MathLabs

Problem 2

Let AA be one of the two distinct intersection points of unequal coplanar circles C1,C2C_1,C_2 with centers O1,O2O_1,O_2. One common tangent touches them at P1,P2P_1,P_2, and the other at Q1,Q2Q_1,Q_2. Let M1,M2M_1,M_2 be the midpoints of P1Q1,P2Q2P_1Q_1,P_2Q_2. Prove that ∠O1AO2=∠M1AM2\angle O_1AO_2=\angle M_1AM_2.
Step 5 of 5: Finish by directed-angle telescoping
∠O1AO2=∠M1AM2\angle O_1AO_2=\angle M_1AM_2
Detailed analysis

Writing the angle from AO1AO_1 to AO2AO_2 through the intermediate rays AM1,AM2AM_1,AM_2, the two equal correction angles from Step 4 cancel: ∠(AO1,AO2)=∠(AO1,AM1)+∠(AM1,AM2)+∠(AM2,AO2)=∠(AM1,AM2)\angle(AO_1,AO_2)=\angle(AO_1,AM_1)+\angle(AM_1,AM_2)+\angle(AM_2,AO_2)=\angle(AM_1,AM_2). Hence ∠O1AO2=∠M1AM2\angle O_1AO_2=\angle M_1AM_2.