Question

Circle $A$ has radius $100.$ Circle $B$ has an integer radius $r \lt 100$ and remains internally tangent to circle $A$ as it rolls once around the circumference of circle $A.$ The two circles have the same points of tangency at the beginning and end of circle $B$ ’s trip. How many possible values can $r$ have?

$4$

$8$

$9$

$50$

$90$

Answer: B

Concepts:circumference divisibility factor counting

Difficulty rating: 1630

Small Hint:

Divide the circumference of circle $A$ by the circumference of circle $B$ to count the rolls

Big Hint:

That number is $\dfrac{100}{r},$ which must be an integer greater than $1$

Solution:

The circumferences are $200\pi$ and $2\pi r,$ so the initial point of tangency returns after $\dfrac{200\pi}{2\pi r} = \dfrac{100}{r}$ rolls.

For this to be an integer greater than $1,$ $r$ must be a divisor of $100$ less than $100:$ namely $1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20, 25,$ and $50.$ That is $8$ values.

Thus, the correct answer is B.

2009 AMC 10A Problem 19

Answer: B

Difficulty rating: 1630

Small Hint:

Big Hint:

Solution:

Problem 19 in Other Years