In making Euclidean constructions in geometry it is permitted to use a ruler and a pair of compasses. In the constructions considered in this question no compasses are permitted, but the ruler is assumed to have two parallel edges, which can be used for constructing two parallel lines through two given points whose distance is at least equal to the breadth of the rule. Then the distance between the parallel lines is equal to the breadth of the ruler. Carry through the following constructions with such a ruler. Construct: a) The bisector of a given angle. b) The midpoint of a given rectilinear line segment. c) The center of a circle through three given non-collinear points. d) A line through a given point parallel to a given line.
Problem
Source: IMO LongList 1967, Sweden 6
Tags: geometry, construction, bisector, midpoint, Center, IMO Shortlist, IMO Longlist
16.12.2004 22:53
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19.12.2004 00:21
Just (a) and (b) for now . a). Let $Oxy$ be the angle. Align one of the sides of the ruler along $(Ox$ s.t. the other side cuts $(Oy$ in $Y$. We can use this side to draw a parallel $\ell_y$ through $Y$ to $Ox$. Do the same by interchanging the roles of $(Ox,(Oy$ to find the point $X\in (Ox$ and the parallel $\ell_x$ through $X$ to $Oy$. The line passing through $O$ and the point of intersection of $\ell_x,\ell_y$ is the bisector. b). Call the segment $AB$. We can draw a parallel $\ell$ to $AB$, and then choose a point $M$ not on $AB$ or on $\ell$. If we put $A'=MB\cap \ell,B'=MA\cap \ell,T=AA'\cap BB'$, then $MT$ cuts the line $AB$ in the midpoint of $AB$.
19.12.2004 00:41
d). Let $A,B$ be two points on the line we are given and let $K$ be the third point. We can construct the midpoint $P$ of $AB$. Choose a point $M$ and put $A'=AK\cap MB,B'=BK\cap MA$. The line through $K$ parallel to $AB$ is the line passing through $K$ and the harmonic conjugate of $M$ wrt $A',B$. The harmonic conjugate is easily constructed with the ruler alone, by using the harmonic properties of the complete quadrilateral: choose a point $R$ s.t. $RM$ is a diagonal in a complete quadrilateral having $A',B$ as two of its vertices. The line connecting $R$ to the intersection of the other two diagonals cuts $A'B$ in the point we are looking for. If we call this point $X$, we will have $KX\|AB$.
19.12.2004 09:22
c) How to construct segment bisector. Let $A$ and $B$ to points. We can construct two parallel lines through $A$ and $B$ in two ways. So we obtain rhombus $ACBD$, where $CD$ is a bisector of $AB$. a) and b) are really easy.
19.12.2004 10:21
Your approach for c) did come to my mind, but it's not that simple because $AB$ might be shorter than the distnce between the two parallel sides of the ruler . I think it can be repaired, but I was tired last night so I just let it go and went to sleep .
19.12.2004 10:31
Here's a correct version : Put a point $C$ on $(AB$ s.t. $BC>$ than the distance between the sides of the ruler. We can find, with the aid of d), two points $E,F$ not on $AB$ s.t. $EFBC$ is a parallelogram. We can then find a point $D$ on $(BA$ s.t. $EFDA$ is a parallelogram. We now have $AD=BC>$ the distance between the sides of the ruler, and the perpendicular bisector of $DC$ is the same as that of $AB$, so we can perform Myth's construction on the segment $DC$ instead of $AB$, obtaining the perpendicular bisector of $AB$. Perhaps there are simpler ways to do this.
19.12.2004 10:43
Indeed, there are simple way. Consrtruct parallel line to $AB$. Using rule construct on this line three points $C$, $D$, $E$, $CD=ED$. Let $AC$ and $ED$ intersect in p. $F$, then $FD$ intersects $AB$ in p. $G$ s.t. $AB=BG$! Now I think you are able to complete...
19.12.2004 10:56
Here's yet another way: construct the perpendicular bisectors of large enough segments $AC,BC$, which must intersect in the circumcenter of $ABC$, $O_C$. The line connecting $O_C$ and the midpoint of $AB$ is the perpendicular bisector of $AB$. I bet we could continue to post proofs all day long, but I see no point in that .