Corodinate Geom PS

[ani781]

Points P, Q lie on the circle with center O. What is the value of S ?
a) 1/2
b) 1
c) 2^(1/2)
d)3^(1/2)
e) (2^1/2)/2[/img]

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

Points P, Q lie on the circle with center O. What is the value of S ?
a) 1/2
b) 1
c) 2^(1/2)
d)3^(1/2)
e) (2^1/2)/2[/img]

Here's one approach:


So, s = 1
Answer: B

Cheers,
Brent

[inavdeep]

Option D : 3^1/2

Here is my Solution:

Since it is a semi-circle therefore the radius remains equal, making it a 45-90-45 Degree Right angled triangle, symmetric about the y-axis. Hence, Option - D.

[vipulgoyal]

Algebric Approach

OP = OQ
(1-0)^2 + (-sqrt3-0)^2 = (s-0)^2 + (t-0)^2
1+3 = s^2+t^2

s^2+t^2 = 4 ---------(1)


Since the lines are perpendicular to each other, product of slopes = -1
[(1-0)/(-sqrt3-0)]*[(t-0)/(s-0)] = -1
t/s = sqrt3
t = s*sqrt3
From (1), s^2 + 3s^2 = 4
s^2 = 1
Since (s,t) is in first quadrant, s=1

[gmattesttaker2]

Points P, Q lie on the circle with center O. What is the value of S ?
a) 1/2
b) 1
c) 2^(1/2)
d)3^(1/2)
e) (2^1/2)/2[/img]

Here's one approach:


So, s = 1
Answer: B

Cheers,
Brent

Hello Brent,

Thanks a lot for the excellent explanation.

Best Regards,
Sri

[gmattesttaker2]

Points P, Q lie on the circle with center O. What is the value of S ?
a) 1/2
b) 1
c) 2^(1/2)
d)3^(1/2)
e) (2^1/2)/2[/img]

Here's one approach:


So, s = 1
Answer: B

Cheers,
Brent

Hello Brent,

Thanks a lot for the excellent explanation.

Best Regards,
Sri

[[email protected]]

Hi inaveep,

In these types of questions, you have to be very careful with your assumptions. Make sure that you have PROOF of what you believe. The drawing is NOT symmetric around the y-axis, but both of those lines are radii. Try drawing in two more right triangles (from the ends of the radii down to the x-axis) and then re-calculate.

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

[gmattesttaker2]

Points P, Q lie on the circle with center O. What is the value of S ?
a) 1/2
b) 1
c) 2^(1/2)
d)3^(1/2)
e) (2^1/2)/2[/img]

Here's one approach:


So, s = 1
Answer: B

Cheers,
Brent

Hello Brent,

Thanks for the explanation. I was wondering that in the 3rd diagram that you have, once we know the value of OQ i.e. 2, what if we draw a straight line from P to Q and then use pythogoras theorem

i.e. 2^2 + 2^2 = PQ^2
=> PQ = 2 sq.root (2)

Hence, the distance from the Y axis to Q in line PQ is (2 sq. root (2))/2 = sq. root (2) and then this distance would the value of s. I was just wondering why this is in-correct? Thanks a lot for your help.

Best Regards,
Sri

[Brent@GMATPrepNow]

Hi Sri,

That's a novel approach, but the y-axis does NOT divide the line PQ into two equal pieces. It LOOKS like this might be the case, but it is not so. The diagram is misleading because it is not drawn to scale.

Cheers,
Brent