15.1k views
3 votes
If (2,-7) and (8,15) are the endpoints of a diameter of a circle, what is the equation of the circle

User Iankit
by
5.3k points

1 Answer

7 votes

To answer this, we need to know 2 things: the radius, and the center.

Let's start with the radius. Since the radius is half the diameter, we need to get the distance between the two given points. We do that with the distance formula: d = √((x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2)

Using the coordinates from the points, we can substitute to make it:

d = √((8 - 2)^2 + (15 - -7)^2)

Now, we simplify

d = √(6^2 + 22^2)

d = √(36 + 484)

d = √520

d = 2√130

So, we know the diameter is 2√130, meaning the radius is √130.

Now, to find the center, we use (x1 + x2)/2, (y1 + y2)/2 for the coordinates.

Again, we can substitute.

(2 + 8)/2, (-7 + 15)/2

10/2, 8/2

5, 4

Now we know the center is (5, 4).

Finally, we can find the equation using (x – h)^2 + (y – k)^2 = r^2

(x - 5)^2 + (y - 4)^2 = 130

User Jon Combe
by
5.4k points