The radius of the smallest circle which touches the parabolas y = x2 + 2 and x = y2 + 2 is
- 7 216
- 7 28
- 7 22
- 7 24
Answer
(2) 7 28
Solution
The two parabolas are mirror images of each other in the line y = x, and neither meets it (x2 - x + 2 > 0).
∴ The smallest circle touching both has its centre on y = x and radius = least distance of y = x2 + 2 from y = x.
Distance of (t, t2 + 2) from x - y = 0:
d = t2 - t + 2 2 = (t - 12 )2 + 74 2
⇒ d = 74 2 at t = 12 (the tangent there has slope 2t = 1, parallel to y = x)
∴ r = 74 2 = 7 28
Answer: (2)