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Difference between revisions of "2011 AIME I Problems/Problem 13"

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==Solution==
 
==Solution==
  
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Set the cube at the origin with the three vertices along the axes and the plane equal to <math>ax+by+cz+d=0</math>, where <math>a^2+b^2+c^2=1</math>.  Then the (directed) distance from any point (x,y,z) to the plane is <math>ax+by+cz+d</math>.  So, by looking at the three vertices, we have <math>10a+d=10, 10b+d=11, 10c+d=12</math>, and by rearranging and summing, <math>(10-d)^2+(11-d)^2+(12-d)^2= 100*(a^2+b^2+c^2)=100</math>.
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Set the cube at the origin with the three vertices along the axes and the plane equal to <math>ax+by+cz+d=0</math>, where <math>a^2+b^2+c^2=1</math>.  Then the (directed) distance from any point (x,y,z) to the plane is <math>ax+by+cz+d</math>.  So, by looking at the three vertices, we have <math>10a+d=10, 10b+d=11, 10c+d=12</math>, and by rearranging and summing, <math>(10-d)^2+(11-d)^2+(12-d)^2= 100\cdot(a^2+b^2+c^2)=100</math>.
  
 
Solving the equation is easier if we substitute <math>11-d=y</math>, to get <math>3y^2+2=100</math>, or <math>y=\sqrt {98/3}</math>.  The distance from the origin to the plane is simply d, which is equal to <math>11-\sqrt{98/3} =(33-\sqrt{294})/3</math>, so <math>33+294+3=330</math>.
 
Solving the equation is easier if we substitute <math>11-d=y</math>, to get <math>3y^2+2=100</math>, or <math>y=\sqrt {98/3}</math>.  The distance from the origin to the plane is simply d, which is equal to <math>11-\sqrt{98/3} =(33-\sqrt{294})/3</math>, so <math>33+294+3=330</math>.

Revision as of 12:58, 31 March 2013

Problem

A cube with side length 10 is suspended above a plane. The vertex closest to the plane is labeled $A$. The three vertices adjacent to vertex $A$ are at heights 10, 11, and 12 above the plane. The distance from vertex $A$ to the plane can be expressed as $\frac{r-\sqrt{s}}{t}$, where $r$, $s$, and $t$ are positive integers, and $r+s+t<{1000}$. Find $r+s+t$.

Solution

Set the cube at the origin with the three vertices along the axes and the plane equal to $ax+by+cz+d=0$, where $a^2+b^2+c^2=1$. Then the (directed) distance from any point (x,y,z) to the plane is $ax+by+cz+d$. So, by looking at the three vertices, we have $10a+d=10, 10b+d=11, 10c+d=12$, and by rearranging and summing, $(10-d)^2+(11-d)^2+(12-d)^2= 100\cdot(a^2+b^2+c^2)=100$.

Solving the equation is easier if we substitute $11-d=y$, to get $3y^2+2=100$, or $y=\sqrt {98/3}$. The distance from the origin to the plane is simply d, which is equal to $11-\sqrt{98/3} =(33-\sqrt{294})/3$, so $33+294+3=330$.

See also

2011 AIME I (Problems • Answer Key • Resources)
Preceded by
Problem 12 		Followed by
Problem 14
1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15
All AIME Problems and Solutions
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