AoPSWiki
Looking for a challenging algebra text? Preparing for MATHCOUNTS or the AMC exams?
Check out Art of Problem Solving's Introduction to Algebra by Richard Rusczyk.

2007 Cyprus MO/Lyceum/Problem 30

From AoPSWiki

Problem

A coin with a shape of a regular hexagon of side 1 is tangent to a square of side 6, as shown in the figure. The coin rotates on the perimeter of the square, until it reaches its original position. The length of the line which is being inscribed by the centre of the hexagon is

\mathrm{(A) \ } \frac{34\pi}{3}\qquad \mathrm{(B) \ } 24\qquad \mathrm{(C) \ } \frac{28\pi}{3}\qquad \mathrm{(D) \ } 6 \pi\sq...

Solution

Each time the hexagon moves, its center travels \frac16 of a circle with radius 1.

Each time the hexagon goes around a corner, it's center travels 150^{\circ}, or \frac5{12} of a circle.

The hexagon moves 20 times (5 times per side), and goes around 4 corners.

20\cdot\frac16+4\cdot\frac5{12}=5

5(2\cdot1\cdot\pi)=10\pi\Longrightarrow\mathrm{ E}

See also

2007 Cyprus MO, Lyceum (Problems)
Preceded by
Problem 29
Followed by
Last Question
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Our Precalculus course starts on Dec. 4. Master trig, complex numbers, and vectors and matrices in 2 and 3 dimensions. Click here to enroll today!
© Copyright 2008 AoPS Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. • FoundationPrivacyContact Us