Q.Find the centre and the radius of the circle x2+y2+8x+10y−8=0.
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🔒 Start your 14-day free trial to unlock the full solution →Concept understanding — Circle Equation Standard Form
Where the Circle Equation Comes From
Imagine you're standing at a point on a flat field. You tie a rope to a stake at that point, walk out the full length of the rope, and start walking in a circle, keeping the rope taut. Every point you step on is exactly the same distance from the stake.
That's the entire idea: a circle is the set of all points that are a fixed distance (the radius) from a fixed point (the centre).
If we put this on a coordinate plane, we can turn that geometric idea into an algebraic equation.
From Geometry to Algebra
Let the centre be at coordinates (h,k). Let the radius be r. Take any point (x,y) that lies on the circle. The distance from (x,y) to (h,k) must equal r.
What's the distance between two points in the plane? The distance formula:
(x−h)2+(y−k)2=r
Now square both sides to remove the square root:
(x−h)2+(y−k)2=r2
That's it. That's the standard form of the equation of a circle.
(x−h)2+(y−k)2=r2
where (h,k) is the centre and r is the radius (r>0).
What Each Piece Tells You
- (x−h) and (y−k) — these shift the circle away from the origin. If the centre is at (0,0), the equation simplifies to x2+y2=r2.
- r2 — notice it's the square of the radius, not the radius itself. If the equation says x2+y2=25, the radius is 25=5, not 25.
- The equals sign — only the points (x,y) that make this equation true lie on the circle. Any other point gives a larger or smaller left-hand side.
A common mistake: for (x−3)2+(y+2)2=16, students often read the centre straight off the signs printed in the equation and say (3,2). That's wrong. Each bracket must first be written in the exact form x−h and y−k: here (y+2)=(y−(−2)), so k=−2, not 2. The centre is actually (3,−2). Always flip the sign inside every bracket before reading off h and k.
Quick Example
Write the equation of a circle with centre (−1,4) and radius 3.
Here h=−1, k=4, r=3. Plug in:
(x−(−1))2+(y−4)2=32
Simplify:
(x+1)2+(y−4)2=9 …
Concept: Circle Equation Standard Form
We rewrite the given equation into (x−h)2+(y−k)2=r2 by completing the square.
Step 1: Group x and y terms
x2+8x+y2+10y=8
Step 2: Complete the square
For x: x2+8x=(x+4)2−16
For y: y2+10y=(y+5)2−25 …
The equation is rewritten by completing the square to get (x+4)2+(y+5)2=49, so the centre is (−4,−5) and the radius is 7.
The standard form of a circle’s equation is (x−h)2+(y−k)2=r2, where (h,k) is the centre and r is the radius. The given equation is in expanded form — it has x2, y2, linear terms in x and y, and a constant. To extract the centre and radius, we need to reverse the expansion by completing the square for both x and y terms. This method works because any quadratic expression like x2+8x can be turned into a perfect square plus a leftover constant.
- Group the x and y terms Write the equation as:
(x2+8x)+(y2+10y)=8
We move the constant −8 to the right side as +8.
- Complete the square for x Take half of the coefficient of x (which is 8), giving 4. Square it to get 16. Add and subtract 16 inside the x group:
x2+8x=(x2+8x+16)−16=(x+4)2−16
- Complete the square for y Half of 10 is 5, square is 25. So:
y2+10y=(y2+10y+25)−25=(y+5)2−25
- Substitute back into the equation Replace the groups:
(x+4)2−16+(y+5)2−25=8
Combine the constants: −16−25=−41, so:
(x+4)2+(y+5)2−41=8
- Isolate the squared terms Add 41 to both sides:
(x+4)2+(y+5)2=49
- Read off centre and radius …
Showing the 12 most recent of 156 on this concept.
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.The centre of a circle x2+y2+2gx+2fy+c=0 is the point of intersection of the X-axis and the line x+by+g=0. If the intercepts made by this circle on X and Y axes are 6 and 25 respectively, then g2+f2+c2= (A) 41 (B) 32 (C) 29 (D) 25
›Reveal solutionSolution
Centre-on-X-axis fixes f=0; the two intercept lengths then pin down c and g2, giving g2+f2+c2=29.
Concept and Intuition
For a circle x2+y2+2gx+2fy+c=0, the centre is (−g,−f) and radius g2+f2−c. The intercept a circle cuts on the X-axis has length 2g2−c, and on the Y-axis 2f2−c — both standard results obtained by setting y=0 (or x=0) in the circle equation and using the quadratic's root-difference.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Centre is (−g,−f); lying on the X-axis (y=0) requires −f=0, i.e. f=0.
