Understanding the Circle Equation and Distance Formula
This handout explains the distance formula for points in a plane and introduces the circle equation. The distance between points (a, b) and (x, y) is derived using the Pythagorean theorem as d² = (x-a)² + (y-b)². The equation of a circle centered at (a, b) with radius r is given by (x-a)² + (y-b)² = r². Several examples illustrate how to calculate the center and radius from given equations, including instances where the center is at the origin, simplifying the circle equation.
Understanding the Circle Equation and Distance Formula
E N D
Presentation Transcript
CIRCLES Distance Formula (see handout) The distance from (a,b) to (x,y) is given by d2 = (x-a)2 + (y-b)2 (x,y) Proof d (y – b) (a,b) (x,b) (x – a) By Pythagoras d2 = (x-a)2 + (y-b)2
The Circle Equation (x-a)2 + (y-b)2 = r2 A circle with centre (a,b) and radius , r, has equation (x-a)2 + (y-b)2 = r2 Proof Suppose P(x,y) is any point on the circumference of a circle with centre A(a,b) and radius ,r. ie Y P(x,y) AP = r r So AP2 = r2 A(a,b) applying distance formula (x-a)2 + (y-b)2 = r2 X
Ex1 (x-2)2 + (y-5)2 = 49 centre (2,5) radius = 7 (x+5)2 + (y-1)2 = 13 centre (-5,1) radius = 13 (x-3)2 + y2 = 20 centre (3,0) radius = 20 = 4 X 5 = 25 Ex2 Centre (2,-3) & radius = 10 NAB Equation is(x-2)2 + (y+3)2 = 100 Ex3 Centre (0,6) & radius = 23 r2 =23 X 23 Equation isx2 + (y-6)2 = 12 =49 = 12
The Circle Equation x2 + y2 = r2 Note: a simpler version of the first equation is obtained whenever (a,b) = (0,0) ie centre is at origin. (x-a)2 + (y-b)2 = r2 becomes (x-0)2 + (y-0)2 = r2 or x2 + y2 = r2 Ex4 x2 + y2 = 7 has centre (0,0) & radius = 7 Ex5 The circle with centre (0,0) & radius = 1/3 has equation x2 + y2 = 1/9