How do you write the equation for a circle with center (-1, -3) and passing through (-2, 0)?

1 Answer
Apr 30, 2016

(x+1)^2+(y+3)^2=10(x+1)2+(y+3)2=10

Explanation:

Recall that the general formula for a circle is:

color(blue)(|bar(ul(color(white)(a/a)(x-a)^2+(y-b)^2=r^2color(white)(a/a)|)))

where
x=x-coordinate
y=y-coordinate
a=x-coordinate of circle's centre
b=y-coordinate of circle's centre
r=radius

Using the formula, substitute the circle's centre, (-1,-3).

(x+1)^2+(y+3)^2=r^2

Plug in the point, (-2,0).

(-2+1)^2+(0+3)^2=r^2

Solve for r.

r=sqrt((-2+1)^2+(0+3)^2)

r=sqrt(1+9)

r=sqrt(10)

Rewrite the equation.

(x+1)^2+(y+3)^2=(sqrt(10))^2

color(green)(|bar(ul(color(white)(a/a)color(black)((x+1)^2+(y+3)^2=10)color(white)(a/a)|)))