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

9305 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

the first four terms in a sequence are 2, 6, 10, 14. what is the nth term? and what is the sum to n terms of the sequence?


Factorize the following expression and solve for x: X^2 +7X +10=0


Jay, Shelia & Harry share £7200 in the ratio 1:2:5. How much does Harry receive?


What is the simplified version of ( 2a+4a^2+3a)


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