Question

A circle of radius $r$ is surrounded by $12$ circles of radius $1,$ externally tangent to the central circle and sequentially tangent to each other, as shown. Then $r$ can be written as $\sqrt{a} + \sqrt{b} + c,$ where $a,$ $b,$ and $c$ are integers. What is $a + b + c?$

$3$

$5$

$7$

$9$

$11$

Solution:

The centers of the $12$ outer circles lie on a circle of radius $r + 1,$ forming a regular $12$ -gon. Adjacent centers are $2$ apart (both circles have radius $1$ ), and the central angle between them is $30^\circ.$

Thus $2(r + 1)\sin 15^\circ = 2,$ so $r + 1 = \dfrac{1}{\sin 15^\circ}.$ Since $\sin 15^\circ = \dfrac{\sqrt{6} - \sqrt{2}}{4},$ $r + 1 = \frac{4}{\sqrt{6} - \sqrt{2}} = \sqrt{6} + \sqrt{2}.$

Then $r = \sqrt{6} + \sqrt{2} - 1,$ so $a + b + c = 6 + 2 - 1 = 7.$

Thus, the correct answer is C.

2025 AMC 12A Problem 24

Solution:

Problem 24 in Other Years