Finding the Equation of a Circle Given Specific Conditions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation of a circle given specific conditions, including passing through a point and having its center defined by the midpoint of the line segment joining the centers of two other circles. The focus is on the mathematical steps required to derive the equation in standard form.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting by determining the centers of the two given circles to find the midpoint of the line segment joining those centers.
  • Another participant reiterates the need to rewrite the equations of the two circles in standard form, asking for the results of this transformation.
  • There is a question about whether completing the square is necessary for both circles to achieve the standard form.
  • A later reply confirms that completing the square for both x and y is indeed required to read off the coordinates of the centers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach of determining the centers of the circles and the necessity of completing the square, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific steps and calculations involved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations related to the assumptions about the forms of the given circle equations and the specific steps required to complete the square, which have not been fully explored or resolved.

mathdad
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Determine the equation of the circle that satisfies the given conditions. Write the equation in standard form.

The circle passes through (-4, 1) and its center is the midpoint of the line segment joining the centers of the two circles x^2 + y^2 - 6x - 4y + 12 = 0 and x^2 + y^2 - 14x + 47 = 0.

I would like the steps for me to solve this interesting problem.
 
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I would begin by determining the centers of the two given circles, so that we can determine the mid-point of the line segment joining those centers. So, rewrite the two given circles in the form:

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

What do you get?
 
MarkFL said:
I would begin by determining the centers of the two given circles, so that we can determine the mid-point of the line segment joining those centers. So, rewrite the two given circles in the form:

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

What do you get?

Must I complete the square for both circles?
 
RTCNTC said:
Must I complete the square for both circles?

Yes, for both circles you want to complete the square for both x and y to get them in the desired form from which you can read off the coordinates of the centers. :D
 
MarkFL said:
Yes, for both circles you want to complete the square for both x and y to get them in the desired form from which you can read off the coordinates of the centers. :D

Good. I will try later.
 

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