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Consider the above pentagon. Suppose that the distance from point $A$ to $BC$ is $a$, the distance from $A$ to $CD$ is $b$, and the distance from $A$ to $DE$ is $c$. In terms of this, how can we find the distance from $A$ to $BE$?

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    It can't be proven, given the problem statement. If the objective of the problem were to maximize or minimize the perpendicular distance from$A$to BE, then we could say something about the optimal lengths of the sides of the pentagon for doing so.2012-11-08

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Hint: express each distance in terms of the radius of the circle and the cosines of the angles subtended at the centre by $AB$, $AC$, $AD$ and $AE$. If I'm not mistaken, you should find that the product of two of the distances is equal to the product of the other two.

EDIT: in fact, if $\beta$ and $\gamma$ are the angles subtended at the centre by $AB$ and $AC$ and the radius is $r$, I find that the distance from $A$ to $BC$ is $2 r |\sin(\beta/2) \sin(\gamma/2)|$. Similarly of course for the other distances.

EDIT (incorporating comment as requested): Given that $d(A,BC)=2r|\sin(\beta/2)\sin(\gamma/2)|$ and similarly $d(A,CD)=2r|\sin(\gamma/2)\sin(\delta/2)|$, $d(A,DE)=2r|\sin(\delta/2)\sin(\epsilon/2)|$ and $d(A,BE)=2r|\sin(\beta/2)\sin(\epsilon/2)|$, we have $d(A,BC)d(A,DE)=4r^2|\sin(\beta/2)\sin(\gamma/2)\sin(\delta/2)\sin(\epsilon/2)|=d(A,BE)d(A,CD)$

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    @If you can add your comments into a full solution as part of your answer, that will be great- then I can mark it as correct.2012-11-08