16Hit1600
Geometry and TrigonometryVery hardCircumference of a circle from its equation

Geometry and Trigonometry practice question

The equation (x − 2)² + (y + 5)² = 9 represents a circle in the xy-plane. What is the circumference of the circle?

  1. A. Correct
  2. B.
  3. C. 18π
  4. D.

Answer: A. 6π

The right side is r² = 9, so r = 3. Circumference = 2πr = 6π.

Why the other answers are wrong

B.
9π is the AREA (πr²).
C. 18π
18π uses r = 9, the value of r², as the radius.
D.
3π uses the radius without the 2 in 2πr.

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