The only app you need to prepare for

JEE Main JEE Adv. BITSAT WBJEE MHT CET and more...

4.8 50,000+ 2,00,000+

Rating on Google Play Students using daily Questions available

With MARKS app you can do all these things for free

Solve Chapter-wise PYQ of JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, BITSAT, WBJEE, MHT CET & more

Create Unlimited Custom Tests for any exam

Attempt Top Questions for JEE Main which can boost your rank

Track your exam preparation with Preparation Trackers

Complete daily goals, rank up on the leaderboard & compete with other aspirants

4.8 50,000+ 2,00,000+

Rating on Google Play Students using daily Questions available
THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 3

THE CIRCLE
A circle is the locus of a point which moves, so that its distance from a fixed point, called the
centre, is equal to a given distance.
The fixed point is called the centre of the circle and the constant distance is called its radius.
i.e., CP = constant distance = Radius

fixed i us
rad
point (moving point)
C(centre) constant
distance

1. St
Staandard equa
uattion o
off a cir cle
If the centre of circle is at origin and radius is a, then the equation of circle is given by

x2 + y2 = a 2

and this is also known as standard equation of circle.

In case the centre is a point (h, k), and not origin then the equation of circle is given by

(x ă h)2 + (y ă k)2 = a2

CP = radius = a
according to constraint defined by circle P(x,y)
a
distance CP = radius = a
 (x ă h)2 + (y ă k)2 = a2 C (h,k)
This form is known as central form of equation of circle.

2. Gene
nerral Eq
Equa
ua
uattion o
off a Ci
Cirr cle :
General equation of second degree in x and y is
ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ...(i)
The equation of a circle with centre (, ) and radius r is
(x ă )2 + (y ă )2 = r 2 ...(ii)
2 2 2 2 2
x + y ă 2x + 2y + ( +  ă r ) = 0
Comparing (i) and (ii)

1 1 0 g f c
    
a b h     2  r 2
2
 
 a = b i.e. coefficient of x2 = coefficient of y2
h = 0 i.e., coefficient of xy = 0

THE CIRCLE
 4 MARKS
The general equation of a circle is

x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ...(iii)

where g, f and c are constants

To find the centre and radius.
Equation (i) can be written as
2
x  g   y  f
2
2  

g 2
f 2

 c 

Comparing with the equation of the circle given in (ii), h = ă g, k = ă f

2 2
and a  ( g  f  c)

 Coordinates of the centre are (ă g , ă f ) and radius = (g 2  f 2

 c)

Impo
porrtant re ma
marr ks
(i) If g2 + f2 ă c > 0, equation (i) represents real circle with centre (ă g, ă f).
(ii) If g2 + f 2 ă c = 0, the equation (i) represents a circle whose centre is (ă g, ă f) and radius
is zero i.e., the circle coincides with the centre and so it represents a point (ă g, ă f). It is
therefore, called a point circle.
(iii) If g 2 + f2 ă c < 0, radius of the circle is imaginary. In this case, there are no real points on
the circle and so it is called a virtual circle or imaginary circle.
(iv) Dependence of the circle on three unknown parameters : The equation (i) i.e., x2 + y2 + 2gx
+ 2fy + c = 0 contains three unknown quantities g, f, c. Hence for determining the
equa tion of a c irc le, three c onditions a re required .
Note : In case the equation of circle is given by ax2 + ay2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0. Divide the equation

by a first. i.e. x2  y2  2 g x  2 f y  c  0
a a

 g2 f2 c
 g  f    
then centre is  ,  & radius  2 2
 a a  a a a


Remember that for finding centre and radius of circle the coefficients of x & y should be
equal to 1.
Note : Rule for finding the centre and radius of a circle :
(i) Make the coefficients of x2 and y2 equal to 1 and right hand side equal to zero.
(ii) Then co-ordinates of centre will be (, ),
1 1
where     coefficient of x and     coefficient of y 
2 2

(iii) Radius =  2   2   constant term 

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 5

3. Other Fo
Forrms of Ci
Cirrcle

3.1 Diametric For

ormm
The equation to the circle which is described on the line joining the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)
as diameter.

