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CIRCLE

1. DEFINITION
Circle is locus of a point which moves at a constant distance from a fixed point . This constant distance is called
radius of the circle and fixed point is called centre of the circle.

2. STANDARD FORMS OF EQUATION OF A CIRCLE

2.1 General Form
The general equation of a circle is
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, where g,f,c are constants.

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 1 1 
For this circle, Centre = ( – g , –f) =   coef. of x,  coef. of y  , Radius = g2  f 2  c
 2 2 
Note :
(i) The above equation represents

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 a real circle if g2 + f 2 > c
 a point circle if g2 + f 2 = c
 an imaginary circle if g2 + f 2 < c
(ii) In the above equation
 If c = 0  the circles passes through the origin

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 If f = 0  the centre is on x-axis

 If g = 0  the centre is on y-axis

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(iii) The general eqaution of second degree ax2 + by2 + 2hxy + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 represents a circle if
a = b  0 and h = 0.

Ex.1 Find the radius of the circle x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y + 1 = 0.

Sol. Here x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y + 1 = 0
on comparing from general eqn.
2g = 4  g = 2, 2f = –6  f = –3, c=1

 r= g2  f 2  c  4  9  1  12  2 3

Ex.2 If (4, –2) is the one extremity of diameter to the circle x2 + y2 – 4x + 8y – 4 = 0 then find its other extremity.
Sol. Centre of circle is (2, –4). Let the other extremity is (h, k)
4h  2  k 
  2   2, 2    4  (h, k) = (0 , –6)
   

Ex.3 If y = 2x + m is a diameter to the circle x2 + y2 + 3x + 4y – 1 = 0, then find m

Sol. Centre of circle = ( –3/2 , –2). This lies on diameter y = 2x + m
 – 2 = –3/2 × 2 + m  m=1

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2.2 Central Form

If ( h, k) be the centre and 'a' be the radius of a circle, then its equation is
2 2
 x  h   y  k   a2

Note :
 If the centre is origin, then the eqation of the circle is x2 + y2 = r2 (simplest form)
 If a = 0 than circle is called point circle and its equation is ( x–h)2 + ( y–k)2 = 0

Ex.4 Find the equation of a circle whose centre is (3, –1) and radius is 3

Sol. (x – 3)2 + (y + 1)2 = 32

 x2 – 6x + 9 + y2 + 2y + 1 = 9

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 x2 + y2 – 6x + 2y + 1 = 0

Ex.5 Find the equation of a circle with centre at the origin and which passes through the point ( , ) .

Sol. Here radius =  2  2 ; so the required equation is x2 + y2 = 2 + 2

2.3

2.4
Diameter Form

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If (x1, y1) and (x2, y2 ) are end points of a diameter of a circle then its equation is

(x – x1) (x – x2) + (y – y1) (y – y2) = 0

Parametric Equation of a Circle

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(a) The parametric equations of a circle x2 + y2 = a2 are

x = acos , y = asin. y

Hence parametric coordinates of any point lying on the circle x2 + y2 = a2 are (acos, asin)
a
(acos, asin) 
x
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2 2 2
(b) The parametric equations of the circle (x – h) + (y – k) = a are
x = h + a cos , y = k + asin.

Hence parametric coordinates of any point lying on the circle are

(h + acos, k + asin)
(c) Parametric equations of the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is

x=–g+ g2  f 2  c cos, y=–f+ g2  f 2  c sin

Ex.6 Find the parametric coordinates of any point of the circle x2 + y2 + 2x – 3y – 4 = 0

 3 4 7
Sol. Centre =  1,  radius = 1 4 
 2 9 3

7 3 7
 Parametric coordinates of any point are (–1 + cos , + sin)
3 2 3

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3. EQUATION OF A CIRCLE IN SOME SPECIAL CASES

y
(i) Which touches both axes : The equation of a circle with radius 'a' touching both coordinate
(a, a)
axes is given by

(x ± a)2 + (y ± a)2 = a2 x
O

(ii) Which touches x-axis : The equation of a circle with radius 'a' touching x-axis at a distance h from the origin
is

(x – h)2 + (y – a)2 = a2 y

Note : The equation of a circle with radius 'a' touching x-axis at the origin is
a
x2 + (y ± a)2 = a2
O h x

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 x2 + y2 ± 2ay = 0

(iii) Which touches y-axis : The equation of a circle with radius 'a' touching y-axis at a distance k from the origin is
y
(x – a)2 + (y – k)2 = a2

a
Note : The equation of a circle with radius 'a' touching y-axis at the origin is

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k

O x
(x ± a)2 + y2 = a2  x2 + y2 ± 2ax = 0

Ex.7 If the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 touches x-axis, then find the value of c.
Sol. Touches x-axis, hence radius = ordinate of centre.

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Hence g2  f 2  c  (  f ) or g2 = c.

4. EQUATIONS OF THE CIRCUMCIRCLES

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4.1 Circumcircle of a triangle

If we are given sides of a triangle, then first of all we should find its vertices. Observing to the equations of the
sides or coordinates of the vertices, if the triangle is right angled then its hypotenuse will be a diameter of the
circumcircle. So using diameter form we can easily write the required equation. If the triangle is not right angled,
then we find the required equation using general form.

4.2 Circumcircle of a quadrilateral

If a quadrilateral is a rectangle or a square, then the diagonals will be diameters of the circumcircle. Hence
finding the vertices of a diagonal, we can easily determine the required equations.
Ex.8 Find the equation of the circle passing through the origin and cutting intercepts a, b from coordinate axes.
Sol. If the circle meets the axes at A and B, then
A  (a, 0), B  (0, b)
AOB = 90°, so AB is a diamete of the circle, Hence its equation will be
(x – a) (x – 0) + (y – 0) (y – b) = 0
 x2 + y2 – ax – by = 0

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5. INTERCEPT ON A LINE OR LENGTH OF A CHORD

The length of a chord AB of a circle (or the intercept made by a circle on a line) is given by

AB  2 a 2  p 2

where 'a' is the radius of the circle and 'p' is the length of the perpendicular from its centre on the chord.

In particular the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 cuts

(i) intercept on x-axis  2 g2  c 2

C 2 f -c
a p
2
A B 2 g -c

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(ii) intercept on y-axis  2 f 2  c M
O

Ex.9 Find the length of intercept on y-axis, by a circle whose diameter is the line joining the point (–4, 3) and (12, –1).

Sol. Here equation of the circle (x + 4) (x – 12) + (y – 3) (y + 1) = 0

or x2 + y2 – 8x – 2y – 51 = 0

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Hence intercept on y-axis

= 2 f 2  c  2 1  ( 51)  4 13

6. POSITION OF A POINT AND LINE WITH RESPECT TO A CIRCLE

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6.1 Position of a point

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A point (x 1, y 1) lies outside, on or inside a circle S  x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 according as
S1  x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c is positive, zero or negative. So

 S1 > 0  (x1, y1) is outside the circle

 S1 = 0  (x1, y1) is on the circle

 S1 < 0  (x1, y1) is inside the circle

6.2 Position of a line

Let L = 0 be a line and S = 0 be a circle. If 'a' be the radius of the circle and 'p' be the length of the perpendicular
from its centre on the line, then

 p > a  line is outside the circle

 p = a  line touches the circle

p
 p < a  line is a chord of the circle
a C
 p = 0  line is a diameter of the circle

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7. CONDITION OF TANGENCY

A line L = 0 touches the circle S = 0, if length of perpendicular drawn from the centre of the circle to the line
is equal to radius of the circle i.e., p = r. This is the condition of tangency for the line L = 0.
The line y = mx + c touches the circle x 2 + y2 = a2 if c = ± a 1 m 2

Thus, for every value of m, the line y = mx ± a 1 m 2

  am a 
 , 
is a tangent of the circle x2 + y2 = a2 and its point of contact is  2 
 1 m 1  m2 
Note :

 If a2 (1 + m2) – c2 > 0 line will meet the circle at real and different points.

 If c2 = a2 (1 + m2) line will touch the circle.

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 If a2 (1 + m2) – c2 > 0 line will meet circle at two imaginary points.

Ex.10 If the line y = mx + c touches the circle x 2 + y2 = 4y then find c.

Sol. Centre of the circle = (0, 2), radius = 2. So condition of tangency

P
c2
p = a  2  c = 2 (1  m2  1)
m2  1

2 2 2
Ex.11 Find the point at line y = x + 2a touches the circle x + y = a .

