MathLabs

Problem 5

An arbitrary point MM is selected in the interior of segment ABAB. Squares AMCDAMCD and MBEFMBEF are constructed on the same side of ABAB, with circumcenters PP and QQ. Their circumcircles meet again at NN. Let N′N' be the intersection of AFAF and BCBC. (a) Prove N=N′N=N'. (b) Prove that MNMN passes through a fixed point independent of MM. (c) Find the locus of the midpoint of PQPQ as MM varies.
Step 3 of 5: Relate the variable point to NN
AMMB=CMMB=ANNB\frac{AM}{MB}=\frac{CM}{MB}=\frac{AN}{NB}
Detailed analysis

Triangles ABNABN and BCMBCM are similar: they have the angle at BB in common and each has a right angle. Therefore AM/MB=CM/MB=AN/NBAM/MB=CM/MB=AN/NB, so MNMN bisects ∠ANB\angle ANB.