Question

An annulus is the region between two concentric circles. The concentric circles in the figure have radii $b$ and $c,$ with $b \gt c.$ Let $\overline{OX}$ be a radius of the larger circle, let $\overline{XZ}$ be tangent to the smaller circle at $Z,$ and let $\overline{OY}$ be the radius of the larger circle that contains $Z.$ Let $a = XZ,$ $d = YZ,$ and $e = XY.$ What is the area of the annulus?

$\pi a^2$

$\pi b^2$

$\pi c^2$

$\pi d^2$

$\pi e^2$

Solution:

The annulus area is $\pi b^2 - \pi c^2.$ Because $\overline{XZ}$ is tangent to the smaller circle at $Z,$ it is perpendicular to radius $\overline{OZ},$ so $\triangle OZX$ is right-angled at $Z.$ Then $b^2 = c^2 + a^2,$ giving $b^2 - c^2 = a^2.$ The area is $\pi a^2.$

Thus, the correct answer is A.

2004 AMC 12B Problem 10

Solution:

Problem 10 in Other Years