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The diameter of a circle has endpoints P(-12, -4) and Q(6, 12).

Write an equation for the circle. Be sure to show and explain all work.

User Erekalper
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1 Answer

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Answer:

(x +3)² +(y -4)² = 145

Explanation:

The center of the circle is the midpoint of the given segment PQ. If we call that point A, then ...

A = (P +Q)/2

A = ((-12, -4) +(6, 12))/2 = (-12+6, -4+12)/2 = (-6, 8)/2

A = (-3, 4)

The equation of the circle for some radius r is ...

(x -(-3))² +(y -4)² = r² . . . . . . where (-3, 4) is the center of the circle

The value of r² can be found by substituting either of the points on the circle. If we use Q, then we have ...

(6 +3)² +(12 -4)² = r² = 9² +8²

r² = 81 +64 = 145

Then the equation of the circle is ...

(x +3)² +(y -4)² = 145

The diameter of a circle has endpoints P(-12, -4) and Q(6, 12). Write an equation-example-1
User Jojodmo
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