Problem in Direct Similarity

What Might This Be About?

5 June 2015, Created with GeoGebra

Source

The problem below grew out from an observation by Miguel Ochoa Sanchez:

Problem in Direct Similarity, original

Problem

Let $ABC$ and $EBD$ be two similar triangles $M,N,P$ the midpoints of $BE,BC,AD,$ respectively. Define $R,S,T$ as the barycenters of triangles $EBD,MNP,ABC.$

Problem in Direct Similarity, problem

Then $R+T=2S.$

Proof

We'll see the problem as set in affine geometry.

Let $B = 0,$ the origin, $E = x,$ $D = y,$ $a$ - spiral similarity around $B$ s.t. $A = ax,$ $C = ay.$ Then $M = x/2,$ $N = $ay/2,$ $P = (ax + y)/2.$

Further, $R = (x+y)/3,$ $T = (ax+ay)/3,$

$S = (x/2+ay/2+ (ax + y)/2)/3=((x+y)/3+(ax+ay)/3)/2=(R+T)/2.$

Note that $\Delta MNP$ is not similar to $\Delta ABC.$ Using complex numbers, Leo Giugiuc proved that if $ABC$ and $EBD$ are equilateral then so is $MNP;$ and Gregoire Nicollier showed that $MNP$ and $EBD$ are directly similar if and only if $EBD$ is equilateral.

Acknowledgment

The original statement has been posted by Leo Giugiuc at the CutTheKnotMath facebook page with credits to Miguel Ochoa Sanchez.

Barycenter and Barycentric Coordinates

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  2. Barycentric Coordinates
  3. Barycentric Coordinates: a Tool
  4. Barycentric Coordinates and Geometric Probability
  5. Ceva's Theorem
  6. Determinants, Area, and Barycentric Coordinates
  7. Maxwell Theorem via the Center of Gravity
  8. Bimedians in a Quadrilateral
  9. Simultaneous Generalization of the Theorems of Ceva and Menelaus
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  11. Van Obel Theorem and Barycentric Coordinates
  12. 1961 IMO, Problem 4. An exercise in barycentric coordinates
  13. Centroids in Polygon
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  15. Area of Cevian Triangle

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