Smallest range of angle between intersecting circles

CAT 2007 Slot 1 · Quantitative Ability · Medium · Geometry

Two circles with centres P and Q cut each other at two distinct points A and B. The circles have the same radii and neither P nor Q falls within the intersection of the circles. What is the smallest range that includes all possible values of the angle AQP in degrees?

  1. A.

    Between 0 and 90

  2. B.

    Between 0 and 30

  3. C.

    Between 0 and 60

  4. D.

    Between 0 and 75

  5. E.

    Between 0 and 45

Answer

C

Explanation

In △APQ\triangle APQ, AP=AQ=rAP = AQ = r. So △APQ\triangle APQ is isosceles. Since P and Q lie outside the intersection, the distance PQPQ ranges between rr and 2r2r. When PQ=rPQ = r, △APQ\triangle APQ is equilateral and ∠AQP=60∘\angle AQP = 60^\circ. As PQ→2rPQ \to 2r, ∠AQP→0∘\angle AQP \to 0^\circ. So angle AQP ranges between 0∘0^\circ and 60∘60^\circ.

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