Equation of Circle Homework: Find Length of Radius & Equation

  • Thread starter Thread starter atavistic
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Circle
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the equation of a circle that touches the line y=x at point P, where OP equals 4√2. The circle contains the point (-10, 2) within its interior, and the length of its chord on the line x+y=0 is 6√2. The radius of the circle is established as 3√2, and the distance from the origin to the point P is calculated to be 32. The participants emphasize the relationship between the chord and the tangent, noting that the chord's perpendicularity to the tangent indicates it is part of the diameter.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of circle geometry and properties
  • Familiarity with the concept of tangents and chords in circles
  • Knowledge of coordinate geometry, specifically distance formulas
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions involving square roots
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the equation of a circle given its radius and center
  • Learn about the properties of tangents and chords in circle geometry
  • Explore the use of coordinate geometry to solve problems involving circles
  • Investigate the relationship between diameters and perpendicular chords in circles
USEFUL FOR

Students studying geometry, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in solving problems related to circles and their properties.

atavistic
Messages
105
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A circle touches the line y=x at a pont P such that OP = 4*2^1/2 i.e 4root2 , where O is the origin.The circle contains the point (-10,2) in its interior and the length of its chord on the line x+y=0 is 6root2.Determine the equation of the circle.


The attempt at a solution

OK as its clear that the chord is perpendicular to the tangent so its part of the normal line and hence the diameter.So the length of the radius of the circle is 3root2.

Secondly using under-root S1 = length of tangent drawn from (x1,y1) I got c= 32.

I can't proceed any further.What use is the internal point?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I would just draw this on graph paper and see if that helps.
 
atavistic said:

Homework Statement



A circle touches the line y=x at a pont P such that OP = 4*2^1/2 i.e 4root2 , where O is the origin.The circle contains the point (-10,2) in its interior and the length of its chord on the line x+y=0 is 6root2.Determine the equation of the circle.


The attempt at a solution

OK as its clear that the chord is perpendicular to the tangent so its part of the normal line and hence the diameter.So the length of the radius of the circle is 3root2.

Secondly using under-root S1 = length of tangent drawn from (x1,y1) I got c= 32.

I can't proceed any further.What use is the internal point?
The distance from (0,0) to (x,y) is [itex]\sqrt{x^2+ y^2}[/itex]. You are saying that OP= [itex]4\sqrt{2}[/itex] so [itex]x^2+ y^2= 32[/itex]. Since, in addition, the point is on the line y= x, [itex]2x^2= 32[/itex], [itex]x^2= 16[/itex], x= 4. P is the point (4,4). The circle passes through the point (4,4). If you could find the center of the circle, you could use that to find the radius and then write down the equation of the circle.

Why is it "clear that the chord is perpendicular to the tangent"? the only time a chord is perpendicular to the tangent to the circle is when the chord is a diameter! You appear to use that to conclude that the radius of the circle must be half the length of that chord, but I can see no reason that it should be "clear".
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
10K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K