2023 · Q67
What is the maximum area that can be covered by three non-intersecting circles drawn inside a rectangle of sides 8 cm and 12 cm?
Elementary MathematicsCircles
- A16π square cm
- B18π square cm
- C20π square cm
- D24π square cm
Explanation
One circle of diameter 8 (area 16π) fits in an 8 × 8 section of the rectangle. The remaining 4 × 8 strip accommodates two stacked circles of diameter 4 (4π each). The three circles are non-intersecting with total area 16π + 4π + 4π = 24π (D), which is maximal.