Circles

A circle is:
  • a collection of points that are the same distance from a single point
  • generated when a plane is perpendicular to the axis of the cone
  • not a function
  • can be expressed as (xh)2+(yk)2=r2(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2=r^2
  • (h,k)(h,k) is the center
  • rr is the radius

Wize Tip
Helpful formulas for this section are:

xy=(x2x1)2+(y2y1)2|xy|=\sqrt{(x_2-x_1)^2+(y_2-y_1)^2}

Midppoint=(x2+x12,y2+y12)M_{idppoint}=\Bigg(\dfrac{x_2+x_1}{2},\dfrac{y_2+y_1}{2}\Bigg)

Example: Circles

Identify the center and the radius of the circle 4x2+4y28x+16y300=04x^2+4y^2-8x+16y-300=0.

4x2+4y28x+16y300=0(4x28x)+(4y2+16y)=3004(x22x)+4(y2+4y)=3004(x22x+1)+4(y2+4y+4)=300+4+164(x1)2+4(y+2)2=320(x1)2+(y+2)2=80\begin{array}{rcl} 4x^2+4y^2-8x+16y-300&=&0\\\\ (4x^2-8x)+(4y^2+16y)&=&300\\\\ 4(x^2-2x)+4(y^2+4y)&=&300\\\\ 4(x^2-2x+1)+4(y^2+4y+4)&=&300+4+16\\\\ 4(x-1)^2+4(y+2)^2&=&320\\\\ (x-1)^2+(y+2)^2&=&80 \end{array}


The center is at (1,2)(1,-2) and the radius is 80=45\sqrt{80}=4\sqrt{5}.

Practice: Circles

Write the equation of a circle with radius 21\sqrt{21} and center (0,9)(0,9).

Practice: Circles

What is the center and the radius of the circle 9x2+9y2+18x+18y81=09x^2+9y^2+18x+18y-81=0?

Practice: Circles

A circle has a diameter containing the point (12,3)(-12, 3) and (10,1)(10,1).
Extra Practice