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 2 of 6: Use the tangency homothety at M M
In plain words

Tangency creates a dilation from the inner circle to the outer one.

CD∥ABCD\parallel AB
Detailed analysis

The homothety centered at M M taking G1 G_1 to G G sends C,D C,D to A,B A,B , because M,C,A M,C,A and M,D,B M,D,B are collinear. Therefore CD∥AB CD\parallel AB , so CD⊥O1O2 CD\perp O_1O_2.