GMAT Question of the Day - Daily to your Mailbox; hard ones only

 It is currently 18 Jul 2018, 19:12

### GMAT Club Daily Prep

#### Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

# If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3))

Author Message
TAGS:

### Hide Tags

Retired Moderator
Joined: 06 Jul 2014
Posts: 1248
Location: Ukraine
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Technology
GMAT 1: 660 Q48 V33
GMAT 2: 740 Q50 V40
If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Jul 2015, 15:29
8
14
00:00

Difficulty:

95% (hard)

Question Stats:

34% (02:13) correct 66% (02:20) wrong based on 392 sessions

### HideShow timer Statistics

If a circle passes through points $$(9, \ 2\sqrt{3})$$, $$(7, \ 0)$$, and $$(11, \ 0)$$, what is the diameter of the circle?

A) $$\frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$

B) $$4$$

C) $$\frac{8}{\sqrt{3}}$$

D) $$4 * \sqrt{3}$$

E) $$8$$

_________________
GMAT Club Legend
Joined: 16 Oct 2010
Posts: 8127
Location: Pune, India
Re: If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Jul 2015, 23:23
14
3
Harley1980 wrote:
If a circle passes through points $$(9, \ 2\sqrt{3})$$, $$(7, \ 0)$$, and $$(11, \ 0)$$, what is the diameter of the circle?

A) $$\frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$

B) $$4$$

C) $$\frac{8}{\sqrt{3}}$$

D) $$4 * \sqrt{3}$$

E) $$8$$

The centre would be equidistant from the three points. Say, centre is at (a, b).

$$(7-a)^2 + (0-b)^2 = (11-a)^2 + (0-b)^2$$
$$49 + a^2 - 14a = 121 + a^2 - 22a$$
$$8a = 72$$
$$a = 9$$

$$(9 - 9)^2 + (2\sqrt{3} - b)^2 = (7 - 9)^2 + (0 - b)^2$$
$$12 + b^2 - 4\sqrt{3}b = 4 + b^2$$
$$b = 2/\sqrt{3}$$

Center is at $$(9, 2/\sqrt{3})$$

Distance between $$(9, 2\sqrt{3})$$ and $$(9, 2/\sqrt{3})$$ = $$(2\sqrt{3}) - (2/\sqrt{3}) = 4/\sqrt{3}$$
Diameter = $$2*(4/\sqrt{3})= 8/\sqrt{3}$$
_________________

Karishma
Private Tutor for GMAT
Contact: bansal.karishma@gmail.com

Current Student
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Posts: 2641
Concentration: Finance, Strategy
Schools: Kellogg '18 (M)
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V44
GPA: 3.7
WE: Engineering (Aerospace and Defense)
If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Jul 2015, 15:55
2
3
Harley1980 wrote:
If a circle passes through points $$(9, \ 2\sqrt{3})$$, $$(7, \ 0)$$, and $$(11, \ 0)$$, what is the diameter of the circle?

A) $$\frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$

B) $$4$$

C) $$\frac{8}{\sqrt{3}}$$

D) $$4 * \sqrt{3}$$

E) $$8$$

Good question, Harley1980

Refer to the attached figure for the explanation of the variables.

In triangle OBA right angled at B ( and with OA = R, radius of the circle)

$$H^2+(9-7)^2 = R^2$$ ----> $$H^2+4 = R^2$$ ---> $$H^2 = R^2 - 4$$ ......(1)

Also, based on the given coordinates,$$R+H = 2\sqrt{3}$$ ......(2)

Thus, from equations 1 and 2, we get

$$R^2 - 4 = (2\sqrt{3} - R)^2$$

$$R = \frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$

and thus, Diameter = $$2R = \frac{8}{\sqrt{3}}$$, C is the correct answer.
Attachments

Circle.jpg [ 21.58 KiB | Viewed 6214 times ]

##### General Discussion
Retired Moderator
Joined: 06 Jul 2014
Posts: 1248
Location: Ukraine
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Technology
GMAT 1: 660 Q48 V33
GMAT 2: 740 Q50 V40
If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Jul 2015, 16:23
1
Engr2012 wrote:

Good question, Harley1980

Refer to the attached figure for the explanation of the variables.

