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smc

geometry senior

Problem

A point is to be chosen in the coordinate plane so that it is equally distant from the x-axis, the y-axis, and the line . Then is
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Solution
Consider the triangle bound by the x-axis, the y-axis, and the line . The point equidistant from the vertices of this triangle is the incenter, the point of intersection of the angle bisectors and the center of the inscribed circle. Now, remove the coordinate system. Let the origin be , the y-intercept of the line be , the x-intercept of the line be , and the point be . Notice that in the diagram is what we are looking for: the distance from the point to the x-axis (). Also, and are angle bisectors since is the incenter. by , and , since , so . Therefore, since , we have . Also, and by , so , and . However, we know from the Pythagorean Theorem that . Therefore, .
Final answer
C