MathLabs

Problem 3

Given points OO and AA in the plane, every point is colored with one of a finite number of colors. For a point XX, let C(X)C(X) be the circle centered at OO with radius OX+∠AOXOXOX+\frac{\angle AOX}{OX}, where ∠AOX\angle AOX is measured in radians in [0,2π)\left[0,2\pi\right). Prove that there is a point XX, not on OAOA, such that the color of XX appears on the circumference of C(X)C(X).
Step 1 of 6: Choose nested radii
In plain words

The radii grow forever but remain in a bounded range, leaving enough angular room for every later circle to be encoded.

an=2−n−1,ri=∑t=1iat,(∑n≥1an)2<2πa_n=2^{-n-1},\quad r_i=\sum_{t=1}^{i}a_t,\quad \left(\sum_{n\ge1}a_n\right)^2<2\pi
The reference ray OA and a sample polar angle.
A unit circle with the reference direction OA and a marked angle.
Detailed analysis

Take any positive sequence with squared total sum less than 2π2\pi, for example the displayed geometric sequence. Let the circle of radius rir_i centered at OO be Ci\mathcal C_i.