Smallest Radius for Line to Intersect All Circles with Lattice Centers?

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The discussion focuses on determining the smallest radius \( r \) for circles centered at lattice points such that any line with a slope of \( \frac{2}{5} \) intersects at least one of these circles. Participants analyze the geometric properties of the circles and the implications of the line's slope on intersection points. The problem emphasizes the relationship between the radius and the density of lattice points. A correct solution has been provided by a user named Opalg, demonstrating the mathematical reasoning required to solve the problem. The thread encourages further exploration of geometric intersections involving lines and circles.
Ackbach
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Here's this week's problem!

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A lattice point in the plane is a point with integer
coordinates. Suppose that circles with radius $r$ are drawn using all
lattice points as centers. Find the smallest value of $r$ such that any
line with slope $\tfrac25$ intersects some of these circles.

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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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Congratulations to Opalg for his correct solution! You can see it below.

If the plane is rotated through an angle $\theta = \arctan\bigl(-\frac25\bigr)$, then lines with slope $\frac25$ will be transformed to horizontal lines. Since $\cos\theta = \frac5{\sqrt{29}}$ and $\sin\theta = -\frac2{\sqrt{29}}$, the matrix for this rotation is $$\frac1{\sqrt{29}} \begin{bmatrix} 5&2 \\ -2&5 \end{bmatrix}$$. This takes the lattice point $(p,q)$ to the point with $y$-coordinate $\frac1{\sqrt{29}}(5q-2p)$. So the $y$-coordinate of each rotated lattice point will be an integer multiple of $\frac1{\sqrt{29}}$, and every such multiple will occur. Thus the maximum vertical separation between two horizontal lines with no rotated lattice points between them is $\frac1{\sqrt{29}}$. It follows that the smallest value of $r$ to ensure that every horizontal line intersects some of the circles is $$r = $$$$\frac1{2\sqrt{29}}.$$
 

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