8

Coordinate geometry of the

circle
The description of right lines and circles, upon which geometry is
founded, belongs to mechanics. Geometry does not teach us to draw
these lines, but requires them to be drawn.
Isaac Newton (1642−1727)

Discussion point
In order to use a mapping app on a mobile phone, it is important to
know your precise location. To find your precise location, the mobile
phone uses the Global Positioning System (GPS).
The GPS receiver in the mobile phone can communicate with satellites
orbiting the Earth; the GPS receiver knows where the satellites are
and its distance from them. It uses this information to calculate your
location using a method called ‘trilateration’. Trilateration can be
explained by looking at the intersections of circles.

Given that the GPS receiver knows the distance, r, between it and a
satellite, when it connects with a single satellite, your position may be
any point on the circle with radius r.
So, when it connects with multiple satellites, your precise location can
Your location is
be determined by looking for the intersection of the different circles.
the point at which
these three circles
intersect.

Why would two satellites not be enough to determine your exact location?

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 Equation of a circle

Equation of a circle
A circle can be described as the ‘locus’ of the points in a plane which
are a fixed distance from a given point. The fixed distance is the radius
of the circle and the given point is its centre. The radius and the centre
are used to derive the equation of a circle.

Circles with centre (a,b)

The diagram shows a circle with y
P(x, y)
centre C(5, 6) and radius 4.
P(x, y ) is a general point on the 4 (y – 6)
circle.
To find the equation of a circle, C(5, 6)
use Pythagoras’ theorem. (x – 5)

This is the ( x − 5 ) 2 + ( y − 6 )2 = 4 2
equation of the
⇒ ( x − 5 ) 2 + ( y − 6 ) = 16
2
circle. 0 x
This result can be generalised
as follows.
The circle with centre (a, b) and radius r has the equation
( x − a ) 2 + ( y − b)2 = r 2

Using this result, you can see that the circle with centre (0, 0) and
radius r has the equation
x 2 + y2 = r 2

Worked example
2
Find the centre and the radius of the circle ( x + 4 ) + y 2 = 49.

Solution
Comparing this with the general equation for a circle with centre (a, b) and
radius r,
( x − a ) 2 + ( y − b)2 = r 2
this gives a = −4, b = 0 and r = 7.
⇒ The centre is (−4, 0) and the radius is 7.

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 8 Coordinate geometry of the circle

Worked example
Find the equation of the circle with centre (−1, 3) that passes through the point
(4, 15).
y
(4, 15)
Solution
Use the points given to find the radius:
Use Pythagoras’ r
(15 – 3)
theorem r 2 = ( 4 − ( −1)) 2 + (15 − 3) 2
⇒ r 2 = 5 2 + 12 2 (–1, 3)
⇒r = 52 + 12 2 0 x
(4 – (–1))
⇒ r = 13
So the radius is 13.
Then, using ( x − a ) 2 + ( y − b) = r 2 ,
2

you get the equation of the circle:

You may find it useful
( x + 1) 2 + ( y − 3)2 = 169 to draw a sketch.

Note
By multiplying out brackets, this equation can also be written in an
expanded form as
( x + 1) 2 + ( y − 3)2 = 169
⇒ x 2 + 2 x + 1 + y 2 − 6 y + 9 = 169
⇒ x 2 + y 2 + 2 x − 6 y − 159 = 0

Worked example
Show that the circle with equation x 2 + y 2 + 8 x − 12 y + 3 = 0 can be written in
the form ( x − a ) 2 + ( y − b) = r 2, where a, b and r are constants to be found.
2

Solution
Collect the x terms
x 2 + y 2 + 8 x − 12 y + 3 = 0
and the y terms
together. ⇒ x 2 + 8 x + y 2 − 12 y = −3

Complete the ⇒ ( x + 4 ) 2 − 16 + ( y − 6 ) − 36 = −3
2

square on the x
⇒ ( x + 4 ) 2 + ( y − 6 ) = −3 + 16 + 36
2
terms and on the y
⇒ ( x + 4 ) 2 + ( y − 6 ) = 49
2
terms.
⇒ ( x + 4 )2 + ( y − 6 ) = 7 2
2

Therefore a = −4, b = 6 and r = 7.

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 Equation of a circle

Note
The equation of a circle can be written in the expanded form
x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0, where the centre is ( − g, − f ) and the
radius is g 2 + f 2 − c .

Worked example
2 g = 6, 2 f = −10, A circle has equation x 2 + y 2 + 6 x − 10 y − 2 = 0.
c = −2
a) State the centre and the radius of the circle.
b) Give the equation of the circle in the form ( x − a ) 2 + ( y − b) = r 2.
2

Solution
a) Compare with the expanded equation for a circle x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0,
with centre ( − g, − f ) and radius g 2 + f 2 − c .
2g = 6 and 2 f = −10 and c = −2
⇒ g = 3 ⇒ f = −5

(–3, 5)

0
x

So, the centre is (−3, 5) and the radius is 3 2 + ( −5 ) 2 − ( −2 ) = 6.

b) You know that the centre is (−3, 5) and the radius is 6.
Comparing with the general equation for a circle ( x − a ) 2 + ( y − b) = r 2,
2

you get the equation

( x − ( −3)) 2 + ( y − 5 ) 2 = 6 2

⇒ ( x + 3) 2 + ( y − 5 ) = 36
2

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 8 Coordinate geometry of the circle

Worked example
The points P and Q are (10, −11) and (−2, 5) respectively. The line PQ
is the diameter of a circle. Find the equation of the circle in the form
( x − a ) 2 + ( y − b) 2 = r 2 .
y

Q(–2, 5)

The centre is the

midpoint of the 0 x
line PQ.
C

P (10, –11)

The midpoint of the

line joining (x1, y1) Solution
and (x2 , y2) is given by The centre of the circle is the midpoint of the line PQ.
 ( x 1 + x 2 ) ( y1 + y 2 ) 
 2
,
2 
Midpoint of PQ = (10 +2 −2 , −112+ 5 ) = (4, −3)
The radius is half of the length of the diameter.
2
The length of the line Radius =
( −2 − 10 ) 2 + ( 5 − ( −11))
= 10
2
joining (x1, y1) and Then, using ( x − a ) + ( y − b) = r 2, the equation of the circle is
2 2

(x2 , y2) is given by

( x − 4 ) 2 + ( y + 3) 2 = 100
( x 2 − x 1 ) + ( y 2 − y1 )
2 2

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 Equation of a circle

Exercise 8.1 1 Find the equations of the following circles:

a) centre (2, 7), radius 3
b) centre (6, 0), radius 8
c) centre (−2, 5), radius 1
d) centre (3, −10), radius 5
e) centre (−5, −9), radius 2
2 For each of the following circles state:
a) the radius
b) the coordinates of the centre.
i) x 2 + y 2 = 16
ii) ( x − 1) 2 + y 2 = 64
iii) ( x + 6 ) 2 + ( y − 5 ) = 1
2

iv) ( x − 1) 2 + ( y + 1) = 25
2

v) ( x + 4 ) 2 + ( y + 4 ) = 36
2

3 Sketch the circles with the following equations:

a) x 2 + y 2 = 36
b) x 2 + ( y + 1) = 25
2

c) ( x − 4 ) 2 + ( y − 7 ) = 9
2

4 Find the equation of the circle with centre (1, −2) that passes through
(5, 1).
5 Find the equation of the circle with centre (−3, −6) that passes through
(−11, 9).
6 The points S and T are (−2, −1) and (4, 7) respectively. The line ST is
the diameter of a circle.
a) Find the coordinates of the centre of the circle.
b) Calculate the radius of the circle.
c) State the equation of the circle.
d) Show that the circle passes through the point (1, −2).
7 a) Show that the circle with equation x 2 + y 2 − 6 x + 14 y + 54 = 0 can
be written in the form ( x − a ) 2 + ( y − b) = r 2, where a, b and r are
2

constants to be found.
b) Hence state the radius and the coordinates of the centre of the
circle.
8 Find the radius and the coordinates of the centre of the following
circles:
a) x 2 + y 2 + 10 x − 56 = 0
b) x 2 + y 2 + 2 x + 2 y − 3 = 0
c) x 2 + y 2 = 10 x + 16 y − 81
9 The points (−7, 14) and (3, 10) mark the ends of the diameter of a circle.
Find the equation of the circle, writing it in the form
( x − a ) 2 + ( y − b) 2 = r 2.
10 For the circle with equation x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0, prove that
a) the centre is ( − g, − f )
b) the radius is g 2 + f 2 − c .

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 8 Coordinate geometry of the circle

The intersection of a circle and a

straight line
A straight line may intersect any given circle at two distinct points or
at one point. Alternatively, the straight line may not intersect the circle
at all.
y
y y
1

2 x x

Two distinct The line is a tangent to the The line and the circle
points of circle do not intersect.
intersection One point of intersection

Worked example
Find the coordinates of the points where the line y = x + 1 intersects the circle
( x + 4 ) 2 + ( y − 1) 2 = 16
.

Solve the Solution

equations ( x + 4 ) 2 + ( y − 1) 2 = 16
simultaneously. y= x+1
Substitute (x + 1) ⇒ ( x + 4 ) 2 + (( x + 1) − 1) 2 = 16
for y in the equation
of the circle then ⇒ ( x + 4 ) 2 + x 2 = 16
solve for x. ⇒ x 2 + 8 x + 16 + x 2 = 16

⇒ 2 x 2 + 8 x + 16 = 16
Solve the quadratic
equation. ⇒ 2x2 + 8x = 0
⇒ x2 + 4x = 0
There are two ⇒ x ( x + 4) = 0
x-values so
⇒ x = 0 or x = −4
two points of
intersection. ⇒ when x = 0, y = 1, and when x = −4, y = −3.
So the line intersects the circle at (0, 1) and (−4, −3).

