Math Problem Statement

The circle C touches the y-axis at point A (0,3) and passes through point B (2,7). Find an equation for C

Solution

To find the equation of the circle CC that touches the y-axis at point A(0,3)A(0, 3) and passes through point B(2,7)B(2, 7), we can follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine the center and radius of the circle

The general equation of a circle is given by: (xh)2+(yk)2=r2(x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2 where (h,k)(h, k) is the center of the circle, and rr is the radius.

Step 2: Use the condition that the circle touches the y-axis

Since the circle touches the y-axis at point A(0,3)A(0, 3), the x-coordinate of the center must be the radius rr. Therefore, we can express the center of the circle as: (h,k)=(r,3)(h, k) = (r, 3)

Step 3: Use the fact that the circle passes through point B(2,7)B(2, 7)

The point B(2,7)B(2, 7) lies on the circle, so it satisfies the equation of the circle. Substituting B(2,7)B(2, 7) into the circle's equation: (2r)2+(73)2=r2(2 - r)^2 + (7 - 3)^2 = r^2

Simplify this equation: (2r)2+42=r2(2 - r)^2 + 4^2 = r^2 (2r)2+16=r2(2 - r)^2 + 16 = r^2

Step 4: Expand and solve for rr

Expand (2r)2(2 - r)^2: (44r+r2)+16=r2(4 - 4r + r^2) + 16 = r^2 Simplify by canceling r2r^2 on both sides: 44r+16=04 - 4r + 16 = 0 204r=020 - 4r = 0 r=5r = 5

Step 5: Find the center of the circle

Now that we have r=5r = 5, the center of the circle is: (h,k)=(5,3)(h, k) = (5, 3)

Step 6: Write the equation of the circle

Finally, substitute h=5h = 5, k=3k = 3, and r=5r = 5 into the general equation of the circle: (x5)2+(y3)2=52(x - 5)^2 + (y - 3)^2 = 5^2 (x5)2+(y3)2=25(x - 5)^2 + (y - 3)^2 = 25

So, the equation of the circle CC is: (x5)2+(y3)2=25(x - 5)^2 + (y - 3)^2 = 25

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you determine if a line is tangent to a circle?
  2. What is the relationship between a circle's radius and its tangent lines?
  3. How do you find the distance between a point and the center of a circle?
  4. Can a circle have more than one tangent line at a single point?
  5. What happens to the equation of a circle if its radius is doubled?

Tip: Always check that any point given as lying on the circle satisfies the final equation of the circle.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Circle

Formulas

Equation of a circle (center-radius form)

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12