Problems Based on Applications of Circle

Master applications of circles in CBSE Class 11 Applied Mathematics. Learn to find equations, radii, and centers with solved examples and practice sets.

Standard Equation of a Circle

A circle is the locus of a point which moves in a plane such that its distance from a fixed point (center) is always constant (radius). The standard form of a circle with center (h, k) and radius r is derived from the distance formula. This equation is fundamental for solving problems involving circular paths or boundaries.

(x − h)² + (y − k)² = r²
Example: Solved Example: Find the equation of a circle
Show Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Identify center (h, k) = (2, -3) and radius r = 5.
Step 2: Substitute into (x - h)² + (y - k)² = r².
Step 3: (x - 2)² + (y + 3)² = 25.
Answer: x² + y² - 4x + 6y - 12 = 0.

General Equation of a Circle

The general form represents a circle when the coefficients of x² and y² are equal and there is no xy term. By completing the square, we can transform the general equation into the standard form to identify the center and radius. This is essential for analyzing circular motion or geometric constraints.

x² + y² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
Example: Solved Example: Find center and radius
Show Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: Given x² + y² + 4x - 6y - 3 = 0.
Step 2: Compare with 2g = 4 and 2f = -6, so g = 2, f = -3.
Step 3: Center is (-g, -f) = (-2, 3). Radius is √(g² + f² - c) = √(4 + 9 + 3) = 4.
Answer: Center (-2, 3), Radius 4.

Circle Passing Through Three Points

To find the equation of a circle passing through three non-collinear points, we substitute each point (x, y) into the general equation x² + y² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0. This results in a system of three linear equations in variables g, f, and c. Solving this system allows us to define the unique circle passing through these points.

x² + y² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
Example: Solved Example: Circle through (0,0), (2,0), (0,2)
Show Step-by-Step Solution

Step 1: (0,0) gives c = 0.
Step 2: (2,0) gives 4 + 4g = 0 → g = -1.
Step 3: (0,2) gives 4 + 4f = 0 → f = -1.
Answer: x² + y² - 2x - 2y = 0.