( x  x 1 )( x  x 2 )  ( y  y1 )( y  y 2 )  0

Proof :
Let A be the point (x1, y 1) and B the point (x2 , y2 ), and let the coordinates of any point P on the
circle be h and k. (Where AB is a diameter)

P (x,y)

B (x2 ,y2)
A C
(x1,y 1)

The equation to AP is

k  y1
y ă y1 = (x  x1 ) ...(1)
h  x1
and the equation to BP is

k  y2
y ă y2 = (x  x2 ) ...(2)
h  x2

But, since APB is a semicircle, the angle APB is a right angle, and hence the straight lines (1)
and (2) are at right angles.
Hence, we have

k  y1 k  y2
. 1
h  x1 h  x 2

i.e., (h ă x 1)(h ă x2 ) + (k ă y 1)(k ă y2 ) = 0

But this is the condition that the point (h, k) may lie on the curve whose equation is,
(x ă x1 )(x ă x2 ) + (y ă y1)(y ă y2 ) = 0
This therefore, is the required equation.

3.2 . Parametr ic form :

If the radius of a circle whose centre is at C (0, 0) makes an angle  with the positive direction
of x-axis, then  is called the parameter.

THE CIRCLE
 6 MARKS
Let CP = a Y
 CM = x, PM = y
P(x,y)
 x = a cos , y = a sin 
Hence (a cos  , a sin  ) or ÂÊ are the parametric co-ordinates a

of the circle x2 + y2 = a2 and x = a cos  and y = a sin are called X´ X
C (0,0)M
parametric equations of the circle x2 + y 2 = a 2 with parameters a
and . (  <  2)
Note :
1. The parametric co-ordinates of any point on the circle
Y´
(x ă h)2 + (y ă k)2 = a2
are given by (h + a cos , k + a sin ) (0   < 2)
and parametric equations of the circle
(x ă h) 2 + (y ă k) 2 = a2 are x = h + a cos , y = k + a sin .
2. Equation of the chord of the circle x2 + y2 = a 2 joining (a cos , a sin ) and
(a cos , a sin ) is

         
x cos    y sin    a cos  
 2   2   2 

3.3.
3.EEquation of circle through 3 po in
intts
If three points A (x1, y 1), B (x2 , y2) and C (x3, y3 ) are non-collinear, an unique circle passes
through A, B and C. To find the equation of this circle, we can proceed in the following way :
Let required circle be
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ...(i)
Since this circle passes through A (x1, y 1), B (x2, y 2) and C (x3, y3), we have

x21  y21  2 gx1  2 fy1  c = 0 ...(ii)

x22  y22  2 gx2  2 fy2  c = 0 ...(iii)

x23  y32  2 gx3  2 fy3  c = 0 ...(iv)

Solving these three, we can find g, f, c and hence the equation of the circle.
Students acquainted with determinants, can put the equation of this circle in determinant form
as follows :
Eliminating g, f and c from (i) and (iv), we have

x2  y2 x y 1
x21  y12 x1 y1 1
0
x22  y22 x2 y2 1 ...(v)
x3 y3 1
x23  y23
(vi) is an equation of the circle passing through the points A, B and C.

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 7

4. EQ
EQUUATION OF A CIR CL
CLEE IN SP
SPEECIAL C
CAASES
(i) When the c irc le pa sses through the origin :
Y
Let the equation of circle be
(x ă )2 + (y ă )2 = a2
Since it passes through O (0, 0)
 (0 ă )2 + (0 ă )2 = a 2 M C(,)
2 2 2
or a =  +  

Hence the equation of the circle in this case will be X
O L
(x ă ) 2 + (y ă )2 = 2+ 2
2 2
i.e. x + y ă 2x ă 2x = 0
Note : Thus if a circle passes through the origin its equation may be taken as

x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy = 0

(ii) When the circ le touches x-a xis

Let the centre of the circle be C (, )
Y
Since the circle touches the x-axis the radius of the circle
= CL = ||
Hence the equation of the circle is
C( )
(x ă ) 2 + (y ă ) 2 = || 2
or (x ă )2 + (y ă )2 = 2 
2 2
Note : If the circle x + y + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 touches
X
x-axis then g2 + f 2 ă c = f2. i.e. c = g 2 O L
Hence the equation of a circle touching x-axis may be
taken as

x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + g 2 = 0
Y
(iii) When the circ le touc hes y-a xis.
Let the centre of the circle be C (, )
Since the circle touches the y-axis; the radius of the

circle = CM = || M ( )
Hence the equation of the circle is
(x ă )2 + (y ă )2 = ||2
or (x ă )2 + (y ă ) 2 =  2 X
O
Note : The equation of a circle touching y-axis may be taken

as x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + f 2 = 0

THE CIRCLE
8 MARKS
(iv) When the c irc le touches both the a xes. Y
y=x
In this case || = || = a.
Hence the equation of the circle, in the first quadrant, is
y=-x C
M (a,a)
(x ă a)2 + (y ă a )2 = a2 ...(1)
a

