Orthocenter Bonanza

Aditya Khurmi∗†

Orthocenter is one of the favorite points in Olympiad Geometry. Here, we list some common
configurations which they are associated with, with loads of problems in the end (you might have
seen many, but this time try to associate them with the lemmas provided, and see how the tables
turn!). Some (many) of these might be known to the reader, or might be trivial to prove, but even
the most trivial properties are very useful in finding elegant solutions! There are many (really many)
properties of the orthocenter, which can be found in the references section, but I decided to include
the ones that I encountered the most while solving Olympiad Geometry problems. Enjoy!
Also, I would like to thank the user Synthetic Potato [9] for his helpful suggestions, contributions
and ideas.

‡ A Salad of Configurations

A l

E
S

P N

X O
H
F

C
K D
B M

H2
H1

Figure 1: The Big Picture

There’s a lot going on in the figure, and we will prove these results in a series of lemmas.
Firstly, we define each point (and some notations):
∗ Wizard 32 on AoPS
† [email protected]

1
• A, B, C are the standard vertices of the main triangle, 6 CAB = α, 6 ABC = β and 6 BCA = γ.
• D, E, F are the feet of the A, B, C altitudes respectively and H is the orthocenter, while
M, N, P are the midpoints of BC, CA, AB respectively.
• (k) represents the circumcircle of ’k’,z ∩ w represents the intersection of z and w. Note that
all the angles used are directed and considered modulo 180o , unless otherwise specified.
• H1 = HD ∩(ABC) 6= A, K = EF ∩BC, H2 = HM ∩(ABC) on the arc BC not containing
A.
• B 0 , C 0 represents the antipodes of B, C with respect to (ABC).
• l is a line parallel to BC through A and S is midpoint of AH.
• O is the center of (ABC) with radius R. Also, RLM N represents the radius of (LM N ).

It is worth noting the interesting (and useful) duality:

If H is the orthocenter of 4ABC, then A is also the orthocenter of 4HBC, and
similar results for B and C.

Lemma 1.1: The reflection of H over BC lies on (ABC).

P roof : This is just angle chasing;
6 H1 BC = 6 H1 AC = 6 DAC = 90o + 6 DCA = 90o + 6 BCE = 6 CBE = 6 DBH and so H1 is the
reflection of H over BC, which, by definition, lies on (ABC). Hence we are done.
[I am again reminding the reader that the angles are directed and consider modulo 180o .]

Lemma 1.2 The reflection of H over M lies on (ABC), which is the point H2 , and
further AH2 is a diameter of (ABC).
P roof : This is again simply angle chasing, but has a rather nice proof using complex numbers
(vectors also work) which I present: (small letter represent complex numbers)
Set the circumcenter of ABC to be the origin. Let the reflection be J. Then clearly, BHCJ is a
parallelogram.
Thus, j = b + c − h = −a and so |j| = | − a| = |a| = R along with |AJ| = |a − j| = 2|a| = 2R and
hence both the results follow.

Lemma 1.3: |DM | = Rsin(β − γ).

P roof : Note that 6 DAO = α − (6 BAD + 6 CAO) = 180o − β − γ − 2(90o − β) = β − γ and by
lemma 2, A, O, H2 are collinear so we get 6 H1 AH2 = β − γ.
Hence, by applying the sine rule to 4H1 AH2 , we get |H1 H2 | = 2Rsin(β − γ).
In 4HH1 H2 , DM is the midline by lemma 1.1 and 1.2 and so |DM | = Rsin(β − γ), as desired.

Lemma 1.4: RBHC = RCHA = RAHB = R

P roof : By the sine rule applied to 4BHC, we get
2RBHC = |BC|csc(180o − α) = |BC|cscα = 2R, giving the result.
The others follows similarly.

Lemma 1.5: AH k OM and |AH| = 2|OM |

P roof : It is clear that they are parallel, since the both are perpendicular to BC.
By right 4BOM , we get |OM | = |BO|cosα = Rcosα and by the sine rule applied to 4AHB, we
get |AH| = 2RcosA, since RAHB = R by lemma 1.4.
Hence, |AH| = 2|OM |.
Or, we can directly use complex numbers for the second part;
|AH| = |a − (a + b + c)| = |b + c| = 2|OM |, if we set O to be the origin of the complex plane.

Lemma 1.6: (The Nine Point Circle) The midpoints of AH, BH, CH and the points
D, E, F, M, N, P are all concyclic. The center of this circle is the midpoint of O and H,
with radius = 0.5R. Also, |SM | = R.
P roof : One elegant proof is by considering a homothety centered at H with ratio 0.5, and then
using lemma 1.1 and 1.2. But here we provide a different proof using complex numbers:
Consider the point N9 to be the midpoint of OH, and set O to be the origin of the complex plane.
We will show that N9 is equidistant from all the nine points (in fact, by symmetry, showing it for 3
suffices)

2
Then
a + b + c 1 a R
|N9 M | = |n9 − m| = − (b + c) = =
2 2 2 2

a + b + c 1 −a R
|N9 S| = |n9 − s| = − (a + b + c + a) = =
2 2 2 2

a + b + c 1 bc bc R
|N9 D| = |n9 − d| = − a+b+c− = =
2 2 a 2a 2
and so the result follows. (|SM | = R can also be easily shown in a similar fashion.)
Another really nice proof for the mipdoints is to note that since (K, D; B, C) = −1, hence
KF · KE =(BF EC) KB · KC = KD · KM and so M lies on (DEF ). Similarly, the other
midpoints lie on this circle.

Lemma 1.7: The points B, F, E, C are concyclic with center M .

P roof : Trivial.

Lemma 1.8: The points A, H, F, E are concyclic with center S.

P roof : Trivial.

Lemma 1.9: Let Y be a point on AD. Then AD · Y D = BD · DC if and only if Y is the

orthocenter of 4ABC.
P roof : Reflect Y over BC. We know (by lemma 1.1) that Y lies on (ABC) if and only if Y = H.
The rest is just Power of a Point on quadrilateral ABY 0 C, where Y 0 is the reflection of Y .

Lemma 1.10: M H ⊥ AX
P roof : This follows by Brocard’s theorem on cyclic quadrilateral F ECB which has the center M
(lemma 1.7). (A different proof without Brocard’s can be found in the following section.)

Lemma 1.11: (The Three Tangents Lemma) M F, M E and l are all tangent to
(AF HE).
P roof : Note that by right 4BF C, we get |F M | = |M C|. Also by right 4EBC, we get
|EM | = |M C|. Hence, |F M | = |M E| and so 4M F E is isosceles.
Now, we know that F DM E are concyclic by lemma 1.6, and thus 6 EM F = 6 EDF = 180o − 2α,
and so 6 M F E = 6 F EM = α = 6 F AE, and so M F, M E are tangent to (AF E).
Now, S is the center of (AF E) (by lemma 1.8) and since A, S, D are collinear, hence
DA ⊥ l ⇒ SA ⊥ l, and thus l is tangent to (AF E), as desired.
Another proof for the first two tangents uses the fact that M is the antipode of S with respect to
the nine point circle, which gives us 6 SP M = 6 SEM = 90o , and since S is the center of
(AF HE), we are done.

Lemma 1.12: The points K, H1 , M, A are concyclic.

P roof : It suffices to show DK · DM = DA · DH1 = DB · DC, by Power of a point This can now
be done by some trigonometric computations, as |DM | = Rsin(β − γ) = by lemma 1.3. Now, note
that
csin(β − γ) |DB|sin(β − γ)
|DM | = Rsin(β − γ) = =
2sinγ 2cosβ · sinγ
And finally,

sin(π − 2β) sinγ sin(2β) |DC|cosβ · sinγ
|DK| = |DE| · = |DC| · =
sin(β − γ) sinβ sin(β − γ) sin(β − γ)

where the first equality follows from applying sine rule to 4DKE and the second one by 4DEC.
Multiplying these two, we get the desired result. [The reader is requested to fill in the easy angle
chasing details]
A synthetic proof goes something like this:
It suffices to show DK · DM = DA · DH1 = DA · DH, as DH = DH1 by lemma 1.1.
Now, by Brocard’s theorem (or say, lemma 1.10, or even lemma 2.1) we get that H is also the
orthocenter of 4AM K. Thus, by lemma 1.9 on 4AM K, we get AD · DH = KD · DM ,
completing the proof.
Note that this also gives us that AD is the radical axis of (ABC) ad (M AK).

3
Lemma 1.13 (Euler line) The Orthocenter, Centroid and the Circumcenter (and in
fact the nine-point center too) are collinear. Further, 2|OG| = |GH|, where G is the
centroid.
P roof : Consider a homothety centered at G with ratio −2. This sends the medial triangle to
4ABC. Now, it is easy to show that O is the orthocenter of the medial triangle, and so the image
of O is H, giving the result.
Another method is using vectors. Set O to be the origin. Then it is easy to show that ḡ = ā+3b̄+c̄
and then use (h̄ − ā) · (b̄ − c̄) = 0. Here, it is easy to see that h = ā + b̄ + c̄ works. Now the result is
almost trivial.
[We derived the coordinates of these well known points again, since the popular method of
originally finding them is using the Euler line. So, using the Euler line to prove the Euler line isn’t
fair, is it? Hence we gave an independent method from scrap.]

Lemma 1.14: |OH|2 = R2 (1 − 8cosαcosβcosγ)

P roof : Note that the power of H with respect to (ABC) is |OH|2 − R2 .
Now, we know by lemma 1.4 that RBHA = R and so by the law of sines applied to 4ABH, we get

AH = 2Rsin(90o − α) = 2Rcosα

(This quantity is also important to know)

Also, by 4BHD, we get |HD| = |BH|sin(90o − γ) = |BH|cosγ = 2Rcosβcosγ.
Hence, Power of H with respect to (ABC) is |AH| · |HH1 | = 2|AH| · HD = 8R2 cosαcosβcosγ.
Hence, |OH|2 − R2 = 8R2 cosαcosβcosγ, as desired.

4
‡ A Special point
Here, we talk about the Miquel point of the (cyclic) quadrilateral BF EC. This point shows up
many times in Olympiad problems, where it is usually defined by one of its properties listed below,
but in fact, it comes free with many more! Try to recognize them!

E
X

K C
D M
B

Figure 2: The Miquel Point X

Consider the point X = M H ∩ (ABC) which is not the antipode of A. This special point
possesses many properties:
All these are concurrent at X: (KBF ), (AEF H), (ABC), (M BE), (KCE), (F M C), AK, M H.
Further, M H ⊥ AK.
Many of these can be proved by the properties of the Miquel point, but we prove these indepen-
dently.

Lemma 2.1 X lies on M H, (ABC), (AEF H). Further, M H ⊥ AK.

P roof : Recall that X lies on M H and (ABC) by definition.
Now, by lemma 1.2, H2 also lies on HM and is the antipode of A. Hence,
6 HXA = 6 H2 XA = 90o as AH2 is a diameter. Thus, M H ⊥ AK. Also 6 HXA = 6 HEA
implying that X lies on (AEF H).

Lemma 2.2 K lies on AX.

P roof : Now, AX, EF and BC are the radical axes of (BF EC), (AEF X) and (ABC), hence
they are concurrent. But since EF ∩ BC = K, hence K lies on AX.

Lemma 2.3 X lies on (KEC).

P roof : Now we show that KXEC is cyclic. This follows since 6 KEC = 6 F EC = 180o − β, as
BF EC is cyclic (by lemma 7) and
6 KXC = 6 KXM + 6 M XC = 90o + 6 H2 XC = 900 + 6 H2 AC = 90o + 6 OAC = 180o −β = 6 KEC,
and so X lies on (KEC).

5
Lemma 2.4 X lies on (F BK).
P roof : By using the result above and lemma 7, we get by Power of a Point
AX · AK = AE · AC = AF · AB, thus giving XF BK is cyclic too.

Lemma 2.5 X lies on (BM E).

P roof : By lemma 2.1, X lies on (ABC) and thus 6 KXB = γ. Also, by lemma 2.1 we know
6 KXM = 90o and thus 6 BXM = 90o − γ.
Also, M is the center of (BEC) by lemma 1.7, and thus
|M E| = |M B| ⇒ 6 BEM = 900 − γ = 6 BXM , implying that XEM B is cyclic, as desired.

Lemma 2.6 X lies on (F M C).

P roof : By the lemma above, we know that HX · HM = HB · HE by Power of a Point.
But also by lemma 1.7, we know that BF EC is cyclic giving HM · HM = HB · HE = HF · HC
and so XF M C is cyclic, as desired.

Lemma 2.7 Let XD meet (ABC) again at P . Then AP is the A−symmedian.

P roof : Note that AXDM is cyclic. Also, if A0 is the antipode of A w.r.t (ABC), then A0 lies on
HM . Hence 6 DAM = 6 DEM = 6 P AA0 and so AP is a symmedian.
Now, we know that this point has many special properties, which will make our work easier... if
this point is given in the question. But what if not?
Here is a way to bring this point out: √
An inversion centered at A with radius AH · HD sends EF ∩BC to this point! And EF ∩BC is
in general, a commonly occurring point, and a useful construction (complete quadrilaterals anyone?)
Just as a side note, the point K itself is often a really useful construction, since one of it most
important property (that gives it its sanctity) is the fact that (KDBC) is harmonic, which often
helps us find many lines that concur at K! See, for instance, problem 21.
√
Another point(literally) worth noting is the image of M under I(A, AH · AD). It is often called
the HM -point and has a ton of useful properties. A document worth reading related to HM points
is in the references [3]

6
‡ Simson and Steiner
The Simson Line is formed from a really interesting collinearity, and is closely related to the ortho-
center by the Steiner line.

A P

Y
H
M

B D E Z C

H1

Figure 3: The P -Simson line of 4ABC

So the Simson line is defined as follows:

Consider any point P on (ABC). Then the feet of the perpendiculars from P to
the respectives sides of the triangle are collinear, and the line they determine is called
the P -simson line of 4ABC
P roof : Note that the quadrilaterals ABCP , P Y ZC, P XAY and P XBZ are all cyclic. Thus,

6 XY A = 6 XP A = 90o +6 XAP = 90o +6 BAP = 90o +6 BCP = 90o +6 ZCP = 90o +6 ZY P = 6 ZY C

giving the desired collinearity.

It is worth nothing that the converse of the above theorem is also true; i.e. These projections
are collinear if and only if P lies on (ABC).

Now, time for the really important Steiner line:

Let R, S, T be the reflections of P over the sides BC, CA and AB respectively. Then
R, S, T, H are collinear, where H is the orthocenter of 4ABC.
As some readers might have noticed, the Steiner line is obtained from the Simson line by a
homothety centered at P with ratio 2. Then how is it any useful? The fact that the orthocenter lies
on the Steiner line makes it, if not as useful, even more useful than the Simson line.
This leads to another form of the Steiner line; mentioned below
If H is the orthocenter of a 4ABC and P is an point on (ABC), then the P -Simson
line (which we call l) bisects P H.
P roof : This theorem is kind of hard to prove synthetically, but I present a beautiful proof
following the idea from Honsberger:

7
Let H1 represent the reflection of H over BC. By Lemma 1.1, we know that this point lies on
(ABC). Let P H1 ∩ BC = E.
Now, since P Y ZC is cyclic, hence 6 Y ZE = 6 Y P C = 90o + 6 Y CP = 90o + 6 ACP = 90o +
6 AH1 P = 90o + 6 DH1 E = 6 DEH1 = 6 HED, where the last part follows since 4HEH1 is isosceles.
Thus, we get that HE k l.
Now, if M is the midpoint of P E, then 4M ZE is isosceles (since P ZE is right angled) and so
6 HED = 6 DEH1 = 6 ZEM = 6 M ZE and thus M Z k HE. Thus, M lies on l.
Now since l is parallel to HE and M (which lies on l) is the midpoint of P E, hence we get that
l is the P -midline of 4P HE and so l bisects P H, as desired.
Remember, Perpendiculars and reflections over two sides are an infamous method of hiding
the Simson and the Steiner line. Do not forget these two words!

8
‡ The Orthic triangle
The orthic triangle is the triangle formed by the feet of the altitudes.

P N
H

B
D M C

Figure 4: The Orthic Triangle

Though an obvious result from the Lemma 1.6, it is worth to keep in mind that
The circumcircle of the orthic triangle is the Nine-Point Circle, and hence passes
through the midpoints of the sides of the main triangle.

Lemma 4.1 H is the incenter of the orthic triangle.

P roof : Note that since F HDB is cyclic, hence 6 HDF = 6 HBF = 6 EBA = 90o + 6 CAB and
6 EDH = 6 ECH = 6 ACF = 90o + 6 CAB and so DH bisects angle F DE.
Similarly, we get that F H bisects 6 DF E and so H is the the incenter of the orthic triangle.
The above result can also be directly prove by Blanchet’s theorem, which we will soon talk about.

Lemma 4.2: A, B, C are the D, E, F -excenters of the orthic triangle 4DEF , respec-
tively
P roof : Since (DEF ) is the Nine-Point circle, hence it passes through X, Y, Z, i.e. the mid-
points of AH, BH, CH respectively.
Now, by lemma 4.1, H is the incenter of 4DEF , and by a well known lemma, X is the midpoint
of the incenter (i.e. H) and the D-excenter. Thus, the D-excenter is A. Similarly we get that B, C
are the E, F excenters.

Fun fact: The Orthic triangle is the triangle with the minimum perimeter, whose
vertices lie on the 3 sides of the triangle.
P roof : Since 6 EDH = 6 HDF, 6 DF H = 6 HF E and 6 F EH = 6 HED, hence the orthic
triangle is a ray of light, which thus covers the shortest path!

9
Another proof is by reflecting D over AB and AC, and considering the case when these reflections
form a straight line with E, F , and then using lemma 4.2.

Lemma 4.3: (Sides of the orthic triangle) |EF | = Rsin(2α), |F D| = Rsin(2β) and |DE| =
Rsin(2γ)
P roof : By the sine rule on 4AF E, we get

sin(α) sin(α) b 1
|F E| = |AF | · = bcosα · = cosαsinα · = sin(2α) (2R) = Rsin(2α)
sinβ sinβ sinβ 2

and the other results follow similarly.

Hence, the perimeter of the orthic triangle (which is the minimum amongst other such triangles)
is
abc 2[ABC]
R(sin(2α) + sin(2β) + sin(2γ)) = 4Rsin(α)sin(β)sin(γ) = 2
=
2R R
where [ABC] is the area of 4ABC.

10
‡ An Altitude Configuration

J
M

B D P C
E

IA

Figure 5: Midpoint of the Altitude

Here, define M to be the midpoint of the altitude AD, I to be the incenter of 4ABC, P, E to be the
contact point of the incircle, A − excircle with BC, respectively. IA is the center of the A-excircle.

Lemma 5.1 M, I and E are collinear.

P roof : Let J be the reflection of P over I. It is well known that this point lies on AE.
Now, since JP k AD, we find a homothety centered at E taking 4EJP to 4EAD, and so the
midpoint of P J, i.e. I, has the image M , i.e. the midpoint of AD. Hence, E, I and M are collinear,
as desired.

Lemma 5.2: M, P and IA are collinear.

P roof : Note that AD k IA E and so there exists a homothety centered at P taking 4P AD to
4P Y E, where Y is the antipode of E with respect to the A-excircle.
(Here we used the well known fact that A, P, Y are collinear. If you don’t know this, then try a
homothety centerd at A taking the incircle to the A-excircle.)
Hence, the midpoint of the original altitude (M ) goes to the midpoint of the new altitude (IA ).
Hence, these points are collinear, as desired.

11
‡ Isogonal conjugates and Pedal triangles
Here, we include three useful properties of isogonal conjugates and pedal triangles that are general-
izations of certain properties of orthocenters.

Theorem 6.1 Let P be a point in the plane of 4ABC and let XY Z be the pedal triangle
of ABC, i.e. X, Y, Z are the projections of P on BC, CA, AB respectively. Then the
perpendiculars from A, B, C to Y Z, ZX, XY respectively are concurrent at the isogonal
conjugate of P with respect to ABC
P roof : This is just angle chasing and left to the reader.

Theorem 6.2 Let P be a point in the plane of 4ABC and let D0 , E 0 , F 0 be the reflections
of P over BC, CA, AB. Then the isogonal conjugate Q of P with respect to ABC is the
circumcenter of D0 E 0 F 0 .
P roof : Consider a homothety centered at P with ratio 1/2. This sends D0 E 0 F 0 to the pedal
triangle of P , and so by theorem 6.1, AQ, BQ, CQ are perpendicular to the sides of 4D0 E 0 F 0 .
Now, AF 0 = AP = AE 0 and AQ ⊥ E 0 F 0 . Hence, Q lies on the perpendicular bisector of E 0 F 0 .
Similarly Q lies on the perpendicular bisectors of the other sides and so is the circumcenter of
4D0 E 0 F 0 .
Now comes a beautiful theorem:

Theorem 6.3 (The Six Point Circle) Let P be a point in the plane of 4ABC Q be the
isogonal conjugate of P with respect to ABC. Let DEF, XY Z denote the pedal triangles
of P, Q respectively with respect to ABC. Then D, E, F, X, Y, Z are concyclic point with
respect to 4ABC. Further, the center of this circle is the midpoint of P Q.
P roof : Firstly, reflect P, Q about the sides BC, CA, AB and let the images by D0 , E 0 , F 0 , X 0 , Y 0 , Z 0
respectively. Then by theorem 6.2, we know that Q is the center of (D0 E 0 F 0 ) and P is the center
of (X 0 Y 0 Z 0 ). Hence, a homothety centered at P, Q with ratios 1/2 yeild that U , the mipdoint of
P Q, is the center of both (DEF ) and (XY Z).
Now it suffices to show that these circles coincide and so it suffices to show U D = U X. But
note that P QXD is a trapezium with P D k QX and U is the midpoint of P Q. Hence U lies on the
perpendicular bisector of DX. Hence U is equidistant from D, E, F, X, Y, Z and we are done!

E0

F0
F
P U Q

B D X

D0

12
Time for some application of these results to orthocenters. Firstly, note that the orthocenter(H)
and the circumcenter(O) are isogonal conjugates (this is an extremely useful fact).
Try to prove these yourselves!

Corollary 1: Let DEF denote the orthic triangle of 4ABC. Then AO, BO, CO are perpen-
dicular to the sides of 4DEF .
Corollary 2 (Bevan point): Let ABC be a triangle with A, B, C excenters Ia , Ib , Ic respec-
tively. Further, let D, E, F be the tangency points of the A, B, C excircle with BC, CA, AB respec-
tively. Then Ia D, Ib E, Ic F are concurrent at the circumcenter of Ia Ib Ic . This point is called the
Bevan point of 4ABC.
Corollary 3: The reflections of H over BC, CA, AB lie on (ABC).
Corollary 4: Prove the existence of the nine-point circle.

Now that I have mentioned isogonal lines, I can’t possibly forget to mention the amazing and
incredibly useful Isogonal Line Lemma, which can be found in the references section. [6]

13
‡ Blanchet’s theorem
Here is a marvelous result we present with 2 different, yet beautiful proofs! There is, of course, a
trignometric proof, but I decide to omit it.

Blanchet’s theorem: Let ABC be a triangle with the altitude BY . Let P be any
point on BY . Let AP ∩ BC = X, CP ∩ AB = Z. Then BY is the bisector of 6 ZY X.

P roof 1 : Construct a line l parallel to AC through B. Let Y Z ∩ l = U and Y X ∩ l = W . Then

it suffices to show U B = W B, as U Y B will then be an isosceles triangle with the altitude Y B and
the result would follow.
Firstly, by Ceva’s theorem,
AY XB ZA
= · (1)
YC CX BZ
Now note that 4U ZB ∼ 4Y ZA and 4BW X ∼ 4CY X.
Hence,
XB W B ZA AY
= , = (2)
CX Y C BZ UB
Combining (1) and (2) yields the result.

U B W

X
Z
P

A Y

Figure 6: First proof

P roof 2 : Let Y 0 = ZX ∩ BY and T = ZX ∩ BC. Then since AX, BY, CZ are concurrent
cevians, hence (AC, Y T ) is harmonic. Projecting this onto line ZT (by a perspectivity at B), we
get that (ZX, Y 0 T ) is harmonic. Now it is well known (for instance, via the Appolonius circle) that
Y Y 0 bisects 6 ZY X, and so we are done.
Note that this proof gives us that as P varies over the altitude, the point T remains fixed.

