Chapter 1.

Angle Chasing
RedPig

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1 Example Step by Step
Problem 1.1 (2017 Belarus TST 6.3). Given an isosceles triangle ABC with AB = AC, let
the tangents to (ABC) at B and C meet at D. Let F be a point on the arc AB (opposite
to C). Let K, L be the intersection points of AF and BD, AB and CF , respectively. Let T
and S be the centers of the circles (BLC) and (BLK), respectively. Prove that if circles
(BT S) and (CF K) are tangent to each other, then their tangency point belongs to AB.
We prove the following statements step by step:
1. Prove that F, L, B, K is concyclic and KL k BC.

2. Let M be the second intersection of the circumcircle (BLC) and AC. Then K, L, M
are collinear; A, K, M, B are concyclic; C, M, F, K are concyclic.
3. Let R, S, T be the circumcenter of (CM F K), (F LBK) and (BCM L) respectively,
then SLT R is a parallelogram, which implies that R, S, T, B are concyclic and RB ⊥
AB.

Proof. 1. Prove that F, L, B, K is concyclic and KL k BC.

From tangent chord theorem,

∠ABK = ∠ACB (tangent chord theorem)

= ∠CBA (AB=AC)
= ∠CF A. (A,C,B,F concyclic)

Therefore ∠LBK + ∠KF L = 180◦ , which means F, L, B, K are concyclic. As a result

∠F LK = ∠F BK (F,L,B,K concyclic)
= ∠F CB, (tangent chord theorem)

implying that KL k BC.

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2. Let M be the second intersection of the circumcircle (BLC) and AC. Then K, L, M
are collinear; A, K, M, B are concyclic; C, M, F, K are concyclic.
We introduce a new point M 0 as the intersection of KL and AC. We will prove that
M 0 coincides with M . Indeed,

∠AM 0 L = ∠ACB (KL k BC)

= ∠CBA. (AB=AC)

This means M 0 , C, B, L are concyclic, implying that M 0 is the second intersection of

BLC and AC. Thus M 0 coincides with M and M lies on KL.
Next, we perform basic angle chasing to derive the concyclic properties. Due to the
previous analysis, we have the following angles are all equal,

∠ABK = ∠CBA = ∠AM K = ∠M LA = ∠CF A.

Thus,

∠AM K = ∠ACB = ∠ABK =⇒ A, M, B, K concyclic.

∠KF C = 180◦ − ∠CF A = 180◦ − ∠AM K = ∠KM C =⇒ K, F, M, C concyclic.

3. Let R, S, T be the circumcenter of (CM F K), (F LBK) and (BCM L) respectively,

then SLT R is a parallelogram, which implies that R, S, T, B are concyclic and RB ⊥
AB.
In order to prove that SLT R is a parallelogram, it is sufficient to prove SL k RT and
SR k LT . On one hand, since R ∩ T = M, C, we have RT ⊥ M C. On the other

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hand, let D = SL ∩ AC. Then
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∠M LD = ∠KLS and ∠DM L = ∠LBK = ∠LSK.
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Thus,
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∠M LD + ∠DM L = ∠KLS + ∠LSK = 90◦ . (SL=SK)
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As a result SL ⊥ AC as well, which implies that SL k RT . Similarly, we can show
that RS ⊥ KF and LT ⊥ KF . Thus SLT R is a parallelogram.
Next, since S ∩ T = L, B. The triangle 4SLT and 4SBT are symmetric to each
other with respect to ST . Thus

4SBT ∼
= 4SLT ∼
= 4T RS.

This means BRST is an isosceles trapezoid. In particular B, R, S, T are concyclic and

RB k ST . Finally we have RB ⊥ AB since ST ⊥ LB ≡ AB.

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2 Exercises
Problem 2.1 (All-Russian 2007). The incircle of 4ABC touches its sides BC, AC, AB
at the points A1 , B1 , C1 respectively. The segment AA1 intersects the incircle at the point
Q 6= A1 . A line ` through A is parallel to BC. Lines A1 C1 and A1 B1 intersect ` at the
points P and R respectively. Prove that ∠P QR = ∠B1 QC1 .

