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Find the equation of the circle​

Find the equation of the circle​-example-1
User Olie
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1 Answer

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Explanation:

Let's say the coordinates of Q are (h, k).

The slope of PQ is perpendicular to the tangent line.

(k − 2) / (h − 2) = -⅓

3(k − 2) = -(h − 2)

3(k − 2) = 2 − h

Solving for h:

h = 2 − 3(k − 2)

h = 2 − 3k + 6

h = 8 − 3k

(2, 2) is a point on the circle, so:

(2 − h)² + (2 − k)² = r²

Substituting:

9 (k − 2)² + (2 − k)² = r²

10 (k − 2)² = r²

The equation of the circle is:

(x − 8 + 3k)² + (y − k)² = 10 (k − 2)²

Without more information, there are an infinite number of possible solutions. For example, if k = 1, the equation of the circle is:

(x − 5)² + (y − 1)² = 10

User SeattleOrBayArea
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