What is the method for finding the centers of circles in the Apollonian Packing?

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In summary, The Apollonian Packing is a pattern of circles formed by starting with 3 mutually tangent circles and using Descartes circle theorem to find two other mutually tangent circles. This creates 6 curvilinear triangles, in which a circle is inscribed that is tangent to all three sides. This process is repeated for each newly formed curvilinear triangle. The Apollonian Packing is based on the principle that there is only one point where two circles touch, and this point can be used to calculate the centers of all the circles in the packing.
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CornMuffin
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The Apollonian Packing is generated by starting out with 3 mutually tangent circle and then using descartes theorem to find two other circles that are mutually tangent to each other. This creates 6 curvilinear triangles, and in each, we inscribe a circle tangent to all three of the sides that formed the curvilinear triangle. And we do this for each of the newly formed curvilinear triangles, so the Apollonian Packing looks like this:

Descartes circle theorem states: Given four circles with mutual extermal contact with curvature [itex]k_1,k_2,k_3,k_4[/itex], then

[itex] (k_1+k_2+k_3+k_4)^2=2(k_1^2+k_2^2+k_3^2+k_4^2) [/itex]

And here is an example

6.11.14.15.nolabels.gif


But the one problem that I am having is how do I calculate the center of any of the circles in the Apollonian Packing of Circles
 
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There is only one point where one circle touches or "kisses" one other circle.
At that point, first, draw the tangent line to the two circles, with the tangent line passing through the kissing point.
Next, draw the perpendicular to the tangent, with the perpendicular also passing throught the kissing point.
Each perpendicular will pass through the centres of the two kissing circles.
If you draw all the perpendiculars, their points of intersection will be the centres of the circles.
 

What is the Apollonian Packing of Circles?

The Apollonian Packing of Circles, also known as the Apollonian Gasket, is a mathematical concept that involves packing circles within a larger circle in a specific geometric pattern.

Who discovered the Apollonian Packing of Circles?

The concept was first discovered by the ancient Greek mathematician Apollonius of Perga, hence the name "Apollonian" Packing of Circles.

What is the significance of the Apollonian Packing of Circles?

The Apollonian Packing of Circles has many applications in mathematics and physics, including fractal geometry, number theory, and the study of hyperbolic geometry.

Can the Apollonian Packing of Circles be applied to real-world situations?

Yes, the concept has been used in fields such as crystallography, astronomy, and even the design of computer algorithms for optimizing packing density.

How is the Apollonian Packing of Circles related to the kissing number problem?

The Apollonian Packing of Circles can be seen as a solution to the kissing number problem, which asks for the maximum number of non-overlapping circles that can be inscribed within a larger circle. Apollonius' discovery provided a way to construct an infinite number of such circle packings with increasing density.

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