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 The intersection of a circle and a straight line

Worked example
Show that the line x + y = 1 is a tangent to the circle ( x + 4 ) 2 + ( y − 3) = 2.
2

Solution
Rearrange to get
( x + 4 ) 2 + ( y − 3) 2 = 2
y = 1 − x then
substitute into the x+y=1
equation of the ⇒ ( x + 4 ) 2 + ((1 − x ) − 3) 2 = 2
circle.
⇒ ( x + 4 )2 + ( − x − 2 )2 = 2
⇒ x 2 + 8 x + 16 + x 2 + 4 x + 4 = 2
⇒ 2 x 2 + 12 x + 20 = 2
⇒ 2 x 2 + 12 x + 18 = 0
Solve the quadratic
equation. ⇒ x2 + 6x + 9 = 0
⇒ ( x + 3) 2 = 0
Repeated root ⇒ x = −3
When x = −3, y = 4.
As there is a repeated root, there is only one point of intersection. It is at
(−3, 4 ).
Hence the line x + y = 1 is a tangent to the circle.

Note
The discriminant can be useful when trying to determine whether a
line intersects a circle.
Remember, for the quadratic ax 2 + bx + c = 0, if
● b 2 − 4 ac > 0 there are 2 real roots
● b 2 − 4 ac = 0 there is 1 repeated root
● b 2 − 4 ac < 0 there are no real roots.

Worked example
Show that the line x + 2 y + 6 = 0 does not intersect the circle
x 2 + y 2 + 2 x − 3 y − 5 = 0.
Rearrange
Attempt to solve Solution x + 2 y + 6 = 0 to
the equations x 2 + y2 + 2 x − 3y − 5 = 0 get x = −2 y − 6
simultaneously. x + 2y + 6 = 0 then substitute

into the
⇒ ( −2 y − 6 ) + y 2 + 2 ( −2 y − 6 ) − 3 y − 5 = 0
2
equation of the
circle.

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 8 Coordinate geometry of the circle

⇒ 4 y 2 + 24 y + 36 + y 2 − 4 y − 12 − 3 y − 5 = 0

Now use the ⇒ 5 y 2 + 17 y + 19 = 0

discriminant b 2 − 4 ac = 17 2 − 4 × 5 × 19
b 2 − 4ac. = 289 − 380
= −91
You can also b 2 − 4 ac < 0
attempt to solve
The quadratic has no real roots so the line does not intersect the circle.
the quadratic
5 y 2 + 17 y + 19 = 0
using the Discussion point
quadratic formula. In the example above, x + 2 y + 6 = 0 was rearranged to get x = −2 y − 6
You will find that before it was substituted into the equation of the circle. Why do you
the quadratic has think the equation was rearranged to make x the subject rather than y?
no real roots.

Tangents to a circle
A radius of a circle is perpendicular to the tangent at the point at which
they meet.
t
gen

Rad
Tan

ius
A radius and a
tangent meet at
90° – they are
perpendicular.
Remember, for perpendicular lines with gradients m1 and m2
m1 m2 = −1
You can use these properties, along with the equation of a circle, to
find the equation of a tangent at any given point.

Worked example
A circle with equation ( x + 5 ) 2 + ( y − 10 ) = 125 has centre C. The circle has a
2

tangent at the point P(5, 5).

a) Verify that the circle passes through the point (5, 5).
b) Find the gradient of the radius CP.
c) State the gradient of the tangent.
d) Write the equation of the tangent.

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 Tangents to a circle

Substitute x = 5 Solution
and y = 5 into a) ( 5 + 5 ) 2 + ( 5 − 10 ) 2
( x + 5 )2 + ( y − 10)2 = (10 ) 2 + ( −5 ) 2
to check that you = 100 + 25
get 125. = 125 as required
So the circle does pass through (5, 5).
From the equation
b) A radius of the circle joins its centre, C(-5, 10), with the point P(5, 5).
of the circle
5 − 10
The gradient of gradient of the radius =
5 − ( −5 )
the line joining −5
( x1 , y1 ) and =
10

( x2 , y2 ) is given by           
=−
1
2
y2 − y1
gradient = c) The radius is perpendicular to the tangent at (5, 5).
x 2 − x1 1
⇒ gradient of the tangent = −
For perpendicular −1
lines, m1 m2 = −1             = 2
2

The tangent is d) The equation of the tangent has the form y = 2 x + c.

a straight line. The tangent passes through the point (5, 5); use this to find c.
Straight lines 5= 2×5+c
have the form
⇒ 5 = 10 + c
y = mx + c .
⇒ c = −5
Substitute x = 5 So the equation of the tangent at the point (5, 5) is y = 2 x − 5.
and y = 5 into
y = 2x + c

Worked example
A circle has equation x 2 + y 2 − 6 x − 10 y − 6 = 0.
a) Show that the circle passes through the point (9, 7).
b) Find the equation of the tangent to the circle at the point (9, 7).
c) Give your answer in the form ax + by + c = 0.

Substitute x = 9 Solution
and y = 7 into a) 9 2 + 7 2 − 6 × 9 − 10 × 7 − 6
x 2 + y 2 − 6 x − 16 y − 27 = 81 + 49 − 54 − 70 − 6
to check that you get 0. =0
So the circle does pass through (9, 7).

