Question

In the complex plane, let $A$ be the set of solutions to $z^3 - 8 = 0$ and let $B$ be the set of solutions to $z^3 - 8z^2 - 8z + 64 = 0.$ What is the greatest distance between a point of $A$ and a point of $B?$

$2\sqrt{3}$

$6$

$9$

$2\sqrt{21}$

$9 + \sqrt{3}$

Answer: D

Concepts:complex number factoring distance formula

Difficulty rating: 1690

Solution:

The set $A$ consists of the cube roots of $8:$ $2,$ $-1 + i\sqrt3,$ and $-1 - i\sqrt3.$

Factoring by grouping, $z^3 - 8z^2 - 8z + 64$ $= z^2(z - 8) - 8(z - 8)$ $= (z - 8)(z^2 - 8),$ so $B = \{8, 2\sqrt2, -2\sqrt2\},$ all real.

The greatest distance is from $-1 \pm i\sqrt3$ to $8:$ $\sqrt{(8 - (-1))^2 + (\sqrt3)^2}$ $= \sqrt{81 + 3}$ $= \sqrt{84} = 2\sqrt{21}.$

Thus, D is the correct answer.

2020 AMC 12A Problem 15

Answer: D

Difficulty rating: 1690

Solution:

Problem 15 in Other Years