Z
Y0 X

T
A Y C

Figure 7: Second proof

14
We now present a nice generalisation of this result which appeared in the 2003 Indian National
Mathematics Olympiad.

Consider a triangle ABC and an interior point P . Let E, F be the intersection of

BP, CP with AC, AB respectively. Let D be the intersection of AP and EF , and let K
be the projection of D on BC. Then DK bisects 6 F KE.
Proof: The proof is the same, just extend EF and AP to meet BC. A nice non projective proof
can be found in the references [8].
Here’s yet another generalization. It is not so obvious as to how is this one a generalization.
However, try to figure it out!

Let ABC be a triangle and P be a point in the plane of the triangle. Let DEF be
the P −cevian triangle of ABC. Let M be the projection of D on EF . Then DM bisects
6 BM C.
P roof : Let T = EF ∩ BC. Then clearly (T D, BC) is harmonic. Now since 6 DM T = 90o ,
hence by a well known lemma DM bisects 6 BM C.

F
M
P

T B D C

Figure 8: Generalization of Blanchet’s theorem

We won’t dwell much on Blanchet’s theorem, but the interested reader can read up more about
some beautiful applications of this in the book Lemmas in Olympiad Geometry given in the refer-
ences. [2]

15
‡ Problem Pool
Here are some problems. Try to recognize the configurations and relate these to the lemmas. Some
of these problems themselves might be useful lemmas!
Some of these problems might not use these lemmas and just be a standard problem, but these
ones present some interesting and useful ideas, for instance for proving that AP ⊥ BC, you rather
show that P is the orthocenter of 4ABC etc.
Advice: As you might have noticed, complex numbers (or even vectors) are good friends of
Orthocenters ;)

Lemma: Let ABC be an acute triangle and suppose Z is a point on (ABC) with AZ k BC
and Z 6= A. Let G be the centroid of triangle ABC, and by D the foot of the altitude from A to
BC. Prove that D, G, Z are collinear.

Problem 1 ([9] AoPS user Synthetic Potato) Let ABC be an acute triangle. Let ΩA be
the circle with diameter BC. Similarly define ΩB and ΩC . Let AAB be the tangent from A to ΩA ,
closer to B. Similarly define points AC , BA , BC , CA , CB . Then the points AB , AC , BA , BC , CA , CB
lie on a circle.
Problem 2 (USAMO 2010/1) Let AXY ZB be a convex pentagon inscribed in a semi-
circle of diameter AB. Denote by P, Q, R, S the feet of the perpendiculars from Y onto lines
AX, BX, AZ, BZ, respectively. Prove that the acute angle formed by lines P Q and RS is half
the size of 6 XOZ, where O is the midpoint of segment AB.
Problem 3 (IMO 2013/4) Let ABC be an acute triangle with orthocenter H, and let W be
a point on the side BC, lying strictly between B and C. The points M and N are the feet of the
altitudes from B and C, respectively. Denote by ω1 is the circumcircle of BW N , and let X be
the point on ω1 such that W X is a diameter of ω1 . Analogously, denote by ω2 the circumcircle of
triangle CW M , and let Y be the point such that W Y is a diameter of ω2 . Prove that X, Y and H
are collinear.
Problem 4 (Hungarian Olympiad) Let A, B, · · · F be 6 points on a circle. 4ABC and
4DEF is considered a complementary pair of triangles. Consider the lines which connect the
centroid of 1 triangle and the orthocenter of its complementary triangle. Prove that the 20 lines
formed are all concurrent.
Problem 5 Let ABC be a triangle and let D, E, F be the feet of altitudes, with D on BC, E
on CA and F on AB. Let the parallel through D to EF meet AB at X and AC at Y . Let T be
the intersection of EF with BC. Prove that (T XY ) passes through the midpoint of BC.
Problem 6 (USA TSTST 2012) In scalene triangle ABC, let the feet of the perpendiculars
from A to BC, B to CA, C to AB be A1 , B1 , C1 , respectively. Denote by A2 the intersection of
lines BC and B1 C1 . Define B2 and C2 analogously. Let D, E, F be the respective midpoints of
sides BC, CA, AB. Show that the perpendiculars from D to AA2 , E to BB2 and F to CC2 are
concurrent.
Problem 7 (IMO shortlist 1998 G3) Let I be the incenter of triangle ABC. Let K, L and
M be the points of tangency of the incircle of ABC with AB, BC and CA, respectively. The line t
passes through B and is parallel to KL. The lines M K and M L intersect t at the points R and S.
Prove that 6 RIS is acute.
Problem 8 Let ABCD be a cyclic quadrilateral. The line through the midpoint of AB and
perpendicular to CD is called an altitude of the quadrilateral. So, the quadrilateral has 4 conven-
tional altitudes, and 2 unconventional altitudes (the diagonals). Prove that the 4 nine-point circles
(of the 4 non-intersecting triangles formed by the diagonals), 4 Simson lines and the 6 altitudes are
concurrent.
Problem 9 Let AD, BE, CF be the altitudes of a scalene triangle ABC with circumcenter O.
Prove that (AOD), (BOE), and (COF ) intersect at a point X other than O.
Problem 10 (Iran TST 2011/1) In acute triangle ABC, 6 B is greater than 6 C. Let M be
the midpoint of BC and let E and F be the feet of the altitudes from B and C, respectively. Let K
and L be the midpoints of M E and M F , respectively, and let T be on line KL such that T A k BC.
Prove that T A = T M .

