Trigonometric Ratio In Olympiad Geometry

Trinh Quoc Khanh

Nguyen Binh Khiem High School For The Gifted, Quang Nam, Viet Nam

Romanian Mathematical Magazine

Web: http://www.ssmrmh.ro
The Author: This article is published with open access.
Contents

1 Theorems and properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 Training problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3
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Abstract

When solving olympiad geometry problems, we often need to simplify the hypothesis from

complex things to easy ones, and ratio is a very useful tool to do this work. Furthermore, it

can even make the given statement equivalent to something trivial (like the Law of Sines, etc.).

dedicated to my family and my form teacher for their never-ending inspiration

1 Theorems and properties

DB AB sin∠DAB
1. Given a triangle ABC, with D ∈ BC, we have: = .
DC AC sin∠DAC

B D C

1
DB [ABD] AB.AD.sin∠DAB AB sin∠DAB
Proof. We have: = = 2 = . .
DC [ACD] 1 AC sin∠DAC
AC.AD.sin∠DAC
2

− This is a fundamental yet crucial property if you want to utilize the ratio tool to solve a

geometry problem since it links the segment lengths to the trigonometric expression of angles.

If you like dealing with geometry length, think about whether there are any unique configura-

tions, such as obtuse triangles, opposite directed segments, etc. Otherwise, your answer might

not be correct.
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To establish collinearity, we have some ideas:

DE AD
2. Given a triangle ABC, D ∈ AB, DE ∥ BC, we have: E ∈ AC ⇔ =
BC AB

D E

B C

Hint. Let AE intersect BC at C ′ . Prove that C ≡ C ′ .

This can be used in conjunction with the Thales theorem to prove collinearity in issues where

there are a number of parallel lines, which is sometimes very helpful.

3. Menelaus and Ceva theorem

• Menelaus theorem

B C D

Given a triangle ABC. The points D, E, F lie on the lines BC, CA, AB, respectively. From

here D, E, F are collinear if and only if:

F A DB EC
· · =1
F B DC EA
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• Ceva theorem
A

E
F

B D C

Given a triangle ABC, the points D, E, F lie on BC, CA, AB, respectively. So AD, BE, CF

are concurrent if and only if:

F A DB EC
· · = −1
F B DC EA
Please pay close attention to the trigonometric version of the Ceva Theorem (it’s important!)

AD, BE, CF are concurrent if and only if:

sin ∠BAD sin ∠ACF sin ∠CBE

. . =1
sin ∠CAD sin ∠BCF sin ∠ABE

As I previously stated, ratio expressions allow us to connect the segment lengths and trig version

of angles. You can review numbers 1 and 3 to have a better understanding of this connection.

Let’s look at some instances to see how 1,2,3 perform in order to have a better understanding

of how trigonometric ratio transforming works (Practice is the key to learning a new skill).
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2 Examples
Example 1. Given a triangle ABC, denote (I) by the incircle, and it is tangent to

BC, CA, AB at D, E, F .

Prove that: EF, ID and the A-median of △ABC are concurrent.

E
K
F
I

B D M′ C

By letting ID cross EF at K and demonstrating that AK passes through the midpoint of BC,

we may determine the relationship between segment lengths and trignometry without having to

prove that these three lines are concurrent directly.

Solution. Let ID intersect EF at K, and AK intersect BC at M ′ , we will prove that M ′ is

the midpoint of BC.

KF AF sin F AK sin F AK sin BAM ′ AC BM ′
We have: = . = = = .
KE AE sin EAK sin EAK sin CAM ′ AB CM ′

KF IE sin F IK sin F IK sin ABC AC

On the other hand: = . = = =
KE IF sin EIK sin EIK sin ACB AB

AC BM ′ AC
So we have: . ′
= =⇒ M ′ B = M ′ C =⇒ M ′ is the midpoint of BC □
AB CM AB
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Example 2. Given △ABC inscribed in (O), (I) be the incircle. The incircle touch

BC, CA, AB at D, E, F , respectively. H is a point on EF such that: DH is perpendicular

to EF . The line AH intersects (O) the second time at G.

