willbeatthegmat wrote:What is the least possible distance between a point on the circle x^2 + y^2 = 1 and a point on the line y = 3/4*x - 3?

A) 1.4
B) sqrt (2)
C) 1.7
D) sqrt (3)
E) 2.0

can sum1 elaborate d solution in details

logitech wrote:

willbeatthegmat wrote:What is the least possible distance between a point on the circle x^2 + y^2 = 1 and a point on the line y = 3/4*x - 3?

A) 1.4
B) sqrt (2)
C) 1.7
D) sqrt (3)
E) 2.0

can sum1 elaborate d solution in details

Well, I really don't think that this question represents the scope of math questions in GMAT.

y = 3/4*x - 3?

x=0, y=-3
y=0, x=4

so it forms a 3-4-5 triangle on the XY plane

if you plot a 90 degrees line from the hypotenuse of the triangle to (0,0)

you will find the Distance + 1

you will also see similir triangles

So;


(D+1)/3 = 4/5

D = 1.4

And please post the OA and I am really having hard time to understand your IM English shud, sum1 and bla bla...

jimmiejaz wrote:

logitech,

can u pls explain the last part abt the similar triangles by drwaing the figure.
i am not able to understand D+1 thing.

Rajiv