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Geometry and TrigonometryMediumEquation of a circle from centre and radius

Geometry and Trigonometry practice question

In the xy-plane, a circle has centre (3, −4) and radius 10. Which equation represents the circle?

  1. A. (x − 3)² + (y + 4)² = 100Correct
  2. B. (x + 3)² + (y − 4)² = 100
  3. C. (x − 3)² + (y + 4)² = 10
  4. D. (x − 3)² + (y − 4)² = 100

Answer: A. (x − 3)² + (y + 4)² = 100

(x − h)² + (y − k)² = r² with h = 3, k = −4, r = 10.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. (x + 3)² + (y − 4)² = 100
The signs of the centre are reversed.
C. (x − 3)² + (y + 4)² = 10
The right side must be r², 100.
D. (x − 3)² + (y − 4)² = 100
The y-term should be y + 4 for k = −4.

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