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 8 Coordinate geometry of the circle

b) First you need to find the centre of the circle.

Compare with the x 2 + y 2 − 6 x − 10 y − 6 = 0
expanded form
2 g = −6 and 2 f = −10
x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx
⇒ g = −3 ⇒ f = −5
+2 f y + c = 0
where the centre is Hence the centre of the circle is (3, 5).

given by ( − g , − f ). A radius of the circle joins its centre with the point (9, 7).
gradient of the radius = 7 − 5
The gradient of 9−3
2
the line joining =
6
( x1 , y1 ) and ( x2 , y2 ) =
1
3
is given by gradient 1 For perpendicular
⇒ gradient of the tangent = − 1
y − y1 lines, m1 m2 = −1
= 2 3
x 2 − x1 = −3
Therefore, the equation of the tangent has the form y = −3 x + c.
The tangent passes through the point (9, 7); use this to find c.
Substitute x = 9 7 = −3 × 9 + c
and y = 7 into
⇒ 7 = −27 + c
y = −3 x + c
⇒ c = 34

So the equation of the tangent at the point (9, 7) is y = −3 x + 34.

c) Now rearrange into the form ax + by + c = 0.
y = −3 x + 34
⇒ 3 x + y − 34 = 0

Exercise 8.2 1 For each pair of equations, determine if the line intersects the circle, is
a tangent to the circle or does not meet the circle. Give the coordinates
for any point where the line and circle intersect or touch.
a) x 2 + y 2 = 20
y= x+2
b) ( x + 4 ) 2 + y 2 = 35
y = 2x − 6
c) x − 3) 2 + ( y + 5) 2 = 18
(
y = −x + 4
d) ( x + 6) 2 + ( y + 12 ) = 45
2

2 y = x − 18
e) x 2 + y 2 − 3 x + 9 y − 1 = 0
x + 4y − 5 = 0
f) x 2 + y 2 + 2 x − 4 y − 164 = 0
5 x + 12 y = 188

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 Tangents to a circle

2 Show that the line that passes through the points ( 0, −6 ) and (1.5, 0 )
does not intersect the circle ( x − 5 ) 2 + ( y + 7) 2 = 20.
3 Prove that the line that passes through the points (−13, −2 ) and (−1, 7 )
is a tangent to the circle in the diagram below.
y
6
5
4
3
2
1

–8 –7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 x
–1
–2
–3
–4
–5
–6

4 The line y = 3 x + 5 intersects the circle ( x + 1) 2 + ( y − 2) 2 = 10 at the

points P and Q.
a) Find the coordinates of the points P and Q.
b) Find the midpoint of the line PQ.
c) Show that PQ is a diameter of the circle.
5 A circle has equation ( x + 2 ) 2 + ( y − 6) 2 = 36.
a) Sketch the circle.
b) State the equations of the tangents to the circle that are parallel to
the x-axis.
c) State the equations of the tangents to the circle that are parallel to
the y-axis.
6 A circle with equation ( x + 5 ) 2 + ( y − 3) = 10 has centre C. The circle
2

has a tangent at the point P(-2, 4).

a) Find the gradient of the radius CP.
b) State the gradient of the tangent.
c) Write the equation of the tangent.
7 Find the equations of the tangents to the following circles at the given
points.
a) ( x − 1) 2 + y 2 = 5 at ( 3, −1)
b) ( x + 3) 2 + ( y − 2 ) = 8 at ( −1, 0 )
2

c) ( x − 2 ) 2 + ( y + 5 ) = 20 at ( 4, − 1)
2

d) x 2 + y 2 + 8 x − 4 y + 10 = 0 at ( −1, 1)
e) x 2 + y 2 − 6 x − 16 y − 27 = 0 at ( −3, 0 )

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 8 Coordinate geometry of the circle

Exercise 8.2 (cont) 8 A circle has centre C(5, 6). The line l1 is a tangent to the circle at the
point P(1, 2). A second line l2 has a gradient of 2 and passes through
the centre of the circle. l1 and l2 intersect at the point Q.
a) Find the equation of the line l1.
b) State the equation of the circle.
c) Find the coordinates of the point Q.

The intersection of two circles

Two circles may intersect at two distinct points, touch at one point or
not meet at all.

Two points of intersection

y When two circles intersect
at two distinct points A and
B, the line AB is a common
chord.

These circles B
intersect at two
distinct points.
Worked example
Two circles with equations ( x − 1) 2 + y 2 = 25 and ( x − 11) + ( y − 5 ) = 100
2 2

intersect at two distinct points A and B.

a) Find the coordinates of the points of intersection.
b) Find the equation of the common chord AB.

Solution
Write the a) ( x − 1) 2 + y 2 = 25 ⇒ x 2 + y 2 − 2 x − 24 = 0
equations in
expanded form. ( x − 11) 2 + ( y − 5 ) 2 = 100 ⇒ x 2 + y 2 − 22 x − 10 y + 46 = 0
Now, subtracting the second equation from the first gives
It does not
matter which way ( x 2 + y 2 − 2 x − 24) − ( x 2 + y 2 − 22 x − 10 y + 46) = 0
around you do ⇒ 20 x + 10 y − 70 = 0
this subtraction; Rearrange to
subtracting the
⇒ 10 y = −20 x + 70 make either x or y
first equation from
⇒ y = −2 x + 7 the subject.
second will give
the same result.
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 The intersection of two circles

Substituting y = −2 x + 7 into the first circle equation gives an equation in

terms of x.
You can substitute Solving this
x 2 + ( −2 x + 7 ) 2 − 2 x − 24 = 0 quadratic will
into either of the
⇒ x 2 + 4 x 2 − 28 x + 49 − 2 x − 24 = 0 give the two
circle equations.
⇒ 5 x 2 − 30 x + 25 = 0 x-coordinates
⇒ x2 − 6x + 5 = 0 for the points of
Substitute the
⇒ ( x − 1) ( x − 5 ) = 0 intersection.
So x = 1 or x = 5
x-values into the
linear equation When x = 1, y = −2 × 1 + 7 = 5
y = −2 x + 7 from When x = 5, y = −2 × 5 + 7 = −3
above. Therefore, the two circles intersect at the points (1, 5) and (5, −3).
b) The equation of the common chord AB is the equation of the line which
The gradient of joins the points of intersection (1, 5) and (5, −3).
the line joining gradient of the chord AB = −3 − 5
5−1
( x1 , y1 )and ( x2 , y2 ) −8
is given by gradient = = −2
4
y − y1 So the equation of the chord AB has the form y = −2 x + c
= 2
x 2 − x1 ⇒ 5 = −2 × 1 + c Substitute the x- and y-values from one
⇒ 5 = −2 + c of the points of intersection in order to
⇒c=7 find c. Here, the point (1, 5) has been used.
Hence the equation of the common chord AB is y = −2 x + 7.

You may have noticed in the worked example above that the equation
of the common chord, y = −2 x + 7, occurred in the working in part a,
when the equation of one circle was subtracted from the other. This
shortcut is shown in the following worked example.

Worked example
It does not Two circles with equations x 2 + y 2 + 16 x − 20 y − 36 = 0 and x 2 + y 2 − 24 x + 44 = 0
matter which way intersect at two distinct points A and B. Find the equation of the common
chord AB.
around you do
this subtraction; Solution
subtracting the x 2 + y 2 + 16 x − 20 y − 36 = 0
first equation from
x 2 + y 2 − 24 x + 44 = 0
second will give
the same result. Subtracting the second equation from the first gives
(x2 + y 2 + 16 x − 20 y − 36 ) − ( x 2 + y 2 − 24 x + 44 = 0 ) = 0
You can give the
equation in the ⇒ 40 x − 20 y − 80 = 0
form y = mx + c ⇒ −20 y = −40 x + 80
unless the question ⇒ y = 2x − 4
says otherwise. So, the equation of the common chord AB is y = 2 x − 4.

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 8 Coordinate geometry of the circle

Discussion point
For the worked example above, what are the coordinates of A and B?

One point of intersection

y y

x x

Circles touch at Circles touch Circles touch at Circles touch

one point externally one point internally

Worked example
It does not Show that the circles x 2 + y 2 + 6 x − 16 y + 57 = 0 and x 2 + y 2 − 16 x − 16 y + 79 = 0
matter which way touch at just one point. Find the coordinates of the point at which they touch.
around you do Solution
this subtraction;
x 2 + y 2 + 6 x − 16 y + 57 = 0
subtracting the
first equation from x 2 + y 2 − 16 x − 16 y + 79 = 0
second will give Subtracting the second equation from the first gives
the same result. (x2 + y 2 + 6 x − 16 y + 57 ) − ( x 2 + y 2 − 16 x − 16 y + 79 ) = 0
⇒ 22 x − 22 = 0
Rearrange to ⇒ 22 x = 22
make x the subject ⇒x=1
You can substitute Substituting x = 1 into the first circle equation gives an equation in terms of y
into either of the 1 2 + y 2 + 6 × 1 − 16 y + 57 = 0 Solving the
circle equations quadratic for y
⇒ 1 + y 2 + 6 − 16 y + 57 = 0
shows that you get
⇒ y 2 − 16 y + 64 = 0
a repeated root
⇒ ( y − 8) = 0
2

So y = 8

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 The intersection of two circles

As you get a repeated root, there can only be one point of intersection between
the circles. Hence, the circles touch at just one point.
Using the linear equation x = 1 from above gives you the coordinates (1, 8).
The circles touch at the point (1, 8).

Note
You can determine that two circles touch at one point by
considering their radii and the distance between their centres.

C2

r2 d C1
C1 r1 r2 C2
r1
d

r1 + r2 = d r1 – r2 = d

Circles touch externally Circles touch internally

If the distance between the centres (d) is equal to the sum of the
radii (r 1 + r 2) or is equal to the difference of the radii (r 1 − r 2) then
the circles will touch.

