Circles

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 11th weekly schedule
Date Time Subject Topic
25th Oct, 2021 2:30 PM Mathematics Circles
Elasticity Top
25th Oct, 2021 8:00 PM Physics
Practice Problems
26th Oct, 2021 2:30 PM Physics Fluid Mechanics - 1
GOC Top Practice
27th Oct, 2021 8:00 PM Chemistry
Problems
Circles Top Practice
28th Oct, 2021 2:30 PM Mathematics
Problems
29th Oct, 2021 2:30 PM Chemistry Ionic Equilibrium
Circles
Circles
● Some Basic Geometrical Results
● Standard Equations of a Circle
● Intercepts made by a Circle
● Some Standard Notations
● Position of a Point with respect to a Circle
● Position of a Line with respect to a Circle and Equations of Tangents
● Common Tangents of Circles
● Family of Circles
● Chords of a Circle
● Orthogonality of Two Circles
● Radical Axis and Radical Centre
Some Basic Geometrical Results
 (a) Angle subtended by a chord at the centre is double the angle
subtended by a chord on circumference.

2α

(b) Angles in the same segment of circle are equal.

α α
(c) Alternate segment theorem: If a line touches a circle and from the
point of contact a chord is drawn, then the angle made by this
chord with the line is equal to angle made by chord in alternate
segment.

α
(d) Perpendicular from the centre to a chord of the circle bisects the
chord or we may say, perpendicular bisector of chord, passes
through the centre of the circle.
(e) Smallest chord passing through a given point inside the circle is
the chord with that point as midpoint. Also this is the chord
farthest from the centre, passing through that point.
(f) Secant theorem

T
Standard Equations of a Circle
Definition and Standard Equations of a Circle
Locus of a point in a plane which moves in such a way that it remains
at a fixed distance from a fixed point is a circle.

The fixed point and the fixed distance are called its centre and its
radius respectively.

Now, lets derive some equations of circle one by one and do some
examples to them practice.
I. Central form of the Equation of a Circle
From the definition of a circle, we find the equation of its locus.
P(h, k)
r
(x1, y1)

This is called central form of circle with centre (x1, y1) and radius ‘r’.

Note
Circle with centre at (0, 0) and radius r is x2 + y2 = r2
For example,
5
(a)
(1, 2)

(4, 7)

(b)
(1, 3)

(c) 4𝜋
(2, 2)
For example,
5 (x − 1)2 + (y − 2)2 = 25, that is
(a) x2 + y2 − 2x − 4y − 20 = 0
(1, 2)

(4, 7) centre is (1, 3) and

=5
(b) so, circle’s equation is
(1, 3)
(x − 1)2 + (y − 3)2 = 25,
that is x2 + y2 − 2x − 6y − 15 = 0
circumference = 4𝜋 ⇒ 2𝜋r = 4𝜋 ⇒ r = 2
(c) 4𝜋 centre is (2, 2), so, circle’s equation is
(2, 2)
(x − 2)2 + (y − 2)2 = 4, that is
x2 + y2 − 4x − 4y + 4 = 0
 Question!

Q The lines 4x −y = 7 and 2x − 5y = 8 are diameters of a circle

of area 154 sq. units. The equation of this circle is __.
(take )
Remark
The diameter or the normal of a circle passes through its centre.
Solution :
Q The equation of the circle having centre (2, -3) and passing
through the intersection of 3x + 2y = 11 and 2x + 3y = 4 is

A (x + 2)2 + (y + 3)2 = 10

B (x - 2)2 + (y - 3)2 = 10

C (x - 2)2 + (y + 3)2 = 10

D None of these
Q The equation of the circle having centre (2, -3) and passing
through the intersection of 3x + 2y = 11 and 2x + 3y = 4 is

A (x + 2)2 + (y + 3)2 = 10

B (x - 2)2 + (y - 3)2 = 10

C (x - 2)2 + (y + 3)2 = 10

D None of these
Solution :
Q A circle has radius 3 units and its centre lies on the line
y = x - 1. Find the equation of the circle if it passes through (7, 3).
Q A circle has radius 3 units and its centre lies on the line
y = x - 1. Find the equation of the circle if it passes through (7, 3).
Solution :

C (t, t - 1)

P(7, 3)

y=x-1
Q A circle has radius 3 units and its centre lies on y = x − 1.
Find the equation of circle if it passes through the point (7, 3).
Solution :

Y y=x−1
(t, t − 1)
(7, 3)
O X
(0, − 1)
Some Special Circles

Now let us see some special cases.

