Math Problem Statement

The diagram below shows a circle with centre P and equation π‘₯2+𝑦2βˆ’6π‘₯βˆ’4𝑦=12. The

circle cuts the π‘¦βˆ’π‘Žπ‘₯𝑖𝑠 at R and S. Tangent TS cuts π‘₯βˆ’π‘Žπ‘₯𝑖𝑠 at T.

Solution

To solve this problem, let's start by understanding the given information and breaking down the steps:

1. Circle's Equation

The given equation of the circle is:

x2+y2βˆ’6xβˆ’4y=12x^2 + y^2 - 6x - 4y = 12

To find the center and radius of the circle, we need to rewrite this equation in standard form by completing the square for both xx and yy.

Completing the Square:

  1. Group xx and yy terms:

    (x2βˆ’6x)+(y2βˆ’4y)=12(x^2 - 6x) + (y^2 - 4y) = 12

  2. Complete the square for xx:

    • For x2βˆ’6xx^2 - 6x, half of βˆ’6-6 is βˆ’3-3, and (βˆ’3)2=9(-3)^2 = 9.
    • Add and subtract 9: (x2βˆ’6x+9)βˆ’9(x^2 - 6x + 9) - 9.
  3. Complete the square for yy:

    • For y2βˆ’4yy^2 - 4y, half of βˆ’4-4 is βˆ’2-2, and (βˆ’2)2=4(-2)^2 = 4.
    • Add and subtract 4: (y2βˆ’4y+4)βˆ’4(y^2 - 4y + 4) - 4.
  4. Rewrite in completed square form:

    (xβˆ’3)2βˆ’9+(yβˆ’2)2βˆ’4=12(x - 3)^2 - 9 + (y - 2)^2 - 4 = 12

    Simplifying:

    (xβˆ’3)2+(yβˆ’2)2=25(x - 3)^2 + (y - 2)^2 = 25

Circle's Center and Radius:

  • The center of the circle, PP, is at (3,2)(3, 2).
  • The radius, rr, is 25=5\sqrt{25} = 5.

2. Points R and S on the y-axis:

To find where the circle intersects the y-axis, set x=0x = 0 in the circle's equation:

(0βˆ’3)2+(yβˆ’2)2=25(0 - 3)^2 + (y - 2)^2 = 25

9+(yβˆ’2)2=259 + (y - 2)^2 = 25

(yβˆ’2)2=16(y - 2)^2 = 16

yβˆ’2=Β±4y - 2 = \pm 4

y=6 or y=βˆ’2y = 6 \text{ or } y = -2

Thus, the points where the circle intersects the y-axis are R=(0,6)R = (0, 6) and S=(0,βˆ’2)S = (0, -2).

3. Tangent Line TS:

The tangent line TSTS passes through SS and is perpendicular to the radius at point SS.

  • At S=(0,βˆ’2)S = (0, -2), the slope of the radius PSPS is:

    slope of PS=βˆ’2βˆ’20βˆ’3=βˆ’4βˆ’3=43\text{slope of } PS = \frac{-2 - 2}{0 - 3} = \frac{-4}{-3} = \frac{4}{3}

  • The slope of the tangent TSTS is the negative reciprocal:

    slope of TS=βˆ’34\text{slope of } TS = -\frac{3}{4}

Using the point-slope form for the tangent line TSTS passing through S=(0,βˆ’2)S = (0, -2):

y+2=βˆ’34xy + 2 = -\frac{3}{4}x

Simplifying:

y=βˆ’34xβˆ’2y = -\frac{3}{4}x - 2

4. Tangent TS Intersects x-axis at T:

To find where the tangent TSTS intersects the x-axis (y=0y = 0):

0=βˆ’34xβˆ’20 = -\frac{3}{4}x - 2

34x=βˆ’2\frac{3}{4}x = -2

x=βˆ’83x = -\frac{8}{3}

So, point TT is (βˆ’83,0)\left(-\frac{8}{3}, 0\right).


Would you like to see more details or have any questions? Here are some related questions to explore further:

  1. How can you verify that TSTS is perpendicular to the radius PSPS at point SS?
  2. What is the equation of the line passing through points RR and SS?
  3. How would the problem change if the circle's center or radius were different?
  4. What would be the coordinates of TT if the tangent line was drawn at RR instead of SS?
  5. How can you find the length of TSTS using coordinate geometry?

Tip: Always double-check calculations when completing the square to ensure the circle's equation is accurate.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Circle Geometry
Completing the Square
Tangent Lines
Coordinate Geometry

Formulas

Completing the square for circle equations
Equation of a tangent line

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12