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Problem 11 (EGMO 2012/7) Let ABC be an acute-angled triangle with circumcircle Γ and
orthocentre H. Let K be a point of Γ on the other side of BC from A. Let L be the reflection of
K in the line AB, and let M be the reflection of K in the line BC. Let E be the second point of
intersection of Γ with the circumcircle of triangle BLM . Show that the lines KH, EM and BC are
concurrent.
Problem 12 (IMO shortlist 2000 G3) Let O be the circumcenter and H the orthocenter
of an acute triangle ABC. Show that there exist points D, E, and F on sides BC, CA, and AB
respectively such that
OD + DH = OE + EH = OF + F H
and the lines AD, BE, and CF are concurrent.
Problem 13 In a cyclic quadrilateral ABCD, points X and Y are the orthocenters of 4ABC
and 4BCD. Show that AXY D is a parallelogram.
[I have found 3 solutions of this problem, 2 of which are based on lemmas from our list, and the
third using... Try to find them (or even more)]
Problem 14 (BAMO 2013/3). Let H be the orthocenter of an acute triangle ABC. Consider
the circumcenters of triangles ABH, BCH, and CAH. Prove that they are the vertices of a triangle
that is congruent to ABC.
Problem 15 (USA TSTST 2011/4) Acute triangle ABC is inscribed in circle ω. Let H and
O denote its orthocenter and circumcenter, respectively. Let M and N be the midpoints of sides
AB and AC, respectively. Rays M H and N H meet ω at P and Q, respectively. Lines M N and P Q
meet at R. Prove that OA ⊥ RA.
Problem 16 (Indian National MO 2017/4) Let ABC be a triangle with 6 A = 90o and
AB < AC. Let AD be the altitude from A on to BC. Let P, Q and I denote respectively the
incentres of triangles ABD, ACD and ABC. Prove that AI is perpendicular to P Q and AI = P Q.
Problem 17 (Hong Kong 1998) Let P QRS be a cyclic quadrilateral with 6 P SR = 90o and
let H and K be the feet of the altitudes from Q to lines P R and P S. Prove that HK bisects QS.
Problem 18 (USA TST 2014/1) Let ABC be an acute triangle, and let X be a variable
interior point on the minor arc BC of its circumcircle. Let P and Q be the feet of the perpendiculars
from X to lines CA and CB, respectively. Let R be the intersection of line P Q and the perpendicular
from B to AC. Let ` be the line through P parallel to XR. Prove that as X varies along minor arc
BC, the line ` always passes through a fixed point.
Problem 19 (USA TST 2011/1) In an acute scalene triangle ABC, points D, E, F lie on
sides BC, CA, AB, respectively, such that AD ⊥ BC, BE ⊥ CA, CF ⊥ AB. Altitudes AD, BE, CF
meet at orthocenter H. Points P and Q lie on segment EF such that AP ⊥ EF and HQ ⊥ EF .
Lines DP and QH intersect at point R. Compute HQ/HR.
Problem 20 (USA TSTST 2013/1) Let ABC be a triangle and D, E, F be the midpoints of
arcs BC, CA, AB on the circumcircle. Line `a passes through the feet of the perpendiculars from
A to DB and DC. Line ma passes through the feet of the perpendiculars from D to AB and AC.
Let A1 denote the intersection of lines `a and ma . Define points B1 and C1 similarly. Prove that
triangle DEF and A1 B1 C1 are similar to each other.
Problem 21 (USAJMO 2018/3) Let ABCD be a quadrilateral inscribed in circle ω with
AC ⊥ BD. Let E and F be the reflections of D over lines BA and BC, respectively, and let P be
the intersection of lines BD and EF . Suppose that the circumcircle of 4EP D meets ω at D and
Q, and the circumcircle of 4F P D meets ω at D and R. Show that EQ = F R.
Problem 22 (Sharygin 2016/12) Let BB1 be the symmedian of a nonisosceles acute-angled
triangle ABC. Ray BB1 meets the circumcircle of ABC for the second time at point L. Let
AHA , BHB , CHC be the altitudes of triangle ABC. Ray BHB meets the circumcircle of ABC for
the second time at point T . Prove that HA , HC , T, L are concyclic.
Problem 23 (IMO Shortlist 1995/G3) The incircle of triangle 4ABC touches the sides BC,
CA, AB at D, E, F respectively. X is a point inside triangle of 4ABC such that the incircle of
triangle 4XBC touches BC at D, and touches CX and XB at Y and Z respectively. Show that
E, F, Z, Y are concyclic.
Problem 24 (2018 All Russian Olympiad Grade 10/P2) 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

