Maths Olympiad Prep

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Geometry Difficulty 3.2 AMC 10/12 Find the answer

(Selective 4-4: Coordinate System and Parametric Equations):
Let point P be on the curve ρsinθ=2\rho\sin\theta=2, and point Q be on the curve ρ=2cosθ\rho=-2\cos\theta. Find the minimum value of PQ|PQ|.

A number or a short expression. Spacing and $ signs are ignored.

Solution

Set the pole as the origin and the line containing the polar axis as the x-axis to establish a Cartesian coordinate system.
Convert ρsinθ=2\rho\sin\theta=2 into a Cartesian coordinate equation to get the line equation y=2y=2. ...(3 points)
Convert ρ=2cosθ\rho=-2\cos\theta into a Cartesian coordinate equation to get the circle equation (x+1)2+y2=1(x+1)^2+y^2=1, which represents a circle with center at (1,0)(-1,0) and radius 11. ...(6 points)
Therefore, the distance from the center of the circle (1,0)(-1,0) to the line y=2y=2 is 22, and the minimum value of PQ|PQ| is 21=12-1=1. ...(10 points)

Thus, the minimum value of PQ|PQ| is 1\boxed{1}.

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Source: NuminaMath-1.5, licensed Apache-2.0. Statement and solution reproduced as published; topic and difficulty added by this site.