Does the Triangle's Centroid Lie Inside the Circle with Diameter OA?

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    2017
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the geometric proof that the centroid \( G \) of triangle \( ABC \) lies within the circle defined by diameter \( OA \), given that side \( BC \) is the largest side of the triangle. The proof utilizes properties of centroids and circumcenters, specifically focusing on the relationship between these points and the triangle's dimensions. The conclusion is that under the stated conditions, the centroid is guaranteed to be inside the specified circle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of triangle properties, specifically centroids and circumcenters.
  • Familiarity with geometric proofs and theorems related to triangles.
  • Knowledge of circle geometry, particularly the concept of diameter.
  • Basic skills in mathematical reasoning and proof construction.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of centroids in triangles, focusing on their relationship to the circumcenter.
  • Explore geometric proofs involving circles, particularly those using diameters.
  • Learn about the implications of side lengths in triangle geometry, especially regarding largest sides.
  • Investigate additional theorems related to triangle centers and their properties.
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, geometry enthusiasts, and students studying triangle properties and geometric proofs will benefit from this discussion.

anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $ABC$ be a triangle with centroid $G$ and circumcenter $O$. Prove that if $BC$ is its largest side, then $G$ lies in the interior of the circle with diameter $OA$.

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No one answered last week's problem.(Sadface)

You can find the suggested solution as follows:
View attachment 6469
Let $BC=a,\,CA=b,\,AB=c$, $M$ be the midpoint of $BC$ and $D$ be the second intersection point between $AM$ and the circumcircle of triangle $ABC$.

By the Power of A Point theorem, we have $AM\cdot MD=BM \cdot MC$. Thus we get

$\begin{align*}AD&=AM+MD\\&=m_a+\dfrac{\dfrac{a}{2}\cdot \dfrac{a}{2}}{m_a}\\&=\dfrac{4m_a^2+a^2}{4m_a}\\&=\dfrac{b^2+c^2}{2m_a}\end{align*}$

Now, taking into consideration that the circle of diameter $OA$ is the locus of midpoints of chords of $O$ that pass through $A$, we have $G$ lies in the interior of the circle of diameter $OA$ if and only if $AG<\dfrac{AD}{2}$, or equivalently

$\dfrac{2}{3}m_a<\dfrac{1}{2}\left(\dfrac{b^2+c^2}{2m_a}\right)$

$8m_a^2<3(b^2+c^2)$

$b^2+c^2<2a^2$

Since $BC$ is the greatest side of triangle $ABC$, the last inequality holds so we are done.
 

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