Problem 2.2 (APMO 1999 P3). Let Γ1 and Γ2 be two circles intersecting at P and Q. The
common tangent, closer to P , of Γ1 and Γ2 touches Γ1 at A and Γ2 at B. The tangent of Γ1
at P meets Γ2 at C, which is different from P , and the extension of AP meets BC at R.
Prove that the circumcircle of triangle P QR is tangent to BP and BR.

Problem 2.3 (IMO 2015 P4). 4ABC has circumcircle Ω and circumcenter O. A circle Γ
with center A intersects the segment BC at points D and E, such that B, D, E, and C are
all different and lie on line BC in this order. Let F and G be the points of intersection of Γ

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and Ω, such that A, F , B, C, and G lie on Ω in this order. Let K be the second point of
intersection of the circumcircle of triangle BDF and the segment AB. Let L be the second
point of intersection of the circumcircle of triangle CGE and the segment CA. Suppose that
the lines F K and GL are different and intersect at the point X. Prove that X lies on the
line AO.

3 Solutions of exercises
Problem 3.1 (All-Russian 2007 Grade 11 p2). The incircle of 4ABC touches its sides
BC, AC, AB at the points A1 , B1 , C1 respectively. The segment AA1 intersects the incircle
at the point Q 6= A1 . A line ` through A is parallel to BC. Lines A1 C1 and A1 B1 intersect
` at the points P and R respectively. Prove that ∠P QR = ∠B1 QC1 .

Proof. We first prove that A, P, C1 , Q are concyclic and A, Q, B1 , R are concyclic. Indeed,

∠C1 QA1 = ∠C1 A1 B (tangent chord theorem)

= ∠C1 P A, (AP k BC)

thus A, P, C1 , Q are concyclic. Similarly, A, Q, B1 , R are concyclic. Therefore,

∠P QA = ∠P C1 A = ∠A1 C1 B = ∠A1 QC1 .

∠AQR = ∠AB1 r = ∠CB1 A1 = ∠B1 QA1 ;

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As a result,

∠P QR = ∠P QA + ∠AQR = ∠A1 QC1 + ∠B1 QA1 = ∠B1 QC1 .

Problem 3.2 (APMO 1999 P3). Let Γ1 and Γ2 be two circles intersecting at P and Q. The
common tangent, closer to P , of Γ1 and Γ2 touches Γ1 at A and Γ2 at B. The tangent of Γ1
at P meets Γ2 at C, which is different from P , and the extension of AP meets BC at R.
Prove that the circumcircle of triangle P QR is tangent to BP and BR.

Proof. First, we show that A, B, R, Q are concyclic. Indeed,

∠QBR = ∠QBC = ∠QP C (B,C,Q,P concyclic)

= ∠QAP. (tangent chord theorem)

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Thus, A, B, R, Q are concyclic, implying that ∠P AB = ∠RQB. Moreover, note that by
tangent chord theorem, ∠ABP = ∠BQP . As a result

∠RQP = ∠RQB + ∠BQP = ∠P AB + ∠ABP = ∠RP B. (1)

This means BP is tangent to the the circumcircle (P QR). On the other hand,

∠BRP = ∠BQA (B,R,Q,A concyclic)

= ∠BQP + ∠P QA
= ∠ABP + ∠P AB (tangent chord theorem)
= ∠RP B = ∠RQP. (by (1))

Therefore BR is tangent to (P QR) as well.

Problem 3.3 (IMO 2015 P4). 4ABC has circumcircle Ω and circumcenter O. A circle Γ
with center A intersects the segment BC at points D and E, such that B, D, E, and C are
all different and lie on line BC in this order. Let F and G be the points of intersection of Γ
and Ω, such that A, F , B, C, and G lie on Ω in this order. Let K be the second point of
intersection of the circumcircle of triangle BDF and the segment AB. Let L be the second
point of intersection of the circumcircle of triangle CGE and the segment CA. Suppose that
the lines F K and GL are different and intersect at the point X. Prove that X lies on the
line AO.

