Chapter

Complete Quadrilaterals and Miquel Points

This module teaches students to recognise a complete quadrilateral, construct the Miquel point, and use it to prove concyclicity, angle equalities, and common points of circles.
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Theory

Key Idea

A complete quadrilateral is formed by four lines. Every two lines meet, so six points appear. The four triples of lines form four triangles, and their circumcircles often pass through one common point, the Miquel point.

The Miquel point turns long angle chasing into one strong observation: if two circles from the complete configuration meet again at a point \(M\), then \(M\) lies on the other two circles as well.

Basic Facts

For four lines \(l_1,l_2,l_3,l_4\), denote \(A=l_1\cap l_2\), \(B=l_2\cap l_3\), \(C=l_3\cap l_4\), \(D=l_4\cap l_1\), \(E=l_1\cap l_3\), \(F=l_2\cap l_4\). Then the four circles

\[(ABE),\quad (ADF),\quad (CDE),\quad (BCF)\]

pass through one common point \(M\). This point is called the Miquel point of the complete quadrilateral.

The main working cyclicity criterion: points \(X,Y,Z,T\) lie on one circle if \(\angle XZY=\angle XTY\), or if a pair of opposite angles sums to \(180^\circ\).

When to Use This Method

Look for the Miquel point when a problem contains four lines, many intersections, several circles through triples of points, or asks you to prove that several circles have one common point.

The method is especially useful for proving concyclicity: instead of constructing a new circle from scratch, it is often enough to recognise a complete quadrilateral and name its Miquel point.

How to Recognise the Method

Signals include: four lines, six intersection points, circles on triangles, and phrases such as "Prove that several circles pass through one point" or "Prove that four points are concyclic".

A useful move is to label the four lines first, then write down the six intersection points. After that, it becomes clear which four circles belong to the complete quadrilateral.

Typical Mistakes

Do not confuse a complete quadrilateral with an ordinary quadrilateral. In a complete quadrilateral, all six intersection points of the four lines matter.

Do not call a point the Miquel point before checking which four circles are involved. Each circle must pass through three vertices formed by three of the four lines.

Mini-Checklist

1. Find the four lines of the configuration.

2. Label the six intersection points.

3. List the four triangles formed by triples of lines.

4. Take the second intersection of two circles and check by angles that it lies on the third and fourth.

5. To prove cyclicity, use equality of inscribed angles.

Examples

Example 1. A Cyclicity Criterion

Before the Miquel point, students need a confident angle criterion for cyclicity.

Problem. Prove that if \(\angle AXB=\angle AYB\), then points \(A,B,X,Y\) lie on one circle.

Solution.

The equal angles \(\angle AXB\) and \(\angle AYB\) subtend the same segment \(AB\). By the converse of the inscribed angle criterion, points \(X\) and \(Y\) lie on one circle with \(A\) and \(B\).

Example 2. A Complete Quadrilateral from Four Lines

This example teaches students to label the six points correctly.

Problem. Four lines \(l_1,l_2,l_3,l_4\) are given. Label the six intersection points and list the four circles of the complete quadrilateral.

Solution.

Let \(A=l_1\cap l_2\), \(B=l_2\cap l_3\), \(C=l_3\cap l_4\), \(D=l_4\cap l_1\), \(E=l_1\cap l_3\), \(F=l_2\cap l_4\). The triples of lines form triangles \(ABE\), \(BCF\), \(CDE\), \(ADF\). The corresponding circles are \((ABE)\), \((BCF)\), \((CDE)\), \((ADF)\).

Example 3. Two Circles Determine the Candidate

The Miquel point is conveniently constructed as the second intersection of two circles.

Problem. In the notation of the previous example, circles \((ABE)\) and \((ADF)\) meet at \(A\) and \(M\). Prove that \(\angle BME=\angle BAE\) and \(\angle DMF=\angle DAF\).

Solution.

Since \(A,B,E,M\) are concyclic, angles \(\angle BME\) and \(\angle BAE\) subtend chord \(BE\), so they are equal. Similarly, from cyclicity of \(A,D,F,M\), we get \(\angle DMF=\angle DAF\).

Example 4. First Step Toward Miquel's Theorem

We show how two circles give the third one.

Problem. In the complete quadrilateral formed by lines \(l_1,l_2,l_3,l_4\), point \(M\) lies on circles \((ABE)\) and \((ADF)\). Prove that \(B,C,F,M\) are concyclic.

Solution.

