Trig Probability

Algebra Level 4

Let m , n m,n be real numbers in the interval [ 2 , 2 ] [-2,2] . Variables α , β \alpha ,\beta satisfy the system of equations: { sin α + cos β = m sin β + cos α = n \left\{\begin{array}{l} \sin \alpha + \cos \beta =m\\ \sin \beta + \cos \alpha = n \end{array}\right.

Given that the numbers m , n m,n are picked at random, the probability that the system of equations has real solutions for α , β \alpha , \beta an be expressed as p π q \dfrac{p\pi}{q} for positive coprime integers p , q p,q . What is p + q p+q ?


The answer is 5.

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1 solution

Daniel Liu
Feb 26, 2014

Oops, answer should be π 4 \dfrac{\pi}{4} , or 5 5 . Sorry for the bad problem guys. :(

Yes .... the area of the circle according to the equation 0<= m^2 + n^2 <= 4 is 4 pi. The area of the square is 4 x 4 = 16 . So probability is 4pi / 16 = pi/4 . So answer should be 5. Thanks to you , my points just went down :(

Aveek Dutta - 7 years, 3 months ago

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Mine as well. Daniel has a reputation of good problems and not messing it up, but it does happen. Frustrated that I spent half an hour finding to try a flaw in my solution.

Bala Tweakbytes - 7 years, 2 months ago

In future, please send me an email so that I can correct the answer.

Calvin Lin Staff - 7 years, 2 months ago

Yeah was breaking my head on it. I always kept getting 5. Made 3 and 7 as lucky tries.

Bala Tweakbytes - 7 years, 2 months ago

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