How do you find the equation of a line at a given point that is tangent to a circle?

This question may start by giving you an equation, which you need to write in the form of the standard equation of a circle (usually by completing the square). This allows you to see the centre of the circle. As you now have two coordinates you can work out the gradient of the line between the centre of the circle and the given point on the circumference. As this line is perpendicular to the tangent on the circle, the gradient is the negative reciprocal. Now you know the gradient of the tangent and a point it crosses through, you can find the equation of the line by substituting these values into the standard equation of a line y=mx+c

TW
Answered by Tom W. Maths tutor

4763 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Find the equation of the tangent line to the graph of y=2x^4-7x^3+x^2+3x when x=5


How can I recognise when to use a particular method for finding an integral?


Write down two reasons for using statistical models


Find the binomial expansion of ((x^2) − 5)^3


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning