On mixtilinear incircles

Jafet98

December 17, 2018

Abstract
In this article, I am concerned to deal with the rich and stunning configuration of mixtilinear in-
circles. I present a wide range of results (comprising the typical ones and other not well-known facts),
solve some example problems and provide many exercises to the reader. Hints √ and solutions can be
found at the end of the paper. Basic knowledge of inversion (particularly, bc inversion), homothety
and harmonic bundles is required.

I am heavily indebted to AoPS users math_pi_rate and enhanced for their valuable suggestions.
Without their help, this article would not have been completed.
Contents

1 Preliminaries 2

2 A more natural approach 4

3 More interesting properties 8

4 More than one mixtilinear incircle 12

5 Examples 15
5.1 European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad 2013, P5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
5.2 IMO 1999 Shortlist, G8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5.3 USA Team Selection Test 2016, P2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
5.4 IMO 2014 Shortlist, G7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5.5 ELMO 2014 Shortlist, G8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

6 Problems 22
6.1 Hints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
6.2 Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Bibliography 25
1 | Preliminaries

Definition 1.

Let ABC be a triangle. The A-mixtilinear incircle (ωA ) is the circle internally tangent to the
circumcircle of 4ABC that also touches sides AB and CA.

B C

TA

Figure 1.1. The A-mixtilinear incircle.

Naturally, there also exist mixtilinear incircles corresponding to B (say ωB ) and C (say ωC ). Note that
we use the article “the”. Indeed, there is only one mixtilinear incircle for each vertex of 4ABC.

Lemma 1.

Given a triangle ABC, there exists a unique mixtilinear incircle corresponding to each vertex.

First, let us provide a method of construction of the A-mixtilinear incircle, we show it actually works
and simultaneously argue its uniqueness.

Construction. Let I be the incenter of 4ABC. The line through I perpendicular to AI meets AB and
AC at D and E, respectively. Denote by M the midpoint of BAC \ and TA the point where the ray
M I intersects the circumcircle of 4ABC. The A-mixtilinear incircle coincides with the circumcircle of
4DTA E.
√
Proof. Perform an inversion centered at A with radius AB · AC followed by a reflection across AI. This
transformation swaps B and C, (ABC) and BC, I and the A-excenter IA . It is easy to prove that it also

2
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 1. Preliminaries

sends D and E to the contact points of the A-excircle with AC and AB, say D0 and E 0 , respectively.
Denote by F and M 0 the point where the A-excircle touches BC and the foot of the external bisector of
∠BAC, respectively. Points M and M 0 are interchanged. Since M 0 AF IA is clearly cyclic, its circumcircle
is sent to M I, so TA and F are mapped to each other. We conclude that the A-excircle is mapped to the
circumcircle of 4DTA E; therefore, (DTA E) must touch AB and AC and be internally tangent to (BAC)
at TA . The uniqueness holds immediately.

E
I
D
M0 B F C
TA D0

E0
IA

Figure 1.2. Proving the existence and uniqueness of ωA via inversion.

We must remark two situations. Besides the uniqueness of ωA , we have inferred that its tangency
point with (BAC), the incenter of 4ABC and the midpoint of BAC\ are collinear; in other words, TA I
bisects arc BAC. It is extremely important to recognize such a collinearity! Moreover, the incenter is
\
the midpoint of the segment formed by the contact points of ωA and sides AB, AC. Both facts are
tremendously useful. Let us establish them separately.
Lemma 2.

The line joining the contact point of ωA with (BAC) and the incenter of 4ABC intersects
BAC
\ at its midpoint.

Lemma 3.

The incenter of 4ABC is the midpoint of the segment joining the tangency points of ωA with
sides AB and AC.

The previous proof was a bit tough! In the next section, we will check that there is a more natural way
to obtain the A-mixtilinear incircle.

3
2 | A more natural approach

A first crucial fact in what follows will be introduced below.

Lemma 4.

Let Ω and ω be two circles tangent at D, so that ω is in the interior of Ω. A chord AB of Ω is

drawn in such a way AB is tangent to ω at C; then, DC bisects arc AB d not containing D.

Proof. Define O to be the center of Ω. Observe that D is the exsimilicenter of Ω and ω; then, if DC
meets Ω again at M , the tangent ` to Ω through M must be parallel to AB. Since OM ⊥ `, we deduce
OM ⊥ AB, i.e. OM is the perpendicular bisector of AB, which gives us the desired conclusion.

M `

A C B

Figure 2.1. Line DC bisects arc AM

\ B.

There is a more instructive proof via inversion1 . Additionally, we can provide an easier argument for
lemma 3.

