GCSE Mathematics (9-1)

13.4 The equation of a circle and tangents — Practise with help

Try the questions before opening the support. Reveal each level in order.

Warm-up: remember

  1. Find the gradient between (0,0)(0,0) and (2,6)(2,6).
  2. Work out 525^2.
  3. State the positive square root of 4949.
  4. Solve x2=25x^2=25.
Answers

33; 2525; 77; x=−5x=-5 or x=5x=5.

Practise with help

1. Find the centre and radius of x2+y2=16x^2+y^2=16.

Hint

Compare with x2+y2=r2x^2+y^2=r^2.

Next step

The centre is (0,0)(0,0) and r2=16r^2=16.

Full working

The centre is (0,0)(0,0). The radius is 16=4\sqrt{16}=4.

2. Check whether (3,0)(3,0) is on the circle x2+y2=9x^2+y^2=9.

Hint

Substitute both coordinates into the left side.

Next step

Calculate 32+023^2+0^2 and compare it with 99.

Full working

32+02=93^2+0^2=9. The equation is true, so (3,0)(3,0) lies on the circle.

3. A radius has gradient 33. Find the tangent gradient.

Hint

Perpendicular gradients are negative reciprocals.

Next step

Choose a number that multiplies by 33 to give −1-1.

Full working

The tangent gradient is −1/3-1/3, since 3×(−1/3)=−13\times(-1/3)=-1.

4. Find the tangent equation at (0,5)(0,5) to x2+y2=25x^2+y^2=25.

Hint

The radius to (0,5)(0,5) is vertical. A perpendicular line is horizontal.

Next step

A horizontal line through the point keeps yy fixed at 55.

Full working

The tangent equation is y=5y=5.

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