Math Problem Statement

What if the equation of the line is the given and they want you to solve the radius and the center

Solution

If the equation you're given includes squared terms and you're asked to solve for the radius and center, it's likely the equation represents a circle, not a line. The general equation for a circle in standard form is:

(xh)2+(yk)2=r2(x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2

Where:

  • (h,k)(h, k) is the center of the circle.
  • rr is the radius of the circle.

Steps to Solve for the Radius and Center:

  1. Identify the center: The center is given by the point (h,k)(h, k), which comes from the expression (xh)(x - h) and (yk)(y - k).
  2. Identify the radius: The radius is the square root of the constant on the right-hand side, i.e., r=r2r = \sqrt{r^2}.

Example:

Suppose you're given the equation:

(x2)2+(y+3)2=16(x - 2)^2 + (y + 3)^2 = 16

  1. Center: The center is (h,k)=(2,3)(h, k) = (2, -3).
  2. Radius: The radius is r=16=4r = \sqrt{16} = 4.

So, the circle has a center at (2,3)(2, -3) and a radius of 4.

Do you want more details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How do you complete the square to rewrite an equation of a circle?
  2. What is the difference between the general form and standard form of a circle's equation?
  3. Can a circle's equation have different radii for different directions?
  4. How do you find the distance between the centers of two circles?
  5. How does the equation of an ellipse differ from that of a circle?

Tip: If the equation contains squared terms for both xx and yy, it likely represents a conic section like a circle or ellipse, not a line!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Circle Equations
Center and Radius of a Circle

Formulas

Standard form of a circle equation: (x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2

Theorems

-

Suitable Grade Level

High School