Math Problem Statement

Suppose the equations (x-4)^2 + (y-3)^2 = 4 and (x-4)^2/4 + (y-10)^2/16 = 1 are graphed in the same standard (x,y) coordinate plane. How many points of intersection do these graphs share?

Solution

To solve the problem of finding the number of points of intersection between the two graphs, let's analyze the equations provided:

  1. Equation 1: (x4)2+(y3)2=4(x - 4)^2 + (y - 3)^2 = 4
    This represents a circle with center (4,3)(4, 3) and radius 22 (since r2=4r^2 = 4).

  2. Equation 2: (x4)24+(y10)216=1\frac{(x - 4)^2}{4} + \frac{(y - 10)^2}{16} = 1
    This represents an ellipse centered at (4,10)(4, 10), with a semi-major axis of 44 (along the yy-axis) and a semi-minor axis of 22 (along the xx-axis).

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Location of the circle and ellipse centers:

    • The circle's center is at (4,3)(4, 3).
    • The ellipse's center is at (4,10)(4, 10).
    • The vertical distance between the centers is 103=710 - 3 = 7.
  2. Range of the shapes:

    • The circle extends vertically from y=32=1y = 3 - 2 = 1 to y=3+2=5y = 3 + 2 = 5.
    • The ellipse extends vertically from y=104=6y = 10 - 4 = 6 to y=10+4=14y = 10 + 4 = 14.

    Clearly, the circle and the ellipse do not overlap vertically. The circle's highest point is at y=5y = 5, and the ellipse's lowest point is at y=6y = 6.

Conclusion:

The circle and the ellipse do not intersect, so the number of intersection points is 0.

Answer: F. 0

Let me know if you'd like further clarification on this solution.

Here are 5 related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How do you determine if two curves intersect in general?
  2. What are the differences between the equations of circles and ellipses?
  3. How would the solution change if the circle had a larger radius?
  4. What happens if the centers of the circle and ellipse are the same?
  5. How can we graphically verify the solution using software or tools?

Tip: Always check for vertical or horizontal overlap when determining intersections of geometric shapes.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Analytic Geometry
Equations of Circles
Equations of Ellipses

Formulas

Equation of a circle: (x-h)^2 + (y-k)^2 = r^2
Equation of an ellipse: (x-h)^2/a^2 + (y-k)^2/b^2 = 1

Theorems

Intersection of curves involves solving the system of equations.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12