Second proof of lemma 3. Let X = TA D ∩ (ABC), X 6= TA and Y = TA E ∩ (ABC), Y 6= TA . By

lemma 4, X and Y are the midpoints of arcs BXA
\ and CY
\ A, therefore CX and BY intersect at I.
Applying Pascal’s theorem to the hexagon TA XCABY we conclude that D, I, E are collinear. Since
AE = AD and ∠DAI = ∠EAI, line AI is the perpendicular bisector of DE, from which the result follows
immediately.

Let us find some equal angles and isosceles trapezoids.

1
Have a look at exercise 6.1.

4
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 2. A more natural approach

Lemma 5.

Lines ATA and M TA are isogonal conjugates of 4XTA Y .

Proof. It is clear that AM k DE due to ∠IAM = ∠AID = 90◦ . Recall that X and Y are the respective
circumcenters of triangles AIB and AIC, so XY ⊥ AI and then XY k AM , which gives AX d = M d Y,
thus ∠ATA X = ∠Y TA M .

This previous fact allows us to derive another proof of lemma 2.

Second proof of lemma 2. We have just found that ∠ATA X = ∠Y TA M , i.e. ∠ATA D = ∠ETA M . Note
that ATA is a symmedian of 4DTA E, whence ∠ATA D = ∠ETA I; in other words, ∠ETA M = ∠ETA I.
Since M and I lie on the same side respect to TA E, points M, I and TA must be located on a same
line.

M
A
Y

X
E
I
D

B C

TA

Figure 2.2. I is the midpoint of DE and TA I bisects arc BAC.

\

The proof of lemma 5 indicates that AXY M is an isosceles trapezoid. Furthermore, we have M
d X=
AY
d = Yd C and M d Y = AX
d = XB,d so,

Lemma 6.

Quadrilaterals AXY M, CY M X and BXM Y are isosceles trapezoids.

Using lemmas 2 and 6, we may also obtain that ∠ITA E = ∠M TA Y = ∠ACX = ∠ICE and similarly,
∠ITA D = ∠IBD, thereby,

Lemma 7.

Quadrilaterals BTA ID and CTA IE are cyclic.

5
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 2. A more natural approach

Let us say more about BTA ID and CTA IE. In fact,

1 d d = 1 CY
  
∠ICY = AY + XA d + Yd
M = ∠CTA I
2 2
Analogously, ∠BTA I = ∠IBX. Taking into account that Y I = Y C and XI = XB, we deduce that,

Lemma 8.

Lines BI and CY are tangent to the circumcircle of CTA IE, whereas CI and BX are tangent
to the circumcircle of BTA ID.

M
A Y

X
E
I
D
B C

TA

I0

Figure 2.3. Cyclic quadrilaterals and isosceles trapezoids.

This result means that,

Lemma 9.

Quadrilaterals BTA ID and CTA IE are harmonic.

Using the above fact, we see that B(X, I; D, TA ) is a harmonic pencil. Projecting from B to (ABC), we
realize that:
Lemma 10.

Quadrilateral AXTA Y is harmonic.

According to lemma 8, we obtain that ∠BITA = ∠ICTA and ∠TA BI = ∠TA IC, then 4BTA I ∼ 4ITA C,
in other words,

6
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 2. A more natural approach

Lemma 11.

The tangency point of ωA and (BAC) is the center of spiral similarity taking BI to IC.

The aforesaid property leads us to derive the following claim.

Lemma 12.

Let I 0 be the symmetric of I wrt. TA . So, I 0 lies on the circumcircle of 4BIC.

It is straightforward to ensure that M B and M C are tangent to (BIC); thus, it actually occurs that
I 0 BIC is harmonic as well.

7
3 | More interesting properties

We have said enough about the connection between the A-mixtilinear incircle and the incenter itself;
although, we have talked too little respect other important points. We solve this issue in the actual
section.

P
T
E
I
D

B K L Q C

TA
M0

Figure 3.1. ATA and AQ are isogonal conjugates of 4ABC, as ATA and KTA are of 4BTA C.

Lemma 13.

Denote by Q the contact point of the A-excircle and BC. Then, ∠BATA = ∠QAC, i.e. ATA
and AQ are isogonal with respect to 4ABC.

√ concluded that Q and TA are images of each other under the

First proof. Recall the proof of lemma 1. We
composition of inversion at A with radius AB · AC and reflection across AI; hence, ∠BATA = ∠QAC,
as desired.

