Sine and Cosine Rules

Question Types
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Find the complete set of values of $x$ for which there are two non-congruent triangles with the side lengths and angle as shown in the diagram.
A triangle $X Y Z$ is called fun if it has the following properties:
$$\begin{aligned} & \text { angle } Y X Z = 30 ^ { \circ } \\ & X Y = \sqrt { 3 } a \\ & Y Z = a \end{aligned}$$
where $a$ is a constant.
For a given value of $a$, there are two distinct fun triangles $S$ and $T$, where the area of $S$ is greater than the area of $T$.
Find the ratio
area of $S$ : area of $T$
2 (Go to problem page)
For $\triangle ABC$ with area $1$, let $BC = a$, $CA = b$, $AB = c$. Let $h_1$, $h_2$, $h_3$ be the lengths of the perpendiculars dropped from a point X in the plane to lines $BC$, $CA$, $AB$, respectively. Then, $$\triangle ABX = \frac{1}{2}ch_3, \quad \triangle BCX = \frac{1}{2}ah_1, \quad \triangle CAX = \frac{1}{2}bh_2$$
From the condition, $2 \leq \triangle ABX + \triangle BCX + \triangle CAX \leq 3$ $\cdots\cdots$①, so $$2 \leq \frac{1}{2}ch_3 + \frac{1}{2}ah_1 + \frac{1}{2}bh_2 \leq 3, \quad 4 \leq ah_1 + bh_2 + ch_3 \leq 6 \cdots\cdots\text{②}$$
First, when X is in the interior of $\triangle ABC$ or on its sides, $$\triangle ABX + \triangle BCX + \triangle CAX = \triangle ABC = 1$$
From this, ① does not hold, so X lies outside $\triangle ABC$.
Therefore, we divide the exterior of $\triangle ABC$ into 6 regions with boundary lines $AB$, $BC$, $CA$.
First, consider the case where X is on the opposite side of $A$ with respect to line $BC$, on the same side as $B$ with respect to line $CA$, and on the same side as $C$ with respect to line $AB$. Then from $\triangle ABX + \triangle CAX - \triangle BCX = \triangle ABC$,
[Figure: triangle ABC with point X below side BC, showing perpendicular distances $h_1$, $h_2$, $h_3$]
$$\frac{1}{2}ch_3 + \frac{1}{2}bh_2 - \frac{1}{2}ah_1 = 1$$ $$ch_3 + bh_2 = 2 + ah_1$$
From ②, $4 \leq 2 + 2ah_1 \leq 6$, giving $\dfrac{1}{a} \leq h_1 \leq \dfrac{2}{a}$ $\cdots\cdots$③
On the other hand, let $h$ be the length of the perpendicular from $A$ to line $BC$. From $\triangle ABC = 1$, we get $\frac{1}{2}ah = 1$, so $h = \dfrac{2}{a}$ $\cdots\cdots$④
[Figure: triangle ABC with shaded region below BC between distances $\frac{1}{a}$ and $\frac{2}{a}$ from BC, with point X in shaded region]
From this, the region where X can exist is the shaded region in the figure to the right from ③④, and the area of this region is: $$\left\{\left(\frac{4}{2}\right)^2 - \left(\frac{3}{2}\right)^2\right\} \times \triangle ABC = \frac{7}{4} \cdots\cdots\text{⑤}$$
Next, consider the case where X is on the same side as $A$ with respect to line $BC$, on the opposite side of $B$ with respect to line $CA$, and on the opposite side of $C$ with respect to line $AB$. Then from $\triangle BCX - \triangle ABX - \triangle CAX = \triangle ABC$,
[Figure: triangle ABC with point X above vertex A, showing perpendicular distances $h_1$, $h_2$, $h_3$]
$$\frac{1}{2}ah_1 - \frac{1}{2}ch_3 - \frac{1}{2}bh_2 = 1, \quad ch_3 + bh_2 = ah_1 - 2$$
From ②, $4 \leq 2ah_1 - 2 \leq 6$, giving $\dfrac{3}{a} \leq h_1 \leq \dfrac{4}{a}$ $\cdots\cdots$⑥
[Figure: triangle ABC with shaded region above vertex A between distances $\frac{3}{a}$ and $\frac{4}{a}$ from BC, with point X in shaded region]
From this, the region where X can exist is the shaded region in the figure to the right from ④⑥, and the area of this region is: $$\left\{1 - \left(\frac{1}{2}\right)^2\right\} \times \triangle ABC = \frac{3}{4} \cdots\cdots\text{⑦}$$
$-2-$ \copyright \ 電送数学舎 2020
%% Page 9 Since the same argument applies to the other 4 regions exterior to $\triangle ABC$, the range in which point $X$ can move is the shaded region in the figure on the right.
Therefore, the area of the region in which $X$ can move is, from \textcircled{5}\textcircled{7}, $$\left(\frac{7}{4}+\frac{3}{4}\right)\times 3 = \frac{15}{2}$$
[Figure: A hexagonal shaded region with an inner triangle $ABC$ and shaded areas extending outward from each side of the triangle, forming a larger hexagonal shape.]
[Commentary]
This is a problem about plane figures, and it is of the type with no guided steps. However, while it is an interesting problem when time is not a concern, it is quite challenging under time constraints.
%% Page 10
\boxed{3
\text{Go to Problem Page}}
(1) For $-1 \leq t \leq 1$, let $x(t) = (1+t)\sqrt{1+t}$ $\cdots\cdots$①, $y(t) = 3(1+t)\sqrt{1-t}$ $\cdots\cdots$②
define the point $\mathrm{P}(x(t),\, y(t))$.
Here, for $-1 < t \leq 1$, from ①②, $$\frac{y(t)}{x(t)} = \frac{3\sqrt{1-t}}{\sqrt{1+t}} = 3\sqrt{\frac{1-t}{1+t}} = 3\sqrt{-1 + \frac{2}{1+t}}$$
From this, $\dfrac{y(t)}{x(t)}$ is strictly decreasing.
(2) Let $f(t)$ be the distance from the origin to $\mathrm{P}$. Then, $$f(t) = \sqrt{\{x(t)\}^2 + \{y(t)\}^2} = \sqrt{(1+t)^2(1+t) + 9(1+t)^2(1-t)}$$ $$= (1+t)\sqrt{(1+t) + 9(1-t)} = \sqrt{2}\,(1+t)\sqrt{5-4t}$$
$$f'(t) = \sqrt{2}\left\{\sqrt{5-4t} - \frac{4(1+t)}{2\sqrt{5-4t}}\right\} = \sqrt{2} \cdot \frac{5-4t-2-2t}{\sqrt{5-4t}} = \frac{3\sqrt{2}(1-2t)}{\sqrt{5-4t}}$$
From this, the increase/decrease of $f(t)$ for $-1 \leq t \leq 1$ is as shown in the table on the right.
$t$$-1$$\cdots$$\dfrac{1}{2}$$\cdots$$1$
$f'(t)$$+$$0$$-$
$f(t)$$0$$\nearrow$$\dfrac{3}{2}\sqrt{6}$$\searrow$$2\sqrt{2}$

Thus, at $t = \dfrac{1}{2}$, $f(t)$ attains its maximum value $\dfrac{3}{2}\sqrt{6}$.
(3) For $-1 \leq t \leq 1$, from ①②, $$x'(t) = \frac{3}{2}(1+t)^{\frac{1}{2}} = \frac{3}{2}\sqrt{1+t}$$ $$y'(t) = 3\left\{\sqrt{1-t} - \frac{1+t}{2\sqrt{1-t}}\right\}$$ $$= \frac{3}{2} \cdot \frac{2-2t-1-t}{\sqrt{1-t}} = \frac{3(1-3t)}{2\sqrt{1-t}}$$
The increase/decrease of $x(t)$, $y(t)$ is as shown in the table on the right.
$t$$-1$$\cdots$$\dfrac{1}{3}$$\cdots$$1$
$x'(t)$$+$$0$$+$
$x(t)$$0$$\nearrow$$\dfrac{8}{9}\sqrt{3}$$\nearrow$$2\sqrt{2}$
$y'(t)$$+$$0$$-$
$y(t)$$0$$\nearrow$$\dfrac{4}{3}\sqrt{6}$$\searrow$$0$

Thus, the locus $C$ of $\mathrm{P}$ has the general shape shown by the bold curve in the figure on the right. Note that the point $\mathrm{P}_0$ is the point on $C$ where $f(t)$ found in (2) attains its maximum value $\dfrac{3}{2}\sqrt{6}$.
Then, when the region $D$ enclosed by $C$ and the $x$-axis is rotated $90°$ clockwise about the origin, the swept region becomes the dotted region in the figure on the right, and its area equals the area of region $D$ plus the area of the quarter circle of radius $\mathrm{OP}_0$.
So, letting $S$ be the area of region $D$,
[Figure: Graph showing curve $C$ in the first quadrant with maximum $y$-value $\frac{4}{3}\sqrt{6}$, point $\mathrm{P}_0$ at distance $\frac{3}{2}\sqrt{6}$ from origin, $x$-intercept at $2\sqrt{2}$, and the rotated region extending to $y = -2\sqrt{2}$, with shaded swept area.]
$-4-$ \copyright\ 電送数学舎 2020
%% Page 11 $$S = \int_0^{2\sqrt{2}} y\,dx = \int_{-1}^{1} 3(1+t)\sqrt{1-t} \cdot \frac{3}{2}\sqrt{1+t}\,dt$$ $$= \frac{9}{2}\int_{-1}^{1}(1+t)\sqrt{1-t^2}\,dt = \frac{9}{2}\int_{-1}^{1}(\sqrt{1-t^2}+t\sqrt{1-t^2})\,dt$$
Here, noting that $\displaystyle\int_{-1}^{1}\sqrt{1-t^2}\,dt = \frac{1}{2}\cdot 1^2\cdot\pi = \frac{\pi}{2}$, $\quad \displaystyle\int_{-1}^{1}t\sqrt{1-t^2}\,dt = 0$, $$S = \frac{9}{2}\cdot\frac{\pi}{2} = \frac{9}{4}\pi$$
Also, the area of the quarter circle with radius $\mathrm{OP_0}$ is $\dfrac{1}{2}\!\left(\dfrac{3}{2}\sqrt{6}\right)^{\!2}\cdot\dfrac{\pi}{2} = \dfrac{27}{8}\pi$.
Therefore, the area of the region swept through is $\dfrac{9}{4}\pi + \dfrac{27}{8}\pi = \dfrac{45}{8}\pi$.

[Commentary]
This is a comprehensive problem on calculus. Since the hints are carefully laid out, the path to the conclusion of part (3) is clear.
%% Page 12 4 Go to problem page

(1) Choose $k$ distinct elements from $2^0, 2^1, 2^2, \ldots, 2^{n-1}$ and take their product. Then, let $a_{n,k}$ denote the sum of these products over all ways of choosing $k$ elements. For $n \geq 2$:
$$a_{n,2} = 2^0 \cdot 2^1 + 2^0 \cdot 2^2 + \cdots + 2^0 \cdot 2^{n-1} + 2^1 \cdot 2^2 + \cdots + 2^1 \cdot 2^{n-1} + \cdots + 2^{n-2} \cdot 2^{n-1}$$
$$= \frac{1}{2}\left\{(2^0 + 2^1 + 2^2 + \cdots + 2^{n-1})^2 - (2^0 + 2^2 + 2^4 + \cdots + 2^{2n-2})\right\}$$
$$= \frac{1}{2}\left(\frac{2^n - 1}{2 - 1}\right)^2 - \frac{1}{2} \cdot \frac{2^{2n}-1}{2^2 - 1} = \frac{1}{2}(2^{2n} - 2\cdot 2^n + 1) - \frac{1}{6}(2^{2n} - 1)$$
$$= \frac{1}{3}(2^{2n} - 3 \cdot 2^n + 2)$$

(2) For a natural number $n$, let $f_n(x) = 1 + a_{n,1}x + a_{n,2}x^2 + \cdots + a_{n,n}x^n \cdots\cdots\textcircled{1}$, then
$$f_{n+1}(x) = 1 + a_{n+1,1}x + a_{n+1,2}x^2 + \cdots + a_{n+1,n}x^n + a_{n+1,n+1}x^{n+1} \cdots\cdots\textcircled{2}$$
Now, $a_{n+1,k}$ is the sum of products obtained by choosing $k$ elements from $2^0, 2^1, 2^2, \ldots, 2^{n-1}, 2^n$, summed over all such choices, for $2 \leq k \leq n$:

(i) When $2^n$ is not chosen:
Choose $k$ elements from $2^0, 2^1, 2^2, \ldots, 2^{n-1}$ and take their products; the sum of products over all such choices can be written as $a_{n,k}$.

(ii) When $2^n$ is chosen:
Choose $k-1$ elements from $2^0, 2^1, 2^2, \ldots, 2^{n-1}$ (other than $2^n$) and take their products; the sum of products over all such choices can be written as $2^n a_{n,k-1}$.

From (i)(ii): $\quad a_{n+1,k} = a_{n,k} + 2^n a_{n,k-1} \quad (k = 2,\ 3,\ \ldots,\ n) \cdots\cdots\textcircled{3}$

Also, for $k=1$ and $k=n+1$: $$a_{n+1,1} = 2^0 + 2^1 + 2^2 + \cdots + 2^{n-1} + 2^n = a_{n,1} + 2^n \cdots\cdots\textcircled{4}$$ $$a_{n+1,n+1} = 2^0 \cdot 2^1 \cdot 2^2 \cdots\cdots 2^{n-1} \cdot 2^n = 2^n a_{n,n} \cdots\cdots\textcircled{5}$$
Substituting \textcircled{3}\textcircled{4}\textcircled{5} into \textcircled{2}:
$$f_{n+1}(x) = 1 + (a_{n,1} + 2^n)x + (a_{n,2} + 2^n a_{n,1})x^2 + (a_{n,3} + 2^n a_{n,2})x^3 + \cdots$$ $$+ (a_{n,n} + 2^n a_{n,n-1})x^n + 2^n a_{n,n} x^{n+1}$$ $$= f_n(x) + 2^n x(1 + a_{n,1}x + a_{n,2}x^2 + \cdots + a_{n,n-1}x^{n-1} + a_{n,n}x^n)$$ $$= f_n(x) + 2^n x\, f_n(x) = (1 + 2^n x)f_n(x) \cdots\cdots\textcircled{6}$$
Therefore, $\dfrac{f_{n+1}(x)}{f_n(x)} = 1 + 2^n x$.

Next, since $f_1(x) = 1 + a_{1,1}x = 1 + 2^0 x$, for $n \geq 2$, from \textcircled{6}:
$$f_n(x) = f_1(x)(1 + 2^1 x)(1 + 2^2 x)\cdots(1 + 2^{n-1}x)$$ $$= (1 + 2^0 x)(1 + 2^1 x)(1 + 2^2 x)\cdots(1 + 2^{n-1}x) \cdots\cdots\textcircled{7}$$
Note that \textcircled{7} also holds for $n = 1$.
%% Page 13 From \textcircled{7}, $f_n(2x) = (1+2^1x)(1+2^2x)(1+2^3x)\cdots(1+2^nx)$, and $$f_{n+1}(x) = (1+2^0x)(1+2^1x)(1+2^2x)\cdots(1+2^{n-1}x)(1+2^nx)$$ $$= (1+2^0x)f_n(2x) = (1+x)f_n(2x) \cdots\cdots\textcircled{8}$$ Therefore, $\dfrac{f_{n+1}(x)}{f_n(2x)} = 1+x$.
(3) From \textcircled{3}, $a_{n+1,k+1} = a_{n,k+1} + 2^n a_{n,k}$ $(k=1,\ 2,\ \cdots,\ n-1)$ $\cdots\cdots\cdots$\textcircled{9}
Also, from \textcircled{1}, $f_n(2x) = 1 + 2a_{n,1}x + 2^2a_{n,2}x^2 + \cdots + 2^n a_{n,n}x^n$, and comparing the coefficients of $x^{k+1}$ on both sides of \textcircled{8}, $$a_{n+1,k+1} = 2^{k+1}a_{n,k+1} + 2^k a_{n,k} \quad (k=1,\ 2,\ \cdots,\ n-1) \cdots\cdots\cdots\textcircled{10}$$
From \textcircled{9}\textcircled{10}, $(2^{k+1}-1)a_{n+1,k+1} = (2^{n+k+1}-2^k)a_{n,k}$, and $$\frac{a_{n+1,k+1}}{a_{n,k}} = \frac{2^{n+k+1}-2^k}{2^{k+1}-1} = \frac{2^k(2^{n+1}-1)}{2^{k+1}-1} \quad (k=1,\ 2,\ \cdots,\ n-1) \cdots\cdots\cdots\textcircled{11}$$
Note that from \textcircled{5}, \textcircled{11} also holds when $k=n$.

[Commentary]
This is a challenging problem combining number theory and sequences. In part (2), we considered $a_{n,1},\ a_{n,2},\ a_{n,3},\ \ldots$ concretely, and following the method of deriving the binomial coefficient formula, we constructed a solution that builds a recurrence relation for the coefficients. However, the intended approach of the problem seems to be to set up equation \textcircled{7} directly from the problem statement. The verification work was also quite involved.
%% Page 14 5 Go to problem page

(1) Consider the cone $S$ whose base is the circle of radius $1$ centered at the origin in the $xy$-plane, and whose apex is the point $(0,\,0,\,2)$ (including the interior). When $S$ is cut by the plane $z=1$, the cross-section is the interior or boundary of the circle with center $(0,\,0,\,1)$ and radius $\dfrac{1}{2}$.
Now, let $A(1,\,0,\,2)$, and let $\theta$ be any real number. Let $P$ be a point on the base of cone $S$, written as $P(r\cos\theta,\,r\sin\theta,\,0)$ where $0\leq r\leq 1$. Consider the portion $T$ of the cone $S$ swept out by the line segment $AP$, and consider the cross-section of $T$ cut by the plane $z=1$. Let $Q(x,\,y,\,1)$ be the intersection of line segment $AP$ with the plane $z=1$. Since $P$ divides segment $AQ$ externally in the ratio $2:1$, $$(r\cos\theta,\;r\sin\theta,\;0)=(-1+2x,\;2y,\;0)$$ Then the locus of point $Q$ can be expressed as $(-1+2x)^2+(2y)^2=r^2$ and $z=1$, and since $0\leq r\leq 1$ gives $r^2\leq 1$, $$(-1+2x)^2+(2y)^2\leq 1 \quad\text{and}\quad z=1$$ $$\left(x-\frac{1}{2}\right)^2+y^2\leq\frac{1}{4} \quad\text{and}\quad z=1$$
From the above, plotting the cross-sections of $S$ and $T$ by the plane $z=1$ on the plane $z=1$ gives the shaded region shown in the figure on the right (boundary included).
[Figure: Two circles on the $z=1$ plane; the left circle (cross-section of $S$) centered at the origin with radius $\frac{1}{2}$, and the right circle (cross-section of $T$) centered at $(\frac{1}{2},0)$ with radius $\frac{1}{2}$, both shaded.]

(2) Similarly to (1), let $P(r\cos\theta,\,r\sin\theta,\,k)$ be a point moving on the cross-section of $S$ by the plane $z=k$, and let $Q(x,\,y,\,t)$ be the intersection of line segment $AP$ with the plane $z=t$. Here $0\leq k\leq t\leq 2$.
The radius $r_0$ of the circular cross-section of $S$ by the plane $z=k$ satisfies $(2-k):2=r_0:1$, giving $$r_0=\frac{2-k}{2}$$ so $0\leq r\leq\dfrac{2-k}{2}$.
Since point $P$ divides segment $AQ$ externally in the ratio $(2-k):(t-k)$, $$(r\cos\theta,\;r\sin\theta,\;k)=\left(\frac{(2-k)x-(t-k)}{2-t},\;\frac{(2-k)y}{2-t},\;k\right)$$ Then the locus of point $Q$ can be expressed as $\left\{\dfrac{(2-k)x-(t-k)}{2-t}\right\}^2+\left\{\dfrac{(2-k)y}{2-t}\right\}^2=r^2$ and $z=t$, and since $0\leq r\leq\dfrac{2-k}{2}$ gives $r^2\leq\left(\dfrac{2-k}{2}\right)^2$, $$\left\{\frac{(2-k)x-(t-k)}{2-t}\right\}^2+\left\{\frac{(2-k)y}{2-t}\right\}^2\leq\left(\frac{2-k}{2}\right)^2 \quad\text{and}\quad z=t$$ $$\left(x-\frac{t-k}{2-k}\right)^2+y^2\leq\left(\frac{2-t}{2}\right)^2 \quad\text{and}\quad z=t$$