It is enough to prove \(\angle BMF=\angle BCF\). Split the angle: \(\angle BMF=\angle BMA+\angle AMF\). Since \(A,B,E,M\) are cyclic, \(\angle BMA=\angle BEA\), the angle between \(l_3\) and \(l_1\). Since \(A,D,F,M\) are cyclic, \(\angle AMF=\angle ADF\), the angle between \(l_1\) and \(l_4\). Their sum is the angle between \(l_3\) and \(l_4\), which is \(\angle BCF\). Hence \(B,C,F,M\) are concyclic.

Example 5. Full Miquel Theorem

Now we complete the proof for all four circles.

Problem. Prove that circles \((ABE)\), \((ADF)\), \((BCF)\), \((CDE)\) have one common point.

Solution.

Let \(M\) be the second intersection of circles \((ABE)\) and \((ADF)\). By the previous example, \(M\in (BCF)\). By an analogous angle computation, \(\angle CME=\angle CDE\), so \(C,D,E,M\) are cyclic, that is, \(M\in (CDE)\). Therefore all four circles pass through \(M\).

Example 6. An Ordinary Quadrilateral as a Complete One

An ordinary quadrilateral also has the complete quadrilateral of its side lines.

Problem. In quadrilateral \(ABCD\), lines \(AB\) and \(CD\) meet at \(E\), and lines \(AD\) and \(BC\) meet at \(F\). Which four circles pass through the Miquel point of these four lines?

Solution.

The four lines are \(AB\), \(BC\), \(CD\), \(DA\). The triples of neighbouring lines give circles \((ABF)\), \((BCE)\), \((CDF)\), \((DAE)\). By Miquel's theorem, they pass through one point.

Example 7. Equal Angles from the Miquel Point

After finding the Miquel point, one can read new angles.

Problem. Let \(M\) be the Miquel point of a complete quadrilateral, and \(M\in (BCF)\). Prove that \(\angle BMF=\angle BCF\).

Solution.

Points \(B,C,F,M\) lie on one circle. Angles \(\angle BMF\) and \(\angle BCF\) subtend the same chord \(BF\), so they are equal.

Example 8. Spiral Similarity at the Miquel Point

The Miquel point is often also a centre of spiral similarity.

Problem. If \(M\) lies on circles \((ABE)\) and \((ADF)\), prove that \(\angle BME=\angle DMF\), with the angles between \(l_1,l_2\) taken consistently.

Solution.

From \(A,B,E,M\) cyclic, we get \(\angle BME=\angle BAE\). From \(A,D,F,M\) cyclic, we get \(\angle DMF=\angle DAF\). But \(\angle BAE\) and \(\angle DAF\) are the same angle between lines \(l_2\) and \(l_1\). Therefore \(\angle BME=\angle DMF\).

Problems

Problems

#8.1
#8.1

Equal Inscribed Angles

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Prove that if \(\angle AXB=\angle AYB\), then points \(A,B,X,Y\) lie on one circle.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P001
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.2
#8.2

Six Points of a Complete Quadrilateral

Circle Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Four lines \(l_1,l_2,l_3,l_4\) meet pairwise, and no three pass through one point. Label the six intersection points and list the four triangles formed by triples of lines.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P002
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Circle
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.3
#8.3

Angle on a Circle

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Points \(A,B,E,M\) lie on one circle. Prove that \(\angle BME=\angle BAE\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P003
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.4
#8.4

Prove Concyclicity

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

It is given that \(\angle BMF=\angle BCF\). Prove that points \(B,C,F,M\) lie on one circle.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P004
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.5
#8.5

Which Circles Pass Through Miquel

Circle Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

In a complete quadrilateral with points \(A,B,C,D,E,F\) as defined in the theory, name the four circles passing through the Miquel point.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P005
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Circle
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.6
#8.6

An Ordinary Quadrilateral

Quadrilateral Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

In quadrilateral \(ABCD\), lines \(AB\) and \(CD\) meet at \(E\), and lines \(AD\) and \(BC\) meet at \(F\). Which four circles form the Miquel point of the side lines \(AB,BC,CD,DA\)?

