CIRCLE SYLLABUS

• Recognise that (𝑥 − ℎ)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 𝑟 2 represents the relationship between the 𝑥 and 𝑦
coordinates of points on a circle of centre (ℎ, 𝑘) and radius 𝑟. (OL)
• Solve problems involving a line and a circle with centre (0, 0). (OL)
• Recognize that 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0 represents the relationship between the 𝑥 and
𝑦 coordinates of points on a circle of centre (−𝑔, −𝑓) and radius 𝑟 where 𝑟 =
√𝑔2 + 𝑓 2 − 𝑐. (HL)
• Solve problems involving a line and a circle. (HL)

WHAT YOU MUST KNOW

Recognize the equation of a circle in various forms (e.g. degree 2, cannot have an 𝑥𝑦 term,
coefficients of 𝑥 2 and 𝑦 2 equal)

Familiarity with all the formulae for coordinate geometry of the Straight Line

Find the centre and radius of a circle given its equation in any form

Find the equation of a circle given its centre and radius

Find the equation of a circle given the two end points of a diameter

Check whether a particular point is inside, outside or on a given circle

Familiarity with Junior Cert theorems involving circles

Find the point of intersection between a line and a circle

Prove that a given line is a tangent to a circle

Find the equation of a tangent of a circle given the equation of the circle and their point of intersection

Find the equation of a circle given its centre and given the equation of a tangent to the circle

Find the equations of the two tangents that can be drawn from a given point outside a given circle

Solve problems involving 𝑔 , 𝑓 and 𝑐.

1
Equation of a Circle

What is a Circle: A circle is a set of points that are equidistant from a common point c (h, k) called the centre.
The fixed distance r from the centre to any point on the circle is called the radius.

The standard equation of a circle with centre c (h, k) and radius r is: (x – h)2 + (y – k)2 = r2. c (h, k)
If the centre of the circle is at the origin, c (0, 0), this equation becomes x2 + y2 = r2. r

Example 1: Find the equation of a circle whose centre is at (3, – 7) and has a radius of 2.

Solution 1: Given (ℎ , 𝑘 ) = (3 , – 7) and 𝑟 = 2

⇒ required circle equation: (x – 3)2 + (y – (– 7))2 = 22

⇒ required equation: (x – 3)2 + (y + 7)2 = 4

Example 2: Find the equation of a circle that has a diameter with the endpoints given by the
points 𝒂(– 3, 4) and 𝒃(5, 10).

Solution 2: Whenever we want the equation of a circle, we look always for two pieces of information
(i) What is the centre of the circle?
(ii) What is the radius of the circle?

The centre of this circle, c, is the midpoint of the line segment or diameter ab.

−3 + 5 4 + 10
c= ( 2
, 2
) = (1, 7) [Using the mid-point formula]

The radius of this circle is half the length of the diameter between a and b.

1 1 1
r = 2 √(5 + 3)2 + (10 − 4)2 = 2
√64 + 36 = 2
× 10 = 5

Using standard equation (x – h)2 + (y – k)2 = r2 ⇒ (x – 1)2 + (y – 7)2 = 52

⇒ (x – 1)2 + (y – 7)2 = 25

The equation of a circle is also very often given in the form: x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0.

The centre (𝑜) of this circle is: ( – g , – f )

and the length of the radius of this circle is: 𝑜 [Both formulae on page 19 of Tables]

𝒓 = √𝒈𝟐 + 𝒇𝟐 − 𝒄

Note: The equation of a circle should always have the following properties:
(i) it is of degree 𝟐, (ii) it has no 𝒙𝒚 term (iii) the coefficients of 𝒙2 and 𝒚2 are equal

2
Example 3: Find the centre and radius of the circle with equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦2 – 4𝑥 – 6𝑦 + 9 = 0.

Solution 3: We will do this question by two different methods. [This will verify the previous formula given.]

Method 1: This method involves re-writing the given equation in more standard form with all x terms
together and all terms with y terms together (using brackets).
(𝑥 2 – 4𝑥 ) + (𝑦2 – 6𝑦 ) + 9 = 0
We now complete the square within each bracket and compensate by adding 13 to other side also:
(𝑥 2 – 4𝑥 + 4) + (𝑦2 – 6𝑦 + 9) + 9 = 0 + 13
This gives us : (𝑥 2 – 4𝑥 + 4) + (𝑦2 – 6𝑦 + 9) = 4 [Adding – 9 to both sides]

Now we simplify and write in standard form: (𝑥 – 2)2 + ( 𝑦 – 3)2 = 4 OR (𝑥 – 2)2 + ( 𝑦 – 3)2 = 22

Comparing this equation with the standard equation:

centre of circle at 𝒄 (𝒉, 𝒌) = 𝒄 (𝟐 , 𝟑) and radius of circle = 𝒓 = 2.

Method 2: This method involves using formulae (on previous page).

Equation of circle: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦2 – 4𝑥 – 6𝑦 + 9 = 0 implies that 𝒈 = – 2, 𝒇 = – 3 and 𝒄 = 9.

Thus, the centre of this circle is: (– 𝒈, – 𝒇) = (𝟐 , 𝟑 )

and the radius of this circle is: √𝒈𝟐 + 𝒇𝟐 − 𝒄 = √(−2)2 + (−3)2 − 9 = √4 + 9 − 9 = √4 = 2.

Example 4: Is the point q (3 , 4) inside, outside or on the circle with equation (𝒙 + 𝟔)2 + ( 𝒚 – 𝟏)2 = 𝟖𝟓

Solution 4: Find the distance from the centre of the circle to q and compare this with the length of the radius.

Method 1: centre 𝒄 = (– 𝒈, – 𝒇 ) = (– 6 , 1) ; radius 𝒓 = √85 = 9.230

distance from c to q = √(−6 − 3)2 + (1 − 4)2 = √81 + 9 = √90 = 9.487

Since the distance from c to q is greater than the radius, point q is outside the circle.

Method 2: Substitute the point (3 , 4) in for 𝒙 and 𝒚 in the LHS of the circle equation
(𝒙 + 𝟔)2 + ( 𝒚 – 𝟏)2 = 𝟖𝟓.
LHS = (3 + 6)2 + (4 – 1)2 = 81 + 9 = 90
since LHS > RHS, point (3, 4) is outside the circle.

Note: Point (3, 3) is on the circle (𝒙 + 𝟔)2 + (𝒚 – 𝟏)2 = 𝟖𝟓, since LHS = 81 + 4 = 85 = RHS

Point (3, 2) is inside the circle (𝒙 + 𝟔)2 + (𝒚 – 𝟏)2 = 𝟖𝟓, since LHS = 81 + 1 = 82 < RHS

3
Some important Junior Cert Theorems

Angles standing on the. C D

A B same arc of a circle are equal

|𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑨| = |𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 𝑩|

Angles formed by drawing lines from the ends of the

diameter of a circle to its circumference form a right
angle. So 𝑪 = 𝑫 = 𝟗𝟎o.

A tangent to a circle forms a right angle with the circle's The angle formed at the centre of a circle by lines
radius, at the point of contact of the tangent. originating from two points on the circle's circumference
is double the angle formed on the circumference of the
circle by lines originating from the same points.
i.e. 𝑨 = 𝟐𝑩

𝐴 𝐵

𝐶 𝑷

A cyclic quadrilateral is a four-sided figure inside a circle, A radius which is perpendicular to a chord
with each vertex of the quadrilateral touching the of a circle will always bisect that chord.
circumference of the circle. The opposite angles of such i.e. |𝑃𝑄| = |𝑄𝑀|
a quadrilateral add up to 180o.
i.e. 𝑨 + 𝑪 = 180o and 𝑩 + 𝑫 = 180o

4
Tangents

Tangents are lines that touch a circle at one point only.

