P (–1, 4) is a point on a circle, centre O which is at the origin. Work out the equation of the tangent to the circle at P. Give your answer in the form y = mx + c

A tangent makes an angle of 90 degrees with the radius of a circle.Using this fact, we find the gradient of the radius going through P = -4Therefore gradient of the tangent to the circle at P is -1/-4 = 1/4Then use equation for a straight line: y - y1 = m(x-x1) where x1 and y1 are the x and y coordinates of P respectively (-1,4)So we get that y = (1/4) x + 17/4

CG
Answered by Charlie G. Maths tutor

9797 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve these simultaneous equations. 5x + 2y = 20 and x + 4y = 13.


Solve 4(x-5)=3x-6


Solve the simultaneous equations: 2x + y = 18, x - y = 6


Solve simultaneously 2x-y=2, 3x+2y=17 to calculate values of x and y.


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