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P006
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Quadrilateral
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#8.7
#8.7

The Third Miquel Circle

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

In complete quadrilateral \(A,B,C,D,E,F\), point \(M\) lies on circles \((ABE)\) and \((ADF)\). Prove that \(B,C,F,M\) lie on one circle.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P007
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.8
#8.8

The Fourth Circle

Cyclic quadrilateral Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Under the conditions of the previous problem, prove that \(C,D,E,M\) lie on one circle.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P008
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Cyclic quadrilateral
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.9
#8.9

Full Miquel Theorem

Circle Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Prove that circles \((ABE)\), \((ADF)\), \((BCF)\), \((CDE)\) of a complete quadrilateral have one common point.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P009
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Circle
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.10
#8.10

Miquel of the Side Lines

Quadrilateral Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

In quadrilateral \(ABCD\), lines \(AB\) and \(CD\) meet at \(E\), and \(AD\) and \(BC\) meet at \(F\). Prove that circles \((ABF)\), \((BCE)\), \((CDF)\), \((DAE)\) have one common point.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P010
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Quadrilateral
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.11
#8.11

Angle from the Miquel Point

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Let \(M\) be the Miquel point of a complete quadrilateral. Prove that \(\angle BMF=\angle BCF\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P011
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.12
#8.12

Spiral Centre

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

In a complete quadrilateral, \(M\) is the Miquel point. Prove that \(\angle BME=\angle DMF\) with consistent orientation.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P012
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.13
#8.13

Four Points via Sum of Angles

Angle chasing Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Prove that if \(\angle AXB+\angle AYB=180^\circ\), then points \(A,X,B,Y\) lie on one circle.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P013
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.14
#8.14

If Two Circles Already Meet

Quadrilateral Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

In quadrilateral \(ABCD\), let \(E=AB\cap CD\), \(F=AD\cap BC\). Circles \((ABF)\) and \((BCE)\) meet at \(B\) and \(M\). Prove that \(M\in (CDF)\) and \(M\in (DAE)\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P014
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Quadrilateral
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.15
#8.15

Independence of Circle Choice

Angle chasing Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

In a complete quadrilateral, point \(M_1\) is the second intersection of circles \((ABE)\) and \((ADF)\), while \(M_2\) is the second intersection of \((BCF)\) and \((CDE)\). Prove that \(M_1=M_2\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P015
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.16
#8.16

Proving a New Circle

Circle Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

In a complete quadrilateral, \(M\) is the Miquel point. Prove that if point \(X\) lies on line \(l_3\) and \(\angle BXF=\angle BMF\), then \(B,F,M,X\) lie on one circle.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P016
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Circle
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.17
#8.17

Angle Equality in a Quadrilateral

Angle chasing Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

In quadrilateral \(ABCD\), let \(E=AB\cap CD\), \(F=AD\cap BC\), and let \(M\) be the Miquel point of the side lines. Prove that \(\angle BMF=\angle BCF\) and \(\angle DME=\angle DAE\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P017
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.18
#8.18

Two Pairs of Segments

Miquel Point Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

Let \(M\) be the Miquel point of a complete quadrilateral. Prove that segments \(BE\) and \(DF\) are seen from \(M\) under equal angles: \(\angle BME=\angle DMF\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P018
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Miquel Point
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.19
#8.19

Finding the Miquel Point

Circle Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

Four lines \(l_1,l_2,l_3,l_4\) and the six points \(A,B,C,D,E,F\) of the complete quadrilateral are given. Describe the construction of the Miquel point using only two circles.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P019
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Circle
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.20
#8.20

Circle from Two Angles

Angle chasing Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

In a complete quadrilateral, point \(M\) is chosen so that \(A,B,E,M\) and \(A,D,F,M\) are cyclic. Prove without citing Miquel's theorem that \(B,C,F,M\) are cyclic.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P020
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.21
#8.21

Common Point of Three Circles

Angle chasing Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★★

In a complete quadrilateral, circles \((ABE)\), \((ADF)\), \((BCF)\) have a common point \(M\ne A,B,F\). Prove that \(M\) lies on circle \((CDE)\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P021
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.22
#8.22

An Angle on the Fourth Circle

Angle chasing Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★★

In quadrilateral \(ABCD\), let \(E=AB\cap CD\), \(F=AD\cap BC\), and let \(M\) be the second intersection of circles \((ABF)\) and \((BCE)\). Prove that \(\angle DMC=\angle DFC\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P022
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.23
#8.23

Two Angle Chains

Angle chasing Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★★

Let \(M\) be the Miquel point of a complete quadrilateral with notation \(A,B,C,D,E,F\). Prove the equalities \(\angle BME=\angle DMF\) and \(\angle CME=\angle CDE\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P023
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#8.24
#8.24

Assemble the Configuration Yourself

Angle chasing Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★★

Four lines in general position are given. Four circles are constructed on the triangles formed by triples of these lines. Prove that if three of these circles have a common point \(M\), then the fourth circle also passes through \(M\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M08-P024
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Angle chasing
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10

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