1999 AIME Problems/Problem 9
Problem
A function is defined on the complex numbers by where and are positive numbers. This function has the property that the image of each point in the complex plane is equidistant from that point and the origin. Given that and that where and are relatively prime positive integers, find
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[hide]Solution
Solution 1
Suppose we pick an arbitrary point on the complex plane, say . According to the definition of , this image must be equidistant to and . Thus the image must lie on the line with slope and which passes through , so its graph is . Substituting and , we get .
By the Pythagorean Theorem, we have , and the answer is .
Solution 2
We are given that is equidistant from the origin and This translates to Since But thus So the answer is .
See also
1999 AIME (Problems • Answer Key • Resources) | ||
Preceded by Problem 8 |
Followed by Problem 10 | |
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 | ||
All AIME Problems and Solutions |