These are generally used to give information indirectly, in the questions.
Some Special Circles
1. Circle touching X - axis

X
(a, 0)

2. Circle touching Y - axis

Y

(0, b)
 Y
Some Special Circles

3. Circle touching
X - axis at origin X
O

Y
4. Circle touching
Y - axis at origin

O X
Some Special Circles

5. Circle touching both axes

Y
Y
O X

O X

Y
Y
O X

O X
Eg. Make diagrams and try to realize the following.
(a) Equation of the circle touching X - axis at origin and having centre
at (0, 2) is x2 + (y − 2)2 = 4, that is x2 + y2 − 4y = 0.
Eg. Make diagrams and try to realize the following.
(b) Equation of the circle with radius 5 units lying in the 1st quadrant
and touching both the axes is (x − 5)2 + (y − 5)2 = 25, that is
x2 + y2 − 10x − 10y + 25 = 0.
Eg. Make diagrams and try to realize the following.
(c) Equation of the circle lying in the 2nd quadrant, touching both the
axes and which has an area of 16π square units is
x2 + y2 − 8x − 8y + 16 = 0.
 Question!

Q Radius of the circle touching both the axes and passing

through the point (1, 1) is _____.

D None of these
 Question!

Q Radius of the circle touching both the axes and passing

through the point (1, 1) is _____.

D None of these
Solution :

(1, 1)
(a, a)

X
O
 Question!

Q The circle passing through (1, −2) and touching the X - axis
at the point (3, 0) also passes through the point _____.

A JEE Main 2013

(5, 2)

B (-5, 2)

C (5, -2)

D (-5, -2)
 Question!

Q The circle passing through (1, −2) and touching the X - axis
at the point (3, 0) also passes through the point _____.

A JEE Main 2013

(5, 2)

B (-5, 2)

C (5, -2)

D (-5, -2)
Solution :
 Question!

Q The circle passing through the point (-1, 0) and touching the
y-axis at (0, 2) also passes through the point

A IIT - JEE - 2011

D (-4, 0)
 Question!

Q The circle passing through the point (-1, 0) and touching the
y-axis at (0, 2) also passes through the point

A IIT - JEE - 2011

D (-4, 0)
Solution :
General form of the Equation of a circle
Consider the central form of equation of a circle, that is
(x - x1)2 + (y - y1)2 = r2
General form of the Equation of a circle
Consider the central form of equation of a circle, that is
(x - x1)2 + (y - y1)2 = r2
⇒ x2 + y2 - 2x1x - 2y1y + x12 + y12 - r2 = 0
⇒ x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
where (x1, y1) ≡ (-g, -f) and
This is called general form of equation of circle.
Q Find the centres and the radii of the following circles.
(a) x2 + y2 − 2x − 6y − 15 = 0
(b) 2x2 + 2y2 − 4x + 8y − 4 = 0
Q Find the centres and the radii of the following circles.
(a) x2 + y2 − 2x − 6y − 15 = 0
Solution :
Q Find the centres and the radii of the following circles.
(b) 2x2 + 2y2 − 4x + 8y − 4 = 0
Solution :
Note :

Consider the equation of a circle (x − x1)2 + (y − y1)2 = r2

that is, x2 + y2 − 2x1x − 2y1y + x12 + y12 − r2 = 0

Comparing it with ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0,

we get a = b = 1 and h = 0
Observation
So the condition for a general second degree equation in two
variables to represent a circle is a = b and h = 0.
If a = b ≠ 1, then we can divide the equation by a constant to
make both coefficients equal to 1.
Q Find the values of 𝜆 and μ such that the equation
(x − y)(y + 1) + 𝜆(y + 1) (y + 2x − 1) + μ(y + 2x − 1) (x − y) = 0
represents a circle.
Solution :
Observation
Try to observe it’s the circumcircle of the triangle made by the
straight lines x − y = 0, y + 1 = 0, y + 2x − 1 = 0.
 Question!

Q Equation of circle, concentric with 3x2 + 3y2 − 6x + 12y − 1 = 0

and having perimeter 6𝜋 is _____.

A (x − 1)2 + (y + 2)2 = 81

B x2 + y2 − 2x + 4y − 11 = 0

C (x − 1)2 + (y + 2)2 = 9

D None of these
 Question!

Q Equation of circle, concentric with 3x2 + 3y2 − 6x + 12y − 1 = 0

and having perimeter 6𝜋 is _____.

A (x − 1)2 + (y + 2)2 = 81

B x2 + y2 − 2x + 4y − 11 = 0

C (x − 1)2 + (y + 2)2 = 9

D None of these
Solution :
Q Find the equation of the circle passing through the points
A (− 1, 0), B (1, 0) and

We will do this by three methods.

Note
A unique circle passes through three given distinct points.
Solution :
Solution : Alternate Solution
Solution : Alternate Solution
Solution : Alternate Solution
Diametric form of the Equation of a Circle

The circle whose diameter endpoints are A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2) has the
equation
Diametric form of the Equation of a Circle
The circle whose diameter endpoints are A(x1, y1) and
B(x2, y2) has the equation
(x − x1) (x − x2) + (y − y1) (y − y2) = 0

Note
Basically it’s the sum of two quadratics, one in x, whose roots are
the abscissae and one in y, whose roots are the ordinates of the
diametric endpoints.
Eg. (a) Equation of the circle drawn on the intercept made by the line
3x + 4y = 12 with the coordinate axes as diameter is :
Eg. (a) Equation of the circle drawn on the intercept made by the line
3x + 4y = 12 with the coordinate axes as diameter is
(x − 4) + (x − 0) + (y − 0) (y − 3) = 0, that is, x2 + y2 − 4x − 3y = 0
Y

(0, 3)

O X
(4, 0)
Eg. (b) Equation of circle having A and B as diametric end points
where abscissae of A and B are roots of x2 + 2x − a2 = 0
and ordinates of A and B are roots of y2 + 4y − b2 = 0
Is :
Eg. (b) Equation of circle having A and B as diametric end points
where abscissae of A and B are roots of x2 + 2x − a2 = 0
and ordinates of A and B are roots of y2 + 4y − b2 = 0
is (x2 + 2x − a2) + (y2 + 4y − b2) = 0

B (x2, y2)
A (x1, y1)
Q The line y = mx + c cuts the curve y2 = 4ax at the points A
and B. Find the equation of circle with AB as diameter.
 Y
(x1, y1)
Solution :

O X

(x2, y2)
Solution :
Parametric form of the Equation of a Circle

r
θ X
O
Parametric form of the Equation of a Circle

(a) x2 + y2 = r2 ⇒ x = r cos θ, y = r sin θ Y

P(θ)
r
θ X
O

In particular, a general point on x2 + y2 = 1 is of the form (cosθ, sinθ)

for some θ.
(b) (x − x1)2 + (y − y1)2 = r2 ⇒ x = x1 + r cosθ, y = y1 + r sin θ
Q If are the
vertices of a triangle ABC, then find the coordinates of its
orthocentre.
Solution :
Solution :
Intercepts made by a Circle
 y = mx + c

AB is the intercept made by circle on the line y = mx + c.

Note
Whenever a circle makes an intercept on line, always refer to
following figure.

r
 Question!

Q Find equation of circle having centre at (3, − 1) and cutting

an intercept of length 6 units on line 2x − 5y + 18 = 0.

A (x − 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = 31

B (x − 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = 29

C (x − 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = 38

D None of these
 Question!

Q Find equation of circle having centre at (3, − 1) and cutting

an intercept of length 6 units on line 2x − 5y + 18 = 0.

A (x − 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = 31

B (x − 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = 29

C (x − 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = 38

D None of these
Solution :

A M B
Q Find length of intercept made by circle
x2 + y2 − 2x + 4y − 20 = 0 on line 4x − 3y − 10 = 0.
Solution :
Q Find equation of circle which touches the positive Y - axis at
a distance of 4 units from origin and cuts off an intercept of 6
units on the X - axis.
Solution :

O A B X
M
 Multiple choice questions Question!

Q Circle(s) touching x-axis at a distance 3 from the origin and

having an intercept of length on y-axis (are)

A JEE Adv 2013

x2 + y2 - 6x + 8y + 9 = 0

B x2 + y2 - 6x + 7y + 9 = 0

C x2 + y2 - 6x - 8y + 9 = 0

D x2 + y2 - 6x - 7y + 9 = 0
 Multiple choice questions Question!

Q Circle(s) touching x-axis at a distance 3 from the origin and

having an intercept of length on y-axis (are)

A JEE Adv 2013

x2 + y2 - 6x + 8y + 9 = 0

B x2 + y2 - 6x + 7y + 9 = 0

C x2 + y2 - 6x - 8y + 9 = 0

D x2 + y2 - 6x - 7y + 9 = 0
Solution :
Remark

1. Intercept made by x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 on the X - axis

A B X
Remark

1. Intercept made by x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 on the X - axis

A B X

(a) g2 − c > 0 ⇒ Circle cuts the X - axis at two distinct points

(b) g2 − c = 0 ⇒ Circle touches the X - axis
(c) g2 − c < 0 ⇒ Circle does not meet the X - axis
Remark

2. Intercept made by x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 on the Y - axis

Y
B

(a) f 2 − c > 0 ⇒ Circle cuts the Y - axis at two distinct points

(b) f 2 − c = 0 ⇒ Circle touches the Y - axis
(c) f 2 − c < 0 ⇒ Circle does not meet the Y - axis
Q If the intercepts of the variable circle on the x-axis and y-axis
are 2 units & 4 units respectively, then find the locus of the
centre of the variable circle.
Solution :
Q (a) Find equation of locus of centre of circle which touches
Y - axis and having intercept on X - axis of length 2l.
(b) 2 rods whose lengths are 2a, 2b slide along axes (one on
each) in such a way that their extremities are always
concyclic. Find the equation of locus of centre of circle.
Q (a) Find equation of locus of centre of circle which touches
Y - axis and having intercept on X - axis of length 2l.
Solution :

B (h, k)

O D l A X

2l
Solution : Alternate Solution
Q (b) 2 rods whose lengths are 2a, 2b slide along axes (one on
each) in such a way that their extremities are always
concyclic. Find the equation of locus of centre of circle.
Solution :

D
r
2b F O (h, k)
r
C
A B X
E
2a
Solution : Alternate Solution

D
r
2b F O (h, k)
r
C
A B X
E
2a
MASTER CLASS
TEACHER TEACHER
 JEE 2023
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 11th weekly schedule
Date Time Subject Topic
25th Oct, 2021 2:30 PM Mathematics Circles
Elasticity Top
25th Oct, 2021 8:00 PM Physics
Practice Problems
26th Oct, 2021 2:30 PM Physics Fluid Mechanics - 1
GOC Top Practice
27th Oct, 2021 8:00 PM Chemistry
Problems
Circles Top Practice
28th Oct, 2021 2:30 PM Mathematics
Problems
29th Oct, 2021 2:30 PM Chemistry Ionic Equilibrium
Some Standard Notations
Here, we will be learning some standards notations for general second
degree equations in x and y.

These notations will be very helpful in upcoming formulae.

Primarily there are are three notations S, S1 and T.

Let’s see what do they denote.

Notations
Any second degree equation in two variables, that is,
ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 will be represented as S = 0.
As of now, that we are doing circles, so we have
S ≡ x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c
 1. S ≡ x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c
2. Consider a point (x1, y1). Value of S at (x1, y1) is represented by
S1 that is,
S1 = x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c

3. Consider a point (x1, y1).

If we replace

in S, then we get T, that is

Q Write S1 and T for the following.
(a) S ≡ x2 + y2 − 2x + 4y + 1 at the point (1, 2)
(b) S ≡ 2x2 + xy + y at the point (1, 2)
Q Write S1 and T for the following.
(a) S ≡ x2 + y2 − 2x + 4y + 1 at the point (1, 2)
Solution :
Q Write S1 and T for the following.
(b) S ≡ 2x2 + xy + y at the point (1, 2)
Solution :
Position of a Point with
respect to a Circle
Here we will see, given a point P, how to check whether P lies
inside, on or outside a given circle.
Method 1
Find distance of point P from centre of circle O.
OP < r ⇒ P lies inside the circle
OP = r ⇒ P lies on the circle
OP > r ⇒ P lies outside the circle
Method 2
S1 < 0 ⇒ P lies inside the circle
S1 = 0 ⇒ P lies on the circle
S1 > 0 ⇒ P lies outside the circle
 Question!

Q Consider the circle x2 + y2 + 2x − 4y − 4 = 0 and a point

P (1, 2).

A P lies inside the circle

B P lies on the circle

C P lies outside the circle

D cannot be determined
 Question!

Q Consider the circle x2 + y2 + 2x − 4y − 4 = 0 and a point

P (1, 2).

A P lies inside the circle

B P lies on the circle

C P lies outside the circle

D cannot be determined
Solution :
Q The circle x2 + y2 - 6x - 10y + k = 0 does not touch or
intersect the coordinate axes, and the point (1, 4) is inside
the circle. Find the range of the value of k.
Solution :
Solution :
Remark

Greatest and least distance of a point from a circle.

|OP - r| = least distance of point P from the circle

|OP + r| = greatest distance of point P from the circle
Q Find the shortest and the longest distance from the point
(2, -7) to the circle x2 + y2 - 14x - 10y - 151 = 0
Solution :
Position of a Line with
respect to a Circle and
Equations of Tangents
For a given line and a circle, either
(a) line cuts the circle, or
(b) line touches the circle, or
(c) line does not meet the circle

In the section we will be studying their conditions.

No doubt, major focus will be (b), that is tangency condition.
Method 1
Find distance d of centre of circle from given line

d < r ⇒ line cuts the circle

d = r ⇒ line is tangent to circle

d > r ⇒ line does not meet circle

 Question!

Q Find the range of values of m for which the line y = mx + 2

cuts the circle x2 + y2 = 1 at distinct or coincident points.
Solution :
Method 2

Solve line with circle to get a quadratic equation.

D > 0 ⇒ line cuts the circle

D = 0 ⇒ line is tangent to circle

D < 0 ⇒ line does not meet circle

Result
1. Equations of tangents to x2 + y2 = r2, having slope m are
Let’s first prove result (1) by both methods mentioned earlier.
As the slope of the line is m, let its equation be y = mx + c.

Method 1 Method 2
As the line should Solving the line y = mx + c with
be tangent to the circle, the circle x2 + y2 = r2,
then d = r. we get x2 + (mx + c)2 = r2 that is,
(m2 + 1)x2 + 2mcx + c2 − r2 = 0
∴ As it should be tangent to the
circle, taking D = 0, we get
⇒ 4m2c2 − 4(m2 + 1)(c2 − r2) = 0 or,
Observation
1. Equations of tangents to x2 + y2 = r2, having slope m are

2. Equations of tangents to (x − x1)2 + (y − y1)2 = r2, whose

slope is m, are
Eg. Tangents to x2 + y2 = 4, having slope 3 are

Eg. Tangents to the circle (x − 1)2 + (y − 5)2 = 4, having slope 3 are

 Question!

Q The equation of the tangents to the circle x2 + y2 = 4, which

are parallel to x + 2y + 3 = 0, are

A x - 2y = 2

D
 Question!

Q The equation of the tangents to the circle x2 + y2 = 4, which

are parallel to x + 2y + 3 = 0, are

A x - 2y = 2

D
Solution :
Solution : Alternate Solution
 Question!

