Equation of Circle Through Origin

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of a circle that passes through the origin and is centered at the point (3,5). Participants explore the implications of the circle passing through the origin, including the relationship between the center, the radius, and the distance from the origin.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that the distance from the origin to the center (3,5) must equal the radius of the circle, leading to the equation of the circle.
  • One participant calculates the distance using the distance formula, arriving at a radius of sqrt{34}.
  • Another participant confirms the derived equation of the circle as (x - 3)^2 + (y - 5)^2 = 34 based on the calculated radius.
  • Definitions of a circle and its properties are discussed, emphasizing the relationship between the center, radius, and points on the circle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method to find the equation of the circle and the calculations involved, but there is no explicit consensus on the broader implications or any alternative methods.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve potential uncertainties regarding the interpretation of the problem or the implications of the circle passing through the origin.

mathdad
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Find the equation of the circle passing through the origin and centered at the point (3,5).

Origin means the point (0,0).
From the previous example, I found the equation of the circle centered at (3,5) to be (x - 3)^2 + (y - 5)^2 = 25.

I do not understand what part the origin plays here. The textbook does not give an example for this question. Must I find the distance from the origin to the point (3,5)?

Must I find the slope? Can I get a hint?
 
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RTCNTC said:
Find the equation of the circle passing through the origin and centered at the point (3,5).

Origin means the point (0,0).
From the previous example, I found the equation of the circle centered at (3,5) to be (x - 3)^2 + (y - 5)^2 = 25.

I do not understand what part the origin plays here. The textbook does not give an example for this question. Must I find the distance from the origin to the point (3,5)?

Must I find the slope? Can I get a hint?

Since the circle passes through the origin, then the distance from the origin to the center must be the radius. Now you have the radius, and the center was given, so stating the circle's equation will follow from that. :)
 
d = sqrt{(3-0)^2 + (5-0)^2}

d = sqrt{3^2 + 5^2}

d = sqrt{9 + 25}

d = sqrt{34} = radius = r

The equation must be (x - 3)^2 + (y - 5)^2 = [sqrt{34}]^2, which becomes (x - 3)^2 + (y - 5)^2 = 34.

Correct?
 
One definition for a circle is the locus of all points $(x,y)$ whose distance from some central point $(h,k)$ is the same, which is called the radius, and we'll label this radius $r$. Thus, the distance formula gives us:

$$r=\sqrt{(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2}$$

And upon squaring, we obtain the familiar equation for a circle in standard form:

$$(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2=r^2$$

So, if we are given the center $(h,k)$ and one point $\left(x_1,y_1\right)$ said to be on the circle, then by definition, we know the distance between the center and the given point on the circle must be $r$.
 
RTCNTC said:
d = sqrt{(3-0)^2 + (5-0)^2}

d = sqrt{3^2 + 5^2}

d = sqrt{9 + 25}

d = sqrt{34} = radius = r

The equation must be (x - 3)^2 + (y - 5)^2 = [sqrt{34}]^2, which becomes (x - 3)^2 + (y - 5)^2 = 34.

Correct?

Yes, that's correct. :)
 
MarkFL said:
One definition for a circle is the locus of all points $(x,y)$ whose distance from some central point $(h,k)$ is the same, which is called the radius, and we'll label this radius $r$. Thus, the distance formula gives us:

$$r=\sqrt{(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2}$$

And upon squaring, we obtain the familiar equation for a circle in standard form:

$$(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2=r^2$$

So, if we are given the center $(h,k)$ and one point $\left(x_1,y_1\right)$ said to be on the circle, then by definition, we know the distance between the center and the given point on the circle must be $r$.

This is very interesting. Thanks for the information...
 

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