Chapter

Mixed Problems I

The final mixed module of Part I: the student does not know the method in advance and must choose between angles, congruence, similarity, circles, areas, and auxiliary constructions.
Log in to track solved progress and bookmarks.

Theory

Key Idea

In a mixed problem, the method is not written in the statement. First read the configuration: where are the parallel lines, equal segments, midpoints, right angles, circles, ratios, and areas?

A good olympiad habit is not to start with computation. First find the structure: an angle on a chord, a hidden congruent triangle, a small triangle inside a large one, a median, a common height, or a useful auxiliary construction.

Basic Facts

Angle chasing works when there are parallel lines, an exterior angle, the angle sum of a triangle, or a cyclic quadrilateral.

Triangle congruence is found by SSS, SAS, ASA, especially after extending a side, reflecting a point, or completing a parallelogram.

Similarity appears from parallel lines, common angles, altitudes in a right triangle, and proportions. Areas are useful with common heights, medians, points on one side, and decompositions of a figure.

Circles help replace angles: if points lie on one circle, angles standing on one chord are equal; if two angles are right, there is often a circle with a diameter.

When to Use This Method

If you need to find an angle, first look for parallel lines and a circle. If you need to prove equality of segments, look for congruent triangles, equal chords, or a parallelogram. If you need to find a ratio, look for similarity or areas.

If the diagram does not give the needed pair of triangles, try drawing a diagonal, extending a median, drawing a parallel line, or constructing a circle with a diameter.

How to Recognise the Method

A midpoint suggests a median, a midline, areas, or extending by an equal segment. Parallelism suggests angles and similarity. Right angles suggest a circle with a diameter. A ratio on a side suggests similarity or areas.

If the problem contains a quadrilateral, try a diagonal or a circle. If there is an intersection of diagonals, try ratios and areas.

Typical Mistakes

Do not choose a method just because it was studied most recently. In a mixed block, a problem may look like angles but be solved by areas, or look like areas but be solved by similarity.

Do not use a property before proving the figure has it: cyclicity, parallelogram structure, isosceles triangles, and similarity must be justified. Do not overload the diagram with lines: every construction should create a concrete new fact.

Mini-Checklist

1. What is required: an angle, segment, ratio, area, or proof? 2. Are there parallel lines? 3. Are there midpoints or medians? 4. Is there a circle or two right angles? 5. Can triangles be compared? 6. Would areas be simpler? 7. Which one auxiliary construction creates a familiar situation?

Examples

Example 1. First Recognise the Angles

This example shows that a parallel line often turns the problem into angle chasing.

Problem. In triangle \(ABC\), point \(D\) lies on \(AC\), and \(DE\parallel BC\), where \(E\) lies on \(AB\). If \(\angle A=48^\circ\), \(\angle B=67^\circ\), find \(\angle ADE\).

Solution.

Since \(DE\parallel BC\), angle \(\angle ADE\) equals \(\angle ACB\). In triangle \(ABC\), \(\angle C=180^\circ-48^\circ-67^\circ=65^\circ\). Therefore \(\angle ADE=65^\circ\).

Example 2. A Midpoint Asks for an Extension

If there is a midpoint and congruent triangles are missing, extending by an equal segment helps.

Problem. In triangle \(ABC\), point \(M\) is the midpoint of \(BC\). Extend \(AM\) beyond \(M\) to \(D\) so that \(MD=AM\). Prove that \(AB\parallel CD\).

Solution.

We have \(AM=MD\), \(BM=MC\), and \(\angle AMB=\angle DMC\) as vertical angles. Therefore \(\triangle ABM\cong\triangle DCM\). Hence \(\angle ABM=\angle DCM\), so \(AB\parallel CD\).

Example 3. Ratio Through Similarity

If a parallel line is drawn inside a triangle, similarity is almost always worth checking.

Problem. In triangle \(ABC\), points \(D\) and \(E\) lie on \(AB\) and \(AC\), and \(DE\parallel BC\). If \(AD:DB=3:2\) and \(BC=20\), find \(DE\).

Solution.

From \(DE\parallel BC\), \(\triangle ADE\sim\triangle ABC\). We have \(AD:AB=3:5\), hence \(DE:BC=3:5\). Therefore \(DE=12\).

Example 4. A Circle Replaces an Angle

If four points are cyclic, one angle can be replaced by another.

Problem. Points \(A,B,C,D\) lie on one circle, and \(B\) and \(D\) are on the same side of chord \(AC\). If \(\angle ABC=42^\circ\), find \(\angle ADC\).

Solution.

Angles \(\angle ABC\) and \(\angle ADC\) stand on the same chord \(AC\). With the given position, they are equal. Therefore \(\angle ADC=42^\circ\).

Example 5. Areas Instead of Angles

Sometimes a segment ratio is easier to get from areas.

Problem. In triangle \(ABC\), point \(D\) lies on \(BC\). It is known that \(S_{ABD}=18\), \(S_{ACD}=30\). Find \(BD:DC\).

Solution.

Triangles \(ABD\) and \(ACD\) have a common height from \(A\) to \(BC\). Therefore \(BD:DC=S_{ABD}:S_{ACD}=18:30=3:5\).

Example 6. A Diagonal of a Quadrilateral

In a quadrilateral, a diagonal often creates midlines or congruent triangles.

Problem. In quadrilateral \(ABCD\), points \(M,N,P,Q\) are the side midpoints. Prove that \(MNPQ\) is a parallelogram.

Solution.

Draw diagonal \(AC\). Then \(MN\parallel AC\) and \(PQ\parallel AC\), because they are midlines in triangles \(ABC\) and \(CDA\). Hence \(MN\parallel PQ\). Similarly, using diagonal \(BD\), we get \(NP\parallel MQ\). Therefore \(MNPQ\) is a parallelogram.

Example 7. Two Right Angles Give a Circle

If two points see one segment under a right angle, a circle with a diameter appears.

Problem. In triangle \(ABC\), the feet of the altitudes from \(B\) and \(C\) are \(D\) and \(E\). Prove that \(B,C,D,E\) lie on one circle.

Solution.

We have \(\angle BDC=90^\circ\) and \(\angle BEC=90^\circ\). Therefore points \(D\) and \(E\) lie on the circle with diameter \(BC\). Hence \(B,C,D,E\) are cyclic.

Example 8. A Mixed Move in a Trapezoid

Here both similarity and understanding of trapezoid diagonals are needed.

Problem. In trapezoid \(ABCD\), bases \(AD\parallel BC\), \(AD=18\), \(BC=12\). The diagonals meet at \(O\). Find \(AO:OC\).

Solution.

Triangles \(AOD\) and \(COB\) are similar: the angles at \(O\) are vertical, and the other corresponding angles are equal because \(AD\parallel BC\). Therefore \(AO:OC=AD:BC=18:12=3:2\).

Example 9. A Tangent as a Source of Equal Angles

A tangent can unexpectedly lead to an isosceles triangle.

Problem. In triangle \(ABC\), the tangent to the circumcircle at \(A\) is parallel to \(BC\). Prove that \(AB=AC\).

Solution.

The angle between the tangent and \(AB\) equals \(\angle ACB\). Since the tangent is parallel to \(BC\), this same angle equals \(\angle ABC\). Hence \(\angle ABC=\angle ACB\), so \(AB=AC\).

Example 10. Areas Determine Medians

Sometimes equality of areas shows where a median passes.

Problem. Point \(P\) lies inside triangle \(ABC\), and \(S_{PAB}=S_{PAC}=S_{PBC}\). Prove that \(P\) is the intersection point of the medians.

Solution.

From \(S_{PAB}=S_{PAC}\), line \(AP\) passes through the midpoint of \(BC\). From \(S_{PAB}=S_{PBC}\), line \(BP\) passes through the midpoint of \(AC\). Therefore \(P\) is the intersection of two medians, hence the centroid of the triangle.

