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Circle Equations and Properties

Jul 2, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the basics of circles within the conic sections, focusing on definitions, standard equations, and finding the equation of a circle given its center and radius.

Conic Sections Overview

  • A conic section is formed by the intersection of a plane and a cone.
  • Four types of conic sections exist, but the focus here is on circles.

Definition of a Circle

  • A circle consists of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a fixed point called the center.
  • The constant distance from the center to any point on the circle is called the radius.

Standard Form Equation of a Circle

  • The standard form is: ((x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2), where (h, k) is the center and r is the radius.
  • If the center is at the origin (0, 0), the equation simplifies to (x^2 + y^2 = r^2).

Example Problems

  • Center at (0,0), radius 5: Equation is (x^2 + y^2 = 25).
  • Center at (0,3), radius 6: Equation is (x^2 + (y-3)^2 = 36).
  • Center at (2,-5), radius 10: Equation is ((x-2)^2 + (y+5)^2 = 100).
  • Center at (1,5), radius (\sqrt{17}): Equation is ((x-1)^2 + (y-5)^2 = 17).
  • Center at (0,0), radius 8 ((r^2)=64): Equation is (x^2 + y^2 = 64).
  • Center at (0,0), radius (\sqrt{19}): Equation is (x^2 + y^2 = 19).
  • Center at (0,2), radius 7 ((r^2)=49): Equation is (x^2 + (y-2)^2 = 49).
  • Center at (-7,5), radius (2\sqrt{14}) ((r^2)=56): Equation is ((x+7)^2 + (y-5)^2 = 56).

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Circle — set of all points equidistant from a fixed center point.
  • Center (h, k) — the fixed point equidistant to every point on the circle.
  • Radius (r) — constant distance from the center to any point on the circle.
  • Standard Form — ((x-h)^2 + (y-k)^2 = r^2), the general equation of a circle.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice writing equations of circles given different centers and radii.
  • Review notes on the standard form of the circle equation.