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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.
Problem 25 (ELMO 2018 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 6 T AO = 90o . 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.
Problem 26 (Sharygin 2012 Round 2 Grade 8) The altitudes AA1 and CC1 of an acute-
angled triangle ABC meet at point H. Point Q is the refection of the midpoint of AC in line AA1 ;
point P is the midpoint of segment A1 C1 . Prove that 6 QP H = 90o .
Problem 27 (ELMO 2018 Shortlist G4) Let ABCDEF be a convex hexagon inscribed in a
circle Ω such that triangles ACE and BDF have the same orthocenter. Suppose that BD and DF
intersect CE at X and Y , respectively. Show that there is a point common to Ω, the circumcircle
of DXY , and the line through A perpendicular to CE.
Problem 28 (Sharygin 2011 round 2) Let BB1 and CC1 be the altitudes of acute-angled
triangle ABC, and A0 is the midpoint of BC. Lines A0 B1 and A0 C1 meet the line passing through
A and parallel to BC in points P and Q. Prove that the incenter of triangle P A0 Q lies on the
altitude of triangle ABC.
Problem 29 (ISL 2002, G7) The incircle Ω of the acute-angled triangle ABC is tangent to
its side BC at a point K. Let AD be an altitude of triangle ABC, and let M be the midpoint of
the segment AD. If N is the common point of the circle Ω and the line KM (distinct from K),
then prove that the incircle Ω and the circumcircle of triangle BCN are tangent to each other at
the point N .
Problem 30 (Iran TST 2009, Problem 9) In triangle ABC, D, E and F are the points of
tangency of incircle with the center of I to BC , CA and AB respectively. Let M be the foot of the
perpendicular from D to EF . P is on DM such that DP = M P . If H is the orthocenter of BIC,
prove that P H bisects EF .
Problem 31 (Sharygin 2017 final round grade 9) Let BHb , CHc be altitudes of an acute-
angled triangle ABC. The line Hb Hc meets the circumcircle of ABC at points X and Y . Points P
and Q are the reflections of X and Y about AB and AC, respectively. Prove that P Q k BC.
Problem 32 (China TST 2006) (Hagge Circle) Let ω be the circumcircle of 4ABC. P is an
interior point of 4ABC. A1 , B1 , C1 are the intersections of AP, BP, CP respectively and A2 , B2 , C2
are the symmetrical points of A1 , B1 , C1 with respect to the midpoints of side BC, CA, AB. Show
that the circumcircle of 4A2 B2 C2 passes through the orthocentre of 4ABC.
See [4] for more on the Hagge circle.
Problem 33 (ISL 2011 G4) Let ABC be an acute triangle with circumcircle Ω. Let B0 be
the midpoint of AC and let C0 be the midpoint of AB. Let D be the foot of the altitude from A
and let G be the centroid of the triangle ABC. Let ω be a circle through B0 and C0 that is tangent
to the circle Ω at a point X 6= A. Prove that the points D, G and X are collinear.
Problem 34 (ISL 2015 G1) 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.
Problem 35 (APMO 2017 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 36 (USA TSTST 2016 P2) Let ABC be a scalene triangle with orthocenter H and
circumcenter O. Denote by M , N the midpoints of AH, BC. Suppose the circle γ with diameter
AH meets the circumcircle of ABC at G 6= A, and meets line AN at a point Q 6= A. The tangent
to γ at G meets line OM at P . Show that the circumcircles of 4GN Q and 4M BC intersect at a
point T on P N .

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‡ References and Further reading
1. Geometry Book:
Euclidean Geometry in Mathematical Olympiads by Evan Chen.

http://web.evanchen.cc/geombook.html

2. Geometry Book:
Lemmas in Olympiad Geometry by Titu Andreescu, Sam Korsky, and Cosmin Pohoata.

https://www.maa.org/press/maa-reviews/lemmas-in-olympiad-geometry

3. On HM points:
A Special Point on the Median by Anant Mudgal, Gunmay Handa.

https://www.awesomemath.org/wp-pdf-files/math-reflections/mr-2017-02/
article_1_a_special_point_on_the_median.pdf

4. On the Hagge circle

Hagge circles revisited by Nguyen Van Linh.

https://nguyenvanlinh.files.wordpress.com/2011/12/hagge-circles-revisited.pdf

5. Midpoints of Altitudes blog:

Midpoints of Altitudes by Evan Chen.

https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c1659h1031911_midpoints_of_altitudes

6. Isogonal line Lemma blog:

Isogonal Line Lemma by utkarshgupta.

https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c2771h1181729_isogonal_line_lemma_updated

7. Art of Problem Solving website

https://artofproblemsolving.com/

Art of Problem Solving contest collection

https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c13_contests

8. 2003 INMO official solutions. (In particular, see problem 1 for the proof mentioned before.)

http://olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in/olympiads/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/inmo-2003.pdf

9. Potato Circle by Synthetic Potato

https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/q1h1640042p10329831

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