Related Formula
m = -(v)/(u)$$m = -\frac{v}{u}$$ [cite: 700]
(1)/(v) + (1)/(u) = (1)/(f)$$\frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u} = \frac{1}{f}$$ [cite: 707]
Core Logic
Given magnification magnitude |m| = (1)/(4)$|m| = \frac{1}{4}$[cite: 113]. Assuming a real image formed by a concave mirror: [cite: 701]
(v)/(u) = (1)/(4) u = 4v$$\frac{v}{u} = \frac{1}{4} \implies u = 4v$$ [cite: 701]
The distance between the object and the image is given as 40 cm$40\ \text{cm}$ [cite: 114, 116]:
u - v = 40 4v - v = 40 3v = 40 v = (40)/(3) cm$$u - v = 40 \implies 4v - v = 40 \implies 3v = 40 \implies v = \frac{40}{3}\ \text{cm}$$
u = 4 × (40)/(3) = (160)/(3) cm$$u = 4 \times \frac{40}{3} = \frac{160}{3}\ \text{cm}$$
Applying mirror sign conventions (u = -(160)/(3)$u = -\frac{160}{3}$, v = -(40)/(3)$v = -\frac{40}{3}$): [cite: 701, 704]
(1)/(f) = -(3)/(40) - (3)/(160) = -(12 + 3)/(160) = -(15)/(160)$$\frac{1}{f} = -\frac{3}{40} - \frac{3}{160} = -\frac{12 + 3}{160} = -\frac{15}{160}$$
f = -(160)/(15) ≈ -10.67 cm$$f = -\frac{160}{15} \approx -10.67\ \text{cm}$$ [cite: 712]
Rounding to the matching options choice gives 10.7 cm$10.7\ \text{cm}$[cite: 118, 712].
Pattern Recognition
Pay attention to sign conventions in mirror systems. A smaller real image formed by a concave mirror sits between the focus and center of curvature, resulting in u > v$u > v$ configurations.
Chapter Mix
Class 12 Physics: Ray Optics and Optical Instruments