Second proof. Let T and P be the second intersection points of ATA with ωA and M TA with ωA , respec-
tively. Given that TA is the exsimilicenter of ωA and (BAC), we know T P k AM ∴ IA ⊥ T P . Because
the circumcenter of ωA lies on AI, we infer that AI is the perpendicular bisector of T P , which gives us

8
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 3. More interesting properties

∠BATA = ∠BAT = ∠BAI − ∠T AI = ∠CAI − ∠P AI = ∠CAP

Define `P and `M as the tangents to ωA , (BAC) passing through P, M , respectively. Note that `P k `M
and `M k BC, thus `P k BC. Since A is the exsimilicenter of A-excircle and ωA , this implies that A, P, Q
are collinear, and consecutively, ∠BATA = ∠P AC = ∠QAC.

Lemma 14.

Denote by K the common point of the incircle of 4ABC and BC. Lines ATA and KTA are
isogonal conjugates of 4BTA C, i.e. ∠BTA K = ∠ATA C.

Proof. Evidently, ∠BTA A = ∠BCA, which together with the previous claim yields that 4BATA ∼
ATA AC
4QAC, then, BT A
= QC , but recall that BK = CQ (K and Q are the reflections of each other across
ATA AC
the midpoint of BC), so BT A
= BK . Taking into account that ∠TA BK = ∠TA BC = ∠TA AC, the latter
implies 4BTA K ∼ 4ATA C, hence ∠BTA K = ∠ATA C, as required.

Let L and M 0 the points where the ray AI meets BC and (BAC), respectively. The similarity we obtained
before provides ∠BKTA = ∠ACTA = ∠AM 0 TA = ∠LM 0 TA ; thus,

Lemma 15.

The intersection points of the ray AI with BC and (BAC), the contact point of the incircle
with BC and the common point of ωA with (BAC) (i.e. points L, M 0 , K and TA ) are on a
same circumference.

Let R = M TA ∩ BC. We have the fact below.

Lemma 16.

Lines CD, AR and BE are concurrent.

Proof. By Ceva’s theorem, we just need to prove that BD AE CR

DA · EC · RB = 1 which reduces to show that
BR BD
CR = CE . Recalling proposition 9, we obtain BTA · DI = BD · ITA and IE · CTA = EC · ITA , so

BD DI BTA ITA BTA BR

= · · = =
CE IE ITA CTA CTA CR
where we make use of the results 2 and 3. The proof is complete.

Lemma 17.

Lines DE, BC and TA M 0 concur.

Proof. Let T = TA M 0 ∩ BC. Since ∠BTA R = ∠RTA C and ∠RTA M 0 = 90◦ , we find that (T, R; B, C) =
−1. By proposition 16, DE must pass through T as well.

9
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 3. More interesting properties

J
E
I
D

T S B R N C

TA
M0

Figure 3.2. A bunch of concurrent lines

It is worth mentioning that (RTA T ) is the TA -Apollonius circle of 4BTA C.

Lemma 18.

The common tangent of ωA and (BAC) passes through the midpoint of T R.

Proof. Let S be the midpoint of T R (and also the circumcenter of 4RTA T ). It is easy to see that
1 [  1 [ 
∠STA M = ∠STA R = ∠SRTA = BTA + Md C = BTA + Md B = ∠M CTA
2 2
which ensures that STA is tangent to (BAC) at TA (and tangent to ωA as well).
Observe that R is the orthocenter of 4T M 0 M ; in such a way, if J = RM 0 ∩ (BAC), J 6= M 0 , we certainly
conclude that,
Lemma 19.

Points T, J, M are collinear. In other words, lines T M and M 0 R meet each other at (BAC).

This allows us to improve upon lemma 17, because we now know M J, DE, BC and TA M 0 concur at
T . Moreover, it implies that J is the second point of intersection of (RTA T ) and (BAC). Indeed, being
(RTA T ) the TA -Apollonius circle of 4BTA C, it turns out JBTA C is a harmonic quadrilateral, so JTA is
the reflection of the median TA N of the triangle BTA C across TA R.
Lemma 20.

Quadrilateral JBTA C is harmonic, therefore, lines TA J and TA N are isogonal with respect to
4BTA C.

10
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 3. More interesting properties

Denote as J 0 the second point of intersection of (AED) and (ABC), so J 0 is the center of spiral similarity
taking DE to BC and then it also carries DI to BN , i.e. 4J 0 ID ∼ 4J 0 N B, which gives ∠J 0 IT = ∠J 0 N T ,
thus J 0 IN T is cyclic; but note that JIN M 0 T is a inscribed pentagon, therefore J = J 0 .

Lemma 21.

Point J is the second point of intersection of the circles (AED) and ABC.

11
4 | More than one mixtilinear incircle

In this section, we briefly discuss some facts related to two and three mixtilinear incircles. Let us denote
by TC and TB the tangency points of ωC and ωB with (BAC), respectively. Suppose that ωC and ωB
touch BC at D, E respectively.

