Bisecting Two Pancakes

Geometry Level 3

Let K 1 K_1 denote the region of R 2 \mathbb{R}^2 bounded by the ellipse with equation ( x 9 ) 2 9 + ( y 9 ) 2 16 = 1 , \frac{(x-9)^2}{9} + \frac{(y-9)^2}{16} = 1, and let K 2 K_2 denote the region bounded by the ellipse with equation ( x + 1 ) 2 16 + ( y + 3 ) 2 9 = 1. \frac{(x+1)^2}{16} + \frac{(y+3)^2}{9} = 1. There is a unique line \ell which simultaneously bisects K 1 K_1 and K 2 K_2 into two pieces of equal area.

What is the y y -intercept of ? \ell?

9 5 -\dfrac{9}{5} 6 5 - \dfrac{6}{5} 7 5 \dfrac{7}{5} 8 5 \dfrac{8}{5}

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1 solution

Roger Erisman
Mar 18, 2016

Centers are (9,9) and (-1,-3)

Any straight line passing through center of ellipse will split area in half.

Line between the two centers has slope = (9 - (-3))/ (9 - (-1)) = 6 /5

Plug into y = m x + b gives 9 = (6/5) 9 + b

Therefore b = y intercept = - 9/5

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