passing through A, meets Γ at B and C. Let P, Q ∈ BC, such that
∠BAP = ∠QAC. The lines N P , N Q meet Γ at X, Y , respectively. Prove that
AM , P Y , QX are concurrent.

Proof. We need to prove some claims before the main proof.

√
We will apply bc inversion at A in △ABC (let Z ∗ be image of Z through this
map).

Claim — (AP Q) and (ABC) are tangent.

Subproof. See that P ∗ Q∗ ∥ BC and so (ABC) and (AP Q) are tangent at A. □

Noticing that an inversion around (ABC) swaps P with X and Q with Y , and so we get
several things.
ˆ (AP X) and (AQY ) are tangent.
ˆ N A is tangent to (AQY ) and N B is tangent to (BQY ).
ˆ (AP Q), (AXY ) and (ABC). are tangent.
ˆ (XY P Q) is cyclic.
Again come back to original picture and see that M is pole of BC with respect to (ABC)
and so we just need to prove that AK ∗ , (AQ∗ X ∗ ), (AP ∗ Y ∗ ) concur at a second point
(where K ∗ is midpoint of BC), and so it is sufficient to show that K ∗ lies on the radical
axis of these two circles.

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Claim — γ = P ∗ Q∗ Y ∗ X ∗ is a rectangle with diagonals meeting at K ∗ .

Subproof. See that from the previous observations, we have that γ is a parallelogram,
but since it is cyclic, it means that it is a rectangle.

Now also notice that since X ∗ Y ∗ ∥ BC ∥ P ∗ Q∗ and also Y ∗ X ∗ BC and P ∗ Q∗ BC

are cyclic and hence both are isosceles trapezoids which means that

X ∗ B = Y ∗ C and BP ∗ = CQ∗

Now we will prove that P ∗ BY ∗ C is a parallelogram which proves all the lengths above
are equal, proving our claim. See that

∡Y ∗ CB = ∡Y ∗ CA + ∡ACB = ∡BY A + ∡ACB = ∡BY Q + ∡QY A + ∡ACB

= ∡N BQ + ∡QAN + ∡ACB
= ∡N BC + ∡P ∗ AN + ∡ACB
∡BN C ∡P ∗ N A
= + + ∡ACB
2 2
= ∡BAC + ∡ACP ∗ + ∡ACB
= ∡CBA + ∡ACP ∗
= ∡CP ∗ A + ∡ACP ∗
= ∡P ∗ AC = ∡P ∗ BC

which proves that Y ∗ C ∥ P ∗ B and we can similarly painfully show Y ∗ B ∥ P ∗ C. □

But see that from the claims we proved, we get that and hence we get that

K ∗ X ∗ · K ∗ Q∗ = K ∗ P ∗ · K ∗ Y ∗

and we win. ■

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§4.10 Taiwan TST Round 3 2014/3

Problem statement

Let ABC be a triangle with circumcircle Γ and let M be an arbitrary point on Γ.

Suppose the tangents from M to the incircle of ABC intersect BC at two distinct
points X1 and X2 . Prove that the circumcircle of triangle M X1 X2 passes through
the tangency point of the A-mixtilinear incircle with Γ.

÷
Proof. We will invert about the incircle and using the fact that the mixtilinear incircle,
incenter and major arc midpoint of B C are collinear, we can exploit the incenter-
orthocenter duality to get this new problem with some reformed labels.

Let △ABC be a triangle with O circumcenter, H orthocenter, Γ circumcircle,

Ω nine point circle, △DEF orthic triangle and △M N L medial triangle. Let
Z ∈ Ω be an arbitary point and U and V be the unique distinct points such
that (OZU ) and (OZV ) are both tangent to Γ. Let X1 = (ALON ) ∩ (OZU )
and define X2 similarly. Prove that if P is the midpoint of AH, then X1 , Z,
X2 , P are concyclic.

See that because of Pole Polar/La Hire shenanigans, we have that △X1 ZX2 is the medial
triangle of △AU V .

