Question

Let $A = (0, 9)$ and $B = (0, 12).$ Points $A'$ and $B'$ are on the line $y = x,$ and $\overline{AA'}$ and $\overline{BB'}$ intersect at $C = (2, 8).$ What is the length of $\overline{A'B'}?$

$2$

$2\sqrt{2}$

$3$

$2 + \sqrt{2}$

$3\sqrt{2}$

Answer: B

Concepts:coordinate geometry distance formula

Difficulty rating: 1480

Solution:

Line $AC$ passes through $(0, 9)$ with slope $\tfrac{8 - 9}{2 - 0} = -\tfrac12,$ so its equation is $y = -\tfrac12 x + 9.$ Setting $y = x$ gives $A' = (6, 6).$

Line $BC$ passes through $(0, 12)$ with slope $-2,$ so $y = -2x + 12.$ Setting $y = x$ gives $B' = (4, 4).$

Then $\begin{aligned} A'B' &= \sqrt{(6 - 4)^2 + (6 - 4)^2} \\ &= 2\sqrt{2}. \end{aligned}$

Thus, the correct answer is B.

2004 AMC 12A Problem 12

Answer: B

Difficulty rating: 1480

Solution:

Problem 12 in Other Years