CIRCLE

Centre (h, k), radius ‘r’: (x – h)2 + (y – k)2 = r2

Centre (0, 0), radius ‘a’: x2 + y2 = a2.

1. Find the equation of the circle whose centre is (1, 1) and radius √2.
Solution:
2
The equation of the circle is (𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑦 − 1)2 = (√2) .
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 − 2𝑦 = 0.
2. Determine the equation of the circle whose centre is (8, - 6) and which passes through the point
(5, - 2).
Solution:
Radius = √(5 − 8)2 + (−2 + 6)2 = √9 + 16 = √25 = 5.
The equation of the circle is (𝑥 − 8)2 + (𝑦 + 6)2 = 52
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 16𝑥 + 12𝑦 + 75 = 0.

A(𝑥1 , 𝑦1) and B(𝑥2 , 𝑦2) are the end points of a diameter: (𝒙 − 𝒙𝟏 )(𝒙 − 𝒙𝟐 ) + (𝒚 − 𝒚𝟏 )(𝒚 − 𝒚𝟐 ) = 𝟎.

3. Find the equation of the circle which has the points (- 2, 3) and (0, - 1) as the opposite ends of a
diameter.
Solution:
The equation of the circle is (𝑥 + 2)(𝑥 − 0) + (𝑦 − 3)(𝑦 + 1) = 0.
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑥 − 2𝑦 − 3 = 0.
4. Find the equation of the circle whose centre is (3, 4) and touches the y-axis.
Solution:
The radius of the circle is 3 units.
The equation of the circle is (𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 − 4)2 = 32 .
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 − 8𝑦 + 16 = 0.
5. Find the equations of the circles which touch both the axes and has radius 3 units.
Solution:
The centre of the circle is at (±3, ±3).
The equations of the circles are (𝑥 ± 3)2 + (𝑦 ± 3)2 = 32 .
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ± 6𝑥 ± 6𝑦 + 9 = 0.
6. Find the equations of the circles which pass through two
points on the x-axis at distances of 4 units from the
origin and whose radius is 5 units.
Solution:
The centres of each of the circles lie on the y-axis.
Let the centre be at (0, k).
∴ 𝑘 2 + 42 = 52
⇒ 𝑘 = ±3.
The centres are at (0, ±3).
The equations of the circles are 𝑥 2 + (𝑦 ± 3)2 = 52 .
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ± 6𝑦 − 16 = 0.
7. Find the equations of the circles which touch both the
axes and pass through the point (2, 1).
Solution:
Let the radius of the circle be 𝑟.
The circle lies in the first quadrant and it touches both the axes.
∴ The centre of the circle is at (𝑟, 𝑟) and its equation is (𝑥 − 𝑟)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑟)2 = 𝑟 2 .
It passes through (2,1).
⇒ (2 − 𝑟)2 + (1 − 𝑟)2 = 𝑟 2
⇒ 𝑟 2 − 6𝑟 + 5 = 0
⇒ (𝑟 − 1)(𝑟 − 5) = 0
⇒ 𝑟 = 1, 5.
∴ The equation of the circle is
(𝑥 − 1)2 + (𝑦 − 1)2 = 12 or (𝑥 − 5)2 + (𝑦 − 5)2 = 52 .
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 1 = 0 or 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 10𝑥 − 10𝑦 + 25 = 0.
8. Find the equations to the circles which touch the x-axis at a
distance of 4 units from the origin and cut off an intercept of 6
units from the y-axis.
Solution:
The abscissa of the centre is ±4. Let the radius be ‘r’.
∴ The centre is at (±4, ±𝑟).
y-intercept = 6 units.
∴ 32 + 42 = 𝑟 2 ⇒ 𝑟 = 5.
∴ Centre = (±4, ± 5), radius = 5.
⇒ The equation of the circle is
(𝑥 ± 4)2 + (𝑦 ± 5)2 = 52
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 ± 8𝑥 ± 10𝑦 + 16 = 0.
 9. Find the equation of the circle drawn on the intercept made
by the line 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 12 between the coordinate axes as
diameter.
Solution:
The straight line 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 12 cuts the x-axis at A(4, 0) and
the y-axis at B(0, 3).
∴ A(4, 0) and B(0, 3) are the end points of a diameter.
⇒ The equation of the circle is
(𝑥 − 4)(𝑥 − 0) + (𝑦 − 0)(𝑦 − 3) = 0.
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 − 3𝑦 = 0.

The general equation of a circle

The equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0 represents a circle whose centre is at (– 𝑔, −𝑓) and radius
√𝑔2 + 𝑓 2 − 𝑐.
Note: (i) 𝑔2 + 𝑓 2 − 𝑐 > 0 ⇒ Real circle;
2 2
(ii) 𝑔 +𝑓 −𝑐 = 0 ⇒ Point circle;
2 2
(iii) 𝑔 +𝑓 −𝑐 < 0 ⇒ Imaginary circle;
(iv) The coefficient of 𝑥 = The coefficient of 𝑦 2 ;
2

(v) The coefficient of 𝑥𝑦 = 0.

10. Find the coordinates of the centre and the radius of the circle
(i) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 6𝑥 − 8𝑦 − 24 = 0; (ii) 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 7.
Solution:
(i) 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 6𝑥 − 8𝑦 − 24 = 0
⇒ 2𝑔 = 6, 2𝑓 = −8, 𝑐 = −24.
⇒ 𝑔 = 3, 𝑓 = −4, 𝑐 = −24.
∴ Centre = (−𝑔, −𝑓) = (−3, 4);
Radius = √𝑔2 + 𝑓 2 − 𝑐 = √32 + (−4)2 − (−24) = √49 = 7 units.
(ii) 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 − 3𝑥 + 5𝑦 = 7
3 5 7
⇒ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2 𝑥 + 2 𝑦 − 2 = 0.
3 5 7
⇒ 2𝑔 = − , 2𝑓 = , 𝑐 = − .
2 2 2
3 5
∴ Centre = (−𝑔, −𝑓) = (4 , − 4);
3 2 5 2 7 9 25 7 90 3√10
Radius = √𝑔2 + 𝑓 2 − 𝑐 = √(− 4) + (4) − (− 2) = √16 + 16 + 2 = √16 = 4
units.

The equation of a circle, concentric with the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0 is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 +
2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑘 = 0, where 𝑘 is a constant.

11. Find the equation of the circle concentric with the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 8𝑥 + 6𝑦 − 5 = 0 and
passing through the point (−2, −7).
Solution:
 Let the equation of the circle, concentric with the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 8𝑥 + 6𝑦 − 5 = 0 be 𝑥 2 +
𝑦 2 − 8𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 𝑘 = 0.
It passes through (−2, −7).
⇒ (−2)2 + (−7)2 − 8(−2) + 6(−7) + 𝑘 = 0
⇒ 27 + k = 0 ⇒ 𝑘 = −27.
∴ The required equation of the circle is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 8𝑥 + 6𝑦 − 27 = 0.
12. Find the equation of the circle which passes through the points (1, −2), (4, −3) and has its
centre on the line 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 10 = 0.
Solution:
Let the required equation of the circle be 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑔𝑥 + 2𝑓𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0.
It passes through the points (1, −2), (4, −3).
∴ 12 + (−2)2 + 2𝑔(1) + 2𝑓 (−2) + 𝑐 = 0 ⇒ 2𝑔 − 4𝑓 + 𝑐 = −5 ⋯ ⋯ (𝑖)
& 42 + (−3)2 + 2𝑔(4) + 2𝑓 (−3) + 𝑐 = 0 ⇒ 8𝑔 − 6𝑓 + 𝑐 = −25 ⋯ ⋯ (𝑖𝑖)
The centre (– 𝑔, −𝑓) lies on the line 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 + 10 = 0. ∴
−3𝑔 − 4𝑓 + 10 = 0 ⇒ 3𝑔 + 4𝑓 = 10 ⋯ ⋯ (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
From equations (i), (ii) & (iii), we get, 𝑔 = −2, 𝑓 = 4, 𝑐 = 15.
∴ The required equation of the circle is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 + 8𝑦 + 15 = 0.

The straight line 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 + 𝑐

The equations of the tangents to the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 having slope ′𝑚′ are 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 ± 𝑎√1 + 𝑚 2.

13. Find the equations of the tangents to the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 25 which are parallel to the straight
line 𝑦 = 2𝑥 + 4.
Solution:
The radius of the circle is 𝑎 = √25 = 5.
The slope of the tangents is 𝑚 = 2.
The equations of the tangents are
𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 ± 𝑎√1 + 𝑚 2
⇒ 𝑦 = 2𝑥 ± 5√1 + 22
⇒ 2𝑥 − 𝑦 ± 5√5 = 0.
14. If the circle 2𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 = 5𝑥 touches the line 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 𝑘, find the value of 𝑘.
Solution:
5
2𝑥 2 + 2𝑦 2 = 5𝑥 ⇒ 𝑥2 + 𝑦 2 − 2 𝑥 = 0
5 5
⇒ Centre = (4 , 0), radius = 4
.
5
5 3×( )+4×0−𝑘
4
Perpendicular distance of the line 3𝑥 + 4𝑦 = 𝑘 from the centre (4 , 0) is | √32 +42
|.
 5
3×( )+4×0−𝑘 5
4
∴ | |=
√32+42 4
15−4𝑘 5
⇒ 20
= ±4
⇒ 15 − 4𝑘 = ±25
5
⇒ 𝑘 = − , 10 .
2
15. Find the equations of the tangents to the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 4 which are perpendicular
to the line 3𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 1 = 0.
Solution:
3
The slope of the given line 3𝑥 − 4𝑦 − 1 = 0 is 4 .
4
∴ The slope of the tangent is − 3 .
4
Let the equation of the tangent be 𝑦 = − 𝑥 + 𝑐 ⇒ 4𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 3𝑐 = 0 ⋯ ⋯ (𝑖)
3
2 2
The equation of the given circle is 𝑥 + 𝑦 − 2𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 4.
⇒ Centre = (1, 2), radius = √12 + 22 − (−4) = 3 units.
4(1)+3(2)−3𝑐
The perpendicular distance of the straight line (i) from the centre (1, 2) is | |.
√42 +32
4(1)+3(2)−3𝑐
∴ | |=3
√42 +32
10−3𝑐
⇒ 5
= ±3
⇒ 10 − 3𝑐 = ±15
⇒ 3𝑐 = −5, 25.
∴ The required equations of the tangents are 4𝑥 + 3𝑦 + 5 = 0 or 4𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 25 = 0.
16. Find the equations of the tangents to the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 10 drawn from the point(4, −2).
Solution:
Comparing the given equation of the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 10 with 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑎2 , we get 𝑎 = √10.
The equation of a straight line through (4, −2) is 𝑦 + 2 = 𝑚(𝑥 − 4)
or 𝑦 = 𝑚𝑥 − (4𝑚 + 2) ⋯ (𝑖)
The line (i) may touch the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 10 if
{−(4𝑚 + 2)}2 = 10(1 + 𝑚 2 )
⇒ 16𝑚 2 + 16𝑚 + 4 = 10 + 10𝑚 2
⇒ 3𝑚 2 + 8𝑚 − 3 = 0
⇒ (3𝑚 − 1)(𝑚 + 3) = 0
1
⇒ 𝑚 = 3 , −3 .
∴ The equations of the tangents are
𝑥 4
𝑦 = 3 − (3 + 2) or 𝑥 − 3𝑦 − 10 = 0 & 𝑦 = −3𝑥 + 10 or 3𝑥 + 𝑦 − 10 = 0 .
17. Find the equations of the circles which have radius √13 and touch the line 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 1 = 0 at
(1, 1).
Solution:
Let the centre of the circle be at (ℎ, 𝑘).
The perpendicular distance of the line 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 1 = 0 from the centre (ℎ, 𝑘) is √13 .
 2ℎ−3𝑘+1
⇒ | | = √13
√22+(−3)2
⇒ 2ℎ − 3𝑘 + 1 = ±13
⇒ 2ℎ − 3𝑘 + 14 = 0 ⋯ ⋯ (𝑖)
or 2ℎ − 3𝑘 − 12 = 0 ⋯ ⋯ (𝑖𝑖)
The radius through (1, 1) is perpendicular to the line 2𝑥 − 3𝑦 + 1 = 0.
𝑘−1 2
⇒ ( ) ( ) = −1
ℎ−1 3
⇒ 3ℎ + 2𝑘 = 5 ⋯ ⋯ (𝑖𝑖𝑖)
Solving equations (i) & (iii), we get ℎ = −1, 𝑘 = 4. ⇒ Centre = (−1, 4).
Solving equations (ii) & (iii), we get ℎ = 3, 𝑘 = −2. ⇒ Centre = (3, −2).
∴ The required equations of the circles are
(𝑥 + 1)2 + (𝑦 − 4)2 = 13 & (𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = 13
18. Prove that the circles 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 8 = 0 and 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 10𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 14 = 0 touch
each other externally. Find their point of contact and also the common tangent.
Solution:
The equation of the first circle is 𝑆1 ≡ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 8 = 0.
Its centre is at A(2, −3) and its radius is 𝑟1 = √22 + (−3)2 − 8 = √5.
The equation of the first circle is 𝑆2 ≡ 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 10𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 14 = 0.
Its centre is at B(5, 3) and its radius is 𝑟2 = √52 + 32 − 14 = 2√5.
Distance between the centres = AB = √(5 − 2)2 + (3 + 3)2 = 3√5 = 𝑟1 + 𝑟2 .
∴ The circles touch each other externally.
If C is the point of contact, then AC : CB = 𝑟1 : 𝑟2 = √5: 2√5 = 1: 2.
1×5+2×2 1×3+2×(−3)
∴C=( , ) = (3, −1).
1+2 1+2
The equation of the common tangent is 𝑆1 − 𝑆2 = 0.
⇒ (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 + 6𝑦 + 8) − (𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 10𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 14) = 0
⇒ 6𝑥 + 12𝑦 − 6 = 0
⇒ 𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 1 = 0.
19. If the equation (4𝑎 − 3)𝑥 2 + 𝑎𝑦 2 + 6𝑥 − 2𝑦 + 2 = 0 represents a circle, then its centre is
(a) (3, −1) (b) (3,1) (c) (−3,1) (d) none of these.
Ans: 4𝑎 − 3 = 𝑎 ⇒𝑎 =1
⇒ 2𝑔 = 6, 2𝑓 = −2
⇒ Centre = (−𝑔, −𝑓) = (−3,1) [c]
20. If the circles 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 9 and 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 8𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0 touch each other, then c is
(a) 15 (b) −15 (c) 16 (d) −16.
Ans: (a)
21. If the circle 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 2𝑎𝑥 + 8𝑦 + 16 = 0 touches the x-axis, then the value of 𝑎 is
(a) ±16 (b) ±4 (c) ±8 (d) ±1
Ans: Centre = (−𝑎, −4), radius = |−4| = 4
Radius = √𝑎2 + 16 − 16 = ±𝑎.
∴ ±𝑎 = 4 ⇒ 𝑎 = ±4 [b]
 𝑥 𝑦
22. The equation of the circle which touches the axes of coordinates and the straight line 3 + 4 = 1
and whose centre lies in the first quadrant, is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑐𝑥 − 2𝑐𝑦 + 𝑐 2 = 0, where c is equal
to (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 6.
Ans: Centre = (𝑐, 𝑐) Radius = √𝑐 2 + 𝑐 2 − 𝑐 2 = |𝑐|
𝑥 𝑦
3
+4 =1 ⇒ 4𝑥 + 3𝑦 − 12 = 0
4𝑐+3𝑐−12
∴| | = |𝑐 | ⇒ c = 6 [d].
5