How do you write the equation for a circle with center at (-5, 6) and diameter = 16?

1 Answer
May 11, 2016

(x+5)2+(y6)2=64

Explanation:

The general equation for a circle with center (a,b) and radius r is
XXX(xa)2+(yb)2=r2

We are told the center (a,b)=(5,6)
and that the diameter =16
which implies the radius is r=8

So we have
XXX(x(5))2+(y6)2=82
or
XXX(x+5)2+(y6)2=64

Here is the graph for (x+5)2+(y6)2=64
graph{(x+5)^2+(y-6)^2=64 [-20.35, 15.68, -3.46, 14.56]}