Sol. The line y = mx + a 1  m 2 touches the circle x2 + y2 = a2 at the point

  am a 
 

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,
 2 
 1 m 1  m2 
 a a 

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Here m = 1, a = a, so the required point is  , 
 2 2

8. EQUATION OF THE TANGENT AND NORMALS AT A POINT

8.1 Equation of a tangent

The equation of the tangent at a point (x1, y1) of a circle

x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is

xx1 + yy1 + g(x + x1) + f(y + y1) + c = 0 = T

8.2 Equation of the Normal

The equation of the normal at the point (x1, y1) to the circle

x  x1 y  y1
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is  
x1  g y1  f

x y
Note : For the circle x2 + y2 = a2 it becomes 
x1 y1

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8.3 Length of the tangent

The length of the tangent drawn from a point P(x1, y1) to the circle

S  x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is given by PQ = PR = S1

where S1 = x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c

Also area of the quadrilateral PQCR = r S1 and angle between tangents PQ and PR i.e.

r
QPR = 2tan–1
S1

8.4 Equation of the pair of tangents

S
From a given point P(x1, y1), two tangents PQ and PR can be drawn to a circle

S  x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0. Their combined equation is given by SS1 = T2

Ex.12 Write the equation of the tangent to the circle (x – 1)2 + (y + 2)2 = 10 at the point (2, 1)

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Sol. The eqaution of the given circle can be written as
x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y – 5 = 0.
So the equation of the tangent at (2, 1) will be
x(2) + y(1) – (x + 2) + 2(y + 1) – 5 = 0  x + 3y – 5 = 0
Ex.13 Find the equation of the normal to the circle x 2 + y2 + 6x + 8y + 1 = 0 passign through (0, 0)

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Sol. Centre of the circle = (–3, –4). So the normal is a line passing through (0, 0) and (–3, –4). Consequently its
equation is

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4
y – 0 = (x  0)  4x – 3y = 0
3
Ex.14 Two tangents PQ and PR drawn to the circle x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 20 = 0 from point P(16, 7). If the centre
of the cirlce is C then find the area of quadrilateral PQCR.
1 Q
Sol. Area PQCR = 2PQC = 2 × L×r L
2 r
Where L = length of tangent and r = radius of circle. P C

L= S1 and r = 1  4  20  5 R

Hence the required area = 75 sq. units.

Ex.15 A pair of tangents are drawn from the origin to the circle x2 + y2 + 20 (x + y) + 20 = 0. Then find equation of the pair
of tangent.

Sol. Equation of pair of tangents is given by SS1 = T2.

or S = x2 + y2 + 20(x + y) + 20, S1 = 20 , T =10(x + y) + 20 = 0

 SS1 = T2

 20 {x2 + y2 + 20(x + y) + 20} = 102 (x + y + 2)2  4x2 + 4y2 + 10xy = 0  2x2 + 2y2 + 5xy = 0

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9. DIRECTOR CIRCLE
The locus of the point of intersection of two perpendicular tangents of a circle is called the director circle of that
circle.
The equation of the director circle of x2 + y2 = a2 is x 2  y 2  2a2
It may be easily seen that
 Centre of the director circle = centre of the given circle.
 Radius of the director circle = 2 (radius of the given circle)

10. CHORD OF CONTACT

The chord joining the two points of contact of tangents to a circle drawn from any point P is called chord of contact
of P with respect to the given circle.
Let the given point is P(x1 , y1) and the circle is S = 0 then equation of the chord of contact is

S
T = xx1 + yy1 + g (x + x1) + f(y + y1) + c = 0
Q
Note: S=0
Chord of P
 Length of chord of contact = 2 r 2  p2 contact (x1, y1)

a(x12  y12  a2 )3 / 2 R

P
 Area of triangle PQR =
x12  y12

Ex. 16 Find the distance between the chord of contact with respect to point (0, 0) and (g, f) of circle
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0.
Sol. Chord of contact with respect to (0, 0)
gx + fy + c = 0 ....(i)

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Chord of contact with respect to (g, f)
gx + fy + g(x + g) + f(y + f) + c = 0

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 2gx + 2fy + g2 + f 2 + c = 0
1 2 2
 gx + fy + (g + f + c) = 0 ....(ii)
2
1 2
(g  f 2  c )  c
2 g2  f 2  c
Distance betwen (i) and (ii) is = 
g2  f 2 2 g2  f 2

11. POLE & POLAR

Let P(x1, y1) be any point inside or outside the circle. Draw chords AB and A' B' pasing through P. If tangent to the
circle at A and B meet at Q (h, k), then locus of Q is called polar of P.w.r.t. circle and P is called the pole and if
tangent to the circle at A' and B' meet at Q', then the straigt line QQ' is polar with P' as its pole.
Q'
Q(h, k)
A B'

A'

A' Polar
Polar

P(x1, y1) Pole

Pole
B P(x1, y1) A B

B'
Q' Q(h, k)

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11.1 Equation of polar
 Equation of polar of the pole P(x1, y1) w.r.t. x2 + y2 = a2 is
xx1 + yy1 = a2
 Equation of polar of the pole (x1, y1) w.r.t. circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is
xx1 + yy1 + g(x + x1) + f(y + y1) + c = 0
11.2 Coordinates of pole
 Aa 2 Ba 2 
 Pole of polar Ax + By + C = 0 w.r.t. circle x2 + y2 = a2 is   C , C 
 
2 2
 Pole of polar Ax + By + C = 0 with respect to circle x + y + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is given by the equation

x1  g y 1  f gx 1  fy1  c
 
A B C

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11.3 Conjugate points and Conjugate lines
(i) Conjugate points :- Two points are called conjugate points with respect to a circle if each point lies on the
polar of the other point with respect to the same circle.
(ii) Conjugate lines :- Two lines are called conjugate lines with respect to a circle if the pole of each line lies on
the other line.

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Ex.17 Find the equation of polar of point ( 4, 4) with respect to circle ( x – 1)2 + ( y – 2)2 = 1.
Sol. (x – 1)2 + ( y – 2)2 = 1
x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y + 4 = 0
equation of polar of point ( 4 , 4) is

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4x + 4y – (x + 4) – 2( y + 4) + 4 = 0
 3x – 2y – 8 = 0

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x y
Ex.18 Find the pole of the line   1 with respect to circle x2 + y2 = c2 .
a b
Sol. Let the pole is ( h , k)
Hence polar of this pole is xh + yk – c2 = 0 .....(1)
x y
but polar is  0 .....(2)
a b
comparing the coefficient of x and y
h k c 2 c2 c2
  h , k
1/ a  1/ b  1 a b

12. CHORD WITH A GIVEN MIDDLE POINT

The equation of the chord of the circle S = x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 whose mid-point is
(x1, y1) is given by T = S1
i.e. xx1 + yy1 + g(x + x1) f(y + y1) = x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 O

In particular, the equation of the chord of the circle x2 + y2 = a2 whose middel point is A P(x1, y1) B

(x1 , y1) is T = S1
i.e., xx1 + yy1 = x12 + y12

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Ex.19 Find the equation of chord of the circle x2 + y2 = 8x bisected at the point ( 4 , 3).

Sol. T = S1  x (4) + y(3) – 4 (x + 4) = 16 + 9 – 32

 3y – 9 = 0  y = 3

13. DIAMETER OF A CIRCLE

The locus of middle points of a system of parallel chords of a circle is called the diameter of that circle. The
diameter of the circle x2 + y2 = r2 corresponding to the system of parallel chords y = mx + c is x + my = 0
y = mx + c

Ex.20

Sol.
x – 2y + 1 = 0.

P S
Centre of the circle = ( 2, –1).
diameter
Note :  Every Diameter passes through the centre of the circle.
 A diameter is perpendicular to the system of parallel chords.
Find the diameter of the circle x2 + y2 – 4x + 2y – 11 = 0 corresponding to a system of chords parallel to the line

The equation of the line perpendicular to chord x – 2y + 1 = 0 is 2x + y + k = 0

Since the line passes through the point ( 2, 1). So k = –3

The equation of diameter is 2x + y – 3 = 0

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14. FAMILY OF CIRCLES

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14.1 If S = 0 and S' = 0 are two intersecting circles, the S +  S' = 0 (  –1) represents family of circles passing
throguh intersection points of S = 0 and S' = 0 (  being parameter)
A S + S' = 0

B
S=0 S'=0

14.2 If S = 0 and L = 0 represent a circle and a line, then S + L = 0 represent family of circles passing through
intersection points of circle S= 0 and line L = 0 (  being parameter)
S + L=0

L=0

S=0

14.3 Family of circles touching a line ax + by + c = 0 at (x1 , y1 ) on it, is

(x – x1)2 + (y –y1)2 +  (ax + by + c) = 0

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Ex.21 Find the equation of the circle pasing through the origin and through the points of intersection of two c i r c l e s
x2 + y2 – 10x + 9 = 0 and x2 + y2 = 4
Sol. Let the circle be (x2 + y2 – 10x + 9) +  (x2 + y2 – 4) = 0
Since it passes through ( 0,0), so we have
9 – 4 = 0   = 9/4

So the required equation is

4(x2 + y2 – 10x + 9) + 9 ( x2 + y2 – 4) = 0  13(x2 + y2) – 40x = 0

Ex.22 Find the equation of the circle passing through the origin and through the points of intersection of the circle
x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y – 20 = 0 and the line x + y –1 = 0
Sol. Let the required equation be
(x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y – 20) +  ( x + y – 1) = 0

S
Since it passes through ( 0,0), so we have –20 –  = 0   = –20
Hence the required equation is
(x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y –20) –20 (x+y –1) = 0  x2 + y2 –22x –16y = 0

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15. COMMON CHORD OF TWO CIRCLES
The line joining the points of intersection of two circles is called the common chord. If the equation of two circle.
S  x2 + y2 + 2g1x + 2f 1y + c1 = 0 and
S'  x2 + y2 + 2g2x + 2f 2y + c2 = 0 , then equation of common chord is S – S' = 0
 2(g1 – g2)x + 2 (f 1 – f 2)y + c1 –c2 = 0

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Also the length of the common chord AB is given by AB  2 a 2  p 2
where 'a' is the radius of one of the given circles and 'p' is the distance of its centre from their common chord.

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Ex.23 Find the length and equation of the common chord of circles x2 + y2 = 10x and x2 + y2 = 4
Sol. The equation of the common chord is
(x2 + y2 – 10x) – (x2 + y2 – 4) = 0  – 10x + 4 = 0  5x – 2 = 0

Also with respect to second circle a = 2 , p = 2/5

8 6
 length of common chord = 2 4  4 / 25 
5

16. ANGLE OF INTERSECTION OF TWO CIRCLES

The angle of intersection between two circles S = 0 and S' = 0 is defined


as the angle between their tangent at their point of intersection. A

If S  x2 + y2 + 2g1x + 2f 1y + c1 = 0
S'  x2 + y2 + 2g2x + 2f 2y + c2 = 0
S=0 S'=0
are two circles with radii r1, r2 and d be the distance between their centres then the angle of intersection 
between them is given by
r12  r22  d2 2  g1 g2  f1 f2    c1  c 2 
cos = or cos =
2r1 r2 2 g12  f12  c1 g22  f22  c 2

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16.1 Condition of Orthogonality

P
r1 r2
If the angle of intersecton of the two circle is a right angle then such circle
(-g1, -f1) (-g2, -f2)
are called Orthogonal circle. In PC1C2 C2
C1 d
2 2 2 2 2 2
(C1C2) = (C1P) + (C2P)  d =r +r 1 2

 (g1–g2)2 + (f 1–f 2)2 = g12+f 12–c1+g22 + f 22 – c2

 2g1 g2 + 2f1f 2 = c1 + c2 (Condition of Orthogonality)

Ex.24 For what value of m the circles x2 + y2 + 5x + 3y + 7 = 0 and x2 + y2 – 8x + 6y + m = 0 cuts orthogonally

Sol. Let the two circles be x2 + y2 + 2g1 x + 2f 1 y + c1 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 2g2x + 2f 2y + c2 = 0 ,
where g1 = 5/2, f 1 = 3/2 , c1 = 7, g2 = –4, f 2 = 3 and c2 = m.
If the two circles intersects orthogonally, then

S
 9
2( g1 g2 + f 1 f 2 ) = c1 + c2  2  10   = 7 + m  11 = 7 + m  m = –18
 2

17. POSITION OF TWO CIRCLES

Let C1 (h1 , k1) and C2 ( h2, k2) be the centre of two circle and r1, r2 be their radius then

CONDITION POSITION DIAGRAM NO. OF

P
COMMON
TANGENTS

(i) C1C2 > r1 + r2 do not intersect 4

or C2
C1 T2
one outside the other T1

N
(ii) C1C2 < |r1 – r2| one inside the other C2
0
C1

I
(iii) C1C2 = r1 + r2 external touch

T2
C1 T1 C 2 3

T2
(iv) C1C2 = |r1 – r2| internal touch C2
1
C1

(v) |r1 – r2| < C1C2 < r1 + r2 intersection at two real points
A
T2 2
C1 C2
B

Point of intersection of common tangents : The points T1 and T2 (points of intersection of indirect and direct
common tangents) divide C1C2 internally and externally in the ratio r1 : r2.
Equation of the common tangent at point of contact : S1 – S2 = 0
Point of contact : The point of contact C1C2 in the ratio r1 : r2 internally or externally as the case may be.

