What is the Center and Radius of a Circle?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the center and radius of a circle, as well as finding the y-coordinates of the points where the circle intersects the y-axis. The conversation includes mathematical reasoning and exploration of the implications of intersection points.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Participants discuss the requirement to find the center and radius of a circle and the conditions for intersection with the y-axis.
  • Some participants propose that if the circle intersects the y-axis, then the value of x must be 0 at the points of intersection.
  • One participant clarifies that the equation of the circle must be used to find the corresponding y-coordinates when x is set to 0.
  • Another participant provides a detailed calculation showing how to derive the y-coordinates from the equation of the circle.
  • There is a reiteration of the points of intersection derived from the equation, leading to two potential y-coordinates.
  • Participants also discuss the general form of a circle's equation and the implications for points on the circle.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the method to find the intersection points with the y-axis, but there are multiple perspectives on the clarity of the statements made regarding the value of x at those points. The discussion remains somewhat unresolved regarding the interpretation of the intersection conditions.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the equation of the circle and the specific values of the center and radius are not explicitly stated, which may affect the conclusions drawn about the intersection points.

mathdad
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A. Determine the center and radius of circle.

B. Also, find the y-coordinates of the points (if any) where the circle intersects the y-axis.

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If the circle were to intersect the y-axis, then what would x be?
 
Joppy said:
If the circle were to intersect the y-axis, then what would x be?

If the circle intersects the y-axis, the value of x is 0. True?
 
RTCNTC said:
If the circle intersects the y-axis, the value of x is 0. True?

No. If the circle intersects the y-axis, the value of x is 0 at the point(s) of intersection.

We must be absolutely clear.
 
Re: Center & Radius of Circle

Joppy said:
No. If the circle intersects the y-axis, the value of x is 0 at the point(s) of intersection.

We must be absolutely clear.

How is part B found?

- - - Updated - - -

Is my work for part A correct?
 
Yes, part A is correct.

Part B asks you to find the coordinates of the points where the circle intersects the y-axis. Joppy led you to the conclusion that those points must have x= 0. Now put x= 0 in the equation of the circle to determine what y is.
 
Part B

Let x = 0

x^2 + (y + 1)^2 = 20

(0)^2 + (y + 1)^2 = 20

(y + 1)^2 = 20

sqrt{(y + 1)^2} = sqrt{20}

y + 1 = 2•sqrt{5}

y = 2•sqrt{5} - 1

The y-coordinate is 2•sqrt{5} - 1.

Yes?

Is one the points of intersection for the circle
(0, 2•sqrt{5}-1)?
 
At the point:

$$(y+1)^2=20$$

Your next step should be:

$$y+1=\pm\sqrt{20}=\pm2\sqrt{5}$$

Hence:

$$y=-1\pm2\sqrt{5}$$

And so the points of intersection of the given circle and the $y$-axis are:

$$\left(0,-1+2\sqrt{5}\right),\,\left(0,-1-2\sqrt{5}\right)$$

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We should be able to convince ourselves that given the circle:

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

We then know these points are on the circle:

$$(h+r,k),\,(h-r,k),\,(h,k+r),\,(h,k-r)$$
 
  • #10
MarkFL said:
We should be able to convince ourselves that given the circle:

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

We then know these points are on the circle:

$$(h+r,k),\,(h-r,k),\,(h,k+r),\,(h,k-r)$$

Cool notes. Check your PM.
 

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