Q22 / 57 · KVPY 2019 (SA) · Mathematics

Let A B C be an equilateral triangle with side length a. Let R and r denote the radii of the circumcircle and the incircle of triangle A B C respectively. Then, as a function of α the ratio Rr

  • A
      strictly increases
  • B
     strictly decreases
     
  • Correct answer
    C
    remains constant
     
  • D
    strictly increases for a<1 and strictly decrease for a>1

Solution

For an equilateral triangle A B C having side length a. If R and r are radii of the circumcircle and the incircle of triangle A B C respectively, then
R=a2sec30°=a223=a3

 

Figure

 

and r=a2tan30°=a2×13=a23
∴Rr=a3a23=2 which is independent of a
and it is constant.

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'C'.

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