A circle has equation x^{2}-8x+y^{2}-6y=d. A line is tangent to this circle and passes through points A and B, (0,17) and (17,0) respectively. Find the radius of the circle.

Gradient of line: (0-17)/(17-0)= -1 equation of line: y-y1=m(x-x1) y-17=-1(x-0) y=17-x equation of circle: (x-4)2+(y-3)2-25=d (completing the square) (x-4)2+(y-3)2=d+25 Substitute equation of line into equation of circle:(x-4)2+(17-x-3)2=d+25, 2x2-36x+(187-d)=0 As the line is tangential to the circle, we want there to be one solution of x to this quadratic, and hence need discriminant to equal 0, (-36)2-(4)(2)(187-d)=0 8d=200 d=25=> (x-4)2+(y-3)2=50 and equation of circle is of form (x-a)2+(y-b)2=r2Thus, r2= 50 and radius of circle is square root 50

AH
Answered by Amirali H. Further Mathematics tutor

2528 Views

See similar Further Mathematics GCSE tutors

Related Further Mathematics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

l1 and l2 are tangents of a circle. l1 intersects the circle at (3-√3,5) with a gradient of √3, and l2 intersects the circle at (3+√2,4+√2) with a gradient of -1. Find the centre of the circle, and hence find the radius of the circle.


To differentiate a simple equation: y= 4x^3 + 7x


Solving equations with unknown in both sides


Solve x^(-1/4) = 0.2


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