Question

Circles with centers $P,$ $Q,$ and $R,$ having radii $1,$ $2,$ and $3,$ respectively, lie on the same side of line $l$ and are tangent to $l$ at $P',$ $Q',$ and $R',$ respectively, with $Q'$ between $P'$ and $R'.$ The circle with center $Q$ is externally tangent to each of the other two circles. What is the area of $\triangle PQR?$

$0$

$\sqrt{\dfrac{2}{3}}$

$1$

$\sqrt{6}-\sqrt{2}$

$\sqrt{\dfrac{3}{2}}$

Solution:

The centers lie at heights $1,$ $2,$ and $3$ above line $l.$ Since circle $Q$ is externally tangent to circle $P,$ we have $PQ=3,$ so the horizontal distance is $P'Q'=\sqrt{3^2-1^2}=\sqrt{8}.$ Since circle $Q$ is tangent to circle $R,$ we have $QR=5,$ so $Q'R'=\sqrt{5^2-1^2}=\sqrt{24}.$

Place $P=(0,1),$ $Q=(\sqrt8,2),$ and $R=(\sqrt8+\sqrt{24},3).$ By the shoelace formula, the area is $\dfrac12\left|\sqrt8(3-1)+(\sqrt8+\sqrt{24})(1-2)\right|=\dfrac12\left(\sqrt{24}-\sqrt8\right)=\sqrt6-\sqrt2.$

Thus, the correct answer is D.

2016 AMC 12A Problem 15

Solution:

Problem 15 in Other Years