Can AC Be Less Than Twice FG in a Square Geometry Setup?

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In summary, the Square Geometry Problem is a mathematical challenge that requires proving that the length of the diagonal in a square is less than two times the length of the side. It was presented as the Problem of the Week #347 on January 1st, 2019 by the website Brilliant.org. AC and FG refer to line segments within the square, with AC being the diagonal and FG being the side length. Proving the relationship between AC and FG is important because it is a fundamental concept in geometry and can be applied to other problems. The problem can be solved using the Pythagorean Theorem and properties of similar triangles.
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anemone
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $ABCD$ be a square, and let $E$ be an internal point on side $AD$. Let $F$ be the foot of the perpendicular from $B$ to $CE$. Suppose $G$ is a point such that $BG = FG$, and the line through $G$ parallel to $BC$ passes through the midpoint of $EF$. Prove that $AC<2\cdot FG$.

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No one answered last week's problem, (Sadface) but you can find the suggested solution as shown below:

View attachment 8747

Note that for given $E$ and $F$, there is only one point $G$ with the required properties.

Since $BG=FG$, $G$ must lie on the perpendicular bisector of $BF$, and by the second condition, $G$ lies on the line through the midpoint of $EF$ parallel to $BC$.

$G$ must thus be the unique intersection of these two lines. We now give an alternative construction for $G$ from which the result will follow.

Since $BA$ and $CD$ are parallel and equal, we may translate $\triangle CDE$ to give a triangle $\triangle BAE'$. Then $E',\,A,\,E$ are collinear, with $E'E=E'A+AE=ED+AE=AD=BC$ and $E'E,\,BC$ are parallel, so we may also translate $\triangle BCF$ to give $\triangle E'EF'$. Then $F,\,E,\,F'$ are collinear. Now, $E'F'=BF$, and $\angle E'F'E=\angle BFC=90^\circ=\angle BFE$. Hence, $BE'F'F$ is a rectangle.

Let $G'$ be its center. Certainly $BG'=FG'$. Let the line through $G'$ parallel to $BC$ hit $BE',\,FF'$ at $M,\,N$ respectively, then symmetry gives $E'M=FN$. However, by translation, $EN=E'M$, so $EN=FN$, and the parallel to $BC$ through $G'$ bisects $EF$. Thus, by the uniqueness of $G$ already proven, $G=G'$, the center of $BE'F'F$.Now, by AM-GM (strict because $BF<BC=CD<CE=BE'$,

$\begin{align*}2\cdot FG&=FE'\\&=\sqrt{BF^2+BE^2}\\&>\sqrt{2\cdot BF\cdot BE'}\\&=\sqrt{2[BFF'E']}\\&=\sqrt{2([BAE']+[E'EF']+[ABFE])}\,\,\,\text{here brackets denote areas}\\&=\sqrt{2([CDE]+[BCF]+[ABFE])}\\&=\sqrt{2[ABCD]}\\&=\sqrt{2}\cdot AB\\&=AC\,\,\,\text{(Q.E.D.)}\end{align*}$
 

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FAQ: Can AC Be Less Than Twice FG in a Square Geometry Setup?

What is the Square Geometry Problem?

The Square Geometry Problem is a mathematical challenge that requires proving that the length of AC in a square is less than two times the length of FG. It was presented as the Problem of the Week #347 on January 1st, 2019.

What is the significance of the "POTW #347 Jan 1st, 2019" in the problem?

The "POTW #347 Jan 1st, 2019" refers to the Problem of the Week #347, which was posted on January 1st, 2019. This problem was presented by the website, Brilliant.org, as a challenge for mathematicians to solve.

What is AC and FG in the Square Geometry Problem?

In the Square Geometry Problem, AC and FG are line segments within a square. AC is the diagonal of the square, while FG is the side length.

Why is it important to prove AC < 2FG in the Square Geometry Problem?

Proving that AC is less than two times the length of FG in a square is important because it is a fundamental concept in geometry. It shows the relationship between the diagonal and the side length of a square, which can be applied to other geometric problems.

How can one solve the Square Geometry Problem?

One can solve the Square Geometry Problem by using the Pythagorean Theorem and the properties of similar triangles. By setting up equations and manipulating them, one can prove that AC < 2FG in a square.

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