Pi day

Pascal's Theorem

In a previous post, we were introduced to Pascal's Hexagrammum Mysticum Theorem - a magical theorem - which states that if we draw a hexagon inscribed in a conic section then the three pairs of opposite sides of the hexagon intersect at three points which lie on a straight line.

For example, as in the following figure we have a hexagon inscribed in a circle and the intersection points of the three pairs of the opposite sides of the hexagon $\{12, 45\}$, $\{23, 56\}$, $\{34, 61\}$ are collinear.

There is a useful tool to prove the collinearity of points - the Menelaus' Theorem - which states as follows:

Menelaus' Theorem: Given a triangle $ABC$ and three points $A'$, $B'$, $C'$ lying on the three lines $BC$, $CA$, $AB$, respectively. Then the three points $A'$, $B'$, $C'$ are collinear if and only if $$\frac{\vec{A'B}}{\vec{A'C}} \times \frac{\vec{B'C}}{\vec{B'A}} \times \frac{\vec{C'A}}{\vec{C'B}} = 1.$$

Today, we will use Menelaus' theorem to prove Pascal's theorem for the circle case.

Radical axis and radical center

In previous post, we have learned about the concept of power of a point with respect to a circle. The power of a point $P$ with respect to a circle centered at $O$ and of radius $r$ is defined by the following formula $${\cal P}(P, (O)) = \vec{PU} \times \vec{PV} = PO^2 - r^2 = (P_x - O_x)^2 + (P_y - O_y)^2 - r^2,$$ here, $U$ and $V$ are two intersection points of the circle $(O)$ with an arbitrary line passing though $P$.

Power of a point: ${\cal P}(P, (O)) = \vec{PU} \times \vec{PV} = PO^2 - r^2 = (P_x - O_x)^2 + (P_y - O_y)^2 - r^2$.

The value of the power of a point gives us information about relative position of the point with respect to the circle. If the power of the point $P$ is a positive number then $P$ is outside the circle, if it is a negative number then $P$ is inside the circle, and if it is equal to zero then $P$ is on the circle.

Today, we will look at application of the power of a point concept. We will use two main tools: radical axis and radical center. Radical axis is often used to prove that a certain number of points lie on the same straight line, and radical center is used to prove a certain number of lines meet at a common point. 

Power of a point to a circle

Today we will learn about the power of a point with respect to a circle.

Suppose on a plane we have a point $P$ and a circle $(O)$. Draw a line through $P$ which intersects with the circle at two points $U$ and $V$. Then the value of $$PU \times PV$$ is independent of the choice of the line $PUV$.

This means that if we draw another line through $P$ which cuts the circle at two other points $A$ and $B$ then $$PA \times PB = PU \times PV.$$
This constant value is called the power of the point $P$ with respect to the circle $(O)$.