- The centre must also lie on x+by+g=0: substituting (−g,0) gives −g+0+g=0, true for any b — so this condition contributes nothing new beyond f=0.
- X-axis intercept length: 2g2−c=6⇒g2−c=9. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.The normal drawn at the point (−1,−2) to a circle S is y+2=0 and the centre of the circle S does not lie in the 2nd and 3rd quadrants. If the intercept made by this circle on X-axis is 82, then the length of the tangent drawn to the circle from the point (−1,−1) is (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 5
›Reveal solutionSolution
The horizontal normal fixes the centre's y-coordinate; the quadrant restriction and the X-intercept pin the centre exactly, giving a tangent length of 1 from (−1,−1).
Concept and Intuition
A normal to a circle at any point always passes through the centre. Here the normal is the horizontal line y=−2, so the centre's y-coordinate is −2. The quadrant restriction then fixes the sign of the centre's x-coordinate, and the given point (−1,−2) (through which the normal was drawn) lies on the circle, giving the radius in terms of the unknown x-coordinate of the centre.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Normal y+2=0 passes through both the point (−1,−2) (given) and the centre, so centre =(a,−2).
- Centre not in 2nd quadrant (x<0,y>0) is automatic since y=−2<0; not in 3rd quadrant (x<0,y<0) forces a≥0.
- Radius r= distance from centre to the point (−1,−2) on the circle =∣a−(−1)∣=a+1 (positive since a≥0). …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.If (h,k) is the inverse point of the point (1,3) with respect to the circle x2+y2−10x+2y+1=0, then h+k= (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
›Reveal solutionSolution
The inverse point lies on ray CP scaled so that CP⋅CP′=r2; direct computation gives h+k=4.
Concept and Intuition
The inverse of a point P with respect to a circle of centre C and radius r is the point P′ on ray CP such that CP⋅CP′=r2. In vector form, P′=C+∣CP∣2r2(P−C).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Circle x2+y2−10x+2y+1=0: centre C=(5,−1) (since 2g=−10,2f=2), radius2=g2+f2−c=25+1−1=25.
- P=(1,3). P−C=(1−5,3−(−1))=(−4,4). ∣CP∣2=16+16=32.
- P′=C+3225(−4,4)=(5,−1)+(−32100,32100)=(5−825,−1+825). …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-FN1 markMCQQ.A circle x2+y2−2x+2y+1=0 and a line x−y−1=0 intersect at the points A and B. If the equation of the circle having AB as diameter is x2+y2+2gx+2fy+c=0, then 2g+2f= (A) −2c+1 (B) 2c+2 (C) −c+3 (D) c
›Reveal solutionSolution
The family-of-circles trick plus "centre lies on the diameter-line" pins λ=1; then 2g+2f=c=0 identically, matching option (D).
Concept and Intuition
Any circle through the two intersection points of a given circle S=0 and line L=0 can be written as S+λL=0. If AB (the common chord) is to be a diameter of this new circle, its centre — being the midpoint of AB — must lie on the line L itself (since A,B∈L).
Step-by-Step Solution
- S:x2+y2−2x+2y+1=0, L:x−y−1=0. Family: x2+y2−2x+2y+1+λ(x−y−1)=0, i.e. x2+y2+(λ−2)x+(2−λ)y+(1−λ)=0.
- Centre of this circle: (22−λ,2λ−2).
- This centre must satisfy L=0: 22−λ−2λ−2−1=0⇒2(2−λ)−(λ−2)=1⇒24−2λ=1⇒2−λ=1⇒λ=1. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.If x−2y+3=0 and x−5y−8=0 are the conjugate lines with respect to the circle x2+y2−4x+6y+c=0, then c= (A) −3 (B) −12 (C) 9 (D) 4
›Reveal solutionSolution
Two lines are conjugate w.r.t. a circle when the pole of one lies on the other; solving the pole condition for the given circle and lines gives c=4.
Concept and Intuition
For a circle x2+y2+2gx+2fy+c=0, the polar (chord of contact style line) of a point (x1,y1) is
xx1+yy1+g(x+x1)+f(y+y1)+c=0.
Two lines l1=0 and l2=0 are called conjugate lines with respect to the circle if the pole of l1 lies on l2 (equivalently the pole of l2 lies on l1 — the relation is symmetric).
Here the circle is x2+y2−4x+6y+c=0, so g=−2, f=3.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let (x1,y1) be the pole of x−2y+3=0. The polar of (x1,y1) is
x(x1−2)+y(y1+3)+(−2x1+3y1+c)=0.
