2017 AMC 12B Problems/Problem 6

Problem

The circle having $(0,0)$ and $(8,6)$ as the endpoints of a diameter intersects the $x$ -axis at a second point. What is the $x$ -coordinate of this point?

$\textbf{(A) } 4\sqrt{2} \qquad\textbf{(B) } 6 \qquad\textbf{(C) } 5\sqrt{2} \qquad\textbf{(D) } 8 \qquad\textbf{(E) } 6\sqrt{2}$

Solution 1

Because the two points are on a diameter, the center must be halfway between them at the point $(4,3)$ . The distance from $(0,0)$ to $(4,3)$ is 5 so the circle has radius 5. Thus, the equation of the circle is $(x-4)^2+(y-3)^2=25$ .

To find the x-intercept, y must be 0, so $(x-4)^2+(0-3)^2=25$ , so $(x-4)^2=16$ , $x-4=4$ , $x=8, \boxed{D}$ .

Written by: SilverLion

Solution 2 (Brute Force)

As in solution 1, we find that the midpoint of the circle is (4,3) by finding half of the x and y coordinates of (8,6) point. We see a 3-4-5 triangle! For a point to be on the circle, it has to be 5 units away from the center.

We are able to create another 3-4-5 triangle by drawing a segment from (4,3) to (0,8). Therefore we know our answer is $\boxed{D}$

https://www.geogebra.org/geometry/xryzxpyw

-thedodecagon

2017 AMC 12B (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
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2017 AMC 12B Problems/Problem 6

Contents

Problem

Solution 1

Solution 2 (Brute Force)

See Also