Geometry - Circles - Previous Year CAT/MBA Questions
The best way to prepare for Geometry - Circles is by going through the previous year Geometry - Circles omet questions. Here we bring you all previous year Geometry - Circles omet questions along with detailed solutions.
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The roots of the polynomial P(x) = 2x3 - 11x2 + 17x + 6 are the radii of three concentric circles. The ratio of their area, when arranged from the largest to the smallest, is:
- (a)
6 : 2 : 1
- (b)
9 : 4 : 1
- (c)
16 : 6 : 3
- (d)
36 : 16 : 1
- (e)
None of the remaining options is correct.
Answer: Option D
Text Explanation :
Workspace:
Two circles P and Q, each of radius 2 cm, pass through each other’s centres. They intersect at points A and B. A circle R is drawn with diameter AB. What is the area of overlap (in square cm) between the circles R and P?
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
- (e)
Answer: Option E
Text Explanation :
Workspace:
The radius of circle is increased in a way such that its circumference increases by 8%. By howmuch percentage the area of the circle increases?
- (a)
12.5%
- (b)
16.64%
- (c)
10.5%
- (d)
6.4%
Answer: Option B
Text Explanation :
Increase in circumference is 8% which means that the increase in radius is also 8%
Increase in area = 8 + 8 + (8*8)/100 = 16 + 0.64 = 16.64%
Workspace:
There are 12 points in a two-dimensional plane with following coordinates: Points A, B, C, D, E,F, G have coordinates (1, 0), (2, 0), (3, 0), (4, 0), (5, 0), (6, 0) and (7, 0) respectively. Points H, I, J havecoordinates (1, 1), (2, 2) and (3, 3) respectively. Points K, L have coordinates (4, -2) and (5, -3)respectively. The number of circles possible with these points are?
- (a)
179
- (b)
158
- (c)
168
- (d)
147
Answer: Option A
Text Explanation :
A, B, C, D, E, F, G all lie of a single line
H, I, J all lie on another single line
K, L lie on another single line
If we are given three points which are not collinear than we can draw a circle from these three points
Workspace:
Three small identical circles are inscribed inside an equilateral triangle with length 10 cm as shown in the figure. The radius of each small circle is 2 cm A big circle touches these three circles as shown in the figure. Find the ratio of the area of the big circle with that of the area of the small circle. (figure not as per scale)
- (a)
4 : 1
- (b)
2 : 1
- (c)
3 : 1
- (d)
5 : 1
Answer: Option A
Text Explanation :
Height of triangle = (10) × = 15
Distance between the centroid of the triangle and the vertex = 15 × = 10
Since in-radius is one-third of the height of the triangle
therefore, length of the line from vertex to the point where small circle and big circle touch each other = 10 - 6 = 4 cm
Radius of the bigger circle = 10 - 6 = 4 cm
Ratio of areas will be square of the ration of radius which is 4 : 1
Workspace:
In a figure, △ABC is a right angled triangle at C, semicircles are drawn on AC,BC and AB's diameter. Find the area of the shaded region.
Note: Figure not as per scale
- (a)
336
- (b)
676
- (c)
196
- (d)
556
Answer: Option A
Text Explanation :
Area of shaded region = area of semicircle on BC + area of semicircle of AC - area of unshaded semicircle regions
Area of unshaded semicircle regions = area of semicircle on AB - area of triangle ABC
Given,
AB = 50, BC = 14
In triangle ABC, AC2 + BC2 = AB2
Solving we get,
AC = 48
Area of unshaded semicircle regions = π (25)2 - × 48 × 14 = 625π - 336
Area of shaded region = 576π + 49π - 625π + 336 = 336
The answer is option A.
Workspace:
A rectangular field is 40 meters long and 30 meters wide. Draw diagonals on this field and then draw circles of radius 1.25 meters, with centers only on the diagonals. Each circle must fall completely within the field. Any two circles can touch each other but should not overlap.
What is the maximum number of such circles that can be drawn in the field?