TB
A

F
B1
TC

B D A1 E C

M
Figure 4.1. The radical axis of the B, C-mixtilinear incircles

Lemma 22.

Denote by N the midpoint of the inradius perpendicular to BC and M the midpoint of arc
BC
d not containing A in (BAC). Line M N is the radical axis of ωB and ωC .

Proof. Let ` be the radical axis of ωB and ωC . In line with lemma 4, TC D and TB E meet at M . See that
∠M TB C = ∠M BC = ∠M CB = ∠ECM , then M C is tangent to (TB EC). Analogously, M B touches
(TC DB), so,
M D · M TC = M B 2 = M C 2 = M E · M TB
i.e. M has equal powers with respect to ωB and ωC , thus M ∈ `.
On the other hand, define A1 , B1 and F as the contact points of the incircle with BC, AC and the
tangency point of ωC with CA, respectively. It is straightforward to convince ourselves that the radical
axis of the incircle and ωC is the midline of the isosceles trapezoid F B1 A1 D parallel to F D and B1 A1 , so

12
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 4. More than one mixtilinear incircle

it must pass through N . Analogously, the radical axis of the incircle and ωB passes through N ; therefore,
N is the radical center of the incircle, ωB and ωC , thus N ∈ `1 .
The last proof also implies that TC TB ED is cyclic. Being D and E antihomologous points, it is a
simple task to show that TC and TB are antihomologous with respect to the exsimilicenter of ωB and ωC ;
of course, this leads to conclude that the intersection point of TC TB and BC is the exsimilicenter of ωB
and ωC .
Lemma 23.

The contact point of ωA and (ABC), TA , lies on the circumcircle of 4DM E.

Proof. Referring to lemma 2, we already know that ∠ITA M = 90◦ ; additionally, if BC and TA M meet
at T we will have that ∠T IM = 90◦ in accordance with proposition 17, then,
M D · M TC = M B 2 = M I 2 = M TA · M T
which means that TC DTA T is cyclic. Since TC DETB is cyclic, too, we obtain ∠DTA M = ∠T TC D =
∠TB ED and the result follows.
Applying the radical axis theorem to (TC DETB ), (DEM TA ) and (BAC) we derive that TC TB passes
through T ; hence, T is the exsimilicenter of ωB and ωC .

TB
A

TC
K I
O

T B D E C

TA
M
Figure 4.2. The exsimilicenter of the incircle and (BAC) is the point where ATA , BTB , CTC concur.

Lemma 24.

The intersection point of the line perpendicular to AI passing through I and BC is the exsim-
ilicenter of ωB and ωC . Moreover, the line joining the tangency points of ωB and ωC with
(BAC), and the line formed by the contact point of ωA with (BAC) and the midpoint of arc
BC
d opposite to A pass through this exsimilicenter.

1
Based on [1]

13
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 4. More than one mixtilinear incircle

According to Monge’s theorem applied to circles ωA , (ABC) and the incircle of 4ABC, we infer that the
exsimilicenter of (ABC) and the incircle lies on ATA . The same situation must occur for the lines BTB
and CTC ; therefore, recalling lemma 13 we discover that:
Lemma 25.

The lines joining each vertex and the tangency point of its corresponding mixtilinear incircle
with (BAC) and the line passing through the incenter and circumcenter of 4ABC concur at
the exsimilicenter of its incircle and circumcircle, which turns out to be the isogonal point of
the Nagel point of 4ABC.

In our context, OI, CTC , BTB and ATA concur at K, the isogonal point of the Nagel point of 4ABC.
Finally, let us examine what happens with the radical center of ωA , ωB and ωC .
Lemma 26.

Let S be the radical center of ωA , ωB and ωC . Then, S lies on OI and divides OI into a
−2R : r ratio, where the lengths are directed.

A
M2

Q
M3
Q1
R
R1 O
I
K S
P1

B P C

M1
Figure 4.3. The radical center of the three mixtilinear incircles lies on OI.

Proof. Define M1 , M2 and M3 to be the midpoints of BC, d CA d and AB d not containing A, B and C,
respectively; P QR the tangential triangle of 4ABC as shown above; P1 , Q1 and R1 the midpoints
of IP , IQ and IR. By lemma 22, M1 P1 , M2 Q1 and M3 R1 concur at S. Triangles 4M1 M2 M3 and
4P1 Q1 R1 are homothetic with center S. Because I is the circumcenter of 4P1 Q1 R1 as O is of 4M1 M2 M3 ,
we conclude that S, I, O are collinear. Since the circumradius of 4P1 Q1 R1 is 2r , we ultimately get
OS : SI = R : − 2r = −2R : r.

