Chapter 3: Problem 41
Exer. 35-46: Find an equation of the circle that satisfies the stated conditions. $$ \text { Center } C(-3,6) \text {, tangent to the } y \text {-axis } $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The equation of the circle is \((x + 3)^2 + (y - 6)^2 = 9\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Circle's Center and Tangency
The center of the circle is given as \( (-3, 6) \). The circle is tangent to the \( y \)-axis, meaning it touches this axis at exactly one point. The distance from the center of the circle to the \( y \)-axis is the radius of the circle.
02
Determining the Radius of the Circle
The distance from the circle's center \((-3, 6)\) to the \( y \)-axis is the same as the absolute value of the \( x \)-coordinate of the center. Since the center's \( x \)-coordinate is \(-3\), the radius \( r \) is 3.
03
Formulating the Circle's Equation
The standard equation for a circle with center \((h, k)\) and radius \(r\) is \((x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2\). Substituting \( h = -3 \), \( k = 6 \), and \( r = 3 \), the equation becomes:\[(x + 3)^2 + (y - 6)^2 = 9\]
04
Verifying the Condition Tangent to the y-axis
Check that the equation satisfies the tangency condition. The circle, centered at \((-3, 6)\) with a radius of 3, is exactly 3 units away from the \( y \)-axis, confirming tangency since \(|-3 - 0| = 3\), which is equal to the radius.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Circle Center
The center of a circle is crucial in defining its position in the coordinate plane. It is typically denoted as a point \( (h, k) \) where \( h \) and \( k \) are the coordinates of the center. In our exercise, this point is \( (-3, 6) \). This tells us that the center of the circle is located 3 units to the left and 6 units up from the origin. \( (h, k) \) coordinates effectively anchor the circle on the graph.
When considering the center, remember:
When considering the center, remember:
- It indicates symmetry for the circle.
- It helps in defining the circle's equation.
Circle Radius
The radius of a circle, represented by \( r \), is the distance from the center of the circle to any point on its edge. In this exercise, because the circle is tangent to the \( y \)-axis, the radius is the horizontal distance from the center to the \( y \)-axis.
The radius can be calculated as:
The radius can be calculated as:
- Absolute value of the x-coordinate of the center, which is \(-3\).
- Therefore, the radius is \( | -3 | = 3 \).
Tangent to Axis
A line or axis is tangent to a circle if it touches the circle at precisely one point. In this exercise, the circle is tangent to the \( y \)-axis. This means the closest point on the circle to the \( y \)-axis is exactly at its edge, not passing through.
Key points to remember:
Key points to remember:
- The axis is considered an asymptote for the circle's expansion beyond this point.
- Any change in radius would mean either detachment from or passing through the axis.
Standard Form of Circle Equation
The standard form of a circle's equation is derived from the relationship between its center and radius. This is given by the formula \( (x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2 \).
In our example, the standard form becomes:
In our example, the standard form becomes:
- Substituting \( h = -3, k = 6, \) and \( r = 3, \) leading to \( (x + 3)^2 + (y - 6)^2 = 9 \).
- This equation describes all the points (x, y) that make up the circle.