2
$\begingroup$

Given $n$ points in general position in the plane, let $P_n$ be the maximum proportion of the $\binom{n}{3}$ triangles with three acute angles. What is the limit $\lim\limits_{n \rightarrow \infty} P_n$?

An upper bound of $\frac{7}{10}$ is shown in the proof of the sixth question of the 1970 edition of the International Mathematical Olympiad.

In the opposite direction, we can establish a trivial lower bound of $5/9$ by spreading the points at $A$ so they are on a circle, centre $B$; the points at $B$ so they are on a circle, centre $C$, and the points at $C$ are on a circle centre $A$. If the points at $A$ are on an arc of width $N^{-13}$, those at $B$ on an arc of width $N{-9}$ and those at $C$ on an arc of width $N^{-11}$; and further the angle at $B$ is $\pi/2-N^{-7}$, then all triangles $A_iA_jB_k, B_iB_jC_k$ and $C_iC_jA_k$ are acute.

$\endgroup$
7
  • 5
    $\begingroup$ this question is fully answered at math.stackexchange.com/questions/1592964/… . $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 30, 2018 at 22:14
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Yes, my question iis to fill in the gap between 2/3 and 5/9 $\endgroup$
    – Empy2
    Commented Nov 30, 2018 at 22:16
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ @LSpice It's not vague at all. There's only one IMO each year, consisting of six problems. It's easy enough to locate online. Problem 6 reads "In a plane there are $100$ points, no three of which are collinear. Consider all possible triangles having these point as vertices. Prove that no more than $70\%$ of these triangles are acute-angled." artofproblemsolving.com/wiki/index.php?title=1970_IMO_Problems $\endgroup$ Commented Nov 30, 2018 at 22:34
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @NoamD.Elkies, certainly you are right and I am wrong. Despite my quoting it accurately, I read it as "from the 1970's". $\endgroup$
    – LSpice
    Commented Nov 30, 2018 at 22:38
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @CarloBeenakker I am pretty sure the MSE answers establish the upper bound of 66.675%, by drawing a contradiction, but don't provide a pattern of points with a slightly lower percentage. $\endgroup$
    – Empy2
    Commented Dec 1, 2018 at 13:05

0

You must log in to answer this question.

Browse other questions tagged .