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SYSTEM OF CIRCLES

Theorem:

If d is the distance between the centers of two intersecting circles with radii r1, r2 and θ is the
d 2 − r12 − r22
angle between the circles then cos θ = .
2r1r2

Proof:

Let C1, C2 be the centre s of the two circles S = 0, S′ = 0 with radii r1, r2 respectively. Thus
C1C2 = d. Let P be a point of intersection of the two circles. Let PB, PA be the tangents of the
circles S = 0, S′ = 0 respectively at P.

P
θ
C1 C2
A B

S=0 S′=0

Now PC1 = r1, PC2 = r2, ∠APB = θ

Since PB is a tangent to the circle S = 0, ∠C1PB = π/2

Since PA is a tangent to the circle S′ = 0, ∠C2PA = π/2

Now ∠C1PC2 = ∠C1PB + ∠C2PA – ∠APB= π/2 + π/2 – θ = π – θ

From ∆C1PC2, by cosine rule,

C12 C 22 = PC12 + PC 22 − 2PC1 ⋅ PC 2 cos ∠C1PC 2 ⇒ d 2 = r12 + r22 − 2r1r2 cos( π − θ) ⇒ d 2 = r12 + r22 + 2r1r2 cos θ

d 2 − r12 − r22
⇒ 2r1r2 cos θ = d 2
− r12 − r22 ⇒ cos θ =
2r1r2

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Corollary:

If θ is the angle between the circles x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, x2 + y2 + 2g′′x + 2f′′y + c′′= 0
c + c′ − 2(gg′ + ff ′)
then cos θ = .
2 g 2 + f 2 − c g′2 + f ′2 − c′

Proof:

Let C1, C2 be the centre s and r1, r2 be the radii of the circles S = 0, S′ = 0 respectively and C1C2 = d.

∴ C1 = (–g, –f), C2 = (–g′, –f′),

r1 = g 2 + f 2 − c, r2 = g′2 + f ′2 − c′

d 2 − r12 − r22 (g − g′) + (f − f ′) − (g + f − c) − (g′ + f ′ − c′)

2 2 2 2 2 2
Now cos θ = =
2r1r2 2 g 2 + f 2 − c g′2 + f ′2 − c′

g 2 + g′2 − 2gg′ + f 2 + f ′2 − 2ff ′ − g 2 − f 2 + c − g′2 − f ′2 + c′

=
2 g 2 + f 2 − c g′2 + f ′2 − c′

c + c′ − 2(gg′ + ff ′)
=
2 g 2 + f 2 − c g′2 + f ′2 − c′

Note: Let d be the distance between the centers of two intersecting circles with radii r1, r2. The two
circles cut orthogonally if d 2 = r12 + r22 .

Note: The condition that the two circles

S ≡ x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, S′′≡ x2 + y2 + 2g′′x + 2f′′y + c′′=0 may cut each other orthogonally
is 2gg′′ + 2ff′′ = c + c′′.

Proof: Let C1, C2 be the centers and r1, r2 be the radii of the circles S = 0, S′ = 0 respectively.

∴ C1 = (–g, –f), C2 = (–g′, –f′)

r1 = g 2 + f 2 − c, r2 = g′2 + f ′2 − c′

Let P be point of intersection of the circles.

The two circles cut orthogonally at P

⇔∠C1PC2 =900.
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⇒ C1C 22 = C1P 2 + C 2 P 2 ⇔ (g − g ′) 2 + (f − f ′) 2 = r12 + r22

⇔ g 2 + g′2 − 2gg′ + f 2 + f ′2 − 2ff ′ = g 2 + f 2 − c + g′2 + f ′2 + c′

⇔ − (2gg ′ + 2ff ′) = −(c + c′) ⇒ 2gg ′ + 2ff ′ = c + c′

Note:
1. The equation of the common chord of the intersecting circles s= 0 and s1=0 is s-s1 =0.

2. The equation of the common tangent of the touching circles s= 0 and s1=0 is s-s1 =0

3. If the circle s=0 and the line L =0 are intersecting then the equation of the circle passing through
the points of intersection of s=0 and L=0 is S+ λ L =0.

4. The equation of the circle passing through the point of intersection of S=0 and S1 =0 is
S+ λ S1 =0.

Theorem: The equation of the radical axis of the circles S= 0, S′ = 0 is S – S′ = 0.

Theorem: The radical axis of two circles is perpendicular to their line of centers.
Proof:

Let S ≡ x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, S′≡ x2 + y2 + 2g′x + 2f′y + c′= 0 be the given circles.

The equation of the radical axis is S – S′ = 0

⇒ 2(g − g′)x + 2(f − f ′)y + (c − c′) = 0

⇒ a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 where

a1 = 2(g – g′), b1 = 2(f – f′), c1 = c – c′

The centers of the circles are (–g,–f), (–g′,–f′)

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The equation to the line of centers is:

(x + g)(f – f′) = (y + f)(g – g′)

⇒ (f − f ′)x − (g − g′)y − gf ′ + fg′ = 0

⇒ a2x + b2y + c2 = 0 where

a2 = f – f′, b2 = – (g – g′), c2 = fg′ – gf′

Now a1a2+b1b2=2(g – g′)(f–f′)–2(f–f′)(g –g′) = 0.

Very Short Answer Questions

1. Find ‘k’ if the following pair of circles are orthogonal.

i) x2+y2 + 2by-k = 0, x2+y2+2ax+8=0
Sol. Given circles are x2+y2 + 2by-k = 0, x2+y2+2ax+8=0
From above equations g1 = 0; f1 =b; c1 k
g2 = a; f1 = 0; c1= 8
Since the circles are orthogonal,
2g1g2 + 2f1 f2 = c1 + c2
2(0) (a) + 2(b) (0) k+8
0=-k+8

ii) x2 + y2 + 6x – 8y + 12 = 0;
x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y + k = 0
Ans.

2 Find the angle between the circles given by the equations

i) x2 + y2 – 12x – 6y + 41 = 0; x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y – 59 = 0
Sol. x2 + y2 – 12x – 6y + 41 = 0
Centre C1= (6, 3) radius r1 = {36 + 9 - 41}1/2 =2
x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y – 59 = 0, then centre C2 = (-2,-3)
Radius r2= {4 + 9 - 59}1/2 = {72}1/2 = 6

C 1 C2 = d =

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Let θ be the angle between the circles, then = = =

θ=
ii) x2 + y2 + 6x – 10y – 135 = 0; x2 + y2 – 4x + 14y – 116 = 0.
Ans. θ =

3. Show that the angle between the circles x2 + y2 = a3 and x2 + y2 = ax is

Sol. Equations of the circles are

S = x2 + y2 – a2 = 0,
S1 = x2 + y2 – ax – ay = 0
a a
C1 (0, 0), C2  2 , 2 
2 2
 a  a
C1C =  0 − 2  + 0 − 
 2

+ = = d2

r1 = a, r2 = = =

= = = = cos Therefore, θ =

4. Show that circles given by the following equations intersect each other orthogonally.
i). x2 + y2 + 6x – 8y + 12 = 0; x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y + k = 0
Sol. Given circles are
x2 + y2 + 6x – 8y + 12 = 0; x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y + k = 0from above circles,
g 1, f 1, c 7 , g1 = , f1 = ; c1 = 0. Therefore, c + c1 7+0

−4 − 21
2gg1 + 2ff1= -2(-1)   + 2 (-1)
29 8 29
= - = 7
 3  6 3 3 3
Therefore, 2gg1 + 2ff1 = c + c1
Hence the given circles cut each other orthogonally.
Hence both the circles cut orthogonally.

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ii) x2 + y2 + 2lx + 4 = 0; x2 + y2 + 2my - g = 0

Sol. Given circles x2 + y2 + 2lx + 4 = 0; x2 + y2 + 2my - g = 0 from these equations,
g1 = - l; f1 = 0, c1 = g, g2 = 0, f2 = m, c2 = - g
Now 2g1g2 + 2f1f2 = c1 + c2
2(-l) (0) + 2(0) (m) = g – g
0=0 Two circles are orthogonal.

5. Find the equation of the radical axis of the following circles.

i) x2 + y2 – 3x – 4y + 5 = 0, 3(x2 + y2) – 7x + 8y + 11 = 0

Sol. let S ≡ x2 + y2 – 3x – 4y + 5 = 0

7 8 11
S' = x 2 + y 2 – x + y + = 0
3 3 3

Radical axis is S – S′ = 0

(x2 + y2 – 3x – 4y + 5) –  x 2 + y 2 − x + y +  = 0
7 8 11
 3 3 3

2 20 4
− x − y + = 0 ⇒ x + 10y − 2 = 0
3 3 3

ii) x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y + 1 = 0, x2 + y2 + 4x + y = 0. Ans. 2x – 3y + 1 = 0

iii) x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y – 7 = 0,4(x2 + y2) + 8x + 12y – 9 = 0. Ans. 8x + 12y – 19 = 0

iv) x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 1 = 0, x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y + 5 = 0 Ans. x + y – 3 = 0