In triangle OBA right angled at B ( and with OA = R, radius of the circle)

$$H^2+(9-7)^2 = R^2$$ ----> $$H^2+4 = R^2$$ ---> $$H^2 = R^2 - 4$$ ......(1)

Also, based on the given coordinates,$$R+H = 2\sqrt{3}$$ ......(2)

Thus, from equations 1 and 2, we get

$$R^2 - 4 = 2\sqrt{3}$$

$$R = \frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$

and thus, Diameter = $$2R = \frac{8}{\sqrt{3}}$$, C is the correct answer.

My algebra as usual makes me cry: I can't get how you did from these two equations
$$H^2 = R^2 - 4$$

$$R+H = 2\sqrt{3}$$

This equation:
$$R^2 - 4 = 2\sqrt{3}$$

and then this
$$R = \frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$
_________________
Current Student
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Posts: 2641
Concentration: Finance, Strategy
Schools: Kellogg '18 (M)
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V44
GPA: 3.7
WE: Engineering (Aerospace and Defense)
Re: If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Jul 2015, 16:31
Harley1980 wrote:
Engr2012 wrote:

Good question, Harley1980

Refer to the attached figure for the explanation of the variables.

In triangle OBA right angled at B ( and with OA = R, radius of the circle)

$$H^2+(9-7)^2 = R^2$$ ----> $$H^2+4 = R^2$$ ---> $$H^2 = R^2 - 4$$ ......(1)

Also, based on the given coordinates,$$R+H = 2\sqrt{3}$$ ......(2)

Thus, from equations 1 and 2, we get

$$R^2 - 4 = 2\sqrt{3}$$

$$R = \frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$

and thus, Diameter = $$2R = \frac{8}{\sqrt{3}}$$, C is the correct answer.

My algebra as usual makes me cry: I can't get how you did from these two equations
$$H^2 = R^2 - 4$$

$$R+H = 2\sqrt{3}$$

This equation:
$$R^2 - 4 = 2\sqrt{3}$$

and then this
$$R = \frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$

Sure, look below

$$H^2 = R^2 - 4$$ ...... (1)

$$R+H = 2\sqrt{3}$$ ........ (2)

From (2), $$H = 2\sqrt{3} - R$$

Square the above equation to get, $$H^2 = R^2+ (2\sqrt{3})^2 - 2*R*2\sqrt{3}$$

----> $$H^2 = R^2+12- 4R\sqrt{3}$$ ...(3)

and now from (1) and (3)

$$R^2 - 4 = R^2+12- 4R\sqrt{3}$$ ----> $$4R\sqrt{3} = 16$$ ----> $$R = \frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$

BTW, I am interested in an alternate way to solve this question.

Hope this helps.
Intern
Joined: 26 Jan 2010
Posts: 17
Location: chile
WE 1:
WE 2:
WE 3:
Re: If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Jul 2015, 21:10
Atendiendo a los valores de las abscisas de cada uno de los puntos (que son parte de una circunferencia), tenemos

11, 7 y 9, ordenando de menor a mayor se tiene: 7, 9 y 11.

Podemos imaginar que (7,a) y (9,a) y (11,a) son parte de una misma recta y dado que 9 esta exactamente equisdistante a 7 y 11, si trazamos una recta paralela al eje Y y que pase por (9,a), dicha recta necesariamente pasará por el centro de la circunferencia.

Así tenemos que la recta paralela al eje y y que pasa por (9,a) es perpendicular a la recta que pasa por los puntos (7,a), (9,a) y (11,a), ya que esta última recta es paralela al eje X.

Aplicando trazos que definen dos cuerdas que se intersectan en una circunferencia se tiene:

La cuerda formada por los puntos (7,0) y (11,0) es de longitud 4. Esta cuerda es intersectada por otra cuerda que pasa por (9,0) y (9, 2*sqrt (3)) de la cual no se conoce su longitud total. Dicha longitud estará dad por 2*sqrt(3) + x que corresponde al diametro de la circunferencia , y esta suma se forma exactamente en el punto de intersección de ambas cuerdas:

Luego tenemos 2 * 2 = (2*sqrt(3)) * X, así encontramos que X = 4/(2*sqrt(3))

A esta altura descarto la alternativa B y la alternativa E

Finalmente el diametro es (2*sqrt(3)) + 4/(2*sqrt(3)) = (4*3 + 4)/(2*sqrt(3)) = 16/(2*sqrt(3)) = 8/(sqrt(3))

ALTERNATIVA C

GMAT GRE SAT MATH Tutor in Chile
www.gmatchile.cl
_________________

Private lessons GMAT QUANT GRE QUANT SAT QUANT
Classes group of 6 students GMAT QUANT GRE QUANT SAT QUANT
Distance learning courses GMAT QUANT GRE QUANT SAT QUANT

Website http://www.gmatchile.cl
Whatsapp +56999410328
Email clasesgmatchile@gmail.com
Skype: clasesgmatchile@gmail.com
Address Avenida Hernando de Aguirre 128 Of 904, Tobalaba Metro Station, Santiago Chile.

Current Student
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Posts: 2641
Concentration: Finance, Strategy
Schools: Kellogg '18 (M)
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V44
GPA: 3.7
WE: Engineering (Aerospace and Defense)
Re: If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

24 Jul 2015, 03:13
gmatchile wrote:
Atendiendo a los valores de las abscisas de cada uno de los puntos (que son parte de una circunferencia), tenemos

11, 7 y 9, ordenando de menor a mayor se tiene: 7, 9 y 11.

Podemos imaginar que (7,a) y (9,a) y (11,a) son parte de una misma recta y dado que 9 esta exactamente equisdistante a 7 y 11, si trazamos una recta paralela al eje Y y que pase por (9,a), dicha recta necesariamente pasará por el centro de la circunferencia.

Así tenemos que la recta paralela al eje y y que pasa por (9,a) es perpendicular a la recta que pasa por los puntos (7,a), (9,a) y (11,a), ya que esta última recta es paralela al eje X.

Aplicando trazos que definen dos cuerdas que se intersectan en una circunferencia se tiene:

La cuerda formada por los puntos (7,0) y (11,0) es de longitud 4. Esta cuerda es intersectada por otra cuerda que pasa por (9,0) y (9, 2*sqrt (3)) de la cual no se conoce su longitud total. Dicha longitud estará dad por 2*sqrt(3) + x que corresponde al diametro de la circunferencia , y esta suma se forma exactamente en el punto de intersección de ambas cuerdas:

Luego tenemos 2 * 2 = (2*sqrt(3)) * X, así encontramos que X = 4/(2*sqrt(3))

A esta altura descarto la alternativa B y la alternativa E

Finalmente el diametro es (2*sqrt(3)) + 4/(2*sqrt(3)) = (4*3 + 4)/(2*sqrt(3)) = 16/(2*sqrt(3)) = 8/(sqrt(3))

ALTERNATIVA C

GMAT GRE SAT MATH Tutor in Chile
http://www.gmatchile.cl

Hi gmatchile

Please post your replies in English as well. GMAT is an exam in English and will thus help everyone (most of whom are not Spanish speakers!).

Thanks
Retired Moderator
Joined: 06 Jul 2014
Posts: 1248
Location: Ukraine
Concentration: Entrepreneurship, Technology
GMAT 1: 660 Q48 V33
GMAT 2: 740 Q50 V40
Re: If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

24 Jul 2015, 07:17
1
Engr2012 wrote:

BTW, I am interested in an alternate way to solve this question.