Problems

Problems

#8.1
#8.1

A Parallel Line and an Angle

Angle chasing Grade 7 Grade 8 ★★☆☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), point \(D\) lies on \(AC\), and \(DE\parallel BC\), where \(E\) lies on \(AB\). If \(\angle A=46^\circ\), \(\angle B=71^\circ\), find \(\angle ADE\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P001
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#8.2
#8.2

Median in an Isosceles Triangle

Triangle congruence Grade 7 Grade 8 ★★☆☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), it is known that \(AB=AC\). Point \(M\) is the midpoint of \(BC\). Prove that \(AM\perp BC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P002
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Triangle congruence
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#8.3
#8.3

A Small Triangle Inside a Large One

Parallel lines Grade 7 Grade 8 ★★☆☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), points \(D\) and \(E\) lie on \(AB\) and \(AC\), and \(DE\parallel BC\). It is known that \(AD:DB=4:1\), \(BC=25\). Find \(DE\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P003
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Parallel lines
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#8.4
#8.4

Area and Ratio

Area ratio Grade 7 Grade 8 ★★☆☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), point \(D\) lies on \(BC\), and \(BD:DC=2:5\). The area of \(ABC\) is \(84\). Find \(S_{ABD}\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P004
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Area ratio
Grade: Grade 7, Grade 8
#8.5
#8.5

One Angle on a Chord

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Points \(A,B,C,D\) lie on one circle, and \(B\) and \(D\) lie on the same side of chord \(AC\). If \(\angle ABC=39^\circ\), find \(\angle ADC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P005
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.6
#8.6

Altitudes and a Circle

Altitude Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), points \(D\) and \(E\) are the feet of the altitudes from \(B\) and \(C\). Prove that points \(B,C,D,E\) lie on one circle.

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P006
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Altitude
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.7
#8.7

Extending a Median

Triangle congruence Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), point \(M\) is the midpoint of \(BC\). Extend \(AM\) beyond \(M\) to \(D\), where \(MD=AM\). Prove that \(AB\parallel CD\) and \(AC\parallel BD\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P007
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Triangle congruence
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.8
#8.8

A Midpoint After a Parallel

Parallel lines Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), point \(D\) is the midpoint of \(AB\). Through \(D\), a line parallel to \(AC\) meets \(BC\) at \(E\). Prove that \(E\) is the midpoint of \(BC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P008
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Parallel lines
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.9
#8.9

Side Midpoints of a Quadrilateral

Auxiliary line Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In convex quadrilateral \(ABCD\), points \(M,N,P,Q\) are the midpoints of sides \(AB,BC,CD,DA\). Prove that \(MNPQ\) is a parallelogram.

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P009
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Auxiliary line
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.10
#8.10

Diagonals of a Trapezoid

Similarity Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In trapezoid \(ABCD\), bases \(AD\parallel BC\), \(AD=21\), \(BC=14\). The diagonals meet at point \(O\). Find \(AO:OC\) and \(DO:OB\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P010
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Similarity
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.11
#8.11

A Tangent Parallel to a Side

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), the tangent to the circumcircle at \(A\) is parallel to \(BC\). Prove that \(AB=AC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P011
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.12
#8.12

Point on a Median

Median Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

In triangle \(ABC\), median \(AM\) is drawn to \(BC\). Point \(P\) lies on \(AM\). Prove that \(S_{PAB}=S_{PAC}\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P012
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Median
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.13
#8.13

Equal Areas in a Trapezoid

Trapezoid Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

In trapezoid \(ABCD\), bases \(AD\parallel BC\), and the diagonals meet at point \(O\). Prove that \(S_{AOB}=S_{COD}\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P013
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Trapezoid
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.14
#8.14

A Cyclic Trapezoid

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

Quadrilateral \(ABCD\) is cyclic, and \(AB\parallel CD\). Prove that \(AD=BC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P014
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.15
#8.15

A Point on a Cevian

Similarity Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

The area of triangle \(ABC\) is \(120\). Point \(D\) lies on \(BC\), and point \(E\) lies on \(AD\), with \(AE:ED=3:2\). Find \(S_{BCE}\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P015
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Similarity
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.16
#8.16

A Circle on Altitudes

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

In acute triangle \(ABC\), altitudes \(BD\) and \(CE\) meet at point \(H\). Prove that points \(A,D,H,E\) lie on one circle, and find \(\angle DHE\) in terms of \(\angle A\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P016
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.17
#8.17

Point Inside a Parallelogram

Parallelogram Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

Point \(P\) lies inside parallelogram \(ABCD\). Prove that \(S_{PAB}+S_{PCD}=\frac{1}{2}S_{ABCD}\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P017
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Parallelogram
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.18
#8.18