Prove that: GD is the angle bisector of ∠BGC.

E
H
F
I O

T
B D C

GB DB GB
So we need to prove that = , and let’s think, can be expressed in the form of
GC DC GC
sin BAG DB
, and of course is too simple for us.
sin CAG DC
Solution. Let EF intersect BC at T .

We have: (T D, BC) = −1, but HD ⊥ HT

=⇒ HD is the internal bisector of ∠BHC

DB HB
=⇒ = .
DC HC
We also have a common properties: △BHF ∼ △CHE, so by Example 1:

DB HB HF sin F AH sin BAG sin BCG GB

= = = = = =
DC HC HE sin EAH sin CAG sin CBG GC

And then we are done.

Remark. To prove that △BHF ∼ △CHE, we choose points M, N on EF such that BM, CN

are both perpendicular to EF , then we need △BF M ∼ △CEN

BF BM BD BH
Then from = = = , △BHF ∼ △CHE is easily established by S − A − S □
CE CN CD CH
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Example 3. Let I be the incenter of △ABC. P is the midpoint of arc BC that does not

contain A. P ′ is the reflection point of P through BC. H is the orthocenter of △BIC.

Prove that: AH, IP ′ , BC are concurrent.

A
E
P′
K
F O
I

T B D Q M C

Like Example 2, we just let AH intersects BC at T , and prove that T, I, P ′ are collinear, but

notice that ID ∥ P ′ M , consequently, this brings to mind Property 2 as from the beginning..

Solution. Let AH intersects BC at T , ID intersects EF at K, and AI intersects BC at Q.

TD ID ID QD
We need to prove that: = ′ , but ′ = .
TM PM PM QM
TD QD
This means we want to have: = , or (T Q, DM ) = −1. By the result of Example 1,
TM QM
we have: A, K, M are collinear.

Take A as the projection center: A(T Q, DM ) = A(HI, DK) = −1 (Since BI and CH intersect

on EF , and CI and BH intersect on EF ).

In conclusion: We have (T Q, DM ) = −1, and that results in the desired goal.

To demonstrate the strength of this tool, let’s try some more challenging problems:
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Example 4. Given an acute triangle ABC inscribed in (O) with H be the ortho-

center. AH, BH, CH cuts BC, CA, AB at D, E, F and I, M, N are the midpoints of

BC, HB, HC. BH, CH cuts (O) at L, K(L ̸= B, K ̸= C); KL cuts M N at G.

1. We choose a point T on EF such that AT ⊥ IH. Prove that: GT ⊥ OH.

2. DE, DF cut M N at P, Q, respectively. Let S be the intersection point of BQ, CP .

Prove that: HS bisects EF .

A
L

E
S1 K
F H
O
G M N

J T B D I C

Solution.

1) Let S1 be the intersection point of GT and HO, according to the hypothesis, AT goes

through the intersection point of (AH) and (O), and T lies on EF

So by the Radical axis theorem for (AH), (O), (EF BC): T ∈ BC.
JG CN JT KF
We have: = ; = (By Thales therem)
JK CK JC KC

JG JC CN CK CN
=⇒ . = . =
JT JK CK KF KF

JG CN JK CN KB CN KH CH KH CH
=⇒ = . = . (Since △JKB ∼ △JCL)= . = . =
JT KF JC KF LC KF LH KH LH LH
Now we will prove that: △JGT ∼ △AHO

But we already have: ∠HAO = ∠T JG (Because AO ⊥ JL and AD ⊥ JD), so it seems sense

AH JG AL CH
to prove that: = , or = (AL = AH), and it’s true since △AOL ∼ △HCL.
AO JT AO LH
So: △JGT ∼ △AHO =⇒ ∠AHO = ∠JT G =⇒ T S1 HD is a cyclic quadrilateral □
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2) This appears to be an impossible question to answer using a trigonometric ratio, right?

