Tangent to y axis with center(-3,4) whats the eqn of circle?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of a circle with a specified center at (-3, 4) that is tangent to the y-axis. Participants are exploring the implications of the tangency condition and the relationship between the center and the y-axis.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the meaning of tangency and whether it implies a specific point of contact on the y-axis. There is also discussion about determining the radius based on the center's position relative to the y-axis.

Discussion Status

Some participants have proposed that the radius is 3 based on the distance from the center to the point of tangency on the y-axis. Others are exploring the implications of the circle's position and questioning whether the radius could be different.

Contextual Notes

There is some uncertainty regarding the interpretation of the tangency condition and the specific point of contact on the y-axis. Participants are also reflecting on their understanding of the problem and the terminology used.

aisha
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the center is (-3,4) and tangent to the y-axis

how will I find the equation of the circle?

I know what tangent means but at what point? Can someone give me a clue? :rolleyes:
 
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I am pretty rusty at this, and I am not sure I understand the wording, but could it simply mean that your circle touches the point (0,4) on the y-axis? I am assuming that the line x = 0 is tangent to the curve.
 
I think the radius is 3

therefore the equation of the circle is

[tex](x+3)^2 + (y-4)^2 = 9[/tex]

is this correct?
 
that's fine~
 
how come the radius wasnt 4?
 
the center is at [itex](-3, 4)[/itex] and the circle is tangent to the [itex]y[/itex] axis, which implies that it is tangent at [itex](0, 4)[/itex]. Thus the radius is the distance between [itex](0, 4)[/itex] and [itex](-3, 4)[/itex] which is clearly 3.
 

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