MathLabs

Problem 5

Two circles G1 G_1 and G2 G_2 are contained inside the circle G G , and are tangent to G G at the distinct points M M and N N , respectively. G1 G_1 passes through the center of G2 G_2. The line passing through the two points of intersection of G1 G_1 and G2 G_2 meets G G at A A and B B . The lines MA MA and MB MB meet G1 G_1 at C C and D D , respectively. Prove that CD CD is tangent to G2 G_2.
Step 1 of 6: Set the centers and the common chord
In plain words

The radical axis of two circles is perpendicular to their centers line.

G1G2⊥ABG_1G_2\perp AB
Detailed analysis

Let O,O1,O2 O,O_1,O_2 and r,r1,r2 r,r_1,r_2 be the centers and radii of G,G1,G2 G,G_1,G_2. The common chord AB AB is perpendicular to the line of centers O1O2 O_1O_2. Since G1 G_1 passes through O2 O_2, we have O1O2=r1 O_1O_2=r_1.