2022 AMC 12A Problems/Problem 22
Problem
Let be a real number, and let and be the two complex numbers satisfying the equation . Points , , , and are the vertices of (convex) quadrilateral in the complex plane. When the area of obtains its maximum possible value, is closest to which of the following?
Solution
Because is real, . We have where the first equality follows from Vieta's formula.
Thus, .
We have where the first equality follows from Vieta's formula.
Thus, .
We have where the second equality follows from Vieta's formula.
We have where the second equality follows from Vieta's formula.
Therefore, where the inequality follows from the AM-GM inequality, and it is augmented to an equality if and only if . Thus, .
~Steven Chen (Professor Chen Education Palace, www.professorchenedu.com)
Video Solution
~Steven Chen (Professor Chen Education Palace, www.professorchenedu.com)