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Geometry and TrigonometryEasyEquation of a circle centred at the origin

Geometry and Trigonometry practice question

Which of the following is an equation of the circle in the xy-plane with centre (0, 0) and radius 3?

  1. A. x² + y² = 9Correct
  2. B. x² + y² = 3
  3. C. x + y = 9
  4. D. (x − 3)² + y² = 9

Answer: A. x² + y² = 9

A circle centred at the origin with radius r has equation x² + y² = r², and r² = 9.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. x² + y² = 3
The right side must be r², not r.
C. x + y = 9
This is a line.
D. (x − 3)² + y² = 9
This circle is centred at (3, 0).

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