- Matching this to x−2y+3=0 (proportional coefficients), set the common ratio =k:
x1−2=k,y1+3=−2k,−2x1+3y1+c=3k.
So x1=k+2, y1=−2k−3.
3. Substitute into the third equation: −2(k+2)+3(−2k−3)+c=3k⇒−8k−13+c=3k⇒c=11k+13. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-12-AN1 markMCQQ.The equation of the circle passing through the points of intersection of the two circles x2+y2−8x−2y+16=0, x2+y2−4x−4y−1=0 and passing through (2,−4) is (A) x2+y2+104x−58y−460=0 (B) x2+y2−104x+58y−460=0 (C) x2+y2+52x−104y+60=0 (D) x2+y2−104x−52y−60=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the family-of-circles-through-intersection trick and plugging in the extra point (2,−4) pins down λ, giving the circle x2+y2+104x−58y−460=0.
Concept and Intuition
Any circle through the intersection points of S1=0 and S2=0 (both circles with unit x2,y2 coefficient) can be written as
S1+λ(S2−S1)=0
for some real λ — this stays a genuine circle (coefficient of x2+y2 is still 1) and automatically passes through both intersection points, since at those points S1=S2=0.
Step-by-Step Solution
- S1:x2+y2−8x−2y+16=0, S2:x2+y2−4x−4y−1=0.
- S2−S1=(−4x−4y−1)−(−8x−2y+16)=4x−2y−17.
- Family: x2+y2−8x−2y+16+λ(4x−2y−17)=0.
- Substitute (2,−4): x2+y2=4+16=20, −8x=−16, −2y=8, constant 16; sum =20−16+8+16=28. Also 4x−2y−17=8+8−17=−1.
- So 28−λ=0⇒λ=28. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.If a circle passing through the points (1,5) and (4,0) makes equal intercepts on coordinate axes and if its centre lies in the first quadrant, then 4g2−c2= (A) 2 (B) 4 (C) 3 (D) 5
›Reveal solutionSolution
Equal intercepts on the axes force g2=f2; centre in the first quadrant forces g=f (both negative). Solve using the two given points. Answer: 3.
Concept and Intuition
For circle x2+y2+2gx+2fy+c=0, the intercept lengths on the axes are 2g2−c (x-axis) and 2f2−c (y-axis). Equal intercepts require g2=f2, i.e. g=f or g=−f. The centre is (−g,−f); for this to lie in the first quadrant we need g<0 and f<0 simultaneously, which is only consistent with g=f (not g=−f, which would force opposite signs).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Equal intercepts ⇒g2=f2; centre (−g,−f) in Q1 ⇒g<0,f<0⇒g=f.
- Plug (1,5) into the circle: 1+25+2g(1)+2f(5)+c=0⇒26+2g+10f+c=0. With f=g: 26+12g+c=0⇒c=−26−12g.
- Plug (4,0): 16+0+8g+0+c=0⇒c=−16−8g. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.If a tangent drawn to the circle x2+y2−6x−8y−11=0 is perpendicular to the line 3x+4y+k=0 then the distance from the origin to this tangent is (A) 4 (B) 5 (C) 6 (D) 2
›Reveal solutionSolution
Tangents perpendicular to 3x+4y+k=0 have the form 4x−3y+c=0; using the tangency condition on the given circle and then computing distance from the origin gives 6.
Concept and Intuition
Two lines a1x+b1y+c1=0 and a2x+b2y+c2=0 are perpendicular exactly when a1a2+b1b2=0. So any line perpendicular to 3x+4y+k=0 must have direction coefficients (4,−3) (up to scaling), i.e. it belongs to the family 4x−3y+c=0. Being tangent to the given circle fixes c; then we just measure the origin's distance to that specific line.
Step-by-Step Solution
- The circle x2+y2−6x−8y−11=0 has centre C=(3,4) and radius r=32+42+11=36=6.
- Any line perpendicular to 3x+4y+k=0 is 4x−3y+c=0 for some constant c.
- Tangency to the circle means the perpendicular distance from C to this line equals r: 42+(−3)2∣4(3)−3(4)+c∣=6⇒5∣12−12+c∣=6⇒∣c∣=30. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.If L represents a normal drawn at the point P(4π) on the circle x2+y2+6x−6y−14=0, then the equation of the diameter of this circle which is perpendicular to L is (A) x−y+6=0 (B) 2x+y+3=0 (C) 3x+2y+3=0 (D) x+y=0
›Reveal solutionSolution
The normal at any point of a circle passes through its centre; using the parametric point at θ=π/4 gives the normal's slope, and the diameter perpendicular to it (through the centre) works out to x+y=0.
