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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ackbach
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The problem presented involves 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. The solution provided by Opalg establishes that the minimum radius required is \( r = \frac{5}{\sqrt{29}} \). This conclusion is derived from geometric considerations of the line's equation and the distance from the line to the nearest lattice points.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of lattice points in geometry
  • Basic knowledge of circle equations and properties
  • Familiarity with line equations and slopes
  • Concept of distance from a point to a line
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of lattice points in two-dimensional geometry
  • Learn about the distance formula between a point and a line
  • Explore geometric interpretations of circle intersections
  • Investigate similar problems involving lines and circles in coordinate geometry
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, geometry enthusiasts, and students studying coordinate geometry who are interested in problems involving lattice points and geometric intersections.

Ackbach
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
4,148
Reaction score
94
Here's this week's problem!

-----

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.

-----

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!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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 $$r = $$$$\frac1{2\sqrt{29}}.$$
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K