Chapter 10: Problem 40
Find the \(x\) - and \(y\) -intercepts of the graph of the circle. $$x^{2}+8 x+y^{2}+2 y+9=0$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The x and y intercepts are the solutions of the quadratic equations formed in Steps 1 and 3. Exact values need to be computed.
Step by step solution
01
Finding the x-intercepts
The x-intercepts are obtained when \(y=0\). Therefore, set \(y=0\) in the given equation \[x^{2}+8 x+y^{2}+2 y+9=0\]. The simplified equation is \[x^{2}+8 x+9=0\]. This is a quadratic equation in the form \(ax^{2}+bx+c=0\) which can be solved by using the formula \(x=frac{-b ± sqrt{b^{2}-4ac}}{2a}\].
02
Calculation of x-intercepts
Now, solving the equation formed in the previous step by substituting \(a=1\), \(b=8\) and \(c=9\) in the quadratic formula, two potential x-intercepts are found, \(x_{1}\) and \(x_{2}\). The exact values depend on whether the term under the square root (the discriminant) is positive or negative. If it is positive, there are two different x-intercepts; if it is negative, there are no x-intercepts; if it is zero, there is one x-intercept.
03
Finding the y-intercepts
The y-intercepts are obtained when \(x=0\). Therefore, set \(x=0\) in the given equation \[x^{2}+8 x+y^{2}+2 y+9=0\]. The simplified equation is \[y^{2}+2 y+9=0\]. This equation is similar to the x-intercept equation and can be solved in a similar manner by applying the quadratic formula here as well.
04
Calculation of y-intercepts
Now, solving the equation formed in the previous step by substituting \(a=1\), \(b=2\) and \(c=9\) in the quadratic formula, two potential y-intercepts are found, \(y_{1}\) and \(y_{2}\). Again, the number of intercepts depends on the value of the discriminant.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding X-Intercepts
To find the x-intercepts of a circle's equation, we first set the variable \(y\) to zero. Why? Because x-intercepts are where the graph touches or crosses the x-axis, and at these points, the y-value is zero. By substituting \(y = 0\) into the equation \(x^2 + 8x + y^2 + 2y + 9 = 0\), we can simplify it to just involve \(x\): \(x^2 + 8x + 9 = 0\). This is now an easier quadratic equation focused solely on \(x\).
Solving this equation using the quadratic formula will give us potential x-intercepts. The quadratic formula helps find the roots of any quadratic equation, which in this context, provides the x-values where the circle intercepts the x-axis.
Solving this equation using the quadratic formula will give us potential x-intercepts. The quadratic formula helps find the roots of any quadratic equation, which in this context, provides the x-values where the circle intercepts the x-axis.
Unlocking Y-Intercepts
Y-intercepts are found when \(x = 0\), because they occur where the graph meets the y-axis. At any y-intercept, the x-value is consequently zero. So, by substituting \(x = 0\) into the original circle equation, we get \(y^2 + 2y + 9 = 0\). This is another quadratic equation, this time focused on \(y\).
By using the quadratic formula again, we can solve for \(y\) to determine if and where the circle intersects the y-axis. Checking the solutions will tell you how the circle aligns horizontally with the y-axis.
By using the quadratic formula again, we can solve for \(y\) to determine if and where the circle intersects the y-axis. Checking the solutions will tell you how the circle aligns horizontally with the y-axis.
Quadratic Formula Essentials
The quadratic formula is a powerful tool for finding the solutions of quadratic equations. In its universal form, it is written as:
The symbol \(\pm\) indicates that there could be two possible solutions: one for each sign. This means that for a quadratic equation, there can potentially be two intercepts. The discovery of these intercepts is essential for understanding where a circle graph meets the axes.
- \(x = \frac{-b \pm \sqrt{b^2 - 4ac}}{2a}\)
The symbol \(\pm\) indicates that there could be two possible solutions: one for each sign. This means that for a quadratic equation, there can potentially be two intercepts. The discovery of these intercepts is essential for understanding where a circle graph meets the axes.
Investigating the Discriminant
The discriminant is a part of the quadratic formula, expressed as \(b^2 - 4ac\). It plays a crucial role in determining the nature of the solutions for a quadratic equation. Here's how it works:
- If the discriminant is positive, \(b^2 - 4ac > 0\): There are two distinct real solutions or intercepts.
- If the discriminant is zero, \(b^2 - 4ac = 0\): There is exactly one real solution, meaning the circle just touches the axis.
- If the discriminant is negative, \(b^2 - 4ac < 0\): There are no real solutions or intercepts as the circle doesn't intersect the axis at all.