Is My Equation for a Circle Through Points (0,0), (0,1), and (2,0) Correct?

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

The equation of a circle passing through the points (0,0), (0,1), and (2,0) is derived using the center (1, 1/2) and a radius of \(\frac{\sqrt{5}}{2}\). The standard form of the circle's equation is \((x - 1)^2 + (y - \frac{1}{2})^2 = \frac{5}{4}\). The calculation of the radius involves measuring the distance from the center to any of the given points, confirming the accuracy of the derived equation. This method effectively utilizes the geometric properties of circles and the distance formula.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the distance formula in coordinate geometry
  • Familiarity with the standard equation of a circle
  • Basic knowledge of coordinate systems
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the standard form of a circle's equation
  • Learn how to calculate distances between points in a Cartesian plane
  • Explore different methods for finding the center and radius of a circle
  • Investigate the properties of circles in relation to their geometric definitions
USEFUL FOR

Students studying geometry, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the properties and equations of circles in coordinate systems.

nobahar
Messages
482
Reaction score
2

Homework Statement


This is from one of the online textbooks recommended on the site, but it only has selected answers and this one's not included.
A circle passes through the points (0,0), (0,1) and (2,0). What is it's equation.

Homework Equations


I think the form is the (y1-y0)2+(x1-x0)2=r2.
So I got (y-1/2)2+(x-1)2=r2. Since the radius has to extend to each of these points from the centre, I think this does it. Apologies for the hurried post, I will elaborate as soon as possible if necessary, but I think this is enough information (my computrers broke so I have to use a library one!... and there's only five minutes left!).
Is this answer right? Or have I misunderstood?!
Thanks in advance.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
nobahar said:

Homework Statement


This is from one of the online textbooks recommended on the site, but it only has selected answers and this one's not included.
A circle passes through the points (0,0), (0,1) and (2,0). What is it's equation.

Homework Equations


I think the form is the (y1-y0)2+(x1-x0)2=r2.
So I got (y-1/2)2+(x-1)2=r2. Since the radius has to extend to each of these points from the centre, I think this does it. Apologies for the hurried post, I will elaborate as soon as possible if necessary, but I think this is enough information (my computrers broke so I have to use a library one!... and there's only five minutes left!).
Is this answer right? Or have I misunderstood?!
Thanks in advance.
Okay, so you say you have calculated the center of the circle to be (1, 1/2)? How did you get that? (I can think of three ways. I suspect you used the simplest.) Assuming that is correct, all you need to do is determine r: Find the distance from (1, 1/2) to anyone of those points (or try all three as a check).
 
Sorry, I thought about it last night after I posted and realized I could put in r. I got [tex]\frac{\sqrt{5}}{2}[/tex]. I tried it and it works. I think...?
You mentioned three ways of finding the equation, could you elaborate as I would greatly appreciate it. I based it on that two of the points share the y-axis and two of the points share the x-axis, and deduced that the radius has to extend to all these points. (thanks for pointing out that I probably used the simplest method, very encouraging...:redface:)
As always, thankyou for the response, and thanks in advance.
 

Similar threads

Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K