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Ex.25 A circle with radius 5 touches another circle x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 20 = 0 at point (5, 5). Find its eqaution.

Sol. The centre of the given circle C1  (1, 2) and radius = 1  4  20  5 . Since the radii of two circles are equal so

they touch externally. If C2(h, k) be the centre of the required circle then the point of contact (5, 5) is the mid point

of C1C2. Hence C2  (9, 8) and the reqd. eqn will be (x – 9)2 + (y – 8)2 = 25

 x2 + y2 – 18x – 16y + 120 = 0 a

18. RADICAL AXIS & RADICAL CENTRE

18.1 Radical Axis

The radical axis of two circle is the locus of a point, which moves in such a way that the lengths of the tangents

S
drawn from it to two given circles are equal. The equation of radical axis of two circle S = 0 and S' = 0 is written

as S – S' = 0 i.e., 2(g1 – g2) x + 2(f 1 – f 2) y + c1 – c2 = 0

A

P Q
axis

P
C1 C2

Note :  Radical axis biscets every common tangents of two circles.

 Radical axis of two circles is perpendicular to the line joining their centres.

N
 If two circles intersect a third circle orthogonally, then their radical axis will passes through the centre of third
circle.
 Radical axis of three circle, taken two at a time meet at a point provided the centre of the circle are not

I
collinear.
 If two circles intersect at two points then their radical axis coincides with their common chord. Also if they
touch each other then it coincides with their common tangent at their point of contact.
18.2 Radical Centre
The point where the radical axis of three given circles taken in pairs meet, is called the radical centre of those
three circles.

Thus the length of the three tangents drawn from the radical centre on the three circles are equal.
If S1 = 0, S2 = 0 and S3 = 0 be any three given circles, then to obtain the radical centre, we solve any two of the
following S1 – S2 = 0 , S2 – S3 = 0 , S3 –S1 = 0

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Note :

 If the centres of three circles are collinear then their radical centre will not exist.

 The circle with centre at radical centre and radius is equal to the length of tangents from radical centre to any
of the circles will cut the three circle orthogonally and is called as Radical circle.

 Circles are drawn on three sides of a triangle as diameter than radical centre of these circles is the orthocentre
of the triangle.

Ex.26 Find the equation opf the radical axis of the circles 2x2 + 2y2 – 7x = 0 and x2 + y2 – 4y – 7 = 0.

Sol. The equations of the given circles may be written as

S
2x2 + 2y2 – 7x = 0
and 2x2 + 2y2 – 8y – 4 = 0
The equation of their radical axis is given by
S – S' = 0
 (2x2 + 2y2 – 7x) – (2x2 + 2y2 – 8y – 14) = 0

P
 7x – 8y – 14 = 0

19. SOME IMPORTANT RESULTS

 If the line lx + my + n = 0 is a tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = a2, then a2 (l2 + m2) = n2.

 If the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is a point circle then g2 + f 2 = c.

N
 If the radius of the given circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c= 0 be r and it touches both the axes then g = f = c = r..

I
 The length of the tangent drawn from any point on the circle x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c1 = 0 to the circle
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is c  c1 .

1 1 1
 If the circles x2 + y2 + 2gx + c2 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 2fy + c2 = 0 touch each other, then 2
 2
 .
g f c2
 If the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 touches x-axis and y-axis, then g2 = c and f 2 = c respectively.

 The length of the common chord of the circles x2 + y2 + ax + by + c = 0 and x2 + y2 + bx + ay + c = 0 is

1
(a  b)2  4c
2
2ab
 The length of the common chord of the circles (x – a)2 + y2 = a2 and x2 + (y – b)2 = b2 is .
a2  b 2
 If two tangents drawn from the origin to the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 are perpendicular to each other,
then g2 + f 2 = 2c.

 If the line y = mx + c is a normal to the circle with radius r and centre at (a, b), then b = ma + c.