This set of properties is absolutely not exhaustive but enough for our purposes here. You can find various
“new” coincidences on your own while inquiring into what we have addressed so far.

14
5 | Examples

Let us solve some example problems to illustrate how to use the propositions we have just discussed.

5.1. European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad 2013, P5

Example 1.

(EGMO 2013, P5) Let Ω be the circumcircle of the triangle ABC. The circle ω is tangent to
the sides AC and BC, and it is internally tangent to the circle Ω at P . A line parallel to AB
intersecting the interior of triangle ABC is tangent to ω at Q. Prove that ∠ACP = ∠QCB.

A Q0 B

Figure 5.1. Lemma 13 overkills the fifth problem of EGMO 2013.

Solution. Let Q0 be the point of tangency of the C-excircle and AB. By definition of Q and being C the
exsimilicenter of ω and the C-excircle, we have that C, Q, Q0 are collinear. In line with proposition 13,
we get
∠ACP = ∠Q0 CB = ∠QCB
as required.

15
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 5. Examples

5.2. IMO 1999 Shortlist, G8

Example 2.

(IMO 1999 SL, G8) Points A, B, C divide the circumcircle Ω of the triangle ABC into three
arcs. Let X be a variable point on the arc AB, and let O1 , O2 be the incenters of the triangles
CAX and CBX. Prove that the circumcircle of the triangle XO1 O2 intersects Ω in a fixed
point.

C
E

O1

A O2 B

TC
X

Figure 5.2. A beautiful concyclicity involving TC .

Solution. We will prove that the tangency point of the C-mixtilinear incircle and Ω (say TC ) is the
required fixed point. Let D = O1 X ∩ Ω, D 6= X and E = O2 X ∩ Ω, E 6= X. By lemma 10, we know that
CDTC E is harmonic, so
DC EC
=
DTC ETC
But we know that D and E are the circumcenters of 4CO1 A and 4CO2 B, respectively; therefore,
DO1 EO2
=
DTC ETC
which together with ∠TC DO1 = ∠TC DX = ∠TC EX = ∠TC EO2 implies that 4DTC O1 ∼ 4ETC O2 , i.e.
TC is the center of spiral similarity carrying DE to O1 O2 , then TC lies on the circumcircle of 4XO1 O2 .

16
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 5. Examples

5.3. USA Team Selection Test 2016, P2

Example 3.

(USA TST 2016, P2) 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 4DEF intersects the A-excircle at S1 , S2 , and Ω at T 6= F . Prove that
line AT passes through either S1 or S2 .

B D E T0 C
S
S0

T
F
Figure 5.3. An intersection point of the A-excircle and (DEF ) lies on AT .

Solution. According to lemma 16, T is the A-mixtilinear intouch point. Define S 0 to be the reflection
of T across AF and T 0 the tangency point of the A-excircle and BC. By lemma 13, A, T 0 and S 0 are
collinear.
√ We know that T and T 0 are images under the composition of inversion centered at A with radius
AB · AC and reflection across AF . Moreover, E and F are sent to each other, and the A-excircle is
mapped to the A-mixtilinear incircle; therefore, it suffices to prove that the intersection point of (ET 0 F )
and ωA lies on AT 0 . In fact, we will show S 0 is such a point. Indeed, since the circumcenter of the
A-mixtilinear incircle is on AF , S 0 must lie on ωA .
On the other hand, we have 4BAT ∼ 4T 0 AC according with lemma 13, so

∠S 0 F E = ∠EF T = 180◦ − ∠ABT = 180◦ − ∠AT 0 C = ∠AT 0 E

which leads to conclude that ET 0 S 0 F is cyclic. Thus, the inverse S of S 0 lies on AT , (DEF ) and the
A-excircle, so it coincides with either S1 or S2 , as desired.

17
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 5. Examples

5.4. IMO 2014 Shortlist, G7

Example 4.

(IMO 2014 SL, G7) Let ABC be a triangle with circumcircle Ω and incenter I. Let the line
passing through I and perpendicular to CI intersect the segment BC and the arc BC (not
containing A) of Ω at points U and V , respectively. Let the line passing through U and parallel
to AI intersect AV at X, and let the line passing through V and parallel to AI intersect AB
at Y . Let W and Z be the midpoints of AX and BC, respectively. Prove that if the points
I, X and Y are collinear, then the points I, W and Z are also collinear.