$-8-$ {\small \copyright\ 電送数学舎\ 2020}
%% Page 15 From this, point Q traces the interior or boundary of a circle on the plane $z = t$ with center $\left(\dfrac{t-k}{2-k},\ 0,\ t\right)$ and radius $\dfrac{2-t}{2}$.
Now, fixing $t$ with $0 \leq t \leq 2$ and letting $k$ vary over $0 \leq k \leq t$, the circle of radius $\dfrac{2-t}{2}$ that is the locus of point Q on $z = t$ has its center moving from $\left(\dfrac{t}{2},\ 0,\ t\right)$ to $(0,\ 0,\ t)$, so the region swept out is the shaded area in the figure on the right. The area of this shaded region is: $$\pi\left(\frac{2-t}{2}\right)^2 + \frac{t}{2}\cdot\frac{2-t}{2}\cdot 2 = \frac{\pi}{4}(2-t)^2 + \frac{1}{2}t(2-t)$$
Therefore, the volume $V$ of the region swept by line segment AP as point P moves over $S$ is: $$V = \int_0^2 \left\{\frac{\pi}{4}(2-t)^2 + \frac{1}{2}t(2-t)\right\}dt = -\frac{\pi}{4}\left[\frac{(2-t)^3}{3}\right]_0^2 + \frac{1}{2}\cdot\frac{1}{6}\cdot 2^3 = \frac{2}{3}\pi + \frac{2}{3}$$
[Figure: On the $z=t$ plane, two overlapping circles; the shaded region shows the swept area with labels $\frac{2-t}{2}$, $\frac{t}{2}$, $-\frac{2-t}{2}$ on the $y$-axis and $1$ on the $x$-axis.]

[Commentary]
This is a frequently appearing type of problem at the University of Tokyo involving the volume of a solid. For part (2), one would naturally use the result from part (1) as a guide; in the solution above, however, we have described it somewhat carefully without omitting overlapping details. Note that the positional relationship among A, P, and Q was handled using external division rather than internal division, in order to reduce the amount of computation.
%% Page 16 6 Go to the problem page

