Three identical cones each with base radius 3 cm are placed on their bases so that each is touching the other two. There will be one and <strong>ONLY</strong> circle that would pass through each of the vertices of the cones. What is the area of the circle?

  1. A. 3\pi square cm
  2. B. 6\pi square cm
  3. C. 9\pi square cm
  4. D. 12\pi square cm

Correct Answer: D. 12\pi square cm

Explanation

The vertices of the identical cones form an equilateral triangle with side length 3+3=6 cm (same as the distance between the centers of their bases). The circumradius of this triangle is R = \frac{6}{\sqrt{3}} = 2\sqrt{3}. The area of the circle is \pi R^2 = \pi(2\sqrt{3})^2 = 12\pi cm^2.

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