Proof. Since F, G = O ∩ A, meaning that AO is the perpendicular bisector of F G. Then

it suffices to prove ∠GF X = ∠XGF . Now introduce two points N = GE ∩ O and

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M = F D ∩ O, then M N k BC ( since ∠GN M = ∠GF M = ∠GF D = ∠GEC). Note that
∠GF X = ∠DF X − ∠DF G = ∠DF K − ∠M F G
= ∠DBK − ∠M BG (D, B, F, K concyclic; A, B, M, G concyclic)
= ∠DBG + ∠GBA − (∠M BC + ∠CBG)
= ∠GBA − ∠M BC
= ∠GF A − ∠M BC. (A, B, F, G concyclic)
Similarly ∠XGF = ∠AGF − ∠N CB. Meanwhile, AF = AG implies that ∠GF A = ∠AGF .
And M N k BC implies that ∠M BC = ∠N CB. Therefore ∠GF X = ∠XGF .
Remark 3.4. Prove that KD ⊥ DG.

4 More Exercises
Time estimated for different levels:
• Elementary : < 0.5 hour;
• Involved: < 1 hour;
• Challenging: 1 − 2 hours;
• Incredible: > 2 hours. (These problems are at the same time elegant and hard, which
contains very rich properties. Try to at least draw a diagram and admire the beauty of
the problem)

4.1 Elementary
Problem 4.1. Let ABC be an acute triangle with circumcenter O. Let D be the feet
of altitude from A and M be the midpoint of the segment BC. Denote by P the feet of
perpendicular from B onto line AO. Prove that P M = M D.
Problem 4.2 (Reim’s theorem). Circles ω1 , ω2 intersect at A, B. Let a line `A through A
intersect ω1 , ω2 at C, E, respectively; another line `B through B intersects ω1 , ω2 at D, F
respectively. Prove CD k EF .
Problem 4.3 (2019 Central American and Caribbean Mathematical Olympiad, P4). Let
ABC be a triangle, Γ its circumcircle and l the tangent to Γ through A. The altitudes from
B and C are extended and meet l at D and E, respectively. The lines DC and EB meet Γ
again at P and Q, respectively. Show that the triangle AP Q is isosceles.
Problem 4.4 (2017 IMO P4). Let R and S be different points on a circle Ω such that RS is
not a diameter. Let ` be the tangent line to Ω at R. Point T is such that S is the midpoint of
the line segment RT . Point J is chosen on the shorter arc RS of Ω so that the circumcircle
Γ of triangle JST intersects ` at two distinct points. Let A be the common point of Γ and `
that is closer to R. Line AJ meets Ω again at K. Prove that the line KT is tangent to Γ.
Problem 4.5 (All Russian 2018 10.2). Let 4ABC be an acute-angled triangle with AB <
AC. Let M and N be the midpoints of AB and AC, respectively; let AD be an altitude in
this triangle. A point K is chosen on the segment M N so that BK = CK. The ray KD
meets the circumcircle Ω of ABC at Q. Prove that C, N, K, Q are concyclic.

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Problem 4.6 (2018 ELMO P4). Let ABC be a scalene triangle with orthocenter H and
circumcenter O. Let P be the midpoint of AH and let T be on line BC with ∠T AO = 90◦ .
Let X be the foot of the altitude from O onto line P T . Prove that the midpoint of P X lies
on the nine-point circle* of 4ABC.
*The nine-point circle of 4ABC is the unique circle passing through the following nine points:
the midpoint of the sides, the feet of the altitudes, and the midpoints of AH, BH, and CH.

Problem 4.7 (Greek TST 2012, P2). Let O be the circumcenter of an acute triangle ABC
(AB < AC < BC). The angle bisector of ∠A meets BC at D. Draw the perpendicular
bisector of AD intersects O at K, L (K lies on the small arc AB). The circle c1 (K, KA)
intersects O at T and the circle c2 (L, LA) intersects O at S. Prove that ∠BAT = ∠CAS.

