Question

Points $A$ and $B$ lie on a circle centered at $O,$ and $\angle AOB = 60^\circ.$ A second circle is internally tangent to the first and tangent to both $OA$ and $OB.$ What is the ratio of the area of the smaller circle to that of the larger circle?

$\dfrac{1}{16}$

$\dfrac{1}{9}$

$\dfrac{1}{8}$

$\dfrac{1}{6}$

$\dfrac{1}{4}$

Solution:

Let the radii be $r$ and $R.$ The small circle's center $E$ lies on the bisector of $\angle AOB,$ so the angle to a tangent line is $30^\circ.$

The perpendicular from $E$ to $OA$ has length $r,$ and in the resulting $30$ - $60$ - $90$ triangle $OE = 2r.$

Since $OE = R - r,$ we get $2r = R - r,$ so $R = 3r$ and the area ratio is $\left(\dfrac{1}{3}\right)^2 = \dfrac{1}{9}.$

Thus, the correct answer is B.

2008 AMC 10A Problem 16

Solution:

Problem 16 in Other Years