But let’s give it a try, though.

E
X
F
H
Y S Z
M N
Q P
B D C

To support your ideas, you may occasionally need to construct objects like parallel and perpen-

dicular lines. Keep in mind that ratios are not always obvious for you to transform.

Solution.

2) Let X be the intersection point of HS and EF . We will prove that X is the midpoint of

EF .
XE HE sin EHX HE sin BHS SY sin BHS HY
We have: = . = . , and = .
XF HF sin F HX HF sin CHS SZ sin CHS HZ

XE SY HE HZ SY HE HC
=⇒ = . . = . .
XF SZ HF HY SZ HF HB
So all we need to do is to prove that:

SY HE HC
. . =1
SZ HF HB
SY BS SZ CS SY N P BS CP
Indeed, = ; = (By Thales Theorem) =⇒ . = . = 1 (Thales
MQ BQ N P CP SZ M Q BQ CS
SY MQ
theorem again) =⇒ =
SZ NP

MQ sin M HQ N H sin N P H
Similar to the ”trick” above: = ; =
MH sin M QH N P sin N HP
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MQ NH sin M HQ sin N P H
=⇒ . = .
NP MH sin M QH sin N HP
We easily have: △HP Q is isosceles =⇒ ∠M QH = ∠N P H

MQ NH sin M HQ
=⇒ . = , but notice that: ∠M HQ = ∠M DF = ∠BDF − ∠M DB =
NP MH sin N HP
∠BHF − ∠M BD = ∠BHF − ∠HF E = ∠HEF

And similarly: ∠N HP = ∠HF E

MQ NH sin HEF SY MQ M H sin HEF HB sin HEF

So . = =⇒ = = . = .
NP MH sin HF E SZ NP N H sin HF E HC sin HF E
So the thing that we need for this problem is deduced to:

HB sin HEF HE HC
. . . =1
HC sin HF E HF HB

which is trivial by the Law of Sines.

Remark on section 2.
− The skill you must master is computing the difficult-to-bash terms using the way

in which they can cancel one another out while multiplying.

− Sound ethereal? Try to solve more problems using ratio transforming, and after

each problem you solve, think about the sentence above again!
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3 Training problems

1.(MEMO 2016) Let ABC be an acute triangle for which AB ̸= AC, and let O be its cir-

cumcenter. Line AO meets the circumcircle of ABC again in D, and the line BC in E. The

circumcircle of CDE meets the line CA again in P . The lines P E and AB intersect in Q. Line

passing through O parallel to the line P E intersects the A-altitude of ABC at F .

Prove that: F P = F Q.

2.(ISL 2015) Let ABC be an acute triangle with orthocenter H. Let G be the point such

that the quadrilateral ABGH is a parallelogram. Let I be the point on the line GH such that

AC bisects HI. Suppose that the line AC intersects the circumcircle of the triangle GCI at C

and J.

Prove that: IJ = AH.

3.(CHKMO 2021) Let ABCD be a cyclic quadrilateral inscribed in Γ such that AB = AD.

Let E be a point on the segment CD such that BC = DE. The line AE intersect Γ again at

F . The chords AC and BF meet at M . Let P be the symmetric point of C about M .

Prove that: P E and BF are parallel.

4.(Adapted from VIASM Summer Camp 2022) Given an acute not isosceles triangle

ABC inscribed in (O). Choose points M, N, P on AB, BC, CA such that AM N P is a paral-

lelogram. The segment CM cuts N P at E, the segment BP cuts N M at F . The segment BE

cuts CF at D.

Prove that: A, D, N are collinear.

5.(Iranian TST 2020) Given a triangle ABC with circumcircle Γ. Points E and F are the

foot of angle bisectors of B and C, I is incenter and K is the intersection of AI and EF . Sup-

pose that T be the midpoint of arc BAC. Circle Γ intersects the A-median and circumcircle

of AEF for the second time at X and S. Let S ′ be the reflection of S across AI and J be the

second intersection of circumcircle of AS ′ K and AX.

