MathLabs

Problem 4

Let nn be a positive integer. Consider 2n2n distinct lines on the plane, no two of which are parallel. Of the 2n2n lines, nn are colored blue, the other nn are colored red. Let BB be the set of all points on the plane that lie on at least one blue line, and RR the set of all points on the plane that lie on at least one red line. Prove that there exists a circle that intersects BB in exactly 2n−12n-1 points, and also intersects RR in exactly 2n−12n-1 points.
Step 3 of 4: Construct the circle
C tangent to ℓk,ℓk+1 and x=aC\text{ tangent to }\ell_k,\ell_{k+1}\text{ and }x=a
Detailed analysis

Take the circle C tangent to the right side of R and tangent to both selected lines. Each other line meets both selected lines inside R. It cannot cross the two horizontal sides of R, since that would give a forbidden direction between the selected directions; hence it crosses the two vertical sides.