Problem 4.8 (IMO 2010 Shortlist G1). Let ABC be an acute triangle with D,E,F the feet
of the heights from A,B,C, respectively. Let P be the intersection of F E with the circumcircle.
Let Q be the intersection point of BP and DF . Show that P A = AQ.
Problem 4.9 (HKMO 2002). Two circles meet at points A and B. A line through B
intersects the first circle again at K and the second circle at M . A line parallel to AM is
tangent to the first circle at Q. The line AQ intersects the second circle again at R.
1. Prove that the tangent to the second circle at R is parallel to AK.
2. Prove that these two tangents meet on KM .
Problem 4.10 (IMO ShortList 2002, G1). Let B be a point on a circle S1 , and let A be a
point distinct from B on the tangent at B to S1 . Let C be a point not on S1 such that the
line segment AC meets S1 at two distinct points. Let S2 be the circle touching AC at C and
touching S1 at a point D on the opposite side of AC from B. Prove that the circumcenter of
triangle BCD lies on the circumcircle of triangle ABC.
Problem 4.11 (CSMO 2017 Grade 10 P5). Let ABCD be a cyclic quadrilateral inscribed
in circle O, where AC ⊥ BD. M, N are the midpoint of arc ADC, ABC. DO and AN
intersect each other at G, the line passes through G and parellel to N C intersect CD at K.
Prove that AK ⊥ BM .

4.2 Involved
Problem 4.12 (RMM 2018 P1). Let ABCD be a cyclic quadrilateral an let P be a point
on the side AB. The diagonals AC meets the segments DP at Q. The line through P parallel
to CD mmets the extension of the side CB beyond B at K. The line through Q parallel to
BD meets the extension of the side CB beyond B at L. Prove that the circumcircles of the
triangles BKP and CLQ are tangent .

Problem 4.13 (USA TSTST 2019 P2). Let ABC be an acute triangle with circumcircle
Ω and orthocenter H. Points D and E lie on segments AB and AC respectively, such
that AD = AE. The lines through B and C parallel to DE intersect Ω again at P and Q,
respectively. Denote by ω the circumcircle of 4ADE.
• Show that lines P E and QD meet on ω.

• Prove that if ω passes through H, then lines P D and QE meet on ω as well.

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Problem 4.14 (APMO 2018 P1). Let H be the orthocenter of the triangle ABC. Let M
and N be the midpoints of the sides AB and AC, respectively. Assume that H lies inside the
quadrilateral BM N C and that the circumcircles of triangles BM H and CN H are tangent
to each other. The line through H parallel to BC intersects the circumcircles of the triangles
BM H and CN H in the points K and L, respectively. Let F be the intersection point of
M K and N L and let J be the incenter of triangle M HN . Prove that F J = F A.
Problem 4.15 (ELMO 2018 Shortlist G1). Let ABC be an acute triangle with orthocenter
H, and let P be a point on the nine-point circle of ABC. Lines BH, CH meet the opposite
sides AC, AB at E, F , respectively. Suppose that the circumcircles (EHP ), (F HP ) intersect
lines CH, BH a second time at Q, R, respectively. Show that as P varies along the nine-point
circle of ABC, the line QR passes through a fixed point.
Problem 4.16 (2014 China TST P1). ABCD is a cyclic quadrilateral, with diagonals
AC, BD perpendicular to each other. Let point F be on side BC, the parallel line EF to
AC intersect AB at point E, line F G parallel to BD intersect CD at G. Let the projection
of E onto CD be P , projection of F onto DA be Q, projection of G onto AB be R. Prove
that QF bisects ∠P QR.
Problem 4.17 (2015 Final Korean Mathematical Olympiad Day 2 Problem 4). 4ABC is
an acute triangle and its orthocenter is H. The circumcircle of 4ABH intersects line BC
at D. Lines DH and AC meets at P , and the circumcenter of 4ADP is Q. Prove that the
circumcenter of 4ABH lies on the circumcircle of 4BDQ.
Problem 4.18 (2018 USA TSTST P5). Let ABC be an acute triangle with circumcircle ω,
and let H be the foot of the altitude from A to BC. Let P and Q be the points on ω with
P A = P H and QA = QH. The tangent to ω at P intersects lines AC and AB at E1 and
F1 respectively; the tangent to ω at Q intersects lines AC and AB at E2 and F2 respectively.
Show that the circumcircles of 4AE1 F1 and 4AE2 F2 are congruent, and the line through
their centers is parallel to the tangent to ω at A.
Problem 4.19 (2019 IMO P2). In triangle ABC, point A1 lies on side BC and point B1
lies on side AC. Let P and Q be points on segments AA1 and BB1 , respectively, such that
P Q is parallel to AB. Let P1 be a point on line P B1 , such that B1 lies strictly between P
and P1 , and ∠P P1 C = ∠BAC. Similarly, let Q1 be the point on line QA1 , such that A1 lies
strictly between Q and Q1 , and ∠CQ1 Q = ∠CBA.
Prove that points P, Q, P1 , and Q1 are concyclic.
Problem 4.20 (2016 EGMO P2). Let ABCD be a cyclic quadrilateral, and let diagonals
AC and BD intersect at X.Let C1 , D1 and M be the midpoints of segments CX, DX and
CD, respecctively. Lines AD1 and BC1 intersect at Y , and line M Y intersects diagonals
AC and BD at different points E and F , respectively. Prove that line XY is tangent to the
circle through E, F and X.