O X
L

The equation of the circle in the second quadrant is

Y
y=x

(-a,a) y=-x

(x + a )2 + (y ă a ) 2 = a 2 ...(2)
a

X´ O X
L

Y´
The equation of the circle in the third quadrant is

y=-x Y
y=x

(x + a )2 + (y + a) 2 = a2 ...(3)
X´ O X

(-a,a) a
L
C

The equation of the circle in the fourth quadrant is

Y´

Y y=x
y=-x
(x ă a )2 + (y + a) 2 = a2 ...(4)

X´ X
O

C
L (a,-a)
a
Thus if a circle touches both axes its centre may be taken
as ( a, a) where a is positive or negative and radius as
|a|.
Y´

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 9

(v) When the circ le pa sses through the origin a nd Y

centre lies on x-a xis :

Let centre of circle be C (a, 0)
 radius = a
 Equation of circle is (x ă a) 2 + (y ă 0)2 = a2 C
X
O (a,0)
2 2
or x + y ă 2a x = 0

Y
(vi) When the circ le pa sses through the origin a nd
centre lies on y-a xis :
Let centre of circle be C (0, a)
 radius = a C (0,a)
 Equation of circle is (x ă 0) 2 + (y ă a)2 = a2

or x2 + y2 ă 2a y = 0 O
X

(vii) When the circ le c ut off interc ep ts on x-a xis a nd y-a xis of lengths 2l a nd 2k a nd not
pa ssing through origin :
Let centre be (, ) Y
 radius = CP = CQ =  (say)
(CP) 2 = (CQ)2 = 2
2 + k2 =  2 + l 2 =  2 k
 C( )
N
  = 2
 k 2 [for I quadrant] k 
P l l
and  = 2  l 2 M X
O Q

 Equation of circle is ( x   2  k 2 ) 2  ( y   2  l 2 ) 2   2

Illustration 1
For what value(s) of  , the equation (10 ă  2 )x 2 + (
2 ă 8)y 2 + (3 ă )yx ă 10x + 4y + 3 = 0
represent a real circle.
Solution :
For equation of circle we must satisty the following 2 conditions.
Condition 1 : coeff. of x2 = coeff. of y2
 10 ă 2 =  2 ă 8    2 = 9   =  3
Condition 2 : and coeff. of xy = 0
 3 ă  = 0   = 3
So, the common value is  = 3.

THE CIRCLE
10 MARKS

Illustration 2
Find the equation of the circle which touches the axes and whose centre lies on the line
x ă 2y = 3.
Solution :
Since the circle touches both the axes, therefore its centre will be (a,  a) and radius will be |a|,
where a is a positive or negative number.
Given line is x ă 2y = 3 ...(i)
Case I : When centre is (a,  a)
Since (a,  a) lies on line (i)
 centre of the circle is (ă 3, ă 3) and radius = |ă 3| = 3.
Hence equation of the circle will be
(x + 3)2 + (y + 3) 2 = 32 or x2 + y2 + 6x + 6y + 9 = 0
Case II : When centre is (a, ă a)
Since (a, ă a) lies on line (i)
 a + 2a = 3
 a = 1
 centre of the circle is (1, ă 1) and radius = |1| = 1
Hence equation of the circle will be
(x ă 1)2 + (y + 1) 2 = 12 or x2 + y2 ă 2x + 2y + 1 = 0

Illustration 3
Find the equation of the circle passing through the origin and cuts off chords of length 4
and 6 on the positive side of x and y-axis respectively.
Solution :
If the centre C be (h, k) then the values of h, k will be length of perpendicular CM and CN from
C to x- and y-axis respectively.
 M and N are mid points of chords OA and OB
 OM = 2, ON = 3 B
 C is (2, 3)

