MathDB
Two Simple Sets

Source: 1983 National High School Mathematics League, Exam One, Problem 4

February 21, 2020

Problem Statement

Define two sets: M={(x,y)yx2},N={(x,y)x2+(ya)21}M=\{ (x,y)|y\geq x^2\} ,N=\{ (x,y)|x^2+(y-a)^2\leq 1\}. If MN=NM\cup N=N, then the range value of aa is (A)a114(B)a=114(C)a1(D)0<a<1\text{(A)}a\geq 1\frac{1}{4}\qquad\text{(B)}a=1\frac{1}{4}\qquad\text{(C)}a\geq 1\qquad\text{(D)}0<a<1