6. Find the equation of the common chord of the following pair of circles.

i) x2 + y2 – 4x – 4y + 3 = 0, x2 + y2 – 5x – 6y + 4 = 0

Sol. S= x2 + y2 – 4x – 4y + 3 = 0

S1= x2 + y2 – 5x – 6y + 4 = 0

Common chord is S – S′ = 0

(x2 + y2 – 4x – 4y + 3)–(x2 + y2 – 5x–6y+4) = 0

x + 2y – 1 = 0

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Short Answer Questions

1 Find the equation of the circle which passes through the origin and intersects the circles
given by the following equations orthogonally.

i) x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y + 10 = 0, x2 + y2 + 12y + 6 = 0
Sol. Let equation of the circle be
x2+ y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ----(1)
Above circle is passing through (0, 0)
0+0+0+0+c = 0 c=0.
Circle (1) is orthogonal to
x2+ y2 – 4x + 67 + 10 = 0 then
2gg1 + 2ff1 = c + c1
2g (-2) + 2f (3) = 0 + 10
-4g + 6f = 10 ----- (2)
Circle (1) is orthogonal to
x2+ y2 + 12y + 6 = 0
2g (0) + 2f (6) = 6 + 0

12f = 6------ (3) ⇒ f =

From (2) and (3),

-4g + 6 = 10

-4g = 10 – 3 ⇒ g = -

Equation of circle is

x2 + y2 - x + y = 0 ⇒ 2x2 + 2y2 –7x + 2y = 0.

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2. Find the equation of the circle which passes through the point (0, -3) and intersects the
circles given by the equations x2 + y2–6x+3y+5 = 0, x2+ +y2– x – 7y = 0 orthogonally.
Sol. Let circle be
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0-------(1)

(1) is orthogonal to x2 + y2–6x+3y+5 = 0

 +3 
2g(–3) + 2f  =c+5
 2 

–6g + 3f = c + 5----------- (2)

(1) is orthogonal to x2 + y2 – x – 7y = 0

+1 +7
2g   + 2f   = c
 2  2

–g –7f = c ---- (3)

Given (1) is passing through (0, –3)
0 + 9 – 6f + c = 0
(3) – (2)
5g – 10f = – 5 ⇒ g – 2f = – 1
(iii) + (iv)
9 – g – 13f = 0 ⇒ g + 13f = 9
g – 2f = –1
15f = 10

f = ⇒ g = 2. – 1 ⇒ g = +

⇒ 9 – 6. + c = 0⇒ c = – 5

Therefore, equations of the circles are

x2 + y2 + y + x–5=0

(Or) 3x2 + 3y2 + 2x + 4y – 15 = 0

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(3) Find the equation of the circle passing through the origin, having its centre on the line
x + y = 4 and intersecting the circle x2 + y2 – 4x + 2y + 4 = 0 orthogonally?
Sol. Let S= x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
S=0 is passing through (0, 0)
0 + 0 + 2g.0 + 2f.0 + c = 0 c=0
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy = 0
Centre (-g,-f) is on x + y = 4
– g – f = 4------------ (1)
S=0 is orthogonal to
x2 + y2 – 4x + 2y + 4 = 0
–4g + 2f = 4 + 0
f – 2g = 2 -------(2)
Solving (1) and (2) we get
– 3g = 6 ⇒ g = –2
f = –2
Equation of circle is x2 + y2 – 4 x – 4y = 0

4. Find the equation of the circle which passes through the points (2, 0), (0, 2) and
orthogonal to the circle 2x2 + 2y2 + 5x – 6y + 4 = 0
Sol. Let S= x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
S=0 is passing through (2, 0), (0, 2),
4 + 0 + 4g + c = 0 ---- (1)
And 0 + 4 + 4f + c = 0 ----- (2)
(1) –(2) f-g =0

S=0 is orthogonal to x2 + y2 + x – y + 2 = 0

 5  3
2g   + 2 f  −  = 2 + c
 4  2

g – 3f = 2 + c

But g = f ⇒ g – 3g = 2 +c

⇒ – g = 4 + 2c
Putting value of g in equation (1)
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–16–8c + c = –4 ⇒ c = –