U0 W

I
X
Y

B U Z C

Figure 5.4. Seventh geometry problem of IMO 2014 Shortlist

Solution. Do not be scared that this is a G7! It’s known that ∠BIC = 90◦ + ∠BAI, so ∠BAI = ∠BIV .
Construct U 0 = U X ∩ AB. Using the given parallelisms, we readily get that

∠BIV = ∠BAI = ∠BU 0 U = ∠BY V

thus, BY IV and BU 0 IU are cyclic quadrilaterals. Furthermore,

U 0X AX V A V Y AX V Y
= · · = · =1
XU AV V X AI V X AI
hence, X is the midpoint of U 0 U . Because I is the midpoint of U
\ 0 IU , we conclude that XY is the
0
perpendicular bisector of U U , therefore

∠V BI = ∠V Y I = ∠U XI = ∠AIY = 90◦

which implies that Y is the point where the A-mixtilinear incircle touches AB, and by lemma 7 V must
coincide with the tangency point of such a circle and (ABC). Now, recall lemma 11. We immediately

18
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 5. Examples

recognize that V maps BI to IC, then IV must be a symmedian of 4BIC, i.e. ∠BIV = ∠ZIC, whence
∠BIZ = 90◦ .
On the other hand, ∠Y AI = ∠BAI = ∠BIV = ∠V CI and ∠AIY = 90◦ = ∠V IC, so 4Y AI ∼
4V CI. Since YXIX
= VUUI , taking into account that W is the circumcenter of 4AIX and Y I is tangent to
(BIC), we obtain that

∠W IA = ∠W AI = ∠XAI = ∠ICU = ∠ICB = ∠Y IB

thus ∠W IB = 90◦ = ∠BIZ, which indeed implies the required assertion.

19
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 5. Examples

Let us end this chapter solving the next problem.

5.5. ELMO 2014 Shortlist, G8

Example 5.

(ELMO 2014 SL, G8) In triangle ABC with incenter I and circumcenter O, let A0 , B 0 , C 0 be
the points of tangency of its circumcircle with its A, B, C-mixtilinear incircles, respectively.
Let ωA be the circle through A0 that is tangent to AI at I, and define ωB , ωC similarly. Show
that ωA , ωB , ωC have a common point X other than I, and that ∠AXO = ∠OXA0 .

B0
A

D0
P
E

C0 F O
L I
K

Q R
X
B D C

A0

Figure 5.5. Eighth geometry problem of the ELMO 2014 Shortlist in all its glory

Solution. According to proposition 25, AA0 , BB 0 , CC 0 and OI concur at the exsimilicenter of the incircle
and circumcircle of 4ABC, say K. Let DEF be the tangential triangle of 4ABC. Let P, Q, R be
the intersection points of AK, BK, CK with the incircle, respectively; then, triangles ABC and P QR
are homothetic with center K. Since QR k BC, we deduce that ID is the perpendicular bisector of QR,
so P D is the internal bisector of ∠QP R. The same result holds for QE and RF , therefore, these lines
concur at the incenter of 4P QR, say L, which must lie on KI, then K, L, I, O are collinear.
It is straightforward to prove that the A-mixtilinear incircle and the incircle of 4ABC swaps under
an inversion1 respect to the circle centered at A with radius AI, then AI 2 = AP · AA0 , which means that
ωA is the circumcircle of 4P IA0 . In addition, being D0 the antipode of D on the incircle, by proposition
13, P and D0 are the reflections of each other wrt. AI, thus ∠P DI = ∠P IA = ∠P A0 I; hence, D lies
on ωA . Likewise, E lies on ωB and F lies on ωC ; in other words ωA , ωA , ωC are the circumcircles of
P IDA0 , QIEB 0 , CIF C 0 , respectively.
Consider the inversion respect to the incircle and notice P D, QE, RF are the images of ωA , ωB , ωC ,
respectively. Since these lines concur at L, those circles must pass through the inverse of L, which turns
1
See exercise 6.3.

20
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 5. Examples

out to be the required point X collinear with K, L, I, O.

Note that the triplets K, L, I and K, I, O are corresponding points in 4P QR and 4ABC, which gives

OK IK AK OK KI KA0
= = =⇒ = = ∴ OK · KX = KA0 · AK
KI KL KP AK KP KX
i.e. OAXA0 is cyclic, whence ∠OXA0 = ∠A0 AO = ∠OA0 A = ∠OXA. We are done!

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6 | Problems

Exercise 6.1. Prove lemma 4 inverting at M with radius M A.

Exercise 6.2. Show that the six intersection points of the mixtilinear incircles and the sides of 4ABC lie
on a conic.

Exercise 6.3. Show that the A-mixtilinear incircle and the incircle of a triangle ABC are inverses respect
to the circle centered at A with radius AI.

Exercise 6.4. (Centroamerican MO 2016, P6) Let ABC be a triangle with incenter I and circumcircle
Γ. Let M = BI ∩ Γ and N = CI ∩ Γ. The line through I parallel to M N intersects AB, AC at P , Q
respectively. Show that the circumradii of 4BN P and 4CM Q are congruent.

Exercise 6.5. (Sharygin 2017, 9th grade, P2) Let I be the incenter of triangle ABC, M the midpoint
of AC and W the midpoint of AB d not containing C. It is known that ∠AIM = 90◦ . Find the ratio
CI : IW .

Exercise 6.6. Given a scalene triangle ABC, let D, E, F be the intersection points of the lines through
I perpendicular to AI, BI, CI and BC, CA, AB, respectively. Show that D, E and F are collinear.

Exercise 6.7. Given a triangle ABC with incenter I and a circle ω which is tangent to AN, AC and also
is internally tangent to the circumcircle of ABC. Lines AI, BI, CI meet the circumcircle of ABC at
A0 , B 0 , C 0 , respectively. Let the lines through I and parallel to A0 B 0 , A0 C 0 meet A0 C 0 , A0 B 0 at B1 , C1 ,
respectively. Let ω has center J and is tangent to AB, AC at C2 , B2 and is tangent to the circumcircle
of ABC at T . Prove

i. A0 B1 C1 JT is cyclic.

ii. C1 is the circumcenter of T IB2 C and B1 is the circumcenter of T IC2 B.

Exercise 6.8. (ELMO 2014 SL, G7) Let ABC be a triangle inscribed in circle ω with center O; let ωA su
A-mixtilinear incircle, ωB its B-mixtilinear incircle, ωC its C-mixtilinear incircle, and X be the radical
center of ωA , ωB , ωC . Let A0 , B 0 , C 0 be the points at which ωA , ωB , ωC are tangent to ω. Prove that
AA0 , BB 0 , CC 0 and OX are concurrent.

Exercise 6.9. (Korea Winter Program Practice Test 2018, P5) Let ABC be triangle with circumcenter
O and circumcircle ω. Let S be the center of the circle which is tangent with AB, AC, and ω (in the
inside), and let the circle meet ω at point K. Let the circle with diameter AS meet ω at T . If M is the
midpoint of BC, show that K, T, M, O are concyclic.

Exercise 6.10. A scalene triangle ABC has incenter I and incircle ω. Let D and E be the tangency points
of ω with CA and AB, respectively. Line CI meets ED at L, while line BI meets ED at K. Let TA
be the tangency point of the A-mixtilinear incircle with the circumcircle of ABC. Show that TA I passes
through the midpoint of LK.

22
On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 6. Problems

Exercise 6.11. (IMO 2017 SL, G4) In triangle ABC, let ω be the excircle opposite A. Let D, E, and F
be the points where ω is tangent to lines BC, CA, and AB, respectively. The circle AEF intersects line
BC at P and Q. Let M be the midpoint of AD. Prove that the circle M P Q is tangent to ω.

Exercise 6.12. (ELMO 2017 SL, G4) Let ABC be an acute triangle with incenter I and circumcircle
ω. Suppose a circle ωB is tangent to BA, BC, and internally tangent to ω at B1 , while a circle ωC is
tangent to CA, CB, and internally tangent to ω at C1 . If B2 and C2 are the points opposite to B, C on
ω, respectively, and X denotes the intersection of B1 C2 , B2 C1 , prove that XA = XI.

Exercise 6.13. (IMO 2016 SL, G2) Let ABC be a triangle with circumcircle Γ and incenter I. Let M
be the midpoint of side BC. Denote by D the foot of perpendicular from I to BC. The line through
I perpendicular to AI meets sides AB and AC at F and E respectively. Suppose the circumcircle of
triangle AEF intersects Γ at a point X other than A. Prove that lines XD and AM meet on Ω.

Exercise 6.14. (USAMO 2017, P3) Let ABC be a scalene triangle with circumcircle Ω and incenter I.
Ray AI meets BC at D and meets Ω again at M ; the circle with diameter DM cuts Ω again at K. Lines
M K and BC meet at S, and N is the midpoint of IS. The circumcircles of 4KID and 4M AN intersect
at points L1 and L2 . Prove that Ω passes through the midpoint of either IL1 or IL2 .

Exercise 6.15. (Taiwan TST 2015, Round 3, Quiz 1, P2) Let Ω be the circumcircle of the triangle ABC.
−−→ −→
Two circles ω1 , ω2 are tangent to each of the circle Ω and the rays AB, AC, with ω1 interior to Ω, ω2
exterior to Ω. The common tangent of Ω, ω1 and the common tangent of Ω, ω2 intersect at the point X.
Let M be the midpoint of the arc BC (not containing the point A) on the circle Ω, and the segment AA0
be the diameter of Ω. Prove that X, M and A0 are collinear.

