How do you find the equation of a circle center is at (-2, 3)(2,3) and that is tangent to the line 20x - 21y - 42 = 020x21y42=0?

1 Answer
Mar 31, 2017

(x+2)^2+(y-3)^2=5^2,(x+2)2+(y3)2=52,

or,

x^2+y^2+4x-6y-12=0.x2+y2+4x6y12=0.

Explanation:

Let us name the Centre C,C, Radius rr and, the Tgt. Line t.t.

:. C=C(-2,3), and, t :20x-21y-42=0.

From Geometry, we know that, the bot-dist. from C to t is r.

Recall that the bot-dist. from pt. (h,k) to line l : ax+by+c=0

is |ah+bk+c|/sqrt(a^2+b^2).

:. r=|20(-2)-21(3)-42|/sqrt(20^2+(-21)^2)=145/29=5.

Hence follows the Eqn. of the Circle, (x+2)^2+(y-3)^2=5^2, or,

x^2+y^2+4x-6y-12=0.

Enjoy Maths.!