⇒ –g 4 – =+

Equation of the circle is

⇒ 7(x2 + y2) – 8x – 8y – 12 = 0

(5) Find the equation of the circle which cuts orthogonally the circle x2 + y2 – 4x + 2y – 7 = 0
and having centre at (2, 3)
Sol. Given circle is
x2 + y2 – 4x + 2y – 7 = 0 -----(1)
Let the required circle be
S=x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
Centre (–g, –f) = (2,3) given
g = –2, f = – 3
Circles (1) and S=0 are cutting each other orthogonally.
2gg1 + 2ff1 = c + c1
2(–2) (–2) + 2(–3) (1) = – 7 + c
⇒ 8 – 6 = – 7 + c⇒ + 2 = – 7 + c

c=7+2=9⇒c=9
Hence the required circle is,
x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y + 9 = 0

6. Find the equation of the common tangent of the following circles at their point of contact.

i) x2 + y2 + 10x – 2y + 22 = 0, x2 + y2 + 2x – 8y + 8 = 0.

Sol. S=x2 + y2 + 10x – 2y + 22 = 0

Centre A = (-5, 1), radius r1 = 2

S’= x2 + y2 + 2x – 8y + 8 = 0.

Centre B = (-1, 4) radius r2 = 3

AB = 16 + 9 = 5

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Therefore AB =5 = 3+2 = r1+r2.

Given circles touch each other externally.

When circles touch each other, their common tangent is S – S′ = 0

∴ (x2 + y2 + 10x – 2y + 22) – (x2 + y2 + 2x – 8y + 8) = 0

8x + 6y +14 = 0 (or) 4x + 3y + 7 = 0

ii) x2 + y2 – 8y – 4 = 0, x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y = 0.

Ans. x – 2y – 2 = 0

7. Show that the circles x2 + y2 – 8x – 2y + 8 = 0 and x2 + y2 – 2x + 6y + 6 = 0 touch each other

and find the point of contact?

Sol. S = x2 + y2 – 8x – 2y + 8 = 0

C1 = (4, 1) ; r1 = 16 + 1 − 8 = 3

S1= x2 + y2 – 2x + 6y + 6 = 0

C2 = (1, –3), r2 = 1 + 9 − 6 = 2

C1C2 = (4 − 1)2 + (1 + 3)2 = 5

r1 + r2 = C1 + C2 they touch each other externally

The point of contact divides the centre of circles in the ratio r1: r2 internally.

Point of contact is

 3(1) + 2(4) 3( −3) + 2(1) 

= ,  = (11 / 5, −7 / 5 )
 3+ 2 3+ 2 

11 −7 
∴ Point of contact is  , .
5 5 

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8. If the two circles x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy = 0 and x2 + y2 + 2g′′x + 2f′′y = 0 touch each other then
show that f′′g = fg′′.

Sol. S = x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy = 0

Centre C1 = (–g, –f), radius r1 = g 2 + f 2

S1= x2 + y2 + 2g′x + 2f′y = 0

C2 = (–g′, –f′), r2 = g′2 + f ′2

Given circles are touching circles,

∴ C1 C2 = r 1 + r 2
2 2
⇒ (C1C2) = (r1 + r2)

(g′ − g)2 + (f ′ − f )2 = g 2 + f 2 + g′2 + f ′2 + 2 g 2 + f 2 g′2 + f ′2

−2(gg′ + ff ′) = 2{g 2g′2 + f 2f ′2 + g 2f ′2 + f 2g′2}1/2

⇒ (gg′ + ff ′) = g g′ + f f ′ + g f ′ + f g′
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

g 2g′2 + f 2f ′2 + 2gg′ff ′ = g 2g′2 + f 2f ′2 + g 2f ′2 + f 2g′2

⇒ 2gg′ff ′ = g 2 f ′2 + f 2g′2
⇒ g 2f ′2 + f 2g′2 − 2gg′ff ′ = 0
⇒ (gf ′ − fg′) 2 = 0 ⇒ gf ′ = fg′

9. Find the radical centre of the following circles

i) x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y + 5 = 0, x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 1 = 0, x2 + y2 – 6x – 2y = 0

Sol. Given circles

S =x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y + 5 = 0

S’=x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 1 = 0

S”=x2 + y2 – 6x – 2y = 0

Radical axis 0f S =0 And S’=0 is S-S’ =0

⇒ –2x – 2y + 6 = 0

⇒ x+y–3=0 … (1)

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R.A. of S’=0 and S” =0 is S’ –S” =0

⇒ 4x – 2y – 1 = 0 … (2)

Solving (1) and (2),

11
x = 7/6, y =
6

Radical centre is (7/6, 11/6).

ii) x2 + y2 + 4x – 7 = 0, 2x2 + 2y2 + 3x + 5y – 9 =0, x2 + y2 + y = 0.

Ans. P (2, 1)

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Long Answer Questions

1 Find the equation of the circle which intersects the circle

x2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 3 = 0 orthogonally and passes through the point (3, 0) and touches the
Y–axis.
Sol. Let (h, k) be the centre of the circle.
Since the circle is touching the y axis, therefore radius is |h|

Therefore equation of the circle is

(x – h)2 + (y – k)2 = h2

S = x2 – 2hx + y2 -2ky +k2 = 0

S=0 is Passing through (3, 0),

2
⇒ 9 – 6h + k = 0 –– (i)

S=0 is Orthogonal to x2 + y2 – 6x+ 4y–3=0

2
⇒ 2(–h) (–3)+2(–k) (2) = – 3 + k

2
⇒ 6h – 4k = – 3 + k

2
⇒ 6h–4k +3–k =0----- (2)

(1) + (2) ⇒ 12 – 4k = 0 ⇒ k = 3
⇒ h = 3,
Equation of circle be
y2 + x2 – 6x –6y + 9 = 0

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(2) Find the equation of the circle which cuts the circles x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y + 11 = 0,
x2 + y2 – 10x – 4y + 21 = 0 orthogonally and has the diameter along the straight line
2x + 3y = 7.
Sol. Let circle be S = x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
S=0 is Orthogonal to x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y + 11 = 0, x2 + y2 – 10x – 4y + 21 = 0
⇒ 2g (–2) +2f(–3) = 11 + c –––– (1)
⇒ 2g (–5) +2f(–2) = 21 + c –––– (2)
(1) –(2) ⇒ –6g +2f = 10–––– (3)
Centre (-g,-f) is on 2x + 3y = 7,
–2g –3f = 7 –––– (4)
Solving (3) and (4)
f = –1, g = -2,
Sub. These values in (1), then c = 3
Equation of circle x2 + y2 – 4x –2y +3 = 0

3) If P,Q are conjugate points with respect to a circle S x2 + y2 + 2gx+ 2fy + c = 0 then
prove that the circle PQ as diameter cuts the circles S = 0 orthogonally.
Sol. Equation of the circle is
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
Let P = (x1,y1) , Q (x2,y2) be the conjugate
Points w.r.t. the circle S=0.
Since P = (x1,y1) , Q (x2,y2) are conjugate points, S12 =0.
⇒ x1x2+ y1y2+g(x1+x2)+f(y1+y2)+c=0
⇒ x1x2+ y1y2 +c= - g(x1+x2)-f(y1+y2)----(1)
Equation of the circle on PQ as diameter is (x-x1) (x-x2) + (y-y1) (y-y2) = 0
1 2 2
⇒ S = x + y –(x1+x2) x –(y1+y2) y + (x1x2+y1y2) = 0.
Given S=0 and S1 =0 are orthogonal,
2 g1g2 + 2f1f2
=

= -g(x1+x2)-f (y1+y2) = x1x2 + y1y2 +c

And C +c1 =x1x2 + y1y2 +c

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2g1 g2 + 2f1 f2 = C +c1

Hence circles are orthogonal to each other.

4) If the equation of two circles whose radii are a, a1 be S = 0, S1=0, then show that the circles
will interest orthogonally.

5) Find the equation of the circle which intersects each of the following circles orthogonally
x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y + 1 = 0; x2 + y2 - 2x + 6y - 3 = 0; 2x2 + 2y2 + 6x + 8y - 3 = 0
Sol. Let equation of circle be
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
This circle is orthogonal to
x2 + y2 + 2x+ 4y + 1 = 0; x2 + y2 - 2x +6y - 3 = 0; x2+ y2 + 3x + 4y – 3/2 = 0
2g (1) + 2f(2) = c + 1 -(i)
2g + 2f(2) = c - - (ii)

2g (-1) +2f(3) = c – 3 - (iii)

(iii) – (i)
-5g + 2f = (or) – 10g + 4f = -3 – (iv)

(iii) – (i)
- 4g +2f = -4
F – 2g = -2
Solving (iv) and (v) we get
F = -7, g = - 5/2, c = -34
Equation of circle be
x2 + y2 – 5x –14y - 34 = 0
ii) x2 + y2 + 4x + 2y + 1 = 0;
2x2 + 2y2 + 8x +6y - 3 = 0;
x2 + y2 + 6x – 2y - 3 = 0.
Ans. x2 + y2 – 5y – 14x - 34 = 0

