The line PQ is the diameter of a circle, where points P and Q have the coordinates (4,7) and (-8,3) respectively. Find the equation of the circle.

Start by using the formula d = sqrt((x2-x1)2+(y2-y1)2)Therefore, substituting in our coordinates from P and Q:Length PQ = sqrt((-8-4)2+(3-7)2)= sqrt((-12)2+(-4)2)= sqrt(160)= sqrt(16) x sqrt(10)= 4 sqrt(10).This is our value of the diameter, so we halve to get the radius.r = 2sqrt(10)The centre is found at the coordinates ((x1+x2)/2, (y1+y2)/2),Using our coordinates at P and Q again,the centre is ((4+(-8))/2, (7+3)/2), simplified to (-2, 5)The default equation of the circle where the centre is not at the origin takes the form (x-a)2+(y-b)2=r2, where a and b are the x and y coordinates for the centre of the circle and r is the radius. Now we simply plug these values from before in.(x+2)2+(y-5)2=4 sqrt(10)2Simplify to get:(x+2)2+(y-5)2= 40

Answered by Matt C. Maths tutor

9173 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Solve these simultaneous equations: 2x+y-5=0 and x^2-y^2=3


Use the formula 5p + 2q = t to find the value of q when p = 4 and t = 24. 6


If n is an integer prove (n+3)^(2)-n^(2) is never even.


Find the intersection points between the graphs y=2x+5 and y=x^2-9.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences