Question

If circular arcs $AC$ and $BC$ have centers at $B$ and $A,$ respectively, then there exists a circle tangent to both arc $AC$ and arc $BC,$ and to $\overline{AB}.$ If the length of arc $BC$ is $12,$ then what is the circumference of the circle?

$24$

$25$

$26$

$27$

$28$

Solution:

Each arc has radius $AB,$ and $C$ is at distance $AB$ from both $A$ and $B,$ so $\triangle ABC$ is equilateral. Thus arc $BC$ subtends $60^\circ$ of a circle of radius $AB,$ whose full circumference is $6 \cdot 12 = 72.$

Let the small circle have radius $r$ and touch $\overline{AB}$ at its midpoint $D,$ where $AD = \tfrac12 AB.$ By Power of a Point, $AD^2 = AB(AB - 2r),$ so $\frac{AB^2}{4} = AB^2 - 2r\,AB,$ giving $2r = \tfrac34 AB,$ hence $r = \tfrac38 AB.$

The circumferences are in the ratio of the radii, so the small circle's circumference is $\tfrac38 \cdot 72 = 27.$

Thus, the correct answer is D.

2000 AMC 12 Problem 24

Solution:

Problem 24 in Other Years