(1) For the equation $A\sin 2\theta - \sin(\theta + \alpha) = 0 \cdots\cdots\textcircled{1}$ in $\theta$, let $f(\theta)$ denote the left-hand side of \textcircled{1}: $$f(\theta) = A\sin 2\theta - \sin(\theta + \alpha) \quad (0 \leq \theta < 2\pi)$$
Then, when $A > 1$, $$f\!\left(\frac{\pi}{4}\right) = A - \sin\!\left(\frac{\pi}{4} + \alpha\right) > 0, \quad f\!\left(\frac{3}{4}\pi\right) = -A - \sin\!\left(\frac{3}{4}\pi + \alpha\right) < 0$$ $$f\!\left(\frac{5}{4}\pi\right) = A - \sin\!\left(\frac{5}{4}\pi + \alpha\right) > 0, \quad f\!\left(\frac{7}{4}\pi\right) = -A - \sin\!\left(\frac{7}{4}\pi + \alpha\right) < 0$$
Since $f(\theta)$ is a continuous function, \textcircled{1} has at least one solution in each of the intervals $\dfrac{\pi}{4} < \theta < \dfrac{3}{4}\pi$, $\dfrac{3}{4}\pi < \theta < \dfrac{5}{4}\pi$, $\dfrac{5}{4}\pi < \theta < \dfrac{7}{4}\pi$.
Also, since $f(0) = f(2\pi) = -\sin\alpha$,
(i) When $\sin\alpha \geq 0$:
$f(0) \leq 0$, so \textcircled{1} has at least one solution in the interval $0 \leq \theta < \dfrac{\pi}{4}$.
(ii) When $\sin\alpha < 0$:
$f(2\pi) > 0$, so \textcircled{1} has at least one solution in the interval $\dfrac{7}{4}\pi < \theta < 2\pi$.
From (i)(ii), \textcircled{1} has at least 4 solutions in the range $0 \leq \theta < 2\pi$.
(2) Let a point $\mathrm{Q}$ on the ellipse $C: \dfrac{x^2}{2} + y^2 = 1$ be $\mathrm{Q}(\sqrt{2}\cos\theta,\ \sin\theta)$
[Figure: ellipse $C$ with semi-axes $\sqrt{2}$ and $1$, point $Q$ in first quadrant, point $P$ near origin on $x$-axis]
$(0 \leq \theta < 2\pi)$. Then the equation of the tangent to $C$ at $\mathrm{Q}$ is: $$\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}x\cos\theta + y\sin\theta = 1$$
The normal vector $\overrightarrow{n_1}$ of this tangent is: $$\overrightarrow{n_1} = \left(\frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}\cos\theta,\ \sin\theta\right) = \frac{\sqrt{2}}{2}(\cos\theta,\ \sqrt{2}\sin\theta)$$
Then, the direction vector $\overrightarrow{n_2}$ of the normal line to $C$ at $\mathrm{Q}$ is $\overrightarrow{n_2} = (\sqrt{2}\sin\theta,\ -\cos\theta)$, so the equation of the normal line is $\sqrt{2}\sin\theta(x - \sqrt{2}\cos\theta) - \cos\theta(y - \sin\theta) = 0$, giving: $$\sqrt{2}x\sin\theta - y\cos\theta - \sin\theta\cos\theta = 0, \quad \sin 2\theta - 2\sqrt{2}x\sin\theta + 2y\cos\theta = 0$$
Now, suppose this normal line passes through the point $\mathrm{P}(u,\ v)$ $(2u^2 + v^2 < r^2)$: $$\sin 2\theta - 2\sqrt{2}u\sin\theta + 2v\cos\theta = 0 \cdots\cdots\cdots\textcircled{2}$$
(i) When $(u,\ v) = (0,\ 0)$:
\textcircled{2} becomes $\sin 2\theta = 0$, which has 4 solutions in the range $0 \leq \theta < 2\pi$.
(ii) When $(u,\ v) \neq (0,\ 0)$:
Setting $\cos\alpha = \dfrac{\sqrt{2}u}{\sqrt{2u^2 + v^2}}$, $\sin\alpha = \dfrac{-v}{\sqrt{2u^2 + v^2}}$, \textcircled{2} becomes: $$\sin 2\theta - 2\sqrt{2u^2 + v^2}\,\sin(\theta + \alpha) = 0$$
%% Page 17 $$\frac{1}{2\sqrt{2u^2+v^2}}\sin 2\theta - \sin(\theta+\alpha) = 0 \cdots\cdots\text{③}$$
Here, since $(u,\,v)\neq(0,\,0)$ and $2u^2+v^2 < r^2$ $(0 \frac{1}{2r}$$
Then, for $0 < r \leq \dfrac{1}{2}$, we have $\dfrac{1}{2\sqrt{2u^2+v^2}} > 1$, and in this case from (1), equation ③ has at least 4 solutions in the range $0 \leq \theta < 2\pi$.
From (i)(ii), when $0 < r \leq \dfrac{1}{2}$, for any $(u,\,v)$, equation ② has at least 4 solutions.
Therefore, when $\mathrm{P}(u,\,v)$ is any point inside the region $D: 2x^2+y^2 < r^2$ $\left(0 < r \leq \dfrac{1}{2}\right)$,
there exist at least 4 points Q satisfying the condition, and such $r$ exists.
Now, for $r > \dfrac{1}{2}$, for some $(u,\,v)$ satisfying $2u^2+v^2 = \dfrac{1}{4}$, equation ③ becomes $$\sin 2\theta - \sin(\theta+\alpha) = 0 \cdots\cdots\text{④}$$
Here, considering the case $\alpha = \dfrac{\pi}{4}$, equation ④ becomes $\sin 2\theta - \sin\!\left(\theta+\dfrac{\pi}{4}\right) = 0 \cdots\cdots\text{⑤}$, and $$2\cos\frac{1}{2}\!\left(3\theta+\frac{\pi}{4}\right)\sin\frac{1}{2}\!\left(\theta-\frac{\pi}{4}\right)=0,\quad 2\cos\frac{12\theta+\pi}{8}\sin\frac{4\theta-\pi}{8}=0$$
From $0\leq\theta<2\pi$, we have $\dfrac{\pi}{8}\leq\dfrac{12\theta+\pi}{8}<\dfrac{25}{8}\pi$, $\ -\dfrac{\pi}{8}\leq\dfrac{4\theta-\pi}{8}<\dfrac{7}{8}\pi$, and $$\frac{12\theta+\pi}{8}=\frac{\pi}{2},\ \frac{3}{2}\pi,\ \frac{5}{2}\pi \quad\text{or}\quad \frac{4\theta-\pi}{8}=0$$
Therefore, $\theta = \dfrac{\pi}{4},\ \dfrac{11}{12}\pi,\ \dfrac{19}{12}\pi$, so equation ⑤ has only 3 solutions.
Thus, since the condition is not satisfied when $r > \dfrac{1}{2}$, the maximum value of $r$ is $\dfrac{1}{2}$.