Hence we have that ∡X2 ZX1 = ∡U AV and ∡X2 P X1 = ∡V HU (by taking a dou-
ble homothety at A) and so if we prove that the reflection of H over U V lies on Γ or
equivalently proving if T is the unique point on Γ such that ∡OZT = 90◦ and then
HT ∥ OZ, then we are done.

But this is trivial if we take a double homothety at H. ■

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§4.11 IGO 2023/A1

Problem statement

We are given an acute triangle ABC. The angle bisector of ∠BAC cuts BC at P .
Points D and E lie on segments AB and AC, respectively, so that BC ∥ DE. Points
K and L lie on segments P D and P E, respectively, so that points A, D, E, K, L
are concyclic. Prove that points B, C, K, L are also concyclic.

√
Proof. We are obviously bc invert at A in △ABC like a good boy. See these stuff will
happen now.

ˆ D∗ E ∗ ∥ BC.
÷
ˆ P swaps with the minor arc midpoint of B C, call it M .

ˆ K ∗ = D∗ E ∗ ∩ (AM D∗ ) and L∗ = D∗ E ∗ ∩ (AM E ∗ ).

Claim — M lies on the perpendicular bisector of both BC and K ∗ L∗ .

Subproof. The first is obvious. The next one is just a simple angle chase

∡M K ∗ D∗ = ∡M AD∗ = ∡E ∗ AM = ∡E ∗ L∗ M

And done. □

This basically proves BCK ∗ L∗ is an isosceles trapezoid and so it is cyclic. ■

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√
bc inversion FTW! updated 2 November 2024

§4.12 4-G-UnS-2

Problem statement

Let △ABC be a triangle and define Ωa to be the Apollonian circle passing through
A and foci B and C. Define Ωb and Ωc similarly. Prove that Ωa , Ωb , Ωc intersect at
2 points. The “inside” intersection is the First Isodynamic Point or X15 . So further
prove that X15 is the isogonal conjugate to the First Fermat Point or X13 .

Proof. We will define some new objects.

ˆ Let I be the incenter of △ABC.

ˆ Let D = AI ∩ BC and define E and F similarly.

ˆ Let X be the point on BC such that (B, C; D, X) = −1. Define Y and Z similarly

÷
and hence ωa is the circle with diameter DX and so on.

ˆ Let MA and NA be the minor and major arc midpoints of B C. Define MB , MC ,

NB , NC similarly.
√
Finally we will bc invert at A in △ABC and hence we get that

ˆ Ωa swaps with MA NA .

ˆ Ωb swaps with the circle with center B and radius BC. This is because the
diameter of the circle must be on the isogonal line of AC which is AB and see that
(A, C; E, Y ) = (∞, B; E ∗ , Y ∗ ) = −1.

But see that the radius of Ω∗b and Ω∗c are both BC and hence their radical axis is the
perpendicular bisector of BC which is exactly MA NA .

Now if S is the unique point outside the triangle such that △SBC is equilateral then it
is well known that A, S, X13 are collinear. But see that S is the “outside” intersection
∗ and hence AX
point of the circle at B and C with radii BC which is exactly X15 15 and
AX13 are isogonal and do same for other vertices and second part is also proven. ■

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√
bc inversion FTW! updated 2 November 2024

§4.13 4-G-UnS-3

Problem statement

Let there be △ABC with circumcenter O and incenter I. Let ω be the circle
externally tangent to (BOC) and tangent to AB and AC at say M and N respectively.
Prove that M N bisects AI.

Proof. Dilate everything by a factor of 2 around A and call Ω the image of ω and Γ the
image of (BOC).

The main claim is this after which we will be done.

Claim — Ω is the A-mixtilinear incircle.

Subproof. Due to phantom object shenanigans, we just need to prove that the A-
mixtilinear incircle is tangent to Γ.
√
We will now bc invert at A in △ABC, and see that the A-mixtilinear incircle maps to
the A-excircle and Γ actually maps to the 9-point circle of △ABC, and these two circles
are tangent by the result of Feuerbach! □

We are obviously done now because it is well known that the touch chord of the mixtilinear
incircle passes through I, as desired. ■

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