The following is Lemma $1.44$ in Euclidean Geometry in Mathematical Olympiads by Evan Chen.
Let $ABC$ be an acute triangle. Let $BE$ and $CF$ be altitudes of $\triangle ABC$, and denote by $M$ the midpoint of $BC$. Prove that $ME, MF,$ and the line through $A$ parallel to $BC$ are all tangents to $(AEF)$.
$\textbf{MY ATTEMPT -}$
Let $H$ be the orthocentre of $\triangle ABC.$ It is well known that $AFHE$ is cyclic. Let $O$ be the centre of its circumcircle$(AFHE)$.
Since $\angle BFC = \angle BEC = 90^{\circ}$, $BFEC$ is cyclic and $(BFEC)$ has centre $M$. Thus $MB=MF=ME=MC.$
Let $\angle BAC = \alpha, \angle ABC = \beta, \angle BCA = \gamma$.
$$\angle FCB = \angle FEB = 90^{\circ}-\beta$$
Since $MB = ME$,
$$\angle MBE = \angle BEM = 90^{\circ}-\gamma$$
By Inscribed Angle Theorem,
$$\angle FOE = 2\angle FAE = 2\alpha \implies \angle OEF = 90^{\circ}-\alpha$$ Thus, $$\angle OEM = \angle OEF + \angle FEB + \angle BEM = 90^{\circ}$$
As $AFHE$ is cyclic,
$$\angle FAH = \angle FEH = \angle FEB = \angle FCB = 90^{\circ}-\beta$$
As $BC \parallel AD$,
$$\angle DAB = \angle CBA = \beta$$
Thus, $$\angle DAO = 90^{\circ}$$ $\blacksquare$
$\textbf{QUESTION -}$
Although the lemma can be proved using ordinary angles, the hint supplied with the question is,
$$\measuredangle FEM = \measuredangle FEB + \measuredangle BEM = \measuredangle FEB + \dots?$$
This indicates that the problem can also be done using directed angles, but I am finding it difficult to convert the stated proof into directed angles since it requires halving a directed angle after applying the Inscribed Angle Theorem, which is wrong.
Can anyone explain how the question can be solved via the supplied hint?
