Interactive Diagram

Drag vertex A to explore. The triangle is constrained to remain acute.

HKDSE Geometry Problem

Problem Setup

Consider an acute-angled triangle $ABC$. $D$ is the orthocenter of $\triangle ABC$. Denote the circumcircle of $\triangle ABC$ and the circumcircle of $\triangle DBC$ by $\Gamma_1$ and $\Gamma_2$ respectively. $AD$ produced intersects $BC$ and $\Gamma_1$ at points $H$ and $J$ respectively.

We need to determine the validity of:

  • I. $\angle BDC + \angle BAC = 180^\circ$
  • II. $DH = HJ$
  • III. The radius of $\Gamma_1$ equals to the radius of $\Gamma_2$.

Click on the "Proof" tabs above to explore step-by-step why all three statements must be true.

Proof of Statement I

$\angle BDC + \angle BAC = 180^\circ$

Let $AE$ and $AF$ be the altitudes from $A$. Since $D$ is the orthocenter, $\angle AED = \angle AFD = 90^\circ$.

Consider the quadrilateral AFDE. The sum of its interior angles is $360^\circ$.
Therefore, $\angle FDE + \angle FAE = 360^\circ - 90^\circ - 90^\circ = 180^\circ$.

Notice that $\angle BDC$ and $\angle FDE$ are vertically opposite angles, so $\angle BDC = \angle FDE$.

Conclusion: Substituting the angles, we get $\angle BDC + \angle BAC = 180^\circ$. Statement I is True.

Proof of Statement II

$DH = HJ$

Let's compare right-angled $\triangle BDH$ and $\triangle JBH$:

  • Angles in the same segment of $\Gamma_1$: $\angle JBC = \angle JAC$.
  • In right-angled $\triangle AHC$, $\angle JAC = 90^\circ - \angle C$.
  • Altitude $BE \perp AC$, so in right-angled $\triangle BEC$, $\angle EBC = 90^\circ - \angle C$.

Therefore, $\angle JBC$ = $\angle EBC$ (which is $\angle DBH$). Both are $90^\circ - \angle C$.

Since $\triangle BDH$ and $\triangle JBH$ share side $BH$, $\angle DBH = \angle JBH$, and $\angle BHD = \angle BHJ = 90^\circ$, we have $\triangle DBH \cong \triangle JBH$ (A.S.A.).

Thus, corresponding sides are equal: $DH = HJ$. Statement II is True.

Proof of Statement III

Radius of $\Gamma_1$ = Radius of $\Gamma_2$

Because $DH = HJ$ and $BC \perp DJ$, $J$ is the geometric reflection of $D$ across the line $BC$.

Therefore, the circumcircle of $\triangle DBC$ ($\Gamma_2$) is a direct reflection of $\Gamma_1$ across $BC$, ensuring identical radii! Statement III is True.

(Don't forget that there is one and only one circle passing through 3 non-collinear points.)