The Equation of a Circle Through Three Points
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Equation of Circle Passing Through 3 Given Points
Find the equation of the circle passing through the points
P(2,1), Q(0,5),R(-1,2)
Substitute points in the general form of circle and solve coefficients.
Let the circle be (2,1) : 2^2+1^2+E+F=0 (0,5) : 0^2+5^2+5E+F=0 (-1,2) : (-1)^2+2^2-D+2E+F=0 |
Start with the General Form of circle. Substitution of P, Q, R.
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2D + E + F = -5 ….. (1) 5E + F = -25 ………(2) D – 2E – F = 5 …….(3) |
Simplification |
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(1) + (3), 3D – E = 0 ……. (4) (2) + (3), D + 3E = -20 ….. (5) From (4), E = 3D …………(6) Subst. (6) in (5), D + 9D = -20 /\ D = -2 ………………. (7) Subst. (7) in (6), E = -6 …….. (8) Subst. (7), (8) in (1), F = -5 |
Solve the equations. Eliminating F and get a simultaneous equation in D and E. Solve D and E and finally get F. |
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The equation of the circle is x^2+y^2 -2x -6y +5 = 0 |
Substitute D, E, F in the General Form. |
Equation of circle passing through 3 given points
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http://www.qc.edu.hk/math/Advanced%20Level/circle%20given%203%20points.htm