Try this beautiful problem from Geometry: Circle
Circle Problem – AMC-10A, 2006- Problem 23
Circles with centers $A$ and $B$ have radii 3 and 8 , respectively. A common internal tangent intersects the circles at $C$ and $D$, respectively. Lines $A B$ and $C D$ intersect at $E,$ and $A E=5 .$ What is $C D ?$
,

i
- $13$
- $\frac{44}{3} $
- $\sqrt{221}$
- $\sqrt{255}$
- \(\frac{55}{3}\)
Key Concepts
Geometry
Circle
Tangents
Check the Answer
Answer: $ \frac{44}{3}$
AMC-10 (2006) Problem 23
Pre College Mathematics
Try with Hints

Given that Circles with centers $A$ and $B$ have radii 3 and 8 and $A E=5 .$.we have to find out \(CD\).So join \(BC\) and \(AD\).then clearly \(\triangle BCE\) and \(\triangle ADE\) are Right-Triangle(as \(CD\) is the common tangent ).Now \(\triangle BCE\) and \(\triangle ADE\) are similar.Can you proof \(\triangle BCE\) and \(\triangle ADE\)?
Can you now finish the problem ……….

$\angle A E D$ and $\angle B E C$ are vertical angles so they are congruent, as are angles $\angle A D E$ and $\angle B C E$ (both are right angles because the radius and tangent line at a point on a circle are always perpendicular). Thus, $\triangle A C E \sim \triangle B D E$.
By the Pythagorean Theorem, line segment \(DE=4\)
Therefore from the similarity we can say that \(\frac{D E}{A D}=\frac{C E}{B C} \Rightarrow \frac{4}{3}=\frac{C E}{8}\) .
Therefore \(C E=\frac{32}{3}\)
can you finish the problem……..
Therefore \(CD=CE+DE=4+\frac{32}{3}=\frac{44}{3}\)
Other useful links
- https://www.cheenta.com/surface-area-of-cube-amc-10a-2007-problem-21/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGT15ls_brU
One reply on “Circle Problem | AMC 10A, 2006 | Problem 23”
Interesting problem from lativia.2015 ones are written in a row..It is allowed to delete any two written numbers a and b and is replaced by a+b/4 the process is continued as long as one number remains or the number is less than .0001.Prove that the last number is greater than .0001