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($x^2+(y+1)^2=R^2$ should say $x^2+(y-1)^2=R^2$)

I am trying to derive a formula for the radius of the circle that is externally tangent to the internally tangent circles of the quarter-circle, and that is internally tangent to the quarter-circle.

Comment: this question is from a mathematics book, and it states that the radius is $\frac{4-2\sqrt{2}}{6-\sqrt{2}}R$

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  • $\begingroup$ Thank you for pointing that out. $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 6, 2016 at 11:05

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You should mean that $$x^2+y^2=(2R)^2\tag1$$ $$(x-\color{red}{R})^2+y^2=R^2\tag2$$ $$x^2+(y\color{red}{-R})^2=R^2\tag3$$ $$(x-a)^2+(y-b)^2=c^2\tag4$$

From $(1)(4)$, $$\sqrt{a^2+b^2}=2R-c\tag5$$ From $(2)(4)$, $$\sqrt{(a-R)^2+b^2}=c+R\tag6$$ From $(3)(4)$, $$\sqrt{a^2+(b-R)^2}=c+R\tag7$$

Since $a=b$ from $(6)(7)$, we have from $(5)(6)$, $$a\sqrt 2=2R-c\quad\text{and}\quad \sqrt{(a-R)^2+a^2}=c+R$$ Solving this system gives $$c=\frac{4-2\sqrt 2}{6-\sqrt 2}R.$$

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  • $\begingroup$ Can you elaborate more? $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 6, 2016 at 11:23
  • $\begingroup$ @EitanPorat: The left hand side of $(5)$ is the distance between the centers of the circles $(1)(4)$. The same for $(6)(7)$. Does this help? $\endgroup$
    – mathlove
    Commented Feb 6, 2016 at 11:26
  • $\begingroup$ Yes, thank you for the help $\endgroup$ Commented Feb 6, 2016 at 11:26

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