Yep, sure thing. As usual, geometry tasks have a lot of ways of solving

We have three points $$(9, \ 2\sqrt{3})$$, $$(7, \ 0)$$, and $$(11, \ 0)$$

We have line at bottom from 7 to 11 and equidistant point between them (9) on the height $$\ 2\sqrt{3}$$
So we can infer that this is isosceles or equilateral triangle

Let's check it by finding distance between points $$(9, \ 2\sqrt{3})$$ and $$(11, \ 0)$$
$$(11-9)^2 + (0-\ 2\sqrt{3})^2 = distance^2$$ --> $$4 + 12 = 16$$ --> distance = 4

Line at bottom has length 4 and this second line has the same length so we have equilateral triangle.

Radius of circle which circumscribe equilateral triangle = $$\frac{a}{\sqrt{3}}$$ where a is side of the equilateral triangle

Side of triangle equal to 4 so radius equal to $$\frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$ and diameter equal to $$\frac{4*2}{\sqrt{3}}$$

---------------------------

P.S. I don't know why, but I didn't met this formula in Manhattan or Veritas, maybe I overlook it but just in case I explain how we can find this formula by ourself:

If we draw three heigths in equilateral triangle the intersection will be center of this triangle, also it will be center of circumsribed circle.
And as these heights split triangle symmetrically each height will be split on 2/3 and 1/3 parts

Attachment:

2015-07-24 17-06-20 Presentation1 - PowerPoint.png [ 15.87 KiB | Viewed 5959 times ]

And this 2/3 is a radius of circumscribed circle. So if we know height we can multiple it on 2/3 ang received a radius of circumscribed circle.

I think this ratio 2/3 to 1/3 is quite intuitive so I decide to not write long proof with pythagorean triangles.

P.P.S radius of circle inscribed in equilateral triangle equal to $$\frac{a}{2*\sqrt{3}}$$ where a is side of the equilateral triangle
_________________
Current Student
Joined: 20 Mar 2014
Posts: 2641
Concentration: Finance, Strategy
Schools: Kellogg '18 (M)
GMAT 1: 750 Q49 V44
GPA: 3.7
WE: Engineering (Aerospace and Defense)
If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

24 Jul 2015, 07:33
Harley1980 wrote:
Engr2012 wrote:

BTW, I am interested in an alternate way to solve this question.

Yep, sure thing. As usual, geometry tasks have a lot of ways of solving

We have three points $$(9, \ 2\sqrt{3})$$, $$(7, \ 0)$$, and $$(11, \ 0)$$

We have line at bottom from 7 to 11 and equidistant point between them (9) on the height $$\ 2\sqrt{3}$$
So we can infer that this is isosceles or equilateral triangle

Let's check it by finding distance between points $$(9, \ 2\sqrt{3})$$ and $$(11, \ 0)$$
$$(11-9)^2 + (0-\ 2\sqrt{3})^2 = distance^2$$ --> $$4 + 12 = 16$$ --> distance = 4

Line at bottom has length 4 and this second line has the same length so we have equilateral triangle.

Radius of circle which circumscribe equilateral triangle = $$\frac{a}{\sqrt{3}}$$ where a is side of the equilateral triangle

Side of triangle equal to 4 so radius equal to $$\frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$ and diameter equal to $$\frac{4*2}{\sqrt{3}}$$

---------------------------

P.S. I don't know why, but I didn't met this formula in Manhattan or Veritas, maybe I overlook it but just in case I explain how we can find this formula by ourself:

If we draw three heigths in equilateral triangle the intersection will be center of this triangle, also it will be center of circumsribed circle.
And as these heights split triangle symmetrically each height will be split on 2/3 and 1/3 parts

Attachment:
The attachment 2015-07-24 17-06-20 Presentation1 - PowerPoint.png is no longer available

And this 2/3 is a radius of circumscribed circle. So if we know height we can multiple it on 2/3 ang received a radius of circumscribed circle.

I think this ratio 2/3 to 1/3 is quite intuitive so I decide to not write long proof with pythagorean triangles.

P.P.S radius of circle inscribed in equilateral triangle equal to $$\frac{a}{2*\sqrt{3}}$$ where a is side of the equilateral triangle

It is not a new or separate formula but a derivative of a formula that you already know about. The ratio of sides for 30-60-90 triangle.

When you draw the perpendicular from the top point (9,2sqrt3) to the base , you create 2 congruent 30-60-90 triangles (Triangles DBA and DBC) with sides in the ratio: $$1:\sqrt{3}:2$$

Additionally, when you draw the radius of the circumcircle, the radius (OA) bisects $$\angle{DAB}$$ such that $$\angle{OAB} = 30.$$

Thus, in triangle, AOB, $$\angle{OAB} = 30$$, as the radius of the circumcircle will bisect the angles of an equilateral triangle (you can figure it out by symmetry as well!)

Thus, triangle AOB , becomes another 30-60-90 triangle with ratio $$1:\sqrt{3}:2$$ .

So , if the the side "sqrt{3}" = 2 units,

then the radius = R = side with "2" = $$\frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$.

The property of '2/3' or '1/3' is a property of equilateral triangles and its altitudes. The altitudes in an equilateral triangle meet at the orthocenter, which divides the altitudes (or height or perpendiculars to the sides!) in the ratio 2/3 and 1/3 with 2/3 closer to the vertex. This is not a usual property of triangles and is thus not mentioned in most of the GMAT quant books. There will always be another way to solve such questions.

As an additional fun fact about equilateral triangles, the circumcenter, the incenter (center of the incircle) and the orthcenter all lie at the same point.
Attachments

2015-07-24_12-44-32.jpg [ 18.61 KiB | Viewed 5922 times ]

Intern
Joined: 26 Jan 2010
Posts: 17
Location: chile
WE 1:
WE 2:
WE 3:
Re: If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

28 Jul 2015, 12:35
1
Based on the values ​​of the abscissa of each of the points (that are part of a circumference), we have

11, 7 and 9, ordered from smallest to largest we have: 7, 9 and 11.

We can imagine that (7, a) and (9 a) and (11 a) are part of the same line and since 9 is exactly equisdistante 7 and 11, if we draw a parallel to the axis line Y and passing through (9 a), said straight necessarily pass through the center of the circle.

Thus we have the line parallel to the axis yy through (9 a) is perpendicular to the line through the points (7, a), (9 a) and (11 a), since the latter straight It is parallel to the axis X.

Applying two strings defining lines that intersect at a circle has:

The rope formed by points (7.0) and (11.0) is of length 4. This string is intersected by another rope through (9.0) and (9, 2 * sqrt (3)) of the which total length is not known. This length is dad for 2 * sqrt (3) + x which corresponds to the diameter of the circle, and this sum is formed exactly at the point of intersection of the two strings:

Then we have 2 * 2 = (2 * sqrt (3)) * X, so we find that X = 4 / (2 * sqrt (3))

At this stage rule out the option B and option E

Finally is the diameter (2 * sqrt (3)) + 4 / (2 * sqrt (3)) = (4 * 3 + 4) / (2 * sqrt (3)) = 16 / (2 * sqrt (3) ) = 8 / (sqrt (3))

ALTERNATIVE C

GMAT GRE SAT Math Tutor in Chile
www.gmatchile.cl
_________________

Private lessons GMAT QUANT GRE QUANT SAT QUANT
Classes group of 6 students GMAT QUANT GRE QUANT SAT QUANT
Distance learning courses GMAT QUANT GRE QUANT SAT QUANT

Website http://www.gmatchile.cl
Whatsapp +56999410328
Email clasesgmatchile@gmail.com
Skype: clasesgmatchile@gmail.com
Address Avenida Hernando de Aguirre 128 Of 904, Tobalaba Metro Station, Santiago Chile.

Manager
Joined: 06 Jun 2014
Posts: 51
If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

08 Apr 2016, 14:43
This is a chalenging question. IMO the hardest part might be to figure out that this is a circle with inscribed eqilateral triangle ( once you conect the 3 points).
Once you do that it is easy to get to the radius and aftre to the diameter.

The formula for the radius will be $$sqrt3/3*a$$ where a is 4 beacuse it is the length between 7 to 11.

so from there it turns that r is $$sqrt3/3*4$$ and multiply by 2 to get diameter and that is answer chouce C

OR

once you draw the diagram and figure out it is clearly visiable that the dimatere should be little over 4, which is the side of the tirangle.
only option C does that.

but under test condition im not sure if this 2 solutions will popo out in my head
Retired Moderator
Status: The best is yet to come.....
Joined: 10 Mar 2013
Posts: 534
Re: If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

25 Dec 2016, 07:05
Drawing a diagram, we can see that the diameter can not be more than (2*2)*√3 and less than 2*2. So the answer would be C. 8/(√3).
_________________

Hasan Mahmud

Intern
Joined: 25 Jan 2013
Posts: 29
Concentration: General Management, Entrepreneurship
If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

30 Mar 2017, 05:44
Harley1980 wrote:
If a circle passes through points $$(9, \ 2\sqrt{3})$$, $$(7, \ 0)$$, and $$(11, \ 0)$$, what is the diameter of the circle?

A) $$\frac{4}{\sqrt{3}}$$

B) $$4$$

C) $$\frac{8}{\sqrt{3}}$$

D) $$4 * \sqrt{3}$$

E) $$8$$

In above question, if (7,0) and (11,0) are points on other end, then center point of circle connect two points and create isoseles triangle with ratio 1:1:√2

Intern
Joined: 12 Oct 2014
Posts: 6
N: E
If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

01 Apr 2017, 11:18
I solved this using a simple sketch method. Here was my approach.

Step 1: From the given information, sketch an image of what is given (my sketch looked something like the below attached image).

Step 2: Evaluate the answer choices:
(A) Eliminate! We know that the diameter must be larger than any chord that does not pass through the circle center. Eliminate A because 4/sqrt(3) is less than 4.
(B) Eliminate! For the same reason that we eliminated (A) we can eliminate (B).
(D) Eliminate! Referencing our sketch know that 3.4 (2*sqrt(3)) is greater than the radius of the circle, so we know for sure that the diameter must be less than twice 3.4 (or diameter must be less than 6.8).
(E) Eliminate! For the same reason that we eliminated (D) we can eliminate (E).

Step 3: We know that C is the only viable answer choice!
Attachments

Capture.JPG [ 31.45 KiB | Viewed 2279 times ]

Non-Human User
Joined: 09 Sep 2013
Posts: 7293
Re: If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3)) [#permalink]

### Show Tags

23 Apr 2018, 09:24
Hello from the GMAT Club BumpBot!

Thanks to another GMAT Club member, I have just discovered this valuable topic, yet it had no discussion for over a year. I am now bumping it up - doing my job. I think you may find it valuable (esp those replies with Kudos).

Want to see all other topics I dig out? Follow me (click follow button on profile). You will receive a summary of all topics I bump in your profile area as well as via email.
_________________
Re: If a circle passes through points (9,2*sqrt(3))   [#permalink] 23 Apr 2018, 09:24
Display posts from previous: Sort by

# Events & Promotions

 Powered by phpBB © phpBB Group | Emoji artwork provided by EmojiOne Kindly note that the GMAT® test is a registered trademark of the Graduate Management Admission Council®, and this site has neither been reviewed nor endorsed by GMAC®.