On Distinct Angles in the Plane

Abstract

We prove that if $N$ points lie in convex position in the plane then they determine $N^{1+ 3/23-o(1)}$ distinct angles, provided the points do not lie on a common circle. This is the first super-linear bound on the distinct angles problem that has received recent attention. This is derived from a more general claim that if $N$ points in the convex position in the real plane determine $KN$ distinct angles, then $K=\Omega(N^{1/4})$ or $\Omega(N/K)$ points are co-circular. The proof makes use of the implicit order one can give to points in convex position, recently used by Solymosi. Convex position also allows us to divide our set into two large ordered pieces. We use the squeezing lemma and the level sets of repeated angles to estimate the number of angles formed between these pieces. We obtain the main theorem using Stevens and Warren's convexity versus sum-set bound.

Locations

• arXiv (Cornell University) - View - PDF