- (a)
39
- (b)
40
- (c)
37
- (d)
36
- (e)
38
Answer: Option C
Text Explanation :
Length of the diagonal = √(302+402 ) = 50 m.
Each circle on the end of the diagonal will touch sides of the rectangular field
Using Pythagoras' theorem, the distance between the vertex of the rectangle and centre of the first circle drawn on the diagonal (OC) = 1.25√2
Distance between the vertex of the rectangle and circumference of the first circle drawn on the diagonal (OD) = 1.25√2 - 1.25 = 0.51 meters
Space that cannot be used to draw circle otherwise they will go outside rectangle on every diagonal = 0.51 × 2 = 1.02 meters
Space that can be used to draw circles = length of diagonal - unused space = 50 - 1.02 = 48.98 meters
On every diagonal, maximum number of such circles = usable length/diameter of each circle = 48.98/2.5 = 19.6
∴ Maximum 19 circles can be drawn on a diagonal.
Now, on every diagonal, one circle will be at the centre (intersection of diagonals) and 9 circles will be on each half of the diagonal
⇒ The circle in centre will be common for both diagonals.
∴ Total circles = 19 + 19 – 1 = 37.
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
In the figure given below, the circle has a chord AB of length 12 cm, which makes an angle of 60° at the center of the circle, O. ABCD, as shown in the diagram, is a rectangle. OQ is the perpendicular bisector of AB, intersecting the chord AB at P, the arc AB at M and CD at Q. OM = MQ. The area of the region enclosed by the line segments AQ and QB, and the arc BMA, is closest to (in cm2):
- (a)
137
- (b)
63
- (c)
35
- (d)
69
- (e)
215
Answer: Option D
Text Explanation :
In a circle a chord which subtends an angle of 60° at the center is equal to the radius of the circle.
∴ OA = OB = AB = 12
∆OAB is an equilateral triangle
OP (height of an equilateral triangle) = √3/2 × 12 = 6√3
∴ PM = OM = OP = 12 - 6√3
Area of AQBMA = Area of Triangle ABQ – Area of segment AMBP
Area of AQBMA = Area of Triangle ABQ – (Area of minor arc AMBO - Area of ∆OAB)
Now, PQ = MQ + PM = 12 + (12 - 6√3) = 24 - 6√3
Area of triangle ABQ = 1/2 × 12 × (24 - 6√3) = 6(24 - 6√3) = 81.64
Also, Area of minor arc AMB – Area of OAB
= 60/360 × π × 144 - 1/2 × 12× 6√3 = 24π - 36√3 = 13.07
∴ Area of AQBMA = 68.57 ≈ 69.
Hence, option (d).
Workspace:
Mohanlal, a prosperous farmer, has a square land of side 2 km. For the current season, he decides to have some fun. He marks two distinct points on one of the diagonals of the land. Using these points as centers, he constructs two circles. Each of these circles falls completely within the land, and touches at least two sides of the land. To his surprise, the radii of both the circles are exactly equal to 2/3 km. Mohanlal plants potatoes on the overlapping portion of these circles.
- (a)
5( 𝜋 + 4)/27
- (b)
2(2 𝜋 − 3 √3 )/27
- (c)
4(𝜋 − 3 √3 )/27
- (d)
𝟐(𝝅 − 2)/9
- (e)
(𝝅 − 2)/9
Answer: Option D
Text Explanation :
Length of the diagonal AC = 2√2
⇒ AX = ½ of diagonal = √2
Length of AC1 = 2/3 × √2 = 2√2/3
⇒ C1X = AX – AC1 = √2 - 2√2/3 = √2/3
Using Pythagoras theorem:
XM = =
In ∆C1XM,
C1X = XM = √2/3 and ∠C1XM = 90°
⇒ ∠XC1M = 45°
And ∠LC1M = 90°
∴ Area of ∆LC1M = ½ × 2/3 × 2/3 = 2/9
Area of minor arc LM = Area of sector LC1M - Area of ∆LC1M
= =
∴ Area of overlapping region =
Hence, option (d).
