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Find+the+positive+value+for+α+if+the+radius+of+the+circle+3x^2+3y-6αx+12y-3α=0+is+4

User Cleverpaul
by
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1 Answer

1 vote

Answer:


\alpha=3

Explanation:

Equation of a Circle

A circle of radius r and centered on the point (h,k) can be expressed by the equation


(x-h)^2+(y-k)^2=r^2

We are given the equation of a circle as


3x^2+3y^2-6\alpha x+12y-3\alpha=0

Note we have corrected it by adding the square to the y. Simplify by 3


x^2+y^2-2\alpha x+4y-\alpha=0

Complete squares and rearrange:


x^2-2\alpha x+y^2+4y=\alpha


x^2-2\alpha x+\alpha^2+y^2+4y+4=\alpha+\alpha^2+4


(x-\alpha)^2+(y+2)^2=r^2

We can see that, if r=4, then


\alpha+\alpha^2+4=16

Or, equivalently


\alpha^2+\alpha-12=0

There are two solutions for
\alpha:


\alpha=-4,\ \alpha=3

Keeping the positive solution, as required:


\boxed{\alpha=3}

User Ryan Thames
by
5.1k points