How do you find the equation for a circle given center at (-1,-2) & passes through point (15,-2)?

1 Answer
Feb 1, 2016

(x+1)^2 +(y+2)^2 = 256

Explanation:

The standard form of a circle is (x-h)^2 + (y-k)^2 = r^2 where (h,k) is the centre and r is the radius.

This circle is therefore (x+1)^2 +(y+2)^2 = r^2

We can use the given point to find r but substitution.

(15+1)^2 +(-2+2)^2 = r^2

r^2 = 16^2 = 0
:. r= 16

The required equation is (x+1)^2 +(y+2)^2 = 256