As can be seen in the figure across, the tangent line is always at right angles
to the radius at the point of contact.

Also, the perpendicular distance from the centre of a circle to any tangent is equal to the length of the radius.

Example 5: By finding the point of intersection, show that the line 𝟕𝒙 – 𝟗𝒚 + 𝟏𝟑𝟎 = 𝟎
is a tangent to the circle 𝒙2 + 𝒚2 = 𝟏𝟑𝟎.
9𝑦−130
Solution 5: If 7𝑥 − 9𝑦 + 130 = 0, then 𝑥 =
7
9𝑦−130 2
⇒ ( ) + 𝑦 2 = 130 [Using 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 130]
7
⇒ (9𝑦 − 130)2 + 49 𝑦 2 = 6370 [Multiplying across by 49]
⇒ 81 𝑦 2 − 2340𝑦 + 16900 + 49𝑦 2 = 6370 [Expanding LHS]
⇒ 130 𝑦 2 − 2340𝑦 + 10530 = 0 [Gathering like terms]
⇒ 𝑦 2 − 18𝑦 + 81 = 0 [Dividing across by 130]
⇒ (𝑦 − 9)(𝑦 − 9) = 0 [Factorising]
9𝑦−130
⇒ y=9 ⇒ 𝑥 = 7
= −7 [Solving]
⇒ There is just a single point of intersection (– 7, 9)
⇒ 𝟕𝒙 – 𝟗𝒚 + 𝟏𝟑𝟎 = 𝟎 is a tangent to the circle 𝒙2 + 𝒚2 = 𝟏𝟑𝟎.

Note:
If there are two solutions for the intersection of a line and a circle, then the line cuts the circle in two places.
If there are no solutions for the intersection of a line and a circle, then the line does NOT meet the circle at all.

Example 6: Find the equation of the circle that has its centre at (3, 5) and has a tangent whose equation is
given by 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 2.

𝑎 𝑥1 +𝑏𝑦1 +𝑐
Solution 6: Perpendicular distance from (𝟑, 𝟓) to 𝒙 + 𝒚 = 𝟐 is given by 𝑑 = | |.
√𝑎2 + 𝑏2

a = 1 b = 1 c = –2 [Note minus sign here]

x1 = 3 y1 = 5

(𝟏) (𝟑) + (𝟏) (𝟓) +(−𝟐)

d = | | d=r
√𝟏𝟐 + 𝟏𝟐
𝟔
= | | = 𝟑√𝟐 = length of radius
√𝟐
∴ equation of circle: (𝒙 – 𝟑)2 + (𝒚 – 𝟓)2 = (𝟑√𝟐)𝟐 = 𝟏𝟖

Note: Solution is drawn in graphical form in the diagram above. This is NOT required by the question.

5
Example 7: Find the equation of the tangent to the circle (𝒙 – 𝟓)2 + (𝒚 + 𝟒)2 = 𝟐𝟓 at the point (1, – 1).

𝑦 −𝑦 −4 + 1 −3
Solution7: Slope of radius, R, = 𝑥2 − 𝑥1 = 5− 1
= 4
(1, – 1) R
2 1
4
⇒ slope of tangent, T, = [because T ⊥ 𝑅] (5, – 4)
3

⇒ equation of tangent, T, = 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚 ( 𝑥 − 𝑥1 ) T

4
⇒ eqn of T : 𝑦 + 1 = (𝑥− 1) ⇒ 3 (𝑦 + 1) = 4( 𝑥 − 1)
3

⇒ 3𝑦 + 3 = 4𝑥 − 4

⇒ T : 4𝑥 − 3𝑦 − 7 = 0

Example 8: Find the equations of the two tangents from the point (3, 5) to the circle 𝒙2 +𝒚2 +𝟐𝒙 – 𝟒𝒚 – 𝟒 = 𝟎.

Solution 8: Equation of any line containing the point (3, 5) is: 𝑦 − 5 = 𝑚( 𝑥 − 3 ) ⇒ 𝑚𝑥 − 𝑦 + 5 − 3𝑚 = 0

Centre of circle = (– 1, 2) Radius of circle = √12 + (−2)2 − (−4) = √9 = 3

Distance from centre= (– 1, 2) to tangent 𝑚𝑥 − 𝑦 + 5 − 3𝑚 = 0 is equal to length of radius = 3.

𝑎 𝑥1 +𝑏𝑦1 +𝑐
We will use the perpendicular distance from a point to a line formula: 𝑑 = | |
√𝑎 2 + 𝑏2

a = m b = –1 c = 5 – 3m (𝒎) (−𝟏) + (−𝟏) (𝟐) +(𝟓−𝟑𝒎)

d = | | (3, 5)
x1 = – 1 y1 = 2 √𝒎𝟐 +(− 𝟏)𝟐

−𝒎 −𝟐 + 𝟓 −𝟑𝒎 − 𝟒𝒎 + 𝟑
⇒ d = | | ⇒ 3 = | |
√𝒎𝟐 + 𝟏 √𝒎𝟐 + 𝟏

⇒ 𝟗 (𝒎𝟐 + 𝟏) = (𝟑 − 𝟒𝒎)𝟐 [Cross multiplying and squaring] r

⇒ 𝟗𝒎𝟐 + 𝟗 = 𝟗 − 𝟐𝟒𝒎 + 𝟏𝟔𝒎𝟐 (–1, 2)

⇒ 0 = 7𝒎𝟐 − 𝟐𝟒 𝒎 ⇒ 𝒎(𝟕𝒎 − 𝟐𝟒) = 𝟎

𝟐𝟒
⇒ 𝒎 = 𝟎 𝒐𝒓 𝒎 =
𝟕

If m = 0: eqn of tangent: − 𝒚 + 𝟓 = 𝟎 𝒐𝒓 𝒚 = 𝟓

𝟐𝟒 𝟐𝟒 𝟐𝟒
If m = : eqn of tangent: 𝒙– 𝒚+𝟓−𝟑 ( )=𝟎 𝒐𝒓 𝟐𝟒𝒙 – 𝟕𝒚 + 𝟑𝟓 − 𝟕𝟐 = 𝟎
𝟕 𝟕 𝟕

∴ 𝒚 = 𝟓 𝒐𝒓 𝟐𝟒𝒙 – 𝟕𝒚 − 𝟑𝟕 = 𝟎

6
Proof of the Tangent Theorem

Prove that the tangent to the circle 𝒙2 + 𝒚2 = 𝒓2 at the point (𝒙1, 𝒚1) is given by 𝒙𝒙1 + 𝒚𝒚1 = 𝒓2.

Proof: (𝒙1, 𝒚1)

Let R be the radius of the circle, joining the centre (𝟎, 𝟎) to (𝒙1, 𝒚1). R T

Let T be the tangent of the circle, whose equation we are trying to find.

𝑦2 − 𝑦1 𝑦1 − 0 𝑦1
Slope of radius, R, = = = (𝟎, 𝟎)
𝑥2 − 𝑥1 𝑥1 − 0 𝑥1

− 𝑥1
⇒ slope of tangent, T, =
𝑦1

Equation of tangent, T, = 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚 ( 𝑥 − 𝑥1 )
− 𝑥1
⇒ equation of T : 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = ( 𝑥 − 𝑥1 )
𝑦1

⇒ 𝑦𝑦1 − 𝑦12 = − 𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑥12

⇒ 𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 = 𝑥12 + 𝑦12

But, (𝒙1, 𝒚1) is a point on the circle 𝒙2 + 𝒚2 = 𝒓2 ⇒ 𝑥12 + 𝑦12 = 𝑟 2

Hence, the equation of the tangent, T, is given by: 𝑥𝑥1 + 𝑦𝑦1 = 𝑟 2 .

