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

9804 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Factorise (x+3)(x-8)


find the gradient of the line y=2x^2-12x+16 at the coordinates (5,6)


Change the subject of the formula F=(t^2+4b)/c to b.


Sarah’s collection contains dresses, skirts and blouses. If the ratio of dresses to skirts is 7 to 4 and the ratio of skirts to blouses is 7 to 2, what is the ratio of dresses to blouses?


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