Worked example
Without calculating their point of intersection, show that the circles
x 2 + ( y − 3) = 25 and ( x − 9 ) 2 + ( y − 15 ) = 100 touch at one point.
2 2

Solution
The circle with equation x 2 + ( y − 3) = 25 has centre (0, 3) and radius 5.
2

The circle with equation ( x − 9 ) 2 + ( y − 15 ) = 100 has centre (9, 15) and radius 10.
2

The length of the line

The sum of the radii is 5 + 10 = 15
joining (x1, y1) and
The distance between the centres is ( 9 − 0 ) 2 + (15 − 3) 2
(x2 , y2) is given by
= 9 2 + 12 2
( x 2 − x 1 ) + ( y 2 − y1 )
2 2
= 225
= 15
Sum of the radii = distance between the centres.
So, the circles must touch at exactly one point.
Since 5 + 10 = 15, the circles touch externally.

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 8 Coordinate geometry of the circle

Circles do not intersect

         
The circles do not meet but one is
Circles do not meet inside the other.

Note
The discriminant can be useful when trying to determine whether a
line intersects a circle.
Remember, for the quadratic ax 2 + bx + c = 0 , if
l b 2 − 4 ac > 0 there are 2 real roots
l b 2 − 4 ac = 0 there is 1 repeated root
l b 2 − 4 ac < 0 there are no real roots.

Worked example
Show that the circles x 2 + y 2 + 14 x + 8 y + 4 = 0 and x 2 + y 2 + 6 x + 4 y + 8 = 0
do not intersect.

Solution
x 2 + y 2 + 14 x + 8 y + 4 = 0
x 2 + y2 + 6x + 4 y + 8 = 0
Attempt to find Subtracting the second equation from the first gives
the points of (x2 + y 2 + 14 x + 8 y + 4 ) − ( x 2 + y 2 + 6 x + 4 y + 8 ) = 0
intersection as ⇒ 8x + 4y − 4 = 0
in the previous ⇒ 4 y = −8 x + 4
examples.
⇒ y = −2 x + 1

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 The intersection of two circles

You can substitute Substituting y = −2 x + 1 into the first circle equation gives an equation in terms
into either of the of x
circle equations. x 2 + (−2 x + 1) 2 + 14 x + 8 ( −2 x + 1) + 4 = 0
You can also attempt
⇒ x 2 + 4 x 2 − 4 x + 1 + 14 x − 16 x + 8 + 4 = 0
to solve the quadratic
Now use the ⇒ 5 x 2 − 6 x + 13 = 0
5 x 2 − 6 x + 13 = 0 using
discriminant. b 2 − 4 ac = ( −6 ) 2 − 4 × 5 × 13 the quadratic formula.
= 36 − 260 You will find that the
= −224 quadratic has no real
b 2 − 4 ac < 0 roots.
The quadratic has no real roots so the circles do not intersect at any point.

Note
If two circles have no points of intersection, you can use the radii
and the distance between the centres to determine if the circles are
completely separate or if one circle is inside the other.

C2

d r2
r1 r2 C1
C1 C2 r1
d

r1 + r2 < d r1 – r2 > d

Circles completely separate One circle inside the other

So, when there are two circles that do not meet:
l The circles are completely separate if the sum of the radii (r 1 + r 2)
is less than the distance between the centres (d); r 1 + r 2 < d.
l One circle will be inside the other circle if the difference
between the radii (r 1 − r 2) is greater than the distance between
the centres (d); r 1 − r 2 > d.

Exercise 8.3 1 For each pair of equations, determine if the circles intersect at two
distinct points, touch at one point or do not meet at all. Give the
coordinates of any points where the circles intersect or touch.
a) x 2 + y 2 − 6 x + 10 y + 31 = 0 b) x 2 + y 2 + 2 x − 6 y − 90 = 0
x 2 + y 2 − 4 x − 2 y − 11 = 0 x 2 + y 2 − 40 x − 6 y + 120 = 0
c) ( x − 2) 2 + y 2 = 16 d) x 2 + y 2 − 8 x + 4 y − 5 = 0
( x − 2) 2 + ( y − 9 ) = 25 x 2 + y 2 − 22 x + 6 y + 105 = 0
2

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 8 Coordinate geometry of the circle

Exercise 8.3 (cont) 2 The circles with equations ( x − 16) 2 + ( y + 1) 2 = 100 and
x 2 + y 2 − 8 x − 10 y + 1 = 0 intersect at two distinct points A and B.
a) Find the two points of intersection.
b) State the equation of the common chord AB.
3 The circles with equations ( x − 3) 2 + ( y − 6 ) = 50 and
2

( x − 8) + ( y − 1) = 100 intersect at the point A(8, 11) and at the point B.

2 2

a) Find the coordinates of the point B.

b) State the equation of the common chord AB.
c) Find the midpoint of the chord AB.
d) Show that the line joining the centres of the two circles is the
perpendicular bisector of the chord AB.
4 Two circles have equations ( x − 3) 2 + ( y − 8 ) = 25 and
2

( x + 3) + y = 225.
2 2

a) Show that the circles touch at only one point.

b) Find the distance between the centres of the two circles.
c) Using your answer to part b, deduce whether one circle is inside the
other.
5 Two circles have equations x 2 + ( y − 2 ) = 64 and x 2 + ( y − 4 ) = 16.
2 2

a) Verify that the circles have no points of intersection.

b) Write down their centres and radii.
c) Draw the circles on a diagram. State whether one circle is or is not
inside the other.

Practice questions
1 The points (−1, −1) and (5, 7) mark the ends of a diameter of a circle.
a) Find the equation of the circle, writing it in the form
( x − a ) 2 + ( y − b)2 = r 2.[3]
b) A diameter of the circle goes through the point (6, 0). Find the
coordinates of the other end of this diameter. [2]
2 The diagram shows the circle x 2 + y 2 − 6 x + 4 y − 12 = 0 and the
lines l1 , y = 2 x − 3, and l 2, y = 9 − 2 x. The lines intersect at point C
and meet the circle at points A and B.
y l1

O x

A B

l2

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 The intersection of two circles

a) Find the coordinates of the point of intersection of l1 and l 2 and

verify that this point lies on the circumference of the circle. [4]
b) Give the coordinates of the points A and B.[5]
c) Find the area of the triangle ABC.[2]
3 Two circles have equations ( x + 2) 2 + ( y − 3) = 36 and
2

( x − 10) 2 + ( y + 2 ) = 25.
2

a) Verify that the circles have no points of intersection. [5]

b) i Find the distance between the centres of the two circles. [1]
ii Deduce whether one circle is inside the other. Explain
your answer fully. [2]

Now you should be able to:

H know and use the equation of a circle with radius r and centre (a, b)
H solve problems involving the intersection of a circle and a
straight line
H solve problems involving tangents to a circle
H solve problems involving the intersection of two circles

Key points
✔ The circle with centre (0, 0) and radius r has the equation x 2 + y 2 = r 2 .
✔ The circle with centre (a, b) and radius r has the equation ( x − a) 2 + ( y − b) 2 = r 2.
✔ The equation of a circle can be written in the form x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0, where the
centre is ( − g, − f ) and the radius is g 2 + f 2 − c.
✔ A straight line may intersect any given circle at two distinct points or at one point.
Alternatively, the straight line may not intersect the circle at all.
y
y y

x x

Two distinct points The line is a tangent to The line and the
of intersection the circle circle do not
One point of intersection intersect

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 8 Coordinate geometry of the circle

✔ Two circles may:

When two circles intersect at
● have two distinct points of intersection two distinct points A and B, the
y These circles intersect line AB is a common chord.
at two distinct points.

● have one point of intersection Circles touch internally

y Circles touch externally y
Circles touch at one point
Circles touch at one point

x x

have no points of intersection

●
Circles do not meet but
Circles do not meet one is inside the other

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 y3 Exercise 8.1 Page 141
3.0 1 a (x − 2)2 + (y − 7)2 = 9
2.5 b (x − 6) 2 + y 2 = 64
y-intercept = 1.5 c (x + 2) 2 + (y − 5) 2 = 1
2.0 0.8 gradient = 0.8 = 0.8
1 d (x − 3) 2 + (y + 10) 2 = 25
1.5
1 e (x + 5) 2 + (y + 9) 2 = 4
1.0
2 i Radius 4, centre (0, 0)
0.5
ii Radius 8, centre (1, 0)
0 iii Radius 1, centre (−6, 5)
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 In t
iv Radius 5, centre (1, −1)
b 10 minutes 25.2 seconds v Radius 6, centre (−4, −4)
3 a centre (0, 0), radius 6
Past-paper questions Page 133 y
1 i (3, 5) 7
ii y = 2x - 1
6
iii15 square units
5 x2 + y2 = 36
2 i D (3, 8), E (5.4, 9.2)
ii Area = 1 (13 + 3) × 4 = 32 4
2
3
3 i 20 or 4.47 2
ii Gradient AB = 1 , ⊥ gradient = –2
2 1
⊥ line y − 4 = −2 ( x − 1)
y = −2 x + 6 –7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 x
–1
iii (3, 0) (−1, 8)
–2

Chapter 8 Coordinate –3
–4
geometry of the circle –5
–6
Discussion point Page 136 –7
b centre (0, -1), radius 5
y
6
5
4 x2 + (y + 1)2 = 25
3
2
1

