2013 AMC 8 Problem 23

Attempt Problem 23 of the 2013 AMC 8 below, then check your answer against the video solution and professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2013 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

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23.

In △ABC\triangle ABC, ∠ABC\angle ABC is a right angle. The sides of △ABC\triangle ABC are the diameters of semicircles as shown. The area of the semicircle on AB‾\overline{AB} equals 8π,8\pi, and the arc of the semicircle on AC‾\overline{AC} has length 8.5π.8.5\pi. What is the radius of the semicircle on BC‾?\overline{BC}?
77
7.57.5
88
8.58.5
99
Answer: B
Concepts:Pythagorean Theoremcircle areaarc
Small hint:
Use the semicircle on ABAB to find ABAB.
Big hint:
The arc length on ACAC gives the radius, hence diameter ACAC.
Video solution:
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Written solution:
The semicircle on AB‾\overline{AB} has area 8π8\pi, so its full circle would have area 16π16\pi. Its radius is therefore 44, and AB=8AB=8.
A semicircle of radius rr has arc length πr\pi r. Since the arc on AC‾\overline{AC} has length 8.5π8.5\pi, its radius is 8.58.5, so AC=17AC=17.
Using the Pythagorean theorem in right triangle ABCABC, BC=172−82=225=15.BC=\sqrt{17^2-8^2}=\sqrt{225}=15. The radius of the semicircle on BC‾\overline{BC} is 152=7.5\frac{15}{2}=7.5.
Thus, B is the correct answer.
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