 If the tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = r2 at the point (a, b) meets the coordinates axes at the points A and B and
r4
O is the origin, then the area of the triangle OAB is .
2ab

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 If  is the angle subtended at P(x1, y1) by the circle S = x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, then

 S1
cot 2 
g  f2  c
2

 If the line lx + my + n = 0 is a tangent to the circle (x – h)2 + (y – k)2 = a2, then (hl + km + n)2 = a2 (l2 + m2).

x y
 The length of the chord intercepted by the circle x2 + y2 = r2 on the line   1 is
a b
 r 2 (a 2  b 2 )  a 2b 2 
2  
 a2  b2 
 
 The distance between the chord of contact of the tangents to the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 from the

1 g2  f 2  c
origin and the point (g, f) is 2 .
g2  f 2

S
 
 a 
2 2 2 –1
 The angle between the tangents from (, ) to the circle x + y = a is 2 tan  2 2 .
2 
   a 
 If lines l1x + m1y + n1 = 0 and l2x + m2y + n2 = 0 cut the axes at concyclic points, then l1l2 = m1m2.

 The area of the triangle formed by the tangents from the points (h, k) to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 and their chord

P
a
of contact is 2 2
(h 2  k 2  a 2 )3 / 2 .
h k
 If O is the origin and OP, OQ are tangents to the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, then the circumcentre of the
g f
triangle OPQ is  , .
 2 2 

N
 If chord of a circle AB and CD meet at some point P, then PA . PB = PC . PD and if AB chord and tangent at
T meet at P, then PA . PB = PT2.

I
T
B

A P
P A B
C
D

 If OA and OB are the tangents from the origin to the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 and C is the centre of the
circle then the area of the quadrilateral OABC is c( g 2  f 2  c ) .

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SOLVED EXAMPLES
Ex.1 The equation of the circle concentric with the circle x2 + y2 – 3x + 4y – c = 0 and passing through the point
(–1, –2) is
[1] x2 + y2 – 3x + 4y – 1 = 0 [2] x2 + y2 – 3x + 4y = 0
[3] x2 + y2 – 3x + 4y + 2 = 0 [4] none of these
Sol. The equation of two concentric circles differ only in constant term. So let the equation of the requird circle be
x2 + y2 – 3x + 4y +  = 0
It passes through (–1, –2) so we have
1 + 4 + 3 – 8 +  = 0   = 0,
Hence required equation is x2 + y2 – 3x + 4y = 0 Ans.[2]

Ex.2 If the line x + y = 1 is a tangent to a circle with centre (2, 3), then its equation will be
[1] x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y + 4 = 0 [2] x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y + 5 = 0
[3] x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y – 5 = 0 [4] none of these
Sol. Radius of the circle
4

S
= perpendicular distance of (2, 3) from x + y = 1 is 2 2
2
 the required equation will be
(x – 2)2 + (y – 3)2 = 8  x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y + 5 = 0 Ans.[2]

Ex.3 If the lines 3x – 4y + 4 = 0 and 6x – 8y – 7 = 0 are tangents to a circle, then the radius of the circle is
(1) 3/2 (2) 3/4 (3) 1/10 (4) 1/20
Sol. The diameter of the circle is perpendicular distance between the parallel lines (tangents) 3x – 4y + 4 = 0

P
7
and 3x – 4y – = 0 and so it is equal to-
2
4 7/2 3
 
9  16 9  16 2
3
Hence radius is . Ans. [2]
4

N
Ex.4 The straight line (x – 2) + (y + 3) = 0 cuts the circle (x – 2)2 + (y – 3)2 = 11 at
(1) No points (2) One point (3) Two points (4) None of these
Sol. Equation of line is x + y + 1 = 0. Since the perpendicular distance from centre to line is greaterr than radius,

I
hence it does not cut the circle. Ans. [1]

Ex.5 The equation of the circle through the point of intersection of x2 + y2 – 1 = 0, x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y + 1 = 0 and touching
the line x + 2y = 0, is-
[1] x2 + y2 + x + 2y = 0 [2] x2 + y2 – x + 20 = 0 [3] x2 + y2 – x – 2y = 0 [4] 2(x2 + y2) – x – 2y = 0
Sol. Family of circles is
x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y + 1 + (x2 + y2 – 1) = 0
(1 + ) x2 + (1 + ) y2 – 2x – 4y + (1 – ) = 0
2 4 1 
x 2 + y2  x y 0
1  1  1 
 1 2 
Centre is  ,
 1   1   
2 2
 1   2  1  4  2
and radius =       .
 1    1   1  1 
Since it touches the line x + 2y = 0, hence
Radius = Perpendicular from centre to the line.
1 2
2
1  1   4  2
i.e., 1   5  4  2  =±1
12  2 2

 = –1 cannot be possible in case of circle. So  = 1.

Thus, we get the equation of circle. Ans.[3]

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2 2
Ex.6 If the straight line ax + by = 2; a, b  0 touches the circle x + y – 2x = 3 and is normal to the circle
x2 + y2 – 4y = 6, then the values of a and b are respectively
4
[1] 1, –1 [2] 1, 2 [3]  ,1 [4] 2, 1
3
Sol. Given x2 + y2 – 2x = 3
 centre is (1, 0) and radius is 2
and x2 + y2 – 4y = 6
 centre is (0, 2) and radius is 10 . Since line ax + by = 2 touches the first circle

a(1)  b(0)  2
 2 or (a – 2) = [2 a 2  b 2 ] ...(i)
a2  b2
Also the given line is normal to the second circle. Hence it will pass through the centre of the second circle.
 a(0) + b(2) = 2 or 2b = 2 or b = 1
Putting this value in equation (i) we get
a – 2 = 2 a 2  12 or (a – 2)2 = 4(a2 + 1)

S
4
or a2 + 4 – 4a = 4a2 + 4 or 3a2 + 4a = 0 or a (3a + 4) = 0 or a = 0, 
3

 4 
 values of a and b are   , 1 respectively according to the given choices. Ans.[3]
 3 

P
Ex.7 If the centre of a circle which passing through the points of intersection of the circle x2 + y2 – 6c + 2y + 4 = 0 and
x2 + y2 + 2x – 4y – 6 = 0 is on the line y = x, then the equation of the cirlce is
(1) 7x2 + 7y2 – 10x + 10y – 11 = 0 (2) 7x2 + 7y2 + 10x – 10y – 12 = 0
2 2
(3) 7x + 7y – 10x – 10y – 12 = 0 (4) 7x2 + 7y2 – 10x – 12 = 0
Sol. Family of circles through points of intersection of two circles is S1 + S2 (  –1).
x2 + y2 – 6x + 2y + 4 + (x2 + y2 + 2x – 4y – 6) = 0
Centre is (3 – , –1 + 2). It lies on y = x.

N
4
Therefore, –1 + 2 = 3 –    =
3
Hence equation of circle can be found by substituting  in the family of circles above. Ans. [3]

I
Ex.8 A chord AB drawn from the point A(0, 3) at cirlce x2 + 4x + (y – 3)2 = 0 and it meets to M in such a way that
AM = 2AB, then the locus of point M will be
(1) Straight line (2) Circle (3) Parabola (4) none of these
2 2 Y
h h k 3 
Sol.   4   3  0
2
  2
   2 
(0, 3)
(-2,3) A
h2 8h (k  3)2
    0 or x2 + y2 + 8x – 6y + 9 = 0
4 4 4 B
This is a circle. Ans. [2]
M
X' 0
Ex.9 The line 3x – 2y = k meets the circle x2 + y2 = 4r2 at only one point, if k2
52 2 20 2
(1) 20r2 (2) 52r2 (3) r (4) r
9 9
Sol. Equation of line is
3x – 2y = k ...(i)
Circle is x2 + y2 = 4r2 ...(ii)
3 k k 3
Equation of line can be written as y = x Here, c = – ,m 
2 2 2 2

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Now the line will meet the circle, if c = a 1  m 2

2
k 3
=  (2r ) 1    [from (ii), a = 2r]
2 2

k2 13
  4r 2   k2 = 52r2. Ans. [2]
4 4

Ex.10 The equation of the circle which passes through the intersection of x 2 + y 2 + 13x – 3y = 0 and
2x2 + 2y2 + 4x – 7y – 25 = 0 and whose centre lies on 13x + 30y = 0
(1) x2 + y2 + 30x – 13y – 25 = 0 (2) 4x2 + 4y2 + 30x – 13y – 25 = 0
2 2
(3) 2x + 2y + 30x – 13y – 25 = 0 (4) x2 + y2 + 30x – 13y + 25 = 0
Sol. The equation of required circles is s1 + s2 = 0
7  25
 x2(1 + ) + y2(1 + ) +x(2 + 13) – y   3   0
2  2

S
  ( 2  13 ) 7 / 2  3 
Centre =  , 
 2 2 

 2  13   7 / 2  3 
 Centre line on 13x + 30 y = 0  –13    30  0  =1 Ans. [2]
 2   2 

P
Ex.11 Locus of a point which moves such that sum of the square of its distances from the sides of a square of side
unity is 9 is
(1) Straight line (2) Circle (3) Parabola (4) none of these
Sol. x2 + (x – 1)2 + y2 + (y – 1)2 = 9 Ans. [2]

I N
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