16Hit1600
Geometry and TrigonometryHardTesting points against a circle's equation

Geometry and Trigonometry practice question

In the xy-plane, a circle has the equation (x + 3)² + (y − 1)² = 16. Which of the following points lies on the circle?

  1. A. (1, 1)Correct
  2. B. (−3, 1)
  3. C. (0, 0)
  4. D. (1, 5)

Answer: A. (1, 1)

Substitute (1, 1): (1 + 3)² + (1 − 1)² = 16 + 0 = 16. It satisfies the equation, so it lies on the circle. (It is 4 units to the right of the centre (−3, 1).)

Why the other answers are wrong

B. (−3, 1)
(−3, 1) is the CENTRE, giving 0 + 0 = 0, not 16.
C. (0, 0)
(0, 0) gives 9 + 1 = 10, not 16.
D. (1, 5)
(1, 5) gives 16 + 16 = 32, not 16.

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