What caused the wrong answer for determining the center and radius of Circle 2?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the center and radius of a circle given by the equation 3x² + 3y² + 5x - 4y = 1. Participants explore the algebraic manipulation required to convert the equation into standard form, addressing potential errors in calculations and interpretations of the results.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a method for finding the center and radius, detailing the steps of completing the square and calculating the radius.
  • Another participant identifies a computational error in the right side of the equation, asserting it should equal 1/3 instead of 1/4, which affects the final results.
  • There is a correction regarding the radius, with one participant stating it is sqrt(53}/6, challenging the previous calculation of the radius as [5•sqrt{2}]/6.
  • A later reply acknowledges the computational error and emphasizes understanding the procedure over the final answer.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on the correct radius, as there are competing calculations presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the final values for the center and radius.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misinterpretations of the equation and the dependency on accurate arithmetic operations. The discussion highlights the importance of careful computation in algebraic manipulations.

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Determine the center and radius of circle.

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Why not continue and find out?

Doing so will give you experience, and experience will allow you to answer these sorts of question for yourself in future situations.
 

3x^2 + 3y^2 + 5x - 4y = 1

3x^2 + 5x + 3y^2 - 4y = 1

x^2 + (5/3)x + y^2 -(4/3)y = 1/4

Half of (5/3) is (5/6). Then (5/6)^2 = (25/36).

Half of -(4/3) is -(2/3). Then (-2/3)^2 = (4/9).

We add (25/36) and (4/9) on both sides of the equation.

x^2 + (5/3)x + (25/36) + y^2 -(4/3)y + (4/9) = (1/4) + (25/36) + (4/9)

Factor left side and calculate the right side.

(x + 5/6)(x + 5/6) + (y - 2/3)(y - 2/3) = (25/18)

(x + 5/6)^2 + (y - 2/3)^2 = (25/18)

The center is (h, k) = (-5/6, 2/3).

Let r = radius

r^2 = (25/18)

sqrt{r^2} = sqrt{25/18}

r = [5•sqrt{2}]/6

Is this correct?
 
RTCNTC said:
3x^2 + 3y^2 + 5x - 4y = 1

3x^2 + 5x + 3y^2 - 4y = 1

x^2 + (5/3)x + y^2 -(4/3)y = 1/4
= 1/3, not 1/4.

Half of (5/3) is (5/6). Then (5/6)^2 = (25/36).

Half of -(4/3) is -(2/3). Then (-2/3)^2 = (4/9).

We add (25/36) and (4/9) on both sides of the equation.

x^2 + (5/3)x + (25/36) + y^2 -(4/3)y + (4/9) = (1/4) + (25/36) + (4/9)
Again, the right side should be 1/3+ 25/36+ 4/9. 1/3, not 1/4.

Factor left side and calculate the right side.

(x + 5/6)(x + 5/6) + (y - 2/3)(y - 2/3) = (25/18)

(x + 5/6)^2 + (y - 2/3)^2 = (25/18)
1/3+ 25/36+ 4/9= 12/36+ 25/36+ 16/36= 53/36
The center is (h, k) = (-5/6, 2/3).

Let r = radius

r^2 = (25/18)

sqrt{r^2} = sqrt{25/18}

r = [5•sqrt{2}]/6

Is this correct?
Not the radius. The radius is sqrt(53}/6.
 
On the right side, I should have 1/3, as you said, not 1/4. Simple computation error that led to the wrong answer. Overall, I understand the procedure which is more important.
 

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