[Commentary]
This is a geometry problem based on an ellipse. Treating (1) as a hint, the policy of parametrically representing point Q in (2) becomes clear. Note that, although omitted in the solution, in the latter half of (1) and (2), one can draw the two graphs $y = A\sin 2\theta$ and $y = \sin(\theta+\alpha)$ to find the intersections.
ABCD is a square, $|BE| = 5$ cm, $|EC| = 7$ cm, $m(\widehat{EAC}) = x$.
According to the given information, what is $\tan x$?
A) $\frac { 4 } { 13 }$
B) $\frac { 6 } { 13 }$
C) $\frac { 9 } { 13 }$
D) $\frac { 5 } { 17 }$
E) $\frac { 7 } { 17 }$
ABC and DEC are triangles
$$\begin{aligned} & \mathrm { m } ( \widehat { \mathrm { CAB } } ) = \mathrm { m } ( \widehat { \mathrm { DEC } } ) \\ & | \mathrm { AD } | = 5 \mathrm {~cm} \\ & | \mathrm { DC } | = 3 \mathrm {~cm} \\ & | \mathrm {~EB} | = 2 \mathrm {~cm} \\ & | \mathrm { BC } | = x \end{aligned}$$
According to the given information, what is x in cm?
A) 4
B) 5
C) $\frac { 9 } { 2 }$
D) $\frac { 10 } { 3 }$
E) $\frac { 13 } { 3 }$
Captain Temel will take the tourists on his boat from island A to island B in the morning, from island B to island C at noon, and from island C to island A in the evening.
The points where the boat will dock at the islands are marked as the vertices of a triangle ABC where side AB equals side BC, as shown in the figure.
Since Captain Temel knows he will travel in the dark on the return journey, as he travels from A to B and from B to C, he notes on a piece of paper the angle between the compass needle pointing north and the path he follows.
Accordingly, how should Captain Temel set his compass to go from C to A?
Ali places the sharp end of a compass on a point on paper and, without changing the compass opening, draws a circle with a diameter of 21 cm.
Given that the lengths of the compass legs are 7.5 and 12 cm, what is the measure of the angle between the compass legs in degrees?
A) 30
B) 45
C) 60
D) 90
E) 120
In a triangle, one interior angle measure equals the average of the measures of the other two interior angles. The shortest and longest sides of this triangle are 10 and 16 units long, respectively.
Accordingly, what is the length of the third side of this triangle in units?
A) 11 B) 12 C) 13 D) 14 E) 15
In a triangle $ABC$, the length of side $AB$ is equal to half the length of side $BC$.
If two of the altitudes of this triangle have lengths 4 units and 10 units, which of the following could be the length of the other altitude?
I. 2 units II. 5 units III. 8 units
A) Only I B) Only II C) Only III D) I and II E) II and III
For a triangle $ABC$ with side lengths $|BC| = a$ units, $|AC| = b$ units and $|AB| = c$ units,
$$2a^{2} = 2b^{2} + 2c^{2} + 3bc$$
is satisfied. Let $m(\widehat{BAC}) = x$. What is the value of $\tan x$?
A) $-\frac{\sqrt{2}}{3}$ B) $-\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}$ C) $-\frac{\sqrt{5}}{3}$ D) $-\frac{\sqrt{6}}{3}$ E) $-\frac{\sqrt{7}}{3}$