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Prove that: the quadrilateral T JIX is cyclic.

6.(Baltic Way 2021) Let D be the foot of the A-altitude of an acute triangle ABC. The

internal bisector of the angle DAC intersects BC at K. Let L be the projection of K onto AC.

Let M be the intersection point of BL and AD. Let P be the intersection point of M C and

DL.

Prove that: P K is perpendicular to AB.

7.(Vietnamese Northern Delta And Coastal Area Olympiad 2022) Given a triangle

ABC inscribed in (O), AB < AC and the internal angle bisector of ∠BAC intersects BC, (O)

at D, E, respectively. M is the midpoint of AD. BM intersects (O) at P (P ̸= B). EP cuts

AC at N .

1. Prove that: N is the midpoint of AC

2. Assume that (EM N ) cuts BM at R (R ̸= M ).

Prove that: RA ⊥ RC.

8.(Vietnamese HSGS Olympiad 2022) Given a non-isosceles triangle ABC, (I) is its

incircle. (I) touch BC, CA, AB at D, E, F , respectively. The lines IB, IC cuts EF at M, N ,

respectively. Choose points P, Q on IC, IB such that M P and N Q are perpendicular to BC.

1. Prove that: BP, CQ, ID are concurrent at a point, let its name T .

2. Let ID intersects P Q at Y , EP intersects F Q at Z.

Prove that: EQ, F P, AT, Y Z are concurrent.

9.(Iranian TST 2021) In acute scalene triangle ABC the external angle bisector of ∠BAC

meet BC at point X.Lines lb and lc which tangents of B and C with respect to (ABC).The line

pass through X intersects lb and lc at points Y and Z respectively. Let (AY B) ∩ (AZC) = N

and lb ∩ lc = D.

Prove that: N D is angle bisector of ∠Y N Z.

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10.(Iranian TST 2017) In triangle ABC let O and H be the circumcenter and the orthocen-

ter. The point P is the reflection of A with respect to OH. Assume that P is not on the same

side of BC as A. Points E, F lie on AB, AC respectively such that BE = P C , CF = P B. Let

K be the intersection point of AP, OH.

Prove that: ∠EKF = 90◦

11.(IMO 2010) Let P be a point interior to triangle ABC (with CA ̸= CB). The lines AP ,

BP and CP meet again its circumcircle Γ at K, L, respectively M . The tangent line at C to

Γ meets the line AB at S.

Prove that: if SC = SP , then M K = M L.

12.(ISL 2012) Let ABC be an acute-angled triangle and let D, E, and F be the feet of alti-

tudes from A, B, C to sides BC, CA, AB, respectively. Denote by ωB and ωC the incircles of

triangles BDF and CDE, and let these circles be tangent to segments DF and DE at M and

N , respectively. Let line M N meet circles ωB and ωC again at P ̸= M and Q ̸= N , respectively.

Prove that: M P = N Q.

13.(Sharygin 2013) The altitudes AA1 , BB1 , CC1 of an acute triangle ABC concur at H.

The perpendicular lines from H to B1 C1 , A1 C1 meet rays CA, CB at P, Q respectively.

Prove that: the line from C perpendicular to A1 B1 passes through the midpoint of P Q.

14.(ISL 2017) Let ABCDE be a convex pentagon such that AB = BC = CD, ∠EAB =

∠BCD, and ∠EDC = ∠CBA.

Prove that: the perpendicular line from E to BC and the lines AC and BD are concurrent.
Bibliography

[1] AoPS Community: https://artofproblemsolving.com/community

[2] Trinh Quoc Khanh’s Math Olympiad Blog: https://llwys.blogspot.com

[3] Geometry problems from IMO (Shortlists), MEMO, Baltic Way, Sharygin, Ira-

nian TST, CHKMO, Vietnamese Math Contests For High School Students, ...

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