Question

Points $A$ and $B$ lie on a circle centered at $O,$ and $\angle AOB = 60^\circ.$ A second circle is internally tangent to the first and tangent to both $OA$ and $OB.$ What is the ratio of the area of the smaller circle to that of the larger circle?

$\dfrac{1}{16}$

$\dfrac{1}{9}$

$\dfrac{1}{8}$

$\dfrac{1}{6}$

$\dfrac{1}{4}$

Solution:

Let $r$ and $R$ be the radii of the smaller and larger circles, and let $E$ be the center of the smaller circle. By symmetry $E$ lies on the bisector of $\angle AOB,$ so $OE$ makes a $30^\circ$ angle with $OA.$

Dropping the radius $ED$ perpendicular to $OA$ gives a $30$ - $60$ - $90$ triangle with $OE = 2 \cdot ED = 2r.$ Since the circles are internally tangent, $OE = R - r.$

Then $R - r = 2r,$ so $R = 3r$ and $\tfrac{r}{R} = \tfrac{1}{3}.$ The ratio of areas is $\left(\dfrac{1}{3}\right)^2 = \dfrac{1}{9}.$

Thus, B is the correct answer.

2008 AMC 12A Problem 13

Solution:

Problem 13 in Other Years