Q Find the equation of the tangent to the circle x2 + y2 + 4x + 3 = 0,

which makes an angle of 60° with the positive direction of x-axis.
Solution :
Solution : Alternate Solution
 Question!

Q (a) Find 𝜆 such that y = 2x + 𝜆 is tangent to x2 + y2 = 5.

(b) Find 𝜆 so that 3x − 4y = 𝜆 is tangent to
x2 + y2 − 4x − 8y − 5 = 0.
 Question!

Q (a) Find 𝜆 such that y = 2x + 𝜆 is tangent to x2 + y2 = 5.

Solution :
Solution : Alternate Solution
 Question!

Q (b) Find 𝜆 so that 3x − 4y = 𝜆 is tangent to

x2 + y2 − 4x − 8y − 5 = 0.
Solution :
 Question!

Q Find equations of tangents to x2 + y2 = 16 drawn from (1, 4).

Solution :

(1, 4)
 Question!

Q Find the equation of the circle inscribed in a triangle formed

by the coordinate axes and the straight line 3x + 4y = 24.
Solution :
Y

10
6 O (2, 2)

3x + 4y = 24
D X
A
8
 Question!

Q Find locus of point of intersection of pair of tangent to

x2 + y2 = 16, which contain an angle of 60°.
Solution :

30° P (h, k)
O (0, 0)
 Question!

Q The locus of the point of intersection of the perpendicular

tangents to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 is _____.

A x2 + y2 = 2a2

B x2 + y2 = 3a2

C x2 + y2 = 5a2

D none of these
 Question!

Q The locus of the point of intersection of the perpendicular

tangents to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 is _____.

A x2 + y2 = 2a2

B x2 + y2 = 3a2

C x2 + y2 = 5a2

D none of these
Solution :

O P (h, k)
Note
Locus of point of intersection of perpendicular tangents to a
circle is called the Director circle.
In previous quiz we just proved that the director circle of a given
circle is a concentric circle having radius times radius of
given circle.
Note
Locus of point of intersection of perpendicular tangents to a
circle is called the Director circle.
In previous quiz we just proved that the director circle of a given
circle is a concentric circle having radius times radius of
given circle.

Eg. Director circle of (x − 1)2 + (y − 2)2 = 3 is (x − 1)2 + (y − 2)2 = 6.

So far, we have studied
(1) condition for tangency
(2) slope form of tangent
We do have other forms of equations of tangents as well.
Various Equations of Tangents of a Circle
Slope form Tangent at a Point on a Parametric form
Circle
slope = m (x1, y1) P(θ)

x2 + y2 = r2 x2 + y2 = r2
Various Equations of Tangents of a Circle
Slope form Tangent at a Point on a Parametric form
Circle
slope = m (x1, y1) P(θ)

x2 + y2 = r2 x2 + y2 = r2
T=0
⇒ x cosθ + y sinθ = r
Eg.

(1)
T=0⇒

x2 + y2 = 4

(2, 4)

(2) T=0⇒

x2 + y2 − 2x − 4y = 0
Eg.

(1)
T=0⇒

x2 + y2 = 4

(2, 4)

(2) T=0⇒

x2 + y2 − 2x − 4y = 0 that is, x − 10 = 0
 Question!

Q If a tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = 1 intersects the coordinate

axes at distinct points P and Q, then the locus of the mid-
point of PQ is

A JEE Main 2019

x2 + y2 - 16x2y2 = 0

B x2 + y2 - 2x2y2 = 0

C x2 + y2 - 4x2y2 = 0

D x2 + y2 - 2xy = 0
 Question!

Q If a tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = 1 intersects the coordinate

axes at distinct points P and Q, then the locus of the mid-
point of PQ is

A JEE Main 2019

x2 + y2 - 16x2y2 = 0

B x2 + y2 - 2x2y2 = 0

C x2 + y2 - 4x2y2 = 0

D x2 + y2 - 2xy = 0
Solution :
Remark

For a given circle S = 0,

(1) Length of tangent from point P

T

(2) S1 is also called power of point P(x1, y1) with respect to S = 0.

 Question!

Q Find the length of the tangent from any point on the circle
x2 + y2 = a2 to the circle x2 + y2 = b2.
Solution :
Observation

If a pair of tangents is drawn from a point P to a circle as shown

in the figure, then
A
R L
P
O
R L θ
B
(1) angle between the pair of tangents is given by

(2) length of AB = .

(3) circumcircle of Δ PAB passes through the centre O.

Let’s prove the first observation. The second observation can be
proved on similar lines.
(1) angle between the pair of tangents is given by .

A
R L
O P
R L θ
B
(2) length of AB = .

A
R L
O P
R L θ
B

(3) Circumcircle of Δ PAB passes through the centre O.

Third observation can be easily observed by noting that
∠OAP = 90°
 Question!

