Processing math: 100%
 
+0  
 
+1
987
3
avatar

Given that AB=12, CD=1, angle BAC=90∘, and the semicircle is tangent to BC,find the radius of the semicircle.

 

 Jul 7, 2020
 #1
avatar+9675 
+2

Let r be the radius.

Let O be the midpoint of AD, i.e., the center of the semicircle.

Let T be the point where the line BC touches the semicircle.

 

As BA and BT are both tangents to the circle, meeting at the same point:

 

BT = BA = 12

 

Then, using Pythagorean theorem on CTOCO2=CT2+OT2

 

Notice that CO = CD + DO = 1 + r, and OT is one of the radii of the semicircle.

 

(1+r)2=CT2+r2CT=2r+1

 

Also, CA = CD + DO + OA = 1 + r + r = 1 + 2r

 

Using Pythagorean theorem on CAB,

(1+2r)2+122=(2r+1+12)2

 

Let t=2r+1.

 

t4+144=(t+12)2t4t224t=0t(t3t24)=0

 

Factorising further using Factor Theorem, (t - 3) is a factor of (t3 - t - 24).

By long division, t3 - t - 24 = (t - 3)(t2 + 3t + 8).

 

t(t3)(t2+3t+8)=0

 

Checking the discriminant of (t2 + 3t + 8), there are no real t satisfying t2 + 3t + 8 = 0.

 

Also, t = 0 would imply r = -1/2, which isn't possible either.


The only possible scenario is t = 3.

Recall the definition of t (defined above)

 

2r+1=32r+1=9r=4

 

P.S. Considering the difficulty of this problem, I am suspecting this is some kind of math contest problems surprise

 Jul 7, 2020
 #2
avatar+1490 
+1

Excellent work, Max!!!

Dragan  Jul 8, 2020
 #3
avatar+9675 
+1

Thank you Dragan :)

MaxWong  Jul 8, 2020

0 Online Users