4.3 Challenging
Problem 4.21 (Slovenian TST 2018). Let ABCD be a cyclic quadrilateral and let diagonals
AC and BD meet at point E. Circumcircle of ABE intersects the lines AD and BC at
F and G. Let AE and F B meet at P and let EB and AG meet at Q. Let X and Y be
reflections of F and G across the lines AE and EB. Let K be intersection of BD and XP
and let L be the intersection of AC and QY . Prove that KL and AB are parallel.

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Problem 4.22 (2019 Polish Maths Olympiad Camp). In triangle ABC segments: AD,BE,CF
are altitudes. Let M , N be midpoints of segments BF ,CE ,respectively. Denote by P the foot
of perpendicular from A onto line EF . Prove that midpoint of M N lies on perpendicular
bisector of segment DP .
Problem 4.23 (2018 China TST 3 Day 2 Problem 5). Let ABC be a triangle with ∠BAC >
90◦ , and let O be its circumcenter and ω be its circumcircle. The tangent line of ω at A
intersects the tangent line of ω at B and C respectively at point P and Q. Let D, E be the
feet of the altitudes from P, Q onto BC, respectively. F, G are two points on P Q different
from A, so that A, F, B, E and A, G, C, D are both concyclic. Let M be the midpoint of DE.
Prove that DF, OM, EG are concurrent.

5 Incredible
Problem 5.1 (IMO Shortlist 2018 G7). Let O be the circumcentre, and Ω be the circumcircle
of an acute-angled triangle ABC. Let P be an arbitrary point on Ω, distinct from A, B, C,
and their antipodes in Ω. Denote the circumcentres of the triangles AOP , BOP , and COP
by OA , OB , and OC , respectively. The lines `A , `B , `C perpendicular to BC, CA, and AB
pass through OA , OB , and OC , respectively. Prove that the circumcircle of triangle formed
by `A , `B , and `C is tangent to the line OP .
Problem 5.2 (All Russian olympiad 2016, Day2, grade 11,P8). Medians AMA , BMB , CMC
of triangle ABC intersect at M .Let ΩA be circumcircle of triangle passes through midpoint
of AM and tangent to BC at MA .Define ΩB and ΩC analogusly.Prove that ΩA , ΩB and ΩC
intersect at one point
Problem 5.3 (Generalization of IMO 2012 Shortlist G6). Let D, E, F be arbitrary points on
the sides of ABC and D0 , E 0 , F 0 the reflections of D, E, F on the midpoints of the respective
sides. Then the Miquel points M of D, E, F and M 0 of D0 , E 0 , F 0 are equidistant from the
circumcenter of ABC.

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