Find the coordinates of a point on a circle without knowing the center point.

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SUMMARY

To find the coordinates of point B on a circle given point A's coordinates, the radius, the slope of the tangent line at A, and the arc length and direction between A and B, one must first determine the center of the circle. The center lies along the radius at point A, which is perpendicular to the tangent line. There are two potential centers based on the radius and tangent slope, and the direction of the arc helps identify the correct center to calculate point B's coordinates accurately.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Cartesian coordinates
  • Knowledge of circle geometry, including radius and tangent lines
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions for angle calculations
  • Ability to perform vector calculations for direction and distance
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of circles and their geometric relationships
  • Learn about vector mathematics and its applications in geometry
  • Explore trigonometric functions to calculate angles and distances
  • Investigate methods for determining points on a circle given specific parameters
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Mathematicians, geometry enthusiasts, and anyone involved in computational geometry or physics requiring precise calculations of points on circular paths.

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Given 2 points on a circle, call them A and B. I know the cartesian coordinates of A. I also know the radius of the circle, the slope of the tangent line at A, and the length and direction of the arc between A and B. I don't know the coordiates of the center of the circle.

How do I find the coordinates of point B?
 
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The radius at A is perpendicular to the tangent line. The center is along the radius at a known distance. There are only two possible points. Use the information about B (direction of arc??) to choose the location of the center.
 
Thanks mathman. I just needed a little insight, and you have provided that quickly and succinctly.
 

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