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6) If the Straight line 2x + 3y = 1 intersects the circle x2 + y2 = 4 at the points A and B. Find the
equation of the circle having AB as diameter.
Sol. Circle is S = x2 + y2 = 4
Equation of the line is L = 2x + 3y = 1 Equation of circle passing through S=0 and L=0 is
S+ λ L =0
2 2
⇒ (x + y – 4) + (2x + 3y – 1) = 0
2 2
⇒x + y + 2 + 3 y – 4- = 0

⇒ Center

Centre lies on 2x + 3y – 1 = 0
⇒ 2(- ) + 3 -1=0

Equation of circle be
13 (x2 + y2)-4 x 13 – 2(2x + 3y -1) = 0
13 (x2 + y2) - 4x – 6y - 50 = 0.

7) If x + y = 3 is the equation of the chord AB of the circle x2 + y2 - 2x + 4y - 8 = 0, Find the

equation of the circle having AB as diameter.
Ans. x2 + y2 - 6x + 4 = 0

8) Find the equation of the circle passing through the intersection of the circles x2 + y2 = 2ax
and x2 + y2 = 2by and having its center on the line

Sol. S =x2 + y2 = 2ax

S1 = x2 + y2 = 2by
Equation of circle passes through the point of intersected of S = 0 and S1 = 0 can be
Written as S+ S1 = 0
2 2 2 2
⇒ x + y - 2ax + (x + y - 2by) = 0
2
⇒ x (1+ + y2 (1+ + x(-2a) – (2b
2 2
⇒x + y -

Centre C =

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Centre is a point on

⇒ ⇒ 1– = 2(1 +

⇒ = - 1/3
Equation of circle be
3x2 + 3y2 - 6ax -x2 - y2 + 2by = 0
⇒ 2x2 + 2y2 - 6ax + 2by = 0
⇒x2 + y2 - 3ax+by = 0.

9. Show that the common chord of the circles

x2 + y2 – 6x – 4y + 9 = 0 and x2 + y2 – 8x – 6y + 23 = 0 is the diameter of the second circle
also and find its length.

Sol. S =x2 + y2 – 6x – 4y + 9 = 0, S’ = x2 + y2 – 8x – 6y + 23 = 0

Common chord is S-S” =0

2 2 2 2
⇒ (x +y – 6x – 4y+9) – (x +y –8x–6y+23) = 0

⇒ 2x + 2y – 14 = 0

⇒ x + y – 7 = 0 … (i)

Centre of circle (4, 3)

Substituting (4, 3) in x + y – 7 =0,

We get 4+3-7 =0 ⇒ 0=0.

(i) is a diameter of S’ =0.

Radius is 42 + 32 – 23 = 2 ⇒ diameter =2 2

10. Find the equation and the length of the common chord of the following circles.

i) x2 +y2 +2x+2y + 1 = 0, x2 +y2 +4x +3y + 2 = 0

Sol. S = x2 +y2 +2x+2y + 1 = 0,

S’=x2 +y2 +4x +3y + 2 = 0

Equation of common chord is

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S – S′ = 0

(x2 + y2 + 2x+2y+1) – (x2 +y2 +4x +3y+2) = 0

–2x – y – 1 = 0 ⇒ 2x + y + 1 = 0

Centre of S =0 is (–1, –1)

Radius = 1 + 1 − 1 = 1

Length of ⊥ from centre (–1,–1) to the chord is

2(−1) + (−1) + 1 2
d= =
22 + 12 5

O
d 1
A C B
AB=2BC

4 2
length of the chord = 2 r 2 − d 2 = 2 1 − =
5 5

ii) x2 + y2 – 5x – 6y + 4 = 0, x2 + y2 – 2x – 2 = 0

14
Ans. 2
5

11. Prove that the radical axis of the circles x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 and

x2 + y2 + 2g′′x + 2f′′y + c′′ = 0 is the diameter of the later circle (or) former bisects the
circumference of later) if 2g′′(g – g′′) + 2f′′(f – f′′) = c – c′′.

Sol. S = x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0

S1= x2 + y2 + 2g′x + 2f′y + c′ = 0

Radical axis is S – S′ = 0

(x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c) – (x2 + y2 + 2g′x + 2f′y + c′) = 0

2(g – g′)x + 2(f – f′)y + c – c′ = 0 …(i)

Centre of second circle is (–g′, –f′)

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Radius = g′2 + f ′2 − c′

Now (–g′, –f′) should lie on (i)

∴ –2g (g – g′) – 2f′(f – f′) + c – c′ = 0

Or 2g (g – g′) + 2f′(f – f′) = c – c′

12. Show that the circles x2 + y2 + 2ax + c = 0 and x2 + y2 + 2by + c = 0 touch each other if
1/a2 + 1/b2 = 1/c.

Sol. S=x2 + y2 + 2ax + c = 0

S1= x2 + y2 + 2by + c = 0

The centre of the circles C1 (–a, 0) and C2 (0, –b) respectively.

Radius r1 = a 2 − c , r2 = b2 − c

Given circles are touching circles,

⇒ C1 C2 = r 1 + r 2
2 2
⇒ (C1C2) = (r1 + r2)

⇒ (a + b ) = a – c + b – c + 2 a 2 − c b 2 − c
2 2 2 2

⇒ c = a 2 − c b2 − c
⇒ c2 = (a 2 − c)(b 2 − c)
⇒ c2 = −c(a 2 + b 2 ) + a 2 b 2 + c2

1 1 1
⇒ c(a + b ) = a b ⇒
2 2 2 2
= 2+ 2.
c a b

13. Show that the circles x2 + y2 – 2x = 0 and

x2 + y2 + 6x – 6y + 2 = 0 touch each other. Find the coordinates of the point of contact. Is
the contact external or internal?

Sol. S = x2 + y2 – 2x = 0

Centre C1 = (1, 0), Radius = r1 = 1 + 0 = 1

S′ = x2 + y2 + 6x – 6y + 2 = 0

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Centre C2 = (–3, 3), r2 = 9 + 9 − 2 = 4

C1C2 = (1 + 3)2 + (0 − 3)2 = 16 + 9 = 25 = 5 r1 + r2 = 1 + 4 = 5

As C1C2 = r1 + r2 the two circles touch each other externally, the point of contact P divides line
of centres internally in the ratio

r1 : r2 = 1 : 4

Hence point of contact

 1( −3) + 4(1) 1(3) + 4(0)   1 3 

P= , = , .
 1+ 4 1+ 4   5 5 

14. Find the equation of circle which cuts the following circles orthogonally.

i) x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y + 1 = 0, 2x2 + 2y2 + 6x + 8y – 3 = 0, x2 + y2 – 2x + 6y – 3 = 0.

Sol.

S ≡ x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y + 1 = 0

S1≡ 2x2 + 2y2 + 6x + 8y – 3 = 0

S11≡ x2 + y2 – 2x + 6y – 3 = 0

Radical axis of S = 0, S1 = 0 is S – S1 = 0

5 5
−x + =0⇒x = ---- (1)
2 2

Radical axis of S = 0, S11 = 0 is S – S11 = 0

4x – 2y + 4 = 0 ⇒ 2x – y + 2 = 0

5
x= ⇒ 5 − y + 2 = 0 ⇒ y = 7 ---- (2)
2

Solving (1) and (2),

Radical centre is P(5/2, 7)

PT = Length of the tangent from P to S = 0

25 25 25 + 332 357
= + 49 + 5 + 28 + 1 = + 83 = =
4 4 4 2

Equation of the circles cutting the given circles orthogonally is

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2
 5 2 357
 x −  + (y − 7) =
 2 4

25 357
⇒ x 2 − 5x + + y 2 − 14y + 49 =
4 4

25 357
⇒ x 2 + y 2 − 5x − 14y + + 49 − =0
4 4

25 + 196 − 357
⇒ x 2 + y 2 − 5x − 14y + =0
4

136
⇒ x 2 + y 2 − 5x − 14y + =0
4

⇒ x + y − 5x − 14y − 34 = 0
2 2

ii) x2 + y2 + 2x + 17y + 4 = 0,x2 + y2 + 7x + 6y + 11 = 0,x2 + y2 – x + 22y + 3 = 0

Ans. x2 + y2 – 6x – 4y – 44 = 0

iii) x2 + y2 + 4x + 2y + 1 = 0, 2(x2 + y2) + 8x + 6y – 3 = 0,x2 + y2 + 6x – 2y – 3 = 0.

Ans. x2 + y2 – 14x – 5y – 34 = 0.

