Work out the equation of the tangent to a circle of centre [0,0] at the point [4,3]

We know that: (1) the radius of the circle to the point [4,3] is perpendicular to the tangent line, (2) if two lines are perpendicular, their gradients are negative reciprocals of each other, and (3) the formula for a straight line is y = mx + c. The radius gradient is equal to 3/4, so the tangent gradient is -4/3. Substituting m, y and x at [4,3] into the straight line formula gives c as 25/3. Therefore, the equation of this tangent line is y = (-4/3)x + (25/3).

JS
Answered by Jamie S. Maths tutor

7979 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

If 3(x+2) = 4, what is x?


If a rectangle has length (x-4), width (x-5) and area 12 then what is the value of x?


Jason and Mary leave their houses at the same time. They travel towards each other, Mary at 20km/h and Jason at 15km/h. They pass each other after an hour and a half. What was the original distance between them when they started?


expand out the bracket (2m - 3)(m + 1).


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning