Find an equation of the circle with centre C(5, -3) that passes through the point A(-2, 1) in the form (x-a)^2 + (y-b)^2 = k

step 1 remember than the a and b terms locate the centre of the circle on the axis so we can substitute in the centre values for a and b. (x-5)^2 + (y-(-3))^2 = k. (x-5)^2 + (y+3)^2 = k.

Step 2. k is a constnat representing the radius squared. calculate the radius of the circle using pythaogras. distance from centre to point A in the x direction is 5-(-2)=7. distance from centre to point B in the y direction is 1-(-3)= 4. using pythagoras we know that A^2=B^2 + C^2. this means the radius^2 = X distance^2 + Y distance^2.
so r^2 = 7^2 + 4^2. r^2 = 49+16=65.

Step 3. putting both centre component and radius together we obtain (x-5)^2 + (y+3)^2 = 65. This is the equation of the circle.

TW
Answered by Tim W. Maths tutor

5354 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Differentiate y=(4x^2-1)^3


A particle A of mass 0.1kg is moving at a speed of 1.5m/s to the right. It collides with a particle B of mass 0.3kg moving at a speed of 1.1m/s to the right. Calculate change in momentum of particle A if particle B has a speed of 1.4m/s after collision.


Solve the inequality x^2 - 9 > 0


A block of mass 5kg is on a rough slope inclined at an angle of 30 degrees to the horizontal, it is at the point of sliding down the slope. Calculate the coefficient of friction between the block and the slope.


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