Chapter 12: Problem 18
Show that the equation represents a sphere, and ind its center and radius. $$ x^{2}+y^{2}+z^{2}+8 x-6 y+2 z+17=0 $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The sphere's center is \((-4, 3, -1)\), and the radius is 3.
Step by step solution
01
Identify the Equation's Form
The given equation is \(x^{2} + y^{2} + z^{2} + 8x - 6y + 2z + 17 = 0\). This equation can represent a sphere if it fits into the standard form \((x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 + (z - l)^2 = r^2\), where \((h, k, l)\) is the center and \(r\) is the radius.
02
Rearrange to Complete the Square for X
To complete the square for the \(x\)-terms, start with \(x^2 + 8x\). Half of 8 is 4, and 4 squared is 16, so add and subtract 16: \(x^2 + 8x = (x + 4)^2 - 16\).
03
Rearrange to Complete the Square for Y
For the \(y\)-terms, start with \(y^2 - 6y\). Half of -6 is -3, and \(-3\) squared is 9, so add and subtract 9: \(y^2 - 6y = (y - 3)^2 - 9\).
04
Rearrange to Complete the Square for Z
For the \(z\)-terms, start with \(z^2 + 2z\). Half of 2 is 1, and 1 squared is 1, so add and subtract 1: \(z^2 + 2z = (z + 1)^2 - 1\).
05
Rewrite the Equation
Substitute back the squared terms into the original equation: \((x + 4)^2 - 16 + (y - 3)^2 - 9 + (z + 1)^2 - 1 + 17 = 0\).
06
Simplify the Equation
Combine all constants: \(-16 - 9 - 1 + 17 = -9\). Thus, the equation becomes \((x + 4)^2 + (y - 3)^2 + (z + 1)^2 = 9\). This is the standard form of a sphere equation.
07
Identify the Center and Radius
The equation is now in the form \((x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 + (z - l)^2 = r^2\). The center is \((-4, 3, -1)\) and the radius is obtained by taking the square root of 9, which is 3.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Completing the Square
Completing the square is a useful mathematical technique that allows us to rewrite quadratic expressions in a more manageable form. This technique is essential when working with the equation of a sphere, particularly when putting it into its standard form. Each variable term is completed separately. Here's how it works:
- Divide the Linear Term: Start by taking the linear coefficient (the number next to the variable) and halve it.
- Square it: Next, square the result. This gives you the number to add and subtract, ensuring the expression fits as a perfect square trinomial.
- Regroup: Write the squared terms back into the equation and adjust the equation by adding and subtracting the squared number.
Standard Form of a Sphere
The equation of a sphere in standard form is key to understanding its geometric properties. This form is expressed as \((x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 + (z - l)^2 = r^2\), where \((h, k, l)\) represents the center coordinates of the sphere, and \(r\) is the radius.
- Why is it Useful? It's an efficient way to determine both the position and size of a sphere in three-dimensional space.
- Linking to the Exercise: Our goal was to transform the given equation into this form. By completing the squares and simplifying, we converted it to \((x + 4)^2 + (y - 3)^2 + (z + 1)^2 = 9\), revealing the sphere's details.
Center and Radius of a Sphere
Identifying the center and radius of a sphere from its equation is straightforward once the equation is in standard form. From the standard form \((x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 + (z - l)^2 = r^2\), you can directly read off these details:
- Center: The center \(h, k, l\) is derived by changing the signs of numbers inside the parentheses. For \((x + 4)\), it translates to \(x - (-4)\), indicating the x-coordinate of the center is -4.
- Radius: The radius \(r\) is obtained by taking the square root of the constant term on the right. If the equation is set equal to 9, as in \((x + 4)^2 + (y - 3)^2 + (z + 1)^2 = 9\), then \(r\) is 3.