Workspace:
XYZ is an equilateral triangle, inscribed in a circle. P is a point on the arc YZ such that X and P are on opposite sides of the chord YZ. Which of the following MUST always be true?
- (a)
XZ + YP = XY + PZ
- (b)
XP = YP + PZ
- (c)
XP + PZ = XY + YP
- (d)
XP = XY
- (e)
XP = XY + YZ
Answer: Option B
Text Explanation :
Ptolemy’s theorem:
Product of diagonal of a cyclic quadrilateral is equal to sum of product of opposite pair of sides.
∴ XP × YZ = PY × XZ + PZ × XY
⇒ XP × a = PY × a + PZ × a
⇒ XP = PY + PZ
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
In the figure, a circle of radius 2 cm is inscribed in a square. There are four smaller circles at each of the cornerof the square. Whatis the total area covered by all the five circles?
- (a)
4π + 4π(6 - 4)2 cm2
- (b)
4π + 4π(3 - 2)2 cm2
- (c)
4π + 4π(12 - 8)2 cm2
- (d)
4π + 4π(9 - 6)2 cm2
Answer: Option A
Text Explanation :
It has been given that radii OE = OF = 2 cm. Consequently, AB = 4 cm {side of the square}. AC = 4√2 cm
Further, let the radius of the smaller circles be r cm. Then, AP = r√2 cm. Thus, AQ = r√2 + r or r(√2 + 1) cm.
There are two such regions on line AC. Hence, we can rewrite AC = 2 × r(√2 + 1) + 4. This is equal to 4√2 cm. On equating, we obtain r = (6 - 4√2) cm.
We have been asked to find the total area covered by the five circles = 4π + 4 × π(6 - 4√2)2 cm2
Hence, Option A is the correct choice.
Workspace:
Let C be a circle of radius √20 cm. Let l1, l2 be the lines given by 2x − y −1 = 0 and x + 2y −18 = 0, respectively. Suppose that l1 passes through the center of C and that l2 is tangent to C at the point of intersection of l1 and l2.
If (a, b) is the center of C, which of the following is a possible value of a + b?
- (a)
11
- (b)
14
- (c)
17
- (d)
8
- (e)
20
Answer: Option C
Text Explanation :
l1: 2x – y = 1
l2: x + 2y = 18
Slope for l1 i.e., m1 = -2/-1 = 2 and slope for l2 i.e., m2 = -1/2
Here, m1 × m2 = -1, hence the two given lines are perpendicular
Let us first represent the figure and the 2 lines l1 and l2.
Let O (a, b) be the centre of the circle and A be the point of intersection of the 2 lines l1 and l2.
The coordinates of A can be found out by solving the simultaneous equations of the lines l1(2x – y = 1) and l2 (x + 2y = 18).
Solving both these equations we get the value of x and y as 4 and 7 respectively.
∴ Coordinates of A are (4, 7).
Also, distance OA is the radius of the circle i.e., √20 units.
∴ (a - 4)2 + (b - 7)2 = 20 …(1)
Also (a, b) lies on l1 hence, 2a − b = 1
⇒ b = 2a – 1 ...(2)
From (1) and (2) we get
(a - 4)2 + (2a - 1 - 7)2 = 20
⇒ 5a2 – 40a + 60 = 0
⇒ a2 – 8a + 12 = 0
⇒ a = 2 or 6.
If a = 2, b = 3, hence a + b = 5
If a = 6, b = 11, hence a + b = 17
∴ (a + b) is either 5 or 17.
From 5 and 17 only 17 is listed in option (c).
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
What is the maximum number of points that can be placed on a circular disk of radius 1 metre (some of the points could be placed on the bounding circle of the disk) such that no two points are at a distance of less than 1 metre from each other?
- (a)
5
- (b)
8
- (c)
6
- (d)
9
- (e)
7
Answer: Option E
Text Explanation :
If we take one point at the centre of the circle, the remaining points can only be at the circumference of the circle as the minimum distance between any 2 points is at least 1 m (which is the radius of the circle).
Also, the remaining points on the circumference of the circle have to be such that 2 points are at a distance of less than one.
Now circumference of the circle = 2 × 22/7 × 1 = 44/7 ≈ 6.28 m
As the circumference or the length of the boundary is 6.28 m, we can have a maximum of 6 points on the circumference such that the distance between any 2 points is at least 1 m.
So, in all we can have a maximum of 6 points on the circumference and 1 point at the centre of the circle, making a total of 7 points.
Hence, option (e).
Workspace:
AB is the tangent on the circle at point A. The line BC meets the circle at points C and E. Line AD bisects the angle EAC. If angle EAC = 60° and angle BAC : angle ACB = 2: 5. Find angle ABC.
- (a)
40°
- (b)
60°
- (c)
30°
- (d)
None of these
Answer: Option A
Text Explanation :
Let ∠CAB and ∠ACB be 2x and 5x respectively.
From the alternate segment thorem (In any circle, the angle between a chord and a tangent through one of the end points of the chord is equal to the angle in the alternate segment), we can deduce that ∠AEC = ∠CAB = 2x.
In ∆AEC, ∠AEC = 2x, ∠EAC = 30 × 2 = 60° and ∠ACE = 180 − 5x.
∴ 2x + 60 + (180 − 5x) = 180.
∴ x = 20.
∠ABC = 180 − (∠BAC + ∠ACB) = 180 − (2x + 5x) = 180 − 7x = 180 − (7 × 20) = 40°.
Hence option (a).
Workspace:
Two circles with radius 2R and √2R intersect each other at points A and B. The centers of both the circles are on the same side of AB. O is the center of the bigger circle and ∠AOB is 60°. Find the area of the common region between two circles.
- (a)
(√3 – π – 1)R2
- (b)
(√3 – π)R2
- (c)
(13π/6 + 1 - √3)R2
- (d)
(13π/6 + √3)R2
- (e)
None of the above
Answer: Option C
Text Explanation :
Let O is the center of the bigger circle. So, OA = 2R. Let P be the center of the smaller circle. So, PA = R√2.
In ∆OAM, ∠AOM = 30° and OA = 2R, so AM =OA × Sin 30 = 2R/2 = R. Also, OM = R√3
In ∆PAM, let ∠APM = θ and PA = R√2 and AM = R, so Sin θ = AM/PA = R/ R√2 = 1/√2, so θ = 45°
Therefore ∠APB = 2∠APM = 2 × 45 = 90°. Also, PM = PA × Cos 45 = R√2 × Cos 45 = R
Common area between the two circles is the area of the smaller circle minus the area of the shaded region.
Area of the shaded region = Area of quadrant APB + Area ∆OPA + Area ∆OPB – Area of sector AOB
Area of quadrant APB = π × (R√2)2/4
Area ∆OPA + Area ∆OPB = Area ∆AOB – Area ∆PAB = [(1/2) × OM × AB) – [(1/2) × PM × AB]
OM = R√3 and AB = AM × 2 = R × 2 = 2R
So, Area ∆OPA + Area ∆OPB = [(1/2) × R√3 × 2R) – [(1/2) × R × 2R] = (√3 – 1)R2
Area of sector AOB = (π/6)(2R)2
Hence, Area of the shaded region = [π × (R√2)2/4] + [(√3 – 1)R2] +[(π/6)(2R)2]
= [(√3 – 1)R2] – [πR2/6]
Common area between the two circles = Area of the smaller circle – Area of the shaded region
= π(R√2)2 – {[(√3 – 1)R2] – [πR2/6] = (13π/6) + 1 – √3) R2
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
Joseph diametrically crosses a semi-circular playground and takes 48 seconds less than if he crosses the playground along the semi-circular path. If he walks 50 metres in one minute, the diameter of playground is
- (a)
54 metres
- (b)
70 metres
- (c)
85 metres
- (d)
35 metres
Answer: Option B
Text Explanation :
Since Joseph takes less time while crossing the path diametrically rather than in a semi-circular manner, the distance travelled along the diameter is less.
