MathLabs

Problem 4

Let CC be a circle of radius RR and center OO, and let SS be a fixed interior point. Let AA′AA' and BB′BB' be perpendicular chords through SS. The rectangles SAMBSAMB, SB′N′A′SB'N'A', SA′M′B′SA'M'B', and SBNASBNA are formed. Determine the locus of the four points M,N′,M′,NM,N',M',N as AA moves around CC.
Step 1 of 5: Combine the four small rectangles
MN′M′N is a rectangle with MN′∥AA′,NM′∥BB′MN'M'N\text{ is a rectangle with }MN'\parallel AA',\quad NM'\parallel BB'
Detailed analysis

From the four rectangle constructions, MN′M′NMN'M'N is a rectangle whose sides are parallel to AA′AA' and BB′BB'. The perpendicular bisectors of AA′AA' and BB′BB' pass through OO; the same lines are the perpendicular bisectors of MN′MN' and NM′NM'. Hence OO is the center of MN′M′NMN'M'N.