Concept and Intuition
For a circle, the normal at any boundary point always passes through the centre (radii are normals). So the line L is simply the line joining the centre to P(π/4). A "diameter perpendicular to L" is just the line through the centre with slope −1/(slope of L).
Step-by-Step Solution
- Write the circle in standard form: x2+6x+y2−6y=14⇒(x+3)2+(y−3)2=14+9+9=32. Centre C=(−3,3), radius r=32=42.
- Parametrize points on the circle as (−3+rcosθ,3+rsinθ). At θ=π/4: cosθ=sinθ=22, so P=(−3+42⋅22,3+42⋅22)=(−3+4,3+4)=(1,7). …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.If (h,k) is the pole of the line 2x−3y+4=0 with respect to the circle x2+y2−4x+6y−3=0, then 10h+k= (A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 4 (D) 3
›Reveal solutionSolution
Using the polar (chord-of-contact-like) formula T=0 for a general circle and matching it proportionally with the given line locates the pole; 10h+k=1.
Concept and Intuition
For a circle x2+y2+2gx+2fy+c=0, the polar of a point (x1,y1) is obtained by the usual T=0 substitution: xx1+yy1+g(x+x1)+f(y+y1)+c=0. If we're told the polar of an unknown point (h,k) IS a specific line, we just match coefficients (up to a common ratio) between the polar expression and that line.
Step-by-Step Solution
- The circle x2+y2−4x+6y−3=0 gives 2g=−4⇒g=−2, 2f=6⇒f=3, c=−3.
- The polar of (h,k) is xh+yk+g(x+h)+f(y+k)+c=0, i.e.
x(h+g)+y(k+f)+(gh+fk+c)=0⇒x(h−2)+y(k+3)+(−2h+3k−3)=0.
- This must be the same line as 2x−3y+4=0, so the coefficients are proportional:
2h−2=−3k+3=4−2h+3k−3=t.
- From the first two: h=2t+2, k=−3t−3. Substitute into the third: …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-13-FN1 markMCQQ.If the equation of a circle passing through the point (2,1) and the points of intersection of the circles x2+y2+4x−6y−3=0 and x2+y2−2x+2y−2=0 is x2+y2+2gx+2fy+c=0, then 2g+f= (A) −2c (B) 2c (C) c (D) −c
›Reveal solutionSolution
Building the family S1+λS2=0 through the two circles and forcing it through (2,1) pins λ; comparing coefficients shows 2g+f=c.
Concept and Intuition
Any circle through the intersection points of two circles S1=0 and S2=0 can be written as S1+λS2=0 for some λ. Requiring it to also pass through a third given point determines λ uniquely (unless that point already lies on S2=0).
Step-by-Step Solution
- S1:x2+y2+4x−6y−3=0, S2:x2+y2−2x+2y−2=0.
- At (2,1): S1(2,1)=4+1+8−6−3=4; S2(2,1)=4+1−4+2−2=1.
- Since the required circle passes through (2,1): S1+λS2=0 there ⇒4+λ(1)=0⇒λ=−4.
- Substitute into S1+λS2:
(1+λ)(x2+y2)+(4−2λ)x+(−6+2λ)y+(−3−2λ)=0
⇒(1−4)(x2+y2)+(4+8)x+(−6−8)y+(−3+8)=0⇒−3(x2+y2)+12x−14y+5=0. …
- AP EAPCET 2026Set eng-2026-05-14-FN1 markMCQQ.Equation of the circle with origin as centre and passing through the vertices of an equilateral triangle whose median is of length 3a is (A) x2+y2=4a2 (B) x2+y2=2a2 (C) x2+y2=9a2 (D) x2+y2=16a2
›Reveal solutionSolution
For an equilateral triangle, the circumradius is 32 of the median; with median 3a this gives radius 2a, so the circle is x2+y2=4a2. Answer: (A).
Concept and Intuition
In an equilateral triangle, the median, altitude, angle bisector, and perpendicular bisector from each vertex all coincide, and the centroid, circumcenter, incenter, and orthocentre all coincide at the same point. The centroid always divides a median in the ratio 2:1 measured from the vertex, so the circumradius (vertex to center) is exactly 32 of the median length.
Step-by-Step Solution
- Let the median length be 3a.
- Centroid divides the median 2:1 from the vertex, so distance from centroid to vertex =32×3a=2a.
- Since the triangle is equilateral, this centroid is also the circumcenter, and 2a is the circumradius R. …
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