–6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1
0
1 2 3 4 5 6x
–1
Two points of intersection so two possible
locations –2
–3
With two satellites you would get two possible
locations. There would be two circles with –4
known radii which would have two distinct –5
points of intersection. –6
In reality, the method of trilateration would –7
use equations of spheres rather than circles.
Therefore, a minimum of four satellites would
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 c centre (4, 7), radius 3 c The line is a tangent to the circle at the
y point (6, −2).
d The line intersects the circle at (0, −9) and
12
(−12, −15).
11 e No points of intersection
f The line is a tangent to the circle at the
(x – 4)2 + (y – 7)2 = 9 point (4, 14).
10
2 No points of intersection
9 3 One point of intersection so must be a tangent
to the circle.
8 4 a The line intersects the circle at (−2, −1) and
(0, 5).
7 b (−1, 2)
c The centre of the circle is (−1, 2); the
6 midpoint of the line is the centre of the
circle so the line must be a diameter of
5
the circle.
5 a
4
y
14
3
13
2 12
radius: 6
11
1
10
9
–1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 x
8
–1 7
(–2, 6)
2
4 ( x − 1) + ( y + 2) = 25 2 6
5 ( x + 3) 2 + ( y + 6) 2 = 289 5
6 a (1, 3) 4
b 5 3
c (x − 1)2 + (y − 3)2 = 25
2
d (1 − 1)2 + (−2 − 3)2 = 0 + 25 = 25 as required.
1
7 a a = 3, b = −7 and r = 2
b Radius is 2 and centre is (3, −7) x
–8 –7 –6 –5 –4 –3 –2 –1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
8 a Radius is 9 and centre is (−5, 0) –1
b Radius is 5 and centre is (−1, −1) –2
c Radius is 2 2 and centre is (5, 8)
b y = 0, y = 12
9 ( x + 2 ) 2 + ( y − 12 ) = ( 29 )
2 2
c x = −8, x = 4
10 a, b Centre is ( − g , − f ) and radius is 1
6 a 3
g2 + f 2 − c
b −3
c y = −3x − 2
Discussion point Page 144 7 a y = 2x − 7
Making y the subject would give y = − 1 x − 3. The b y=x+1
2
equation with x as the subject is slightly easier to c y = −1x+1
work with because it only contains integer values. 2
d y = 3x + 4
3 9
Exercise 8.2 Page 146 e y=− x−
4 4
1 a The line intersects the circle at (2, 4) and 8 a y = −x + 3
( x − 5) 2 + ( y − 6 ) = ( 32 ) b⇒ ( x − 5) 2 + ( y − 6 ) = 32
2 2 2
(−4, −2).

( 73 , 23 )
b No points of intersection
c

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 Discussion point Page 150 Chapter 9 Circular measure
Substituting y = 2x − 4 into x2 + y2 − 24x + 44 = 0 gives
x 2 + ( 2 x − 4 ) 2 − 24 x + 44 = 0
Discussion point Page 157
Approximately 26 centimetres per second
⇒ x 2 + 4 x 2 − 16 x + 16 − 24 x + 44 = 0
Exercise 9.1 Page 162
⇒ 5 x 2 − 40 x + 60 = 0
1 a 2π
⇒ x 2 − 8 x + 12 = 0 3
b 3π
⇒ ( x − 2 )( x − 6 ) = 0 11π
c
90
So x = 2 or x = 6 5π
d
When x = 2, y = 2 × 2 − 4 = 0 6
e 5π
When x = 6, y = 2 × 6 − 4 = 8 24
2 a 120°
Therefore, the two circles intersect at the b 100°
points (2, 0) and (6, 8). c 171°
d 25.7°
Exercise 8.3 Page 153 e 67.5°
1 a No points of intersection 3
b The circles intersect at (5, 11) and (5, −5).
c The circles touch at (2, 4). Radius, Angle at Angle at Arc Area,
d The circles intersect at (7, −6) and (8, 1). r (cm) centre in centre in length, A (cm2)
2 a The circles intersect at (6, −1) and (10, 7). degrees radians s (cm)
b y = 2x − 13 8 120° 2π 16π 64π
3 a B(−2, 1). 3 3 3
b y=x+3
10 28.6° 0.5 5 25.0
c (3, 6)
d The line joining the centres is the 5.73 60° π 6 17.2
3
perpendicular bisector of the chord AB.
4 a The circles touch at (6, 12). 6 38.2° 2 4 12
b 10 3
c The circle (x − 3)2 + (y − 8)2 = 25 must lie 5.53 75° 5π 7.24 20
inside the circle (x + 3)2 + y 2 = 225. The 12
distance between the centres, 10, is equal
to the difference of the radii. So, the circles 4
will touch internally. Radius, Angle at centre, Arc length, Area,
5 a No points of intersection r (cm) θ (radians) s (cm) A (cm2)
b x2 + (y − 2)2 = 64 has centre (0, 2) and radius 8 π
10 10π 50π
x2 + (y − 4)2 = 16 has centre (0, 4) and radius 4 3 3 3
c The circle x 2 + (y − 4)2 = 16 lies inside the
circle x 2 + (y − 2)2 = 64. 12 2 24 144
20.37 π 16 162.97
Practice questions Page 154 4
1 a (x − 2)2 + (y − 3)2 = 52 5 2 10 25
b (−2, 6)
2 a (3, 3) does lie on the circle. 6.51 3π 12.28 40
5
b A is (–1, –5), B is (7, –5)
1 32π cm 2
c Area = × 8 × 8 = 32 units2 5 a
2 3
3 a Discriminant is less than 0 so there is no
b 8 + 16π cm
solution to the equation. Hence, no points of 3
intersection. 6 a 15π cm 2
b i 13 b 9 cm 2
ii r 1 + r 2 = 12 < 13; hence, one circle does not c 15π - 9 cm 2
lie inside the other.

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