Let the radius of the path be r m.
∴ Difference in distance = πr – 2r
= (π – 2)r m
Also, difference in distance = difference in time × constant speed
∴ (π – 2)r = 48 × (50/60)
∴ 1.14r = 40 i.e. r = 40/(8/7) = 35 m
∴ Diameter = 2r = 70 m
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
AB is a chord of a circle. The length of AB is 24 cm. P is the midpoint of AB. Perpendiculars from P on either side of the chord meets the circle at M and N respectively. If PM < PN and PM = 8 cm. then what will be the length of PN?
- (a)
17 cm
- (b)
18 cm
- (c)
19 cm
- (d)
20 cm
- (e)
21 cm
Answer: Option B
Text Explanation :
Let us draw the diagram using the given conditions.
AB = 24 cm and P is the mid-point of AB.
∴ AP = PB = 12 cm.
MN is perpendicular to AB and passes through P.
PM < PN.
∴ M should be closer to A and B than N.
MN and AB are 2 perpendicular chords intersecting at P.
Therefore, according to the intersecting chords theorem, AP × PB = PM × PN
⇒ 12 × 12 = 8 × PN
⇒ PN = 18 cm.
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
A chord AB of length 24 cm is drawn in a circle of radius 13 cm. Find the area of the shaded portion APB.
- (a)
13π x cm2
- (b)
cm2
- (c)
- (d)
Answer: Option C
Text Explanation :
Area of sector O-APB = (x/360) × π × (13)2 = 169πx/360 cm2
Let the perpendicular from O to AB meet AB at M. Hence, OM is the perpendicular bisector of AB.
Hence, AM = 24/2 = 12 cm and OM = 5 cm (5, 12, 13 form a pythagorean triplet in right triangle OAM).
∴ Area of triangle OAB = (1/2) × OM × AB = (1/2) × 5 × 24 = 60 cm2
∴ Required area = [(169πx/360) − 60] cm2
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
Two tangents are drawn from a point P on the circle with centre at O, touching the circle at point Q and T respectively. Another tangent AB touches the circle at point S. If angle QPT=55°, find the angle AOB=?
- (a)
125°
- (b)
62.5°
- (c)
97.5°
- (d)
95°
Answer: Option B
Text Explanation :
In quadrilateral PQOT, ∠QOT = 360 − ∠QPT − ∠PQO − ∠PTO
Since PQ and PT are tangents to the circle at Q and T, ∠PQO = ∠PTO = 90°
∴ ∠QOT = 360 − 55 − 90 − 90 = 125°
∴ ∠QOS + ∠SOT = ∠QOT = 125°
Now, when two tangents are drawn from a point to the circle, the line joining the external point and the centre of the circle is the angle bisector of the central angle subtended by the two tangential points at the centre.
For instance, when PQ and PT are tangents from P to the circle with centre O, then line PO is the angle bisector of ∠QOT.
Similarly, AQ and AS are tangents from A to the circle with centre O. Hence, AO is the angle bisector of ∠QOS.
∴ ∠QOA = ∠AOS = (∠QOS)/2
Similarly, for quadrilateral BSOT, ∠TOB = ∠BOS = (∠SOT)/2
Now, ∠AOB = ∠AOS + ∠BOS
= (∠QOS)/2 + (∠SOT)/2 = (∠QOS + ∠SOT)/2
= 125/2 = 62.5°
Hence, option (b).
Workspace:
In the figure below, two circular curves create 60° and 90° angles with their respective centres. If the length of the bottom curve Y is 10, find the length of the other curve.
- (a)
15π/√2
- (b)
20π√2/3
- (c)
60π/√2
- (d)
20π/3
- (e)
15π
Answer: Option A
Text Explanation :
From the diagram, we can say that Y makes an angle of 60° and X an angle of 90°.
