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imc

number theory intermediate

Problem

Circle has radius . Circle has an integer radius and remains internally tangent to circle as it rolls once around the circumference of circle . The two circles have the same points of tangency at the beginning and end of circle 's trip. How many possible values can have?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Solution
The circumference of circle is , and the circumference of circle with radius is . Since circle makes a complete revolution and ends up on the same point, the circumference of must be a multiple of the circumference of , therefore the quotient must be an integer. Thus, . Therefore must then be a factor of , excluding because the problem says that . . Therefore has factors*. But you need to subtract from , in order to exclude . Therefore the answer is .
Final answer
B