Q Tangents drawn from the point P(1, 8) to the circle

x2 + y2 - 6x - 4y - 11 = 0 touch the circle at the point A and B.
The equation of the circumcircle of the triangle PAB is

A IIT - JEE - 2009

x2 + y2 + 4x - 6y + 19 = 0

B x2 + y2 - 4x - 10y + 19 = 0

C x2 + y2 - 2x + 6y - 29 = 0

D x2 + y2 - 6x - 4y + 19 = 0
 Question!

Q Tangents drawn from the point P(1, 8) to the circle

x2 + y2 - 6x - 4y - 11 = 0 touch the circle at the point A and B.
The equation of the circumcircle of the triangle PAB is

A IIT - JEE - 2009

x2 + y2 + 4x - 6y + 19 = 0

B x2 + y2 - 4x - 10y + 19 = 0

C x2 + y2 - 2x + 6y - 29 = 0

D x2 + y2 - 6x - 4y + 19 = 0
Solution :
MASTER CLASS
TEACHER TEACHER
 JEE 2023
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 11th weekly schedule
Date Time Subject Topic
25th Oct, 2021 2:30 PM Mathematics Circles
Elasticity Top
25th Oct, 2021 8:00 PM Physics
Practice Problems
26th Oct, 2021 2:30 PM Physics Fluid Mechanics - 1
GOC Top Practice
27th Oct, 2021 8:00 PM Chemistry
Problems
Circles Top Practice
28th Oct, 2021 2:30 PM Mathematics
Problems
29th Oct, 2021 2:30 PM Chemistry Ionic Equilibrium
Common Tangents of Circles
In this topic, we will try to observe the number of common tangents of
two circles, depending upon their positions.
We will also learn how to find lengths and equations of the common
tangents.
Try to observe how we can comment upon the positions of two circles
depending on their radii and the distance between their centres.

r1 r2
(1) C1 C2 C2
(4) C1

r1 r2
(2) C1 C2
(5) C2
C1

(3) C1 C2
Try to observe how we can comment upon the positions of two circles
depending on their radii and the distance between their centres.

r1 r2
(1) C1 C2 C2
(4) C1

r1 r2
(2) C1 C2
(5) C2
C1

(3) C1 C2
Number of Common Tangents
TCT DCT
(1) |C1C2| > r1 + r2 ⇒ 4 common tangents

(2) |C1C2| = r1 + r2 ⇒ 3 common tangents

(3) |r1 - r2| < |C1C2| < r1 + r2 ⇒ 2 common tangents

(4) |C1C2| = |r1 - r2| ⇒ 1 common tangent

(5) |C1C2| < |r1 + r2| ⇒ 0 common tangents

Lengths of Common Tangents
(1) Direct Common Tangent
T1
T2

C1 C2

(2) Transverse Common Tangent

T1

C2
C1
l
T2
Lengths of Common Tangents
(1) Direct Common Tangent
T1
T2
r1 − r2 l
C1 C2

(2) Transverse Common Tangent

T1

C2
C1
l
T2
r1 + r2
 Question!

Q The number of common tangents to the circles

x2 + y2 - 4x - 6y - 12 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 6x + 18y + 26 = 0, is

A JEE Main 2015

1

B 2

C 3

D 4
 Question!

Q The number of common tangents to the circles

x2 + y2 - 4x - 6y - 12 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 6x + 18y + 26 = 0, is

A JEE Main 2015

1

B 2

C 3

D 4
Solution :
 Question!

Q Let C be the circle centred at (1, 1) and having radius 1. If T is

the circle centred at (0, y) passing through the origin and
touching the circle C externally, then the radius of T is equal to _.

A JEE Main 2014

D
 Question!

Q Let C be the circle centred at (1, 1) and having radius 1. If T is

the circle centred at (0, y) passing through the origin and
touching the circle C externally, then the radius of T is equal to _.

A JEE Main 2014

D
Solution :
 Question!

Q A right angled triangle has 2 circles touching its sides as

shown in the given figure. If ∠PRQ = 60° and the radius of
the smaller circle is 1, then find radius of larger circle.

O
J
60°
Q R
S M
Solution :

O
T

Q S M 30° R
Remark
r2
r1
(external)
C1 P

C2

r1 C2
C1 (internal)
P r2
Note
To find common tangent, first find P using section formula and
then write tangent from P to any circle, it will be common
tangent.
 Question!

Q Let the point B be the reflection of the point A(2, 3) with

respect to the line 8x - 6y - 23 = 0. Let ΓA and ΓB be circles
of radii 2 and 1 with centres A and B respectively. Let T be a
common tangent to the circles ΓA and ΓB such that both the
circles are on the same side of T. If C is the point of
intersection of T and the line passing through A and B, then
the length of the line segment AC is____.
JEE Adv 2019
 Question!

Q Let the point B be the reflection of the point A(2, 3) with

respect to the line 8x - 6y - 23 = 0. Let ΓA and ΓB be circles
of radii 2 and 1 with centres A and B respectively. Let T be a
common tangent to the circles ΓA and ΓB such that both the
circles are on the same side of T. If C is the point of
intersection of T and the line passing through A and B, then
the length of the line segment AC is____.
Ans: 10.00 JEE Adv 2019
Solution :
Family of Circles
Just like family of lines, we have family of circles too, such as circles
passing through intersection of two circles, a circle and a line etc.
(1) S + 𝜆L = 0
S=0 L=0

Eg. Any circle passing through x2 + y2 − 2x −3 = 0 and x − 2y + 1 = 0 is

of the form
 Question!

Q Find equation of circle passing through points of intersection

of the line x + y − 1 = 0 and the circle x2 + y2 = 9 and which
also passes through the point (3, 4).
Solution :
(2) S + λS’ = 0, λ ≠ -1

S=0

S’ = 0
Note
S - S’ = 0 gives the equation of the common chord of S = 0 and S’ = 0.
 Question!

Q The circle passing through the intersection of the circles,

x2 + y2 - 6x = 0 and x2 + y2 - 4y = 0, having its centre on the
line, 2x - 3y + 12 = 0, also passes through the point

A JEE Main 2020

(-3, 6)

B (-1, 3)

C (-3, 1)

D (1, -3)
 Question!

Q The circle passing through the intersection of the circles,

x2 + y2 - 6x = 0 and x2 + y2 - 4y = 0, having its centre on the
line, 2x - 3y + 12 = 0, also passes through the point

A JEE Main 2020

(-3, 6)

B (-1, 3)

C (-3, 1)

D (1, -3)
Solution :
 Question!

Q If the circle x2 + y2 + 4x + 22y + c = 0 bisects the

circumference of the circle x2 + y2 − 2x + 18y − d = 0, then
find c + d.
Solution :
(3) Family of circles passing through two given points
A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2)

A (x1, y1) B (x2, y2)

Eg. Any circle through (1, 1) and (2, 2) is of the form

(3) Family of circles passing through two given points
A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2)

Consider

Then, S + 𝜆L = 0 gives family of circles

passing through L=0
A (x1, y1) B (x2, y2)
A(x1, y1) and B(x2, y2)
S=0
Eg. Any circle through (1, 1) and (2, 2) is of the form
(x − 1) (x − 2) + (y − 1) (y − 2) + 𝜆(y − x) = 0.
(4) Family of circles tangent to a given line at a given point

L=0
A (x1, y1)

Eg. Any circle touching x + y + 1 = 0 at (1, − 2) is of the form

(4) Family of circles tangent to a given line at a given point

L=0
A (x1, y1)

Say that the given line and the point are respectively L = 0 and A (x1, y1).
Consider, a circle through A (x1, y1),
S : (x − x1)2 + (y − y1)2
Then S + 𝜆L = 0 gives a family of circles touching the line L = 0 at point A
(x1, y1).

Eg. Any circle touching x + y + 1 = 0 at (1, − 2) is of the form

(x − 1)2 + (y + 2)2 + 𝜆(x + y + 1) = 0.
 Question!

Q A variable circle which always touches the line x + y - 2 = 0

at (1, 1) cuts the circle x2 + y2 + 4x + 5y - 6 = 0. Prove that
all the common chords of intersection pass through a fixed
point. Find that points.
Solution :
 Question!

Q If a circle C passing through the point (4, 0) touches the

circle x2 + y2 + 4x - 6y = 12 externally at the point (1, -1),
then the radius of C is

A JEE Main 2019

5

D 4
 Question!

Q If a circle C passing through the point (4, 0) touches the

circle x2 + y2 + 4x - 6y = 12 externally at the point (1, -1),
then the radius of C is

A JEE Main 2019

5

D 4
Solution :
Chords of a Circle
Here, we will be studying
(1) Chord of contact
(2) Chord with given midpoint
(1) Equation of CoC (chord of contact) with respect to P(x1, y1)

P (x1, y1) Its equation is given by T = 0

S=0
(2) Equation of chord with given midpoint P(x1, y1)

Its equation given by T = S1

P (x1, y1)

S=0
 Question!

Q (a) Tangents are drawn on the circle x2 + y2 = 8 at the points

where the line x + 2y = 4 intersects it. Find the coordinates
of the point of intersection of the tangents.
(b) Tangents are drawn to the circle x2 + y2 = 12 at the
points where it meets the circle x2 + y2 − 5x + 3y − 2 = 0.
Find the point of intersection of the tangents.
 Question!

Q (a) Tangents are drawn on the circle x2 + y2 = 8 at the points

where the line x + 2y = 4 intersects it. Find the coordinates
of the point of intersection of the tangents.
Solution :
 Question!

Q (b) Tangents are drawn to the circle x2 + y2 = 12 at the

points where it meets the circle x2 + y2 − 5x + 3y − 2 = 0.
Find the point of intersection of the tangents.
Solution :
 Question!

Q Tangents are drawn to a unit circle with centre at origin from

every point on the line 2x + y = 4.Find equation of locus of
midpoint of CoCs.
Solution :
 Question!

Q If two distinct chords of the circle x2 + y2 − ax − by = 0 drawn

from the point (a, b) is divided by the X - axis in ratio 1 : 1
then find relation between a and b.
Solution :

P (a, b)
M (h, 0)
1
1
O 1 1 X
Q
R
 Question!