For Y ; ⅙ × 2πr = 10π.( r is radius of circle of which Y is a part).
∴ r = 30.
From the diagram ;
the radius of other circle = 15√2.
∴ Length of X = ¼× 2× π ×15√2 = 15π/√2.
Hence, option (a).
Workspace:
If in the figure below, angle XYZ=90° and the length of the arc XZ=10π, then the area of the sector XYZ is:
- (a)
10π
- (b)
25π
- (c)
100π
- (d)
None of the above
Answer: Option C
Text Explanation :
Y is the centre of the circle.
Let r be the radius of the circle.
∴ Length of arc XZ =
∴ r = 20
Arc of sector XYZ =
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
Let P1 be the circle of radius r. A square Q1 is inscribed in P1 such that all the vertices of the square Q1 lie on the circumference of P1. Another circle P2 is inscribed in Q1. Another Square Q2 is inscribed in the circle P2. Circle P3 is inscribed in the square Q2 and so on. If SN is the area between QN and PN+1, where N represents the set of natural numbers, then the ratio of sum of all such SN to that of the area of the square Q1 is:
- (a)
- (b)
- (c)
- (d)
None of the above
Answer: Option A
Text Explanation :
Radius of P1 = r ⇒A(P1) = πr2
Diameter = d = 2r
Side of Q1 = = r ⇒ A(Q1) = 2r2
Radius of P2 = = ⇒ A(P1) =
Side of Q2 = × = r ⇒ A(Q2) = r2 ... and so on.
i.e., Areas of circles are in G.P. with common ratio =
Also, areas of squares are in G.P. with common ratio =
SN = Q1 – P2 + Q2 – P3 + Q3 – P4 + …
= (Q1 + Q2 + Q3 + … ) – (P2 + P3 + P4 + … )
= 2r2 -
=
= r2 × ×
= (4 - π)r2
SN: A(Q1) = (4 – π)r2 : 2r2 = (4 – π)/2
Hence, option (a).
Workspace:
ABCDEF is a regular hexagon and PQR is an equilateral triangle of side a. The area of the shaded portion is X and CD : PQ : : 2 : 1. Find the area of the circle circumscribing the hexagon in terms of X.
- (a)
x
- (b)
x
- (c)
x
- (d)
2πx
Answer: Option A
Text Explanation :
Let the length of each side of the hexagon be y.
Area of the hexagon = y2
Area of the triangle = y2
Area of the shaded region = y2 = X
y2 = X
Area of the circle = πy2
Thus, area of the circle in terms of X
= X
Hence, option (a).
Workspace:
A right circular cylinder has a radius of 6 and a height of 24. A rectangular solid with a square base and a height of 20, is placed in the cylinder such that each of the corners of the solid is tangent to the cylinder wall. If water is then poured into the cylinder such that it reaches the rim, the volume of water is:
- (a)
288(π – 5)
- (b)
288(2π – 3)
- (c)
288(3π – 5)
- (d)
None of the above
Answer: Option C
Text Explanation :
Volume of the cylinder = π × 62 × 24 = 864π cu. units
Diameter of the cylinder = 2 × 6 = 12 units
Side of the square base = = 6 units
Volume of the rectangular solid
= (6)2 × 20 = 1440 cu. units
∴ Volume of the cylinder = 844π – 1440 = 288(3π – 5) cu. units
Hence, option (c).
Workspace:
In a circular field, there is a rectangular tank of length 130 m and breadth 110 m. If the area of the land portion of the field is 20350 m2 then the radius of the field is
- (a)
85 m
- (b)
95 m
- (c)
105 m
- (d)
115 m
Answer: Option C
Text Explanation :
Area of a circular field = πr2
Area of tank = 130 × 110 = 14300 m2
∴ πr2 – 14300 = 20350
∴ πr2 = 34650
r2 = 1575 × 7 = 225 × 49
r = 15 × 7 = 105 m
Hence, option 3.
Workspace:
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