Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge / 2002 / ia / Paper 3 / 6E / a / Solution

Set $w=(x-y)/2$. The sum condition then gives $x=a+w$ and $y=a-w$, and their dot product isTherefore $|w{|}^2=|a{|}^2-c$. Since $c<|a{|}^2$, this is a strictly positive squared radius. The complete solution isEvery choice of unit vector $n$ satisfies both conditions, and every solution has this form. The endpoints lie on the sphere with center $a$ and radius $R$, and their midpoint is $a$. They are therefore opposite ends of one diameter of that sphere.