Q Let the tangents drawn from the origin to the circle,

x2 + y2 - 8x - 4y + 16 = 0 touch it at the points A and B. The
(AB)2 is equal to

A JEE Main 2020

D
Recall :

If a pair of tangents is drawn from a point P to a circle as shown

in the figure, then
A
R L
P
O
R L θ
B
(1) angle between the pair of tangents is given by

(2) length of AB = .

(3) circumcircle of Δ PAB passes through the centre O.

 Question!

Q Let the tangents drawn from the origin to the circle,

x2 + y2 - 8x - 4y + 16 = 0 touch it at the points A and B. The
(AB)2 is equal to

A JEE Main 2020

D
Solution :
Solution :
Orthogonality of Two Circles
Two circles are said to be orthogonal if the tangents of the two
circles at their point of intersection are perpendicular to each
other.
Condition for orthogonality

r1 r2
C1
d C2

Two circles intersect each other orthogonally if

r12 + r22 = d2 or 2g1g2 + 2f1f2 = c1 + c2
 Question!

Q If x2 + y2 + 2x + 2ky + 6 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 2ky + k = 0

intersect orthogonally then the possible values of k are ___.

A IIT 2000

D
 Question!

Q If x2 + y2 + 2x + 2ky + 6 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 2ky + k = 0

intersect orthogonally then the possible values of k are ___.

A IIT 2000

D
Solution :
 Question!

Q If the circles x2 + y2 + 2a1x + 2b1y + c1 = 0 and

x2 + y2 + a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 intersect orthogonally, prove that
a1a2 + b1b2 = c1 + c2.
Solution :
 Question!

Q A circle passes through the origin and centre lies on the line
y = x. If it cuts the circle x2 + y2 - 4x - 6y + 18 = 0
orthogonally, find its equation.
Solution :
 Question!
Multiple choice questions

Q A circle S passes through the point (0, 1) and is orthogonal

to the circles (x - 1)2 + y2 = 16 and x2 + y2 = 1. Then

A JEE Adv 2014

Radius of S is 8

B Radius of S is 7

C Centre of S is (-7, 1)

D Centre of S is (-8, 1)
 Question!
Multiple choice questions

Q A circle S passes through the point (0, 1) and is orthogonal

to the circles (x - 1)2 + y2 = 16 and x2 + y2 = 1. Then

A JEE Adv 2014

Radius of S is 8

B Radius of S is 7

C Centre of S is (-7, 1)

D Centre of S is (-8, 1)
Solution :
Radical Axis and Radical Centre
Radical axis
Radical axis of two circles S = 0 and S’ = 0 is the locus of point
whose powers with respect to the two given circles are equal.
Its equation is given by S - S’ = 0 .

S=0
S’ = 0
S - S’ = 0
 Question!

Q If the radical axis of the circles x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0

and 2x2 + 2y2 + 3x + 8y + 2c = 0 touches the circle
x2 + y2 + 2x + 2y + 1 = 0, show that either or f = 2
Solution :
Solution :
Observation

(1) When two circles are intersecting, then the radical axis
is nothing but the common chord.
(2) When two circles are touching each other, the radical
axis is the common tangent at their point of contact.
(3) Radical axis is always perpendicular to the line joining
the two centres.
(It also bisects the line segment joining the two centres
if the circles are of equal radii)
Note

(1) Concentric circles do not have a radical axis.

(2) Radical axes of 3 circles taken in pairs are concurrent.
S=0
S − S’ = 0 S”− S = 0 Clearly, the lengths of the
tangents from O to all the
circles are equal.
O
S’ = 0 S” = 0
S’ - S” = 0
Radical centre
Point of intersection of radical axes of 3 circles taken in pairs is called
the radical centre of the circles.
Result
(1) A circle with centre at the radical centre of three circles
and radius equal to length of tangent (from radical
centre) is orthogonal to all three circles.
(2) The radical centre of three circles described on the side of
a triangle as diameters is the orthocentre of the triangle.
 Question!

Q (a) Find the radical centre of the circles

x2 + y2 + 3x + 2y + 1 = 0 , x2 + y2 − x + 6y + 5 = 0 and
x2 + y2 + 5x − 8y + 15 = 0. Also find the circles cutting them
orthogonally.
(b) Find the radical centre of 3 circles described on the sides
4x − 7y + 10 = 0, x + y − 5 = 0 and 7x + 4y − 15 = 0 of a
triangle, as diameters.
 Question!

Q (a) Find the radical centre of the circles

x2 + y2 + 3x + 2y + 1 = 0 , x2 + y2 − x + 6y + 5 = 0 and
x2 + y2 + 5x − 8y + 15 = 0. Also find the circles cutting them
orthogonally.
Solution :
Solution :
 Question!

Q (b) Find the radical centre of 3 circles described on the sides

4x − 7y + 10 = 0, x + y − 5 = 0 and 7x + 4y − 15 = 0 of a
triangle, as diameters.
Solution :
MASTER CLASS
TEACHER TEACHER
 JEE 2023
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