Can Three Circles Intersect at a Common Point?

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    Circles Intersection
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SUMMARY

The intersection of three circles can be determined using their equations, specifically through algebraic manipulation. The circles given are defined by the equations (x-7)² + (y-4)² = 25, (x+9)² + (y+4)² = 169, and (x+3)² + (y-9)² = 100. By subtracting these equations, the intersection point (3, 1) is derived, confirming that all three circles intersect at this coordinate. Additionally, a secondary intersection point (11/5, 13/5) is identified through further analysis of the equations.

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  • Understanding of algebraic manipulation of equations
  • Familiarity with the geometric properties of circles
  • Knowledge of solving systems of linear equations
  • Experience with coordinate geometry
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  • Study the method of solving systems of equations using substitution and elimination techniques
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of circle equations in coordinate geometry
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Mathematicians, students studying geometry, educators teaching algebra, and anyone interested in the practical applications of circle intersections in various fields.

karush
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studying with a friend there was the intersection of 3 circles problem which is in common usage
here is my overleaf output
View attachment 9075

I was wondering if this could be solved with a matrix in that it has squares in it

or is there a standard equation for finding the intersection of 3 circles given the centers and radius'
and an assumed intersection
 
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Yes, the three circles have equations
(x- 7)^2+ (y- 4)^2= 25
(x+ 9)^2+ (y+ 4)^2= 169 and
(x+ 3)^2+ (y- 9)^2= 100

Multiplying those squares gives
x^2- 14x+ 49+ y^2- 8y+ 16= 25
x^2+ 18x+ 81+ y^2+ 8y+ 16= 169
x^2+ 6x+ 9+ y^2- 18y+ 81= 100

And subtracting will get rid of the squares!

Subtracting the first equation from the second gives
32x+ 32+ 16y= 144
Subtracting the first equation from the third gives
20x- 40- 10y+ 65= 75.<br /> <br /> 32x+ 16y= 112 so 2x+ y= 7<br /> 20x- 10y= 50 so 2x- y= 5.<br /> Adding those 4x= 12 so x= 3 and then y= 1. <br /> <br /> That, (3, 1), is the point where all three circles intersect.<br /> <br /> We also can look at 2x+ y= 7, so y= 7- 2x and (x- 7)^2+ (y- 4)^2= (x- 7)^2+ (3- 2x)^2= x^2- 14x+ 49+ 9- 12x+ 4x^2= 5x^2- 26x+ 58= 25. 5x^2- 26x+ 33= 0. That can be factored as (5x- 11)(x- 3)= 0so x= 3 or x= 11/5. If x= 3 y= 7- 6= 1 and if x= 11/5, y= 7- 22/5= (35- 22)/5= 13/5. (3, 1) and (11/5, 13/5) is another intersection.
 

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