15. Show that the circles S ≡ x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 20 = 0 and S′′≡ x2 + y2 + 6x + 2y – 90 = 0 touch

each other internally. Find their point of contact and the equation of common tangent.

Sol. S ≡ x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 20 = 0 …(1) and

S′≡ x2 + y2 + 6x + 2y – 90 = 0 …(2)

Let C1, C2 be the centres and r1, r2 be the radii of the given circles (1) and (2).

Then C1 = (1, 2), C2 = (–3, –1), r1 = 5, r2 = 10

C1C2 = distance between the centers = 5

|r1 – r2| = |5 – 10| = 5 = C1C2

∴ The given two circles touch internally. In this case, the common tangent is nothing but the
radical axis. Therefore its equation is
S – S′ = 0.

i.e. 4x + 3y – 35 = 0

Now we find the point of contact. The point of contact divides C1C2 in the ratio 5: 10

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i.e. 1: 2 (Externally)

 (1)( −3) − 2(1) (1)( −1) − 2(2) 

∴ Point of contact =  ,  = (5,5)
 1− 2 1− 2 

α + ysinα
16. If the straight line represented by xcosα α=p

Intersect the circle x2 + y2 = a2 at the points A and B then show that the equation of the
α + ysinα
circle with AB as diameter is (x2 + y2 – a2) – 2p(xcosα α – p) = 0.

Sol. The equation of the circle passing through the points A and B is:

(x2 + y2 – a2) –λ(xcosα + ysinα – p) = 0 …(iii)

The centre of this circle is:

 λ cos α λ sin α 
− ,− 
 2 2 

If the circle given by (3) has AB as diameter then the centre of it must lie on (1)

λ cos α λ sin α
∴− (cos α) − (sin α) = p
2 2

λ
i.e. − (cos 2 α + sin 2 α) = p i.e. λ = –2p
2

Hence the equation of the required circle is

(x2 + y2 – a2) – 2p (xcosα + ysinα – p) = 0.

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Some Important Problems for Practice

1. If the angle between the circles x2 + y2 – 12x – 6y + 41 = 0 and x2 + y2 + kx + 6y – 59 = 0 is

45°, find k.

Ans. ±4

2. Find the equation of the circle which passes through (1, 1) and cuts orthogonally each of
the circles. x2 + y2 – 8x – 2y + 16 = 0 and x2 + y2 – 4x – 4y – 1 = 0.

Ans. 3(x2 + y2) – 14x + 23y – 15 = 0.

3. Find the equation of the circle which is orthogonal to each of the following three circles.

x2 + y2 + 2x + 17y + 4 = 0,x2 + y2 + 7x + 6y + 11 = 0 ,x2 + y2 – x + 22y + 3 = 0

Ans. x2 + y2 – 6x – 4y – 44 = 0.

4. Find the equation of the circle passing through the points of intersection of the circles.

x2 + y2 – 8x – 6y + 21 = 0, x2 + y2 – 2x – 15 = 0 and (1, 2).

Ans. 3(x2 + y2) – 18x – 12y + 27 = 0.

≡ x2 + y2 – 5x + 6y + 12 = 0 and
5. Let us find the equation the radical axis of S≡

S′′ = x2 + y2 + 6x – 4y – 14 = 0.

Ans. 11x – 10y – 26 = 0.

6. Let us find the equation of the radical axis of 2x2 + 2y2 + 3x + 6y – 5 = 0 and

3x2 + 3y2 – 7x + 8y – 11 = 0.

Ans. 23x + 2y + 7 = 0

7. Let us find the radical centre of the circles

x2 + y2 – 2x + 6y = 0, x2 + y2 – 4x – 2y + 6 = 0 and x2 + y2 – 12x + 2y + 3 = 0.

Ans. (0, 3/4)

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8. Find the equation and length of the common chord of the two circles

S ≡ x2 + y2 + 3x + 5y + 4 = 0 and S′′ = x2 + y2 + 5x + 3y + 4 = 0.

Ans. 4 units

9. Find the equation of the circle whose diameter is the common chord of the circles

S ≡ x2 + y2 + 2x + 3y + 1 = 0 and S′′≡ x2 + y2 + 4x + 3y + 2 = 0.

Ans. 2(x2 + y2) + 2x + 6y + 1 = 0

10. Find the equation of a circle which cuts each of the following circles orthogonally
x2 + y2 + 3x + 2y + 1 = 0; x2 + y2 – x + 6y + 5 = 0; x2 + y2 + 5x – 8y + 15 = 0.

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