A circle with centre C has equation x^2+8x+y^2-12y=12. The points P and Q lie on the circle. The origin is the midpoint of the chord PQ. Show that PQ has length nsqrt(3) , where n is an integer.

First complete the square for both x and y. Move all constants to the right hand side. The square root of this is the radius of the circle. The two constants in the completed square bracket show the x and y coordinate of the centre of the circle.
Now, using this information you know that both P and Q are the radius away from the centre. Work out the distance from the centre to the origin point. You now have two sides of a triangle (much easier to show with diagram and how much detail this part would need to be gone into depends on the level of the student). Use Pythagoras to find the distance PO and double this to find distance PQ.

Answered by Maths tutor

7909 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

A mass of 3kg rests on a rough plane inclined at 60 degrees to the horizontal. The coefficient of friction is 1/5. Find the force P acting parallel to the plane applied to the mass, in order to just prevent motion down the plane.


How do you find a turning point of a function using differentiation?


A stone, of mass m, falls vertically downwards under gravity through still water. At time t, the stone has speed v and it experiences a resistance force of magnitude lmv, where l is a constant.


how do integrate an equation with a surd or a fraction?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences