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17
Circles
Circle
Circle is defined as the locus of a point which moves in a plane such
that its distance from a fixed point in that plane is constant.
P (x, y)
r

C (0, 0)

The fixed point is called the centre and the constant distance is called
the radius.

Standard Equation of a Circle

Equation of circle having centre ( h , k) and radius a is
( x − h )2 + ( y − k)2 = a 2. This is also known as central form of equation
of a circle.
Some Particular Cases of the Central Form
(i) When centre is ( 0, 0), then equation of circle is x 2 + y 2 = a 2.
Y
a

X
O a

(ii) When the circle passes through the origin, then equation of the
circle is x 2 + y 2 − 2hx − 2ky = 0.
Y

C(h, k)
a
k
O h M X
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Circles 177
(iii) When the circle touches the X-axis, the equation is
x 2 + y 2 − 2hx − 2ay + h 2 = 0.
Y

C (h, k)
a

O X
M
(iv) Equation of the circle, touches the Y-axis is
x 2 + y 2 − 2ax − 2ky + k2 = 0.
Y

C (h, k)
M a

X
O

(v) Equation of the circle, touching both axes is

x 2 + y 2 − 2ax − 2ay + a 2 = 0.
Y

M a C (a, a)

a
X
O

(vi) Equation of the circle passing through the origin and centre
lying on the X-axis is x 2 + y 2 − 2ax = 0.
Y

X' a
O X
C (a, 0)

Y'
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178 Handbook of Mathematics

(vii) Equation of the circle passing through the origin and centre
lying on the Y-axis is x 2 + y 2 − 2ay = 0.
Y

C
(0, a)
X' X
O
Y'
(viii) Equation of the circle through the origin and cutting intercepts a
and b on the coordinate axes is x 2 + y 2 − ax − by = 0.
Y
b

C(h, k)
X' a X
(0, 0)

Y'

Equation of Circle When Ends Points

of Diameter are Given
Equation of the circle, when the coordinates of end points of a diameter
are ( x1 , y1 ) and ( x2 , y2 ) is ( x − x1 ) ( x − x2 ) + ( y − y1 ) ( y − y2 ) = 0.

Equation of Circle Passing Through Three Points

Equation of the circle passes through three non-collinear points
x2 + y2 x y 1
x 2 + y12 x1 y1 1
( x1 , y1 ), ( x2 , y2 ) and ( x3 , y3 ) is 12 = 0.
x2 + y22 x2 y2 1
x32 + y32 x3 y3 1
Y
Parametric Equation of a Circle
The parametric equation of
a P (x, y)
( x − h )2 + ( y − k)2 = a 2 is θ
X' X
x = h + a cos θ , y = k + a sin θ,0 ≤ θ ≤ 2π O

For circle x 2 + y 2 = a 2, parametric equation is

x = a cos θ , y = a sin θ Y'
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Circles 179
General Equation of a Circle
The general equation of a circle is given by x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0,
whose centre = ( − g,− f ) and radius = g2 + f 2 − c
(i) If g2 + f 2 − c > 0, then the radius of the circle is real and hence
the circle is also real.
(ii) If g2 + f 2 − c = 0, then the radius of the circle is 0 and the circle is
known as point circle.
(iii) If g2 + f 2 − c < 0, then the radius of the circle is imaginary. Such
a circle is imaginary, which is not possible to draw.

Position of a Point w.r.t. a Circle

A point ( x1 , y1 ) lies outside, on or inside a circle
S ≡ x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0, according as S1 > , = or < 0
where, S1 = x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2 fy1 + c

Intercepts on the Axes

The length of the intercepts made by the circle
x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 with X and Y -axes are
2 g2 − c and 2 f 2 − c respectively.
(i) If g2 > c, then the roots of the equation x 2 + 2gx + c = 0 are real
and distinct, so the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 meets the
X-axis in two real and distinct points.
(ii) If g2 = c, then the roots of the equation x 2 + 2gx + c = 0 are real
and equal, so the circle touches X-axis, then intercept on X-axis
is 0.
(iii) If g2 < c, then the roots of the equation x 2 + 2gx + c = 0 are
imaginary, so the given circle does not meet X-axis in real point.
Similarly, the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 cuts the Y -axis in
real and distinct points, touches or does not meet in real point
according to f 2 > , = or < c.

Equation of Tangent
A line which touch only one point of a circle.
1. Point Form
(i) The equation of the tangent at the point P ( x1 , y1 ) to a circle
x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 is
xx1 + yy1 + g ( x + x1 ) + f ( y + y1 ) + c = 0
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180 Handbook of Mathematics

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

x 2 + y 2 = r 2 is xx1 + yy1 = r 2.

2. Slope Form
(i) The equation of the tangent of slope m to the circle
x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 are
y + f = m ( x + g) ± ( g2 + f 2 − c) (1 + m 2 )
(ii) The equation of the tangents of slope m to the circle
( x − a )2 + ( y − b)2 = r 2 are y − b = m ( x − a ) ± r 1 + m 2 and the
coordinates of the points of contact are
 mr r 
a ± ,bm .
 1 + m2 1 + m 2 

(iii) The equation of tangents of slope m to the circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 are
y = mx ± r 1 + m 2 and the coordinates of the point of contact
are
 rm r 
± ,m .
 1 + m2 1 + m 2 

3. Parametric Form
The equation of the tangent to the circle ( x − a )2 + ( y − b)2 = r 2 at the
point ( a + r cos θ , b + r sin θ ) is ( x − a ) cos θ + ( y − b) sin θ = r.

Equation of Normal
A line which is perpendicular to the tangent is known as a normal.
1. Point Form
(i) The equation of normal at the point ( x1 , y1 ) to the circle
x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 is
y +f
y − y1 = 1 ( x − x1 )
x1 + g
or ( y1 + f ) x − ( x1 + g) y + ( gy1 − fx1 ) = 0.
(ii) The equation of normal at the point ( x1 , y1 ) to the circle
x y
x 2 + y 2 = r 2 is = .
x1 y1
2. Slope Form
The equation of a normal of slope m to the circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 is
my = − x ± r 1 + m 2 .
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Circles 181
3. Parametric Form
The equation of normal to the circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 at the point
(r cos θ , r sin θ ) is
x y
= or y = x tan θ.
r cos θ r sin θ

Important Points to be Remembered

(i) If ( x1 , y1) is one end of a diameter of the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0,
then the other end will be ( −2g − x1 , − 2f − y1).
(ii) If a line is perpendicular to the radius of a circle at its end points on the
circle, then the line is a tangent to the circle and vice-versa.
(iii) Normal at any point on the circle is a straight line which is perpendicular
to the tangent to the curve at the point and it passes through the centre
of circle.
(iv) The line y = mx + c meets the circle in unique real point or touch the
 c 
circle x 2 + y 2 = r2 , if r = 
 1+ m 
2

 ± mr m r 
and the point of contacts are  , .
 1 + m2 1 + m2 
 
(v) The line lx + my + n = 0 touches the circle x 2 + y 2 = r2 , if r2 ( l2 + m2 ) = n2 .
(vi) Tangent at the point P ( r cosθ , r sinθ) to the circle x 2 + y 2 = r2 is
x cosθ + y sinθ = r.
(vii) The point of intersection of the tangent at the points P(θ1) and Q(θ2 ) on
the circle x 2 + y 2 = r2 is given by
θ + θ  θ + θ 
r cos  1 2  r sin 1 2 
 2   2 
x= and y = .
 θ1 − θ2   θ1 − θ2 
cos   cos  
 2   2 
(viii) A line intersect a given circle at two distinct real points, if the length of the
perpendicular from the centre is less than the radius of the circle.
(ix) Length of the intercept cut off from the line y = mx + c by the circle
a2 (1 + m2 ) − c2
x 2 + y 2 = a2 is 2
1 + m2
(x) If P is a point and C is the centre of a circle of radius r, then the maximum
and minimum distances of P from the circle are CP + r and |CP − r |
respectively.
(xi) Power of a point ( x1 , y1) with respect to the circle
x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c.
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182 Handbook of Mathematics

Pair of Tangents
(i) The combined equation of the pair of tangents drawn from a
point P ( x1 , y1 ) to the circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 is
Q

P O
(x1, y1)
R
(x + y − r
2 2 2
) ( x12 + y12 − r ) = ( xx1 + yy1 − r 2 )2
2

or SS1 = T 2
where, S = x 2 + y 2 − r 2 , S1 = x12 + y12 − r 2
and T = xx1 + yy1 − r 2
(ii) The length of the tangents from the point P ( x1 , y1 ) to the circle
x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 is equal to

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

(iii) Chord of contact QR of two tangents, drawn from P ( x1 , y1 ) to
the circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 is xx1 + yy1 = r 2 or T = 0.
Similarly, for the circle
x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 is
xx1 + yy1 + g( x + x1 ) + f ( y + y1 ) + c = 0
(iv) Let AB is a chord of contact of tangents from C to the circle
x 2 + y 2 = r 2. M is the mid-point of AB.
B

O M α C(x1, y1)

 r 2x r 2y 
(a) Coordinates of M  2 1 2 , 2 1 2 
 x1 + y1 x1 + y1 

x12 + y12 − r 2
(b) AB = 2r
x12 + y12

(c) BC = x12 + y12 − r 2

(d) Area of quadrilateral OACB = r x12 + y12 − r 2

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Circles 183
r
(e) Area of ∆ ABC = ( x12 + y12 − r 2)3/ 2
x12 + y12
r3
(f) Area of ∆ OAB = x12 + y12 − r 2
x12 + y12
r
(g) Angle between two tangents ∠ ACB is 2 tan−1 .
S1
(v) In general, two tangents can be drawn to a circle from a given
point in its plane. If m1 and m2 are slope of the tangents drawn
from the point P ( x1 , y1 ) to the circle x 2 + y 2 = a 2, then
2x1 y1 y12 − a 2
m1 + m2 = and m1 × m2 =
x12 − a 2 x12 − a 2
(vi) The pair of tangents from ( 0, 0) to the circle
x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 are at right angle, if g 2 + f 2 = 2c.

Equation of Chord Bisected at a Given Point

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

Director Circle
The locus of the point of intersection of two perpendicular tangents to a
given circle is called a director circle. For circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2, the
equation of director circle is x 2 + y 2 = 2r 2.

Pole and Polar

If through a point P ( x1 , y1 ) (within or outside a circle) there be drawn
any straight line to meet the given circle at Q and R, the locus of the
point of intersection of tangents at Q and R is called the polar of P and
point P is called the pole of polar.

R
P (x1, y1)

T (h, k) Q
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184 Handbook of Mathematics

(i) Equation of polar to the circle

x 2 + y 2 = r 2 is xx1 + yy1 = r 2.
(ii) Equation of polar to the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 is
xx1 + yy1 + g ( x + x1 ) + f ( y + y1 ) + c = 0
(iii) Conjugate Points Two points A and B are conjugate points
with respect to a given circle, if each lies on the polar of the other
with respect to the circle.
(iv) Conjugate Lines If two lines be such that the pole of one lies
on the other, then they are called conjugate lines with respect to
the given circle.

Common Tangents of Two Circles

Let the centres and radii of two circles are c1 , c2 and r1 , r2 respectively.
Then, the following cases of intersection of these two circles may arise.
(i) When two circles are separate, four common tangents are
possible.
Condition, C1C2 > r1 + r2
Transverse common tangents
A
P′
B
r1 Q
r2
C1 T C2 D
Q′
P B′
A′ Direct common tangents

C1D r1
Clearly, = [externally]
C2D r2
C1T r1
and = [internally]
C2T r2
Length of direct common tangent
AB = A′ B′ = (C1C2 )2 − (r1 − r2 )2
Length of transverse common tangent
PQ = P ′Q ′ = (C1C2 )2 − (r1 + r2 )2
(ii) When two circles touch externally, three common tangents are
possible.
Condition, C1C2 = r1 + r2
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Circles 185
A
B
r1
T r2 D
C1 C2

Direct common tangent

Transverse
common tangent
S1 – S2 = 0
C1D r1
Clearly, = [externally]
C2D r2
C1T r1
and = [internally]
C2T r2
(iii) When two circles intersect, two common tangents are possible.
Condition, |r1 − r2|< C1C2 < (r1 + r2 )
A
B Direct common tangent

C1 C2 D

Common chord
(S1 – S2 = 0)
(iv) When two circles touch internally, one common tangent is
possible.
Condition, C1C2 =|r1 − r2|

r2
C1 C2

r1 Common tangent
S1 – S2 = 0
(v) When one circle contains another circle, no common tangent is
possible.
Condition, C1C2 <|r1 − r2|

C1 C2
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186 Handbook of Mathematics

Angle of Intersection of Two Circles

The angle of intersection of two circles is Tangents
defined as the angle between the tangents to
the two circles at their point of intersection is r1 r2
θ
given by d
c1 c2
r 2 + r22 − d 2
cosθ = 1
2 r1r2

Orthogonal Circles
Two circles are said to be intersect orthogonally, if their angle of
intersection is a right angle.
If two circles
S1 ≡ x 2 + y 2 + 2g1x + 2 f1 y + c1 = 0 and
S 2 ≡ x 2 + y 2 + 2g2x + 2 f2 y + c2 = 0 are orthogonal, then
2g1g2 + 2 f1 f2 = c1 + c2

Common Chord
The chord joining the points of intersection of two given intersecting
circles is called common chord.
Common chord
Y M
P
c1
Q c2
X′ X
O

Y′
(i) If S1 = 0 and S 2 = 0 be two intersecting circles, such that
S1 ≡ x 2 + y 2 + 2g1x + 2 f1 y + c1 = 0
and S 2 ≡ x 2 + y 2 + 2g2x + 2 f2 y + c2 = 0,
then their common chord is given by S1 − S 2 = 0
(ii) If C1 , C2 denote the centre of the given intersecting circles, then
their common chord
PQ = 2 PM = 2 (C1P )2 − (C1M )2
(iii) If r1 and r2 be the radii of two orthogonally intersecting circles,
2 r1r2
then length of common chord is .
r12 + r22
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Circles 187