An Angle Bisector in a Circle

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

In cyclic quadrilateral \(ABCD\), diagonal \(AC\) bisects angle \(BAD\). Prove that \(BC=CD\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P018
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.19
#8.19

Product of Areas

Quadrilateral Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

In convex quadrilateral \(ABCD\), the diagonals meet at point \(O\). Prove that \(S_{AOB}\cdot S_{COD}=S_{BOC}\cdot S_{DOA}\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P019
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Quadrilateral
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.20
#8.20

A Parallel and the Remaining Area

Parallel lines Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

In triangle \(ABC\), point \(D\) lies on \(BC\), with \(BD:DC=2:3\). Through \(D\), a line parallel to \(AC\) meets \(AB\) at \(E\). Prove that \(S_{BDE}:S_{ADEC}=4:21\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P020
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Parallel lines
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.21
#8.21

One Pair Equal and Parallel

Triangle congruence Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

In quadrilateral \(ABCD\), it is known that \(AB\parallel CD\) and \(AB=CD\). Prove that \(ABCD\) is a parallelogram.

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P021
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Triangle congruence
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.22
#8.22

Hidden Cyclicity

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

In triangle \(ABC\), points \(D\) and \(E\) lie on \(AB\) and \(AC\). It is known that \(\angle CDE=\angle CBE\). Prove that points \(B,C,D,E\) lie on one circle.

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P022
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.23
#8.23

A Circle From Equal Distances

Midpoint Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

In triangle \(ABC\), point \(M\) is the midpoint of \(BC\), and \(AM=BM\). Prove that \(\angle BAC=90^\circ\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P023
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Midpoint
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.24
#8.24

Equal Areas Give a Median

Median Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

Point \(P\) lies inside triangle \(ABC\). It is known that \(S_{PAB}=S_{PAC}\). Prove that line \(AP\) passes through the midpoint of \(BC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P024
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Median
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.25
#8.25

A Parallel Through the Diagonal Intersection

Parallel lines Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★☆

In trapezoid \(ABCD\), bases \(AD\parallel BC\), \(AD=12\), \(BC=6\). The diagonals meet at \(O\). Through \(O\), a line parallel to the bases meets \(AB\) and \(CD\) at \(X\) and \(Y\). Find \(XY\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P025
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Parallel lines
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.26
#8.26

Area Form of Ceva

Area Ceva Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★★

In triangle \(ABC\), lines \(AD\), \(BE\), \(CF\) meet at one point \(P\), where \(D\) lies on \(BC\), \(E\) on \(CA\), and \(F\) on \(AB\). Prove that \(\frac{BD}{DC}\cdot\frac{CE}{EA}\cdot\frac{AF}{FB}=1\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P026
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Area Ceva
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.27
#8.27

Find the Third Ratio

Ratios Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★★

In triangle \(ABC\), lines \(AD\), \(BE\), \(CF\) meet at one point. Points \(D,E,F\) lie on \(BC,CA,AB\), respectively. It is known that \(BD:DC=2:3\), \(CE:EA=3:4\). Find \(AF:FB\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P027
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Ratios
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.28
#8.28

The Third Median Through Areas

Median Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★★

In triangle \(ABC\), the medians from \(A\) and \(B\) meet at point \(G\). Line \(CG\) meets \(AB\) at point \(F\). Prove that \(AF=FB\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P028
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Median
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.29
#8.29

Two Tangents

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★★

Tangents to the circumcircle of triangle \(ABC\) at points \(B\) and \(C\) meet at point \(T\). Prove that \(\angle BTC=180^\circ-2\angle BAC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P029
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.30
#8.30

Concurrence From Ratios

Triangle congruence Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★★★

In triangle \(ABC\), points \(D,E,F\) lie on sides \(BC,CA,AB\), respectively. It is known that \(BD:DC=2:3\), \(CE:EA=3:5\), \(AF:FB=5:2\). Prove that lines \(AD\), \(BE\), \(CF\) meet at one point.

Details
Problem: GEO-B1-M08-P030
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Triangle congruence
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9

Ladders

No published ladders were found.
Previous Chapter