How do you find the center of a circle using only a compass?

In summary, the center of a circle is a point that is equidistant from all points on the circle's circumference and is often denoted by the letter "O". To find the center of a circle given its equation, you can use the formula (h, k), where "h" represents the x-coordinate of the center and "k" represents the y-coordinate. To find the center of a circle, you also need to know either the coordinates of three points on the circumference of the circle or the equation of the circle. It is not possible to find the center of a circle if you only know its radius, as you also need additional information. The center of a circle lies on the midpoint of its diameter, meaning that the
  • #1
MathTeacher01
5
0
Years ago my high school math teacher showed us how to find the center of a given circle using only a compass, nothing else. I can't remember how. I need to do it now. Does anyone have the answer?
 
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  • #2
Something like this?
 
  • #3
yes. thanks
 

What is the center of a circle?

The center of a circle is the point that is equidistant from all points on the circle's circumference. It is often denoted by the letter "O".

How do you find the center of a circle given its equation?

To find the center of a circle given its equation, you can use the formula (h, k), where "h" represents the x-coordinate of the center and "k" represents the y-coordinate. These can be found by rewriting the equation in the standard form (x-h)^2 + (y-k)^2 = r^2, where (h, k) is the center and "r" is the radius.

What information do you need to find the center of a circle?

To find the center of a circle, you need to know either the coordinates of three points on the circumference of the circle or the equation of the circle.

Can you find the center of a circle if you only know its radius?

No, you cannot find the center of a circle if you only know its radius. You also need to know either the coordinates of three points on the circumference of the circle or the equation of the circle.

What is the relationship between the center of a circle and its diameter?

The center of a circle lies on the midpoint of its diameter. This means that the distance from the center to any point on the circle's circumference is equal to half of the diameter.

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