N C
Also radius OC = 22  32  13

M
O A

 
2
Hence the equation of the required circle is (x ă 2)2 + (y ă 3)2 = 13

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 11

Illustration 4
Find the equation to the circle which passes through the points (1, 0), (0, 6) and (3, 4).
Solution :
Let the equation to the circle be,
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ...(1)
Since, the three points, whose coordinates are given, satisfy this equation, we have
1 + 2g + c = 0 ...(2)
36 + 12f + c = 0 ...(3)
and 25 + 6g + 8f + c = 0 ...(4)

Subtracting (2) from (3) and (3) from (4), we have

2g + 12f = 35
and 6g + 20f = 11

47 71
Hence, f  and g  
8 4

69
Equation (2), then gives c 
2

Substituting these values in (1) the required equation is,

4x2 + 4y2 ă 142x + 47y + 138 = 0

Illustration 5
Find the equation to the circle which touches the axis of y at a distance + 4 from the origin
and cuts off an intercept 6 from the axis of x.
Solution :
Any circle is, x2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
This meets the axis of y in points given by
y2 + 2fy + c = 0
The roots of this equation must be equal and each equal to 4, so that it must be equivalent to
(y ă 4) 2 = 0
Hence, 2f = ă 8 and c = 16
The equation to the circle is then
x 2 + y2 + 2gx ă 8y + 16 = 0
This meets the axis of x in points given by,
x 2 + 2gx ă 8y + 16 = 0

THE CIRCLE
12 MARKS
i.e., at points distant

 g g 2  16 and  g  g 2  16

Hence, 6  2 g2  16

Therefore, g =  5, and the required equation is, x2 + y2  10x ă 8y + 16 = 0

Therefore, are therefore, two circle satisfying the given conditions. This is geometrically obvious.

Illustration 6
The abscissae of two points A and B are the roots of the equation x 2 + 2a x ă b 2 = 0 and the
ordinates are the roots of the equation x2 + 2px ă q2 = 0. Find the equation and the radius
of the circle with AB as diameter.
Solution :
Given equations are
x2 + 2ax ă b2 = 0 ...(i)
2 2
and x + 2px ă q = 0 ...(ii)
Let the roots of equation (i) be  and  and and those of equation (ii) be  and , then

     2a   +  =  2p
2 
and
   b   =  q2

Let A = (, ) and B = (, )

Now equation of the circle whose diameter is AB will be
(x ă ) (x ă ) + (y ă ) (y ă ) = 0
or x2 + y2 ă ( + ) x ă ( + )y +  +  = 0
or x2 + y2 + 2ax + 2py ă (b2 + q2) = 0 ...(iii)
Centre of circle (iii) is (ă a, ă p)

and radius = (  a) 2  (  p) 2  b 2  q 2  a 2  b2  p2  q2

Illustraion 7
If the parametric of form of a circle is given by
(i) x = ă 4 + 5 cos  and y = ă 3 + 5 sin 
(ii) x = a cos  + b sin  and y = a sin  ă b cos 
find its cartesian form.
A
Solution :
(i) The given equations are
x = ă 4 + 5 cos  and y = ă 3 + 5 sin 
or (x + 4) = 5 cos  ...(1)
and (y + 3) = 5 sin  ...(2)

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 13

Squaring and adding (1) and (2), then

(x + 4) 2 + (y + 3) 2 = 52
or (y + 4)2 + (y + 3)2 = 25
(ii) The given equations are
x = a cos  + b sin  ...(1)
y = a sin  ă b cos  ...(2)
Squaring and adding (1) and (2), then
x2 + y2 = (a cos  + b sin ) 2 + (a sin  ă b cos )2
 x2 + y2 = a2 + b2

Illustration 8
Show that the four points (1, 0), (2, ă 7), (8, 1) and (9, ă 6) are concyclic.
Solution :
Since the given four points a re c oncyclic, we a re to show tha t they lie on a circ le. Let
the general equation of circle is
x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ...(1)
has three parameters, it is sufficient to obtain the equation of the circle passing through any three
of these points. For concyclic, the fourth point should lie on this circle.
Let three points A (1, 0), B (2, ă 7) and D (8, 1) lie on (1) then
1 + 0 + 2g + 0 + c = 0 or 