Exercise 6.16. (Taiwan TST 2014, Round 3, Day 1, P3) Let M be any point on the circumcircle of
4ABC. Suppose the tangents from M to the incircle meet BC at two points X1 and X2 . Prove that
the circumcircle of 4M X1 X2 intersects the circumcircle of 4ABC again at the tangency point of the
A-mixtilinear incircle.

Exercise 6.17. (Mathematical Reflections O451). Let ABC be a triangle, Γ its circumcircle, ω its incircle
and I the incenter. Let M be the midpoint of BC. The incircle ω is tangent to AB and AC at F and E;
respectively. Suppose EF meets Γ at distinct points P and Q. Let J denote the point on EF such that
M J is perpendicular on EF . Show that IJ and the radical axis of (M P Q) and (AJI) intersect on Γ.

Exercise 6.18. (AoPS Problem Making Contest 2016, P7) Let ABC be a given triangle, ω its A-
mixtilinear incircle and IA its A-excenter. Denote by H the foot of the A-altitude to BC, E the midpoint
\ M the midpoint of BC and N the midpoint of AH. Suppose that P = M N ∩ AE and ray P IA
of BAC,
meets ω for the first time at S. Show that (BSC) and ω are tangent to each other.

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On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 6. Problems

6.1. Hints
Exercise 6.1. There is a pair of orthogonal circles.

Exercise 6.2. Carnot’s theorem.

Exercise 6.3. Consider two pairs of antihomologous points.

Exercise 6.4. Identify some parallelograms and two congruent triangles.

Exercise 6.5. The answer is 2. Show that the A-mixtilinear intouch point lies on the perpendicular
bisector of AC.

Exercise 6.6. Monge is our friend! (Pascal’s theorem is useful, too).

Exercise 6.7. This is just easy angle-chasing and perpendicular bisectors.

Exercise 6.8. It is a property! Which one?

Exercise 6.9. Recall lemma 21 and lemma 19.

Exercise 6.10. Do not forget lemma 11. LK and BC turn out to be antiparallel to each other, so...?

Exercise 6.11. Easy for being G4. Lemma 4 may do the trick.

Exercise 6.12. The diagram looks nasty. Remember lemma 25 and keep Pascal’s theorem in mind.

Exercise 6.13. Lemmas 21, 17 and 14 can be taken into account.

Exercise 6.14. We already know such a midpoint! Have a look at lemma 12.

Exercise 6.15. Show that M lies on the radical axis of ω1 and ω2 .

Exercise 6.16. Consider the dual of Desargues’ involution theorem.

Exercise 6.17. Yes, we know the intersection point of IJ and the radical axis of (M P Q) and (AJI).
First prove the collinearity of I, J and this point using exercise 6.10. The second part is a bit trickier.
Recall lemma 2. Some angle-chasing, power of a point and a harmonic bundle are necessary.

Exercise 6.18. Lots of harmonic bundles and pencils! Lemmas 18, 17 and 16 are more important than
you might think.

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On mixtilinear incircles Chapter 6. Problems

6.2. Solutions
Exercise 6.1. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1740529_circle_inscribed_in_se
gment

Exercise 6.2. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1740514_six_points_on_the_side

s_of_a_triangle_lie_on_a_conic

Exercise 6.3. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1740516_inversion_involving_th

e_amixtilinear_incircle_and_the_incircle

Exercise 6.4. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1260036p6535678

Exercise 6.5. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1489298p8732212

Exercise 6.6. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1740504_intersections_of_perpe

ndiculars_through_the_incenter_and_sides_are_collinear

Exercise 6.7. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1740499_centers_related_to_the

_amixtilinear_incircle_lying_on_a_circle

Exercise 6.8. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/q4h599365p3557464

Exercise 6.9. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1571108p9648713

Exercise 6.10. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1740478_line_joining_the_ami

xtilinear_intouch_point_and_the_incenter_bisects_segment

Exercise 6.11. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1671273p10632290

Exercise 6.12. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1472059p8547096

Exercise 6.13. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1480699p8639270

Exercise 6.14. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c5h1433973p8108375

Exercise 6.15. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1082477p4764725

Exercise 6.16. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h598547p3551881

Exercise 6.17. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/c6h1740472_a_radical_axis_and_a

_line_through_the_incenter_meet_at_the_circumcircle_of_abc

Exercise 6.18. https://artofproblemsolving.com/community/q1h1359250p7443950

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Bibliography

[1] Khoa Nguyen and Juan Salazar. On mixtilinear incircles and excircles. Forum Geometricorum, 6:1–16,
2006.

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