Problems involving g, f and c

When asked to find the equation of a circle which obeys certain conditions, it is usually better to write the circle
in the form 𝒙2 + 𝒚2 + 𝟐𝒈𝒙 + 𝟐𝒇𝒚 + 𝒄 = 𝟎.
Then apply the various conditions given to find the values of 𝑔, 𝑓 and 𝑐.
Some special cases that apply (you should try to justify each of them yourself, one is done for you below)
(i) If (0, 0) is on the circle, then c = 0
(ii) If the centre of the circle is on the x-axis, then 𝒇 = 𝟎
(iii) If the centre of the circle is on the y-axis, then 𝒈 = 𝟎
(iv) If the x-axis is a tangent to the circle, then 𝒓 = |𝒇| ⇒ 𝒄 = 𝒈𝟐 (see diagram below)
(v) If the y-axis is a tangent to the circle, then 𝒓 = |𝒈| ⇒ 𝒄 = 𝒇𝟐
(vi) If both axes are tangents to the circle, then 𝒓 = |𝒈| = |𝒇| ⇒ 𝒄 = 𝒈𝟐 = 𝒇𝟐
(vii) If the centre of the circle lies on the line 𝒂𝒙 + 𝒃𝒚 + 𝒄 = 𝟎,
then 𝑎(−𝑔) + 𝑏(−𝑓) + 𝑐 = 0 ⇒ 𝑎𝑔 + 𝑏𝑓 − 𝑐 = 0
(viii) If (𝒙1, 𝒚1) is a point on the circle 𝒙2 + 𝒚2 + 𝟐𝒈𝒙 + 𝟐𝒇𝒚 + 𝒄 = 𝟎,
then (𝒙1)2 + (𝒚1)2 + 𝟐𝒈(𝒙1) + 𝟐𝒇(𝒚1) + 𝒄 = 𝟎.

7
𝑦 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
K In this diagram, the x-axis is a tangent to the circle K, 𝒙2 + 𝒚2 + 𝟐𝒈𝒙 + 𝟐𝒇𝒚 + 𝒄 = 0.

(– g, – f) From the diagram, it is clear that the radius of the circle, r = |𝒇|.
r From our formula, we know that the radius of the circle, r = √𝑔2 + 𝑓 2 − 𝑐
Therefore, |𝒇| = √𝑔2 + 𝑓 2 − 𝑐 ⇒ 𝑓 2 = 𝑔2 + 𝑓 2 − 𝑐
𝑥 − 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 ⇒ 0 = 𝑔2 − 𝑐
⇒ 𝑐 = 𝑔2

Example 9: Find the equation of the circle such that the three points 𝑷(0 , 4), 𝑸(3 , 5) and 𝑹(7 , 3)
are on the circle.

Solution 9: Let equation of required circle, K, be: x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0

(0, 4) ε K ⇒ 02 + 42 + 2g(0) + 2f(4) + c = 0 Q

⇒ 8f + c = – 16 … eqn (i) P R

(3, 5) ε K ⇒ 32 + 52 + 2g(3) + 2f(5) + c = 0

⇒ 6g + 10f + c = – 34 … eqn (ii)

(7, 3) ε K ⇒ 72 + 32 + 2g(7) + 2f(3) + c = 0

⇒ 14g + 6f + c = – 58 … eqn (iii)

7 × (eqn (ii)) : 42g + 70f + 7c = – 238

3 × (eqn (iii)): 42g + 18f + 3c = – 174
Subtracting: 52f + 4c = – 64 … eqn (iv)
4 × (eqn (i)) : 32f + 4c = – 64
⇒ 20f = 0
⇒ f = 0 ⇒ c = – 16
If f = 0, and c = – 16,
then eqn (ii): 6g = – 34 – 10f – c
6g = – 34 – (10)(0) – (– 16) = – 18
⇒ g=–3
∴ Required equation: x2 + y2 – 6x – 16 = 0 or (x – 3)2 + y2 = 25

8
Example 10: Find the equation of the circle such that the two points (1 , 0), and (0 , 2) are on the circle and
the centre of the circle lies on the line, D: x + 3y – 11 = 0.

