Equation for a Tangent Circle on the Y-Axis at (3,7)

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves writing an equation for a circle that is centered on the y-axis and tangent to a vertical line at the point (3,7). The discussion revolves around the correct formulation of the circle's equation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the general formula for a circle and the necessary components for its equation. There are attempts to correct initial formulations and clarify the proper structure of the equation.

Discussion Status

Several participants have provided feedback on the attempts made by the original poster, pointing out errors and suggesting corrections. There is an ongoing exploration of the correct equation format, with some guidance offered on how to properly express the circle's equation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of squaring terms and ensuring the equation is set equal to one, reflecting common conventions in circle equations. There is also mention of preferences among professors regarding the presentation of the equation.

john560
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Homework Statement


Write an equation for the circle centered on the y-axis and is tangent to a vertical line at the point (3,7)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



(x^2)/9 + (y-7)/9
 
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john560 said:

Homework Statement


Write an equation for the circle centered on the y-axis and is tangent to a vertical line at the point (3,7)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



(x^2)/9 + (y-7)/9

Sorry to sound rude, but what the hell kind of attempt is that? There is so much wrong with it that... ahh what's the point...

First start with the basics. Do you know the general formula for a circle with centre (h,k) and radius r?
 
Yes, I do know the basic formula for a circle.
 
Right my apologies, you just missed the (y-7)2 and didn't make it equal to 1.
 
welcome to pf!

hi john560! welcome to pf! :smile:

(try using the X2 icon just above the Reply box :wink:)
john560 said:
Write an equation for the circle centered on the y-axis and is tangent to a vertical line at the point (3,7)

(x^2)/9 + (y-7)/9

i] that isn't an equation, is it? :redface:

ii] anyway, it looks like a parabola, not a circle :wink:

try again :smile:
 
Yea i forgot to square the Y side and make it equal to one
Mentallic said:
Right my apologies, you just missed the (y-7)2 and didn't make it equal to 1.

(x2)/9 + (y-7)2/9 =1
 
john560 said:
Yea i forgot to square the Y side

(x2)/9 + (y-72)/9 =1
Not quite. This is what I'm seeing:
[tex]\frac{x^2}{9}+\frac{y-7^2}{9}=1[/tex]
Is that what you really mean? (Look carefully at the 2nd fraction.)
 
john560 said:
Yea i forgot to square the Y side and make it equal to one





(x2)/9 + (y-72)/9 =1

Yup! :biggrin:

(except the 2 is the wrong side of the bracket, and some professors would prefer you to multiply throughout by 9 :wink:)
 
[tex] \frac{x^2}{9} + \frac{(y-7)^2}{9}=1[/tex]
 
  • #10
Yep, that's it :smile:

But like tiny-tim said, it is usually more appropriate to have the circle equation in the form [tex](x-h)^2+(y-k)^2=r^2[/tex] rather than [tex]\frac{(x-h)^2}{r^2}+\frac{(y-k)^2}{r^2}=1[/tex]
 
  • #11
tiny-tim said:
(except the 2 is the wrong side of the bracket, and some professors would prefer you to multiply throughout by 9 :wink:)

So that's what he meant[tex] \frac{x^2}{3^2} + \frac{(y-7)^2}{3^2}=1[/tex]

Thank you guys, wish this site had a thumbs up icon so i could show my appreciation that way.
 
Last edited:
  • #12
now how did i do that? :rolleyes:
 

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