Family of Circles
(i) The equation of a family of circles passing through the
intersection of a circle S = x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 and line
L = lx + my + n = 0 is S + λL = 0
where, λ is any real number.
(ii) The equation of the family of circles passing through the point
A( x1 , y1 ) and B ( x2 , y2 ) is
x y 1
( x − x1 ) ( x − x2 ) + ( y − y1 ) ( y − y2 ) + λ x1 y1 1 = 0.
x2 y2 1
(iii) The equation of the family of circles touching the circle
S ≡ x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 at point P ( x1 , y1 ) is
x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c + λ [xx1 + yy1 + g( x + x1 ) + f ( y + y1 ) + c] = 0
or S + λL = 0, where L = 0 is the equation of the tangent to
S = 0 at ( x1 , y1 ) and λ ∈ R.
(iv) Any circle passing through the point of intersection of two circles
S1 and S 2 is S1 + λ S 2 = 0, (where λ ≠ − 1).

Radical Axis
The radical axis of two circles is the locus P (h, k)
of a point which moves in such a way
Radical axis
that the length of the tangents drawn
from it to the two circles are equal. A
system of circles in which every pair has
the same radical axis is called a coaxial Q R
system of circles. The equation of radical C1 C2
axis of two circles S1 = 0 and S 2 = 0 is
given by S1 − S 2 = 0.
(i) The radical axis of two circles is always perpendicular to the line
joining the centres of the circles.
(ii) The radical axes of three circles, whose centres are non-collinear
taken in pairs are concurrent.
(iii) The centre of the circle cutting two given circles orthogonally,
lies on their radical axis.
(iv) Radical Centre The point of intersection of radical axis of
three circles whose centre are non-collinear, taken in pairs, is
called their radical centre.
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188 Handbook of Mathematics

Coaxial System of Circles

A system of circle is said to be coaxial system of circles, if every pair of
the circles in the system has same radical axis.
(i) The equation of a system of coaxial circles, when the equation of
the radical axis P ≡ lx + my + n = 0 and one of the circle of the
system S ≡ x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0, is S + λP = 0.
where λ is an arbitrary constant.
(ii) Since, the lines joining the centres of two circles is perpendicular
to their radical axis. Therefore, the centres of all circles of a
coaxial system lie on a straight line, which is perpendicular to
the common radical axis.

Limiting Points
Limiting points of a system of coaxial circles are the centres of the
point circles belonging to the family.
Let equation of circle be x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + c = 0
∴ Radius of circle = g2 − c
For limiting point, r = 0
∴ g2 − c = 0 ⇒ g = ± c
Thus, limiting points of the given coaxial system as ( c , 0) and ( − c , 0).

Important Points to be Remembered

 a2 l a2m
(i) Pole of lx + my + n = 0 with respect to x 2 + y 2 = a2 is  − ,− .
 n n 
S1 S2
(ii) Let S1 = 0 , S2 = 0 be two circles with radii r1 , r2 , then ± = 0 will meet at
r1 r2
right angle.
(iii) Family of circles touching a line L = 0 at a point ( x1 , y1) on it is
( x − x1)2 + ( y − y1)2 + λL = 0.
(iv) Circumcircle of a ∆ with vertices ( x1 , y1), ( x2 , y2 ), ( x3 , y3 ) is
x y 1
x1 y1 1
( x − x1) ( x − x2 ) + ( y − y1) ( y − y2 ) x2 y2 1
=
( x3 − x1) ( x3 − x2 ) + ( y3 − y1) ( y3 − y2 ) x3 y3 1
x1 y1 1
x2 y2 1
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Circles 189

Image of the Circle by the Line Minor

Let the circle be x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0

C1 r r
C2
(– g, – f )

lx + my + n = 0

and line minor is lx + my + n = 0.

Then, the image of the circle is
( x − x1 )2 + ( y − y1 )2 = r 2
where, ( x1 , y1 ) is mirror image of centre ( − g, − f ) with respect to mirror
line lx + my + n = 0 and r = g2 + f 2 − c.

Diameter of a Circle
The locus of the middle points of a system of parallel chords of a circle
is called a diameter of the circle.
(i) The equation of the diameter bisecting parallel chords
y = mx + c of the circle x 2 + y 2 = a 2 is x + my = 0.
(ii) The diameter corresponding to a system of parallel chords of a
circle always passes through the centre of the circle and is
perpendicular to the parallel chords.