Unique positive solution for system of equations

CAT 2005 Slot 1 · Quantitative Ability · Hard · Algebra

For which value of kk does the following pair of equations yield a unique solution of xx such that the solution is positive? x2−y2=0x^2 - y^2 = 0 (x−k)2+y2=1(x - k)^2 + y^2 = 1

  1. A.

    2

  2. B.

    0

  3. C.

    2\sqrt{2}

  4. D.

    −2-\sqrt{2}

Answer

C

Explanation

From x2−y2=0x^2 - y^2 = 0, y2=x2y^2 = x^2. Substitute into circle equation: (x−k)2+x2=1  ⟹  2x2−2kx+k2−1=0(x - k)^2 + x^2 = 1 \implies 2x^2 - 2kx + k^2 - 1 = 0. For a unique solution of xx, discriminant D=0D = 0: (−2k)2−4(2)(k2−1)=0  ⟹  4k2−8k2+8=0  ⟹  4k2=8  ⟹  k=±2(-2k)^2 - 4(2)(k^2 - 1) = 0 \implies 4k^2 - 8k^2 + 8 = 0 \implies 4k^2 = 8 \implies k = \pm \sqrt{2}. When k=2k = \sqrt{2}, equation is 2x2−22x+1=0  ⟹  (2x−1)2=0  ⟹  x=12>02x^2 - 2\sqrt{2}x + 1 = 0 \implies (\sqrt{2}x - 1)^2 = 0 \implies x = \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} > 0. When k=−2k = -\sqrt{2}, x=−12<0x = -\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}} < 0, which is rejected. Thus k=2k = \sqrt{2}.

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