Solution 10: Let equation of required circle, K, be: x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0

(1, 0) ε K ⇒ 12 + 02 + 2g(1) + 2f(0) + c = 0 [Substituting given point into circle equation]

⇒ 2g + c = – 1 … eqn (i)

(0, 2) ε K ⇒ 02 + 22 + 2g(0) + 2f(2) + c = 0 [Substituting given point into circle equation]

⇒ 4f + c = –4 … eqn (ii)

(– g, – f) ε D ⇒ – g – 3f – 11 = 0 [Centre of circle is (– g, – f) lies on line x + 3y – 11 = 0]

⇒ g + 3f = – 11 … eqn (iii)

(eqn (i)) : 2g + c= – 1
(eqn (ii)): 4f + c = – 4
Subtracting: 2g – 4f = 3 … eqn (iv)
But, 2 × (eqn (iii)): 2g + 6f = – 22
⇒ – 10f = 25
⇒ f =– 2.5

Using eqn (iii): g = – 11 – (3)(– 2.5)

⇒ g = – 3.5

If f = – 2.5 and g = – 3.5,

then eqn (i): c = – 1 – (2)(– 3.5) = 6

𝟕 𝟓 𝟐𝟓
∴ Required equation: x2 + y2 – 7x – 5y + 6 = 0 or (x – 𝟐)2 + (y – 𝟐) 2 = 𝟐
.

9
Touching Circles, Common Tangent

If c1 and c2 are the centres of two circles, K1 and K2,

and r1 and r2 are the radii of these two circles then, r1 r2
these circles: c1 c2 |𝑐1 𝑐2 | = 𝑟1 + 𝑟2
touching externally
touch externally iff |𝑐1 𝑐2 | = 𝑟1 + 𝑟2 K1 K2
and touch internally iff |𝑐1 𝑐2 | = 𝑟1 − 𝑟2 K1

K2
|𝑐1 𝑐2 | = 𝑟1 − 𝑟2 c1 c2
touching internally r1 r2

Example 11: Prove that the two circles K1: x2 + y2 – 6x – 8y + 24 = 0 and K2: x2 + y2 = 16
touch externally and find their point of contact.

Solution 11: c1 = (3, 4) ; c2 = (0, 0)

r1 = √32 + 42 − 24 = 1 and r2 = 4.

|𝑐1 𝑐2 | = √32 + 42 = 5

𝑟1 + 𝑟2 = 1 + 4 =5

Therefore, as |𝑐1 𝑐2 | = 𝑟1 + 𝑟2 , the circles touch externally.

Note: K1 – K2 = (x2 + y2 – 6x – 8y + 24) – (x2 + y2 – 16) = 0

⇒ – 6x – 8y + 40 = 0 ⇒ 3x + 4y – 20 = 0
[This is the equation of the common tangent. It is got by subtracting the two circle equations.
This method will give you the common chord when two circles cut each other in two places.]

Now find where 3x + 4y – 20 = 0 meets, say, K2, x2 + y2 = 16

Using simultaneous equations, we find the point of intersection by substituting

20−4𝑦 16 12
𝑥= into x2 + y2 = 16 and finding a single solution, i.e. 𝑦 = , 𝑥=
3 5 5

12 16
Therefore, point of intersection or contact: ( , ).
5 5

10
Example 12: (i) C is the circle x2 + y2 – 8x + 4y – 5 = 0. A circle K touches C internally and goes through g, the
centre of C. If 3x – 4y + 5 = 0 is the tangent common to both circles, find the equation of K.
(ii) Circle H is the image of circle K under the central symmetry in g.
Find the equation of H and the equation of the common tangent to H and C.

Solution 12: (i) Equation of C: x2 + y2 – 8x + 4y – 5 = 0 ⇒ centre of C = g = (𝟒, 𝟐)

M ⇒ radius of C = √−42 + 22 − (−5) = √25 = 5
1 5
u C ⇒ radius of K = (5) =
2 2

To find s: T ∩ C = s
𝟒𝒚−𝟓
q H T: 𝟑𝒙 − 𝟒𝒚 + 𝟓 = 𝟎 ⇒ 𝒙 =
𝟑
C: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 8𝑥 + 4𝑦 − 5 = 0
4𝑦−5 4𝑦−5
g(4, –2) ( ) 2 + 𝑦 2 − 8( ) + 4𝑦 − 5 = 0
3 3
2 2
⇒ (4𝑦 − 5) + 9𝑦 − 24(4𝑦 − 5) + 36𝑦 − 45 = 0
T ⇒ 16𝑦 2 − 40𝑦 + 25 + 9𝑦 2 − 96𝑦 + 120 + 36𝑦 − 45 = 0
K p ⇒ 25𝑦 2 − 100𝑦 + 100 = 0
⇒ 𝑦 2 − 4𝑦 + 4 = 0
s ⇒ (𝑦 − 2)2 = 0 ⇒ 𝑦 = 2
𝟒𝒚−𝟓 𝟒(𝟐)−𝟓
⇒ 𝒙 = = = 1
𝟑 𝟑
⇒ point of intersection, s = (1, 2)

4+1 −2+2 5 5
To find equation of circle K Centre of K = p = mid-point of [𝑟𝑠] = ( , ) = ( , 0) ; radius of K =
2 2 2 2
5 2 5 25 25
Equation of K: (𝑥 − ) + (𝑦 − 0)2 = ( )2 ⇒ 𝑥 2 − 5𝑥 + + 𝑦2 =
2 2 4 4
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 = 0
(ii) To find equation of circle H
5
H is the image of K under the central symmetry in g. ∴ radius of H = radius of K =
2
5 𝟏𝟏
∴ q is the image of p under the central symmetry in g. p ( , 0)
2
→ g (4, –2) → q ( , –4)
𝟐
11 2 5 121 25
Equation of H: (𝑥 − ) + (𝑦 + 4)2 = ( )2 ⇒ 𝑥 2 − 11𝑥 + + 𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 + 16 =
2 2 4 4
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 11𝑥 + 8𝑦 + 40 = 0

To find equation of line M (see diagram)

3
Line M is parallel to line T and contains the point u (see diagram). ∴ Slope of M = slope of T = .
4
𝟏𝟏
u is the image of g under the central symmetry in q. g (4, –2) → q(
𝟐
, –4) → u (7, – 6)
∴ equation of M : 𝑦 − 𝑦1 = 𝑚 ( 𝑥 − 𝑥1 )
3
⇒ 𝑦 + 6 = (𝑥− 7)
4
⇒ 4 (𝑦 + 6) = 3( 𝑥 − 7)
⇒ 4𝑦 + 24 = 3𝑥 − 21
⇒ 3𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 45 = 0
Note: The common tangent, M can also be found using: M = C – H [Intersection of circles C and H]
2 2 2 2
∴ equation of M = (x + y – 8x + 4y – 5) – (x + y – 11x + 8y + 40) = 0
∴ equation of M = 3x – 4y – 45 = 0

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 POINTS TO REMEMBER
1) Check the formulae available on page 19 and page 9 of your Mathematical Tables and Formulae booklet.

2) Drawing a quick sketch/diagram can often be a great help with problems on the circle.
For accurate circles you have to make the gaps on each axis the same.

3) Realise that you may need a lot of your formulae from “the straight line” here (page 18 Tables).

𝟏
4) Length of arc of circle, 𝒍 = 𝒓 𝜽 (*) and area of sector 𝑨 = 𝟐 𝒓𝟐 𝜽 (*) [angle, 𝜃, is given in radians]
𝜃
(Also, 𝑙 = 360 (2𝜋𝑟) is used when the angle, 𝜃, is given in degrees.)
𝜃
(Also, the equation 𝐴 = 360 (𝜋𝑟 2 ) is used when the angle, 𝜃, is given in degrees.)

5) C: 𝒙2 + 𝒚2 = 𝒓2 (**) represents a circle of centre (0, 0) and radius 𝒓.

6) (𝒙 – 𝒉)2 + (𝒚 – 𝒌)2 = 𝒓2 (*) represents a circle of centre (𝒉, 𝒌) and radius 𝒓.

7) The equation of a circle should be of degree 𝟐, cannot have an 𝒙𝒚 term and coefficients of 𝑥 2 and 𝑦2
must be equal.

8) When the equation of a circle is given in the form: 𝒙2 + 𝒚2 + 𝟐𝒈𝒙 + 𝟐𝒇𝒚 + c = 𝟎 (*)
the centre of the circle is: (– g, – f) (*) and the radius is given by: 𝒓 = √𝒈𝟐 + 𝒇𝟐 − 𝒄 (*).

9) A point is inside a circle if its distance from the centre of the circle is less than the radius of the circle.

10) A point is on a circle if its distance from the centre of the circle is equal to the radius of the circle.

11) A point is outside a circle if its distance from the centre of the circle is greater than the radius of the circle.

12) Angles standing on the same arc of a circle are equal.

13) The angle at a circle standing on a diameter is a right angle.

14) A tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius drawn to the point of contact.

15) The angle at the centre of a circle is twice the angle at the circle, which is standing on the same arc.

16) In a cyclic quadrilateral, opposite angles add up to 180o.

17) A radius which is perpendicular to a chord of a circle bisects that chord.

18) A line drawn perpendicularly from the centre of a circle on to any chord will bisect that chord.

19) The tangent to the circle 𝒙2 + 𝒚2 = 𝒓2 at the point (𝒙1, 𝒚1) is given by 𝒙𝒙1 + 𝒚𝒚1 = 𝒓2 (not needed).

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20) The perpendicular distance from the centre of a circle to any tangent of that circle is equal to the radius.

21) The slope of a tangent will be the negative inverse of the slope of the radius to the circle at the point of
contact.

22) When finding the equation of two tangents from a given point outside a given circle, let m be the required slope
of the tangent, find the equation of the tangent in terms of m, and use the fact that the perpendicular distance
from the centre of the circle to the tangent is equal to the radius.

23) When solving equations using the equation 𝒙2 + 𝒚2 + 𝟐𝒈𝒙 + 𝟐𝒇𝒚 + 𝒄 = 𝟎, it is useful to know that

(i) if (0, 0) is on the circle, then c = 0

(ii) if the centre of the circle is on the x-axis, then f = 0; if the centre of the circle is on the y-axis, then g = 0

(iii) if the x-axis is a tangent to the circle, then r = |𝒇| ⇒ 𝒄 = 𝒈𝟐

(iv) if the y-axis is a tangent to the circle, then r = |𝒈| ⇒ 𝒄 = 𝒇𝟐

(v) if both axes are tangents to the circle, then r = |𝒈| = |𝒇| ⇒ 𝒄 = 𝒈𝟐 = 𝒇𝟐

(vi) if the centre of the circle lies on the line a𝒙 + b𝒚 + c = 0, then 𝑎(−𝑔) + 𝑏(−𝑓) + 𝑐 = 0 ⇒ 𝑎𝑔 + 𝑏𝑓 − 𝑐 = 0.

24) When circles touch externally, |𝒄𝟏 𝒄𝟐 | = 𝒓𝟏 + 𝒓𝟐 . (**)

25) When circles touch internally, |𝒄𝟏 𝒄𝟐 | = 𝒓𝟏 − 𝒓𝟐 , (**) where r1 is the radius of the bigger circle.

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