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$\triangle PQR$ is an isosceles triangle where $PQ = PR$. Point $X$ is on the cicumcircle of $\triangle PQR$ such that it is in the opposite region of $P$ with respect to $QR$. $PY$ $\perp$ $XR$ and $XY$ = $12$. What is the value of $QX + XR$?

I am unable to solve the problem because I couldn't use the condition of $XY$ = $12$ and $\angle PYX$ = $90^\circ$ $\triangle PQR$ being an isosceles triangle. Then how can I suppose to get the value of $QX + XR$?

A small hint will be enough for me to proceed.

Source: Bangladesh Math Olympiad

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  • $\begingroup$ What's the source of your problem? $\endgroup$
    – Dr. Mathva
    Feb 11, 2019 at 9:21
  • $\begingroup$ @Anirban Niloy Is $\Delta PQR$ equilateral? If so, the answer is $24$. $\endgroup$ Feb 11, 2019 at 9:35
  • $\begingroup$ @Michael Rozenberg No. $\triangle PQR$ is isosceles with having $PQ$ and $PR$ both equal. The diagram really looks like a little bit disturbed. $\endgroup$ Feb 11, 2019 at 9:41

3 Answers 3

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Choose a point $R'\in [XY]$ such that $\color{red}{YR=YR'}$ $\Rightarrow PR'=PR=PQ\Rightarrow \angle PR'Q=\angle R'QP$.

Since the quadrilateral $PRXQ$ is cyclic: $$\angle PRY=\angle YR'P=180°-\angle XQP \Rightarrow \angle PR'X=\angle XQP$$

$$\because \angle PR'Q=\angle R'QP \Rightarrow \angle XQR'=\angle QR'X$$ $$\therefore \color{red}{XR'=XQ}\Rightarrow QX+XR=XR'+XY+R'Y=2XY=24$$

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    $\begingroup$ An alternative construction from which very similar logic follows is PZ perpendicular to XQ. $\endgroup$ Feb 11, 2019 at 9:53
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    $\begingroup$ Very elegant, doctor! +1 $\endgroup$ Feb 11, 2019 at 10:01
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Let $\measuredangle PRQ=\alpha$ and $\measuredangle XRQ=\beta$.

Thus, $$PX=\frac{12}{\cos\alpha}$$ and by the law of sines for $\Delta QPX$ and for $\Delta PRX$ we obtain: $$\frac{QX}{\sin\beta}=\frac{\frac{12}{\cos\alpha}}{\sin(\alpha+\beta)}$$ and $$\frac{RX}{\sin(2\alpha+\beta)}=\frac{\frac{12}{\cos\alpha}}{\sin(\alpha+\beta)}.$$ Id est, $$QX+RX=\frac{12\sin(2\alpha+\beta)+12\sin\beta}{\cos\alpha\sin(\alpha+\beta)}=\frac{24\sin(\alpha+\beta)\cos\alpha}{\cos\alpha\sin(\alpha+\beta)}=24.$$

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  • $\begingroup$ I don't know the law of sines that you have applied. So, it is my above my understanding capacity because I'm only in 10th grade. But, well done!!😅😅😅 $\endgroup$ Feb 11, 2019 at 10:06
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Drop A perpendicular from $P$ onto $QR$ at $S$, so $QR=2\cdot SR$. And let $PR=PQ=a$

Note that $\angle PXR=\angle PXQ=\angle PRS=\alpha$

Now from Ptolemy theorem in $PQXR$:

$$QX\cdot PR+XR\cdot PQ=PX\cdot QR$$ $$a\cdot(QX+XR)=(12\sec\alpha)\cdot 2a\cos\alpha\\QX+XR=24$$

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