Determine the image of f when A,B vary over all possible pairs of points on the perimeter. That is, determine the set S = \{f(A,B) | AO = BO = R\}
Solution Let O' be a point on the extension of PO such that OO' = 2PO. We shall show that S is a circle (including the interior) centered at O' with radius 2R.
Outline of proof:
Let T to be the circle we claim. Note that T is a 2x dilation of the original circle with center P. We show that the boundary of S is boundary of T as well, by letting A=B in the opration
Next we show that any point in T is an image of a specific application of f. Let X' \in T, then X' is an image of a 2x dilation. Suppose X is the original point. We claim that there exists A,B such that PX is a median of PAB. Indeed, if OAB is a triangle such that OX is its median, then PX is median of PAB.
Then it is routine to show that f(A,B) = X'.
Note: this problem can be extended to any point P, and any convex shape V in R^n. The sum of vectors PA + PB where A,B are any two points on its boundary is equivalent to the 2x dilation of V with center P. However, V must be bounded.
Challenge: prove this generalization. (Hint: use the connectedness of S^{n-1} in R^n).
Challenge: give a counter example of this result of V is unbounded
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