Problem 3
Let three circles , which are non-overlapping and mutually external, be given in the plane. For each point in the plane, outside the three circles, construct six points as follows: for each , are distinct points on such that the lines and are both tangents to . Call exceptional if the three lines are concurrent. Show that every exceptional point of the plane, if any exists, lies on the same circle.
Step 4 of 5: Identify the equal powers
Detailed analysis
Because X_i and P are intersections of the line O_iP with Ω, O_iX_i·O_iP is the power of O_i with respect to Ω. Thus OO_i^2−ρ^2=r_i^2, or equivalently OO_i^2−r_i^2=ρ^2.