Problem

Source: French MO 1997 P5

Tags: geometry



Given two distinct points $A,B$ in the plane, for each point $C$ not on the line $AB$, we denote by $G$ and $I$ the centroid and incenter of the triangle $ABC$, respectively. (a) For $0<\alpha<\pi$, let $\Gamma$ be the set of points $C$ in the plane such that $\angle\left(\overrightarrow{CA},\overrightarrow{CB}\right)=\alpha+2k\pi$ as an oriented angle, where $k\in\mathbb Z$. If $C$ describes $\Gamma$, show that points $G$ and $I$ also descibre arcs of circles, and determine these circles. (b) Suppose that in addition $\frac\pi3<\alpha<\pi$. For which positions of $C$ in $\Gamma$ is $GI$ minimal? (c) Let $f(\alpha)$ denote the minimal $GI$ from the part (b). Give $f(\alpha)$ explicitly in terms of $a=AB$ and $\alpha$. Find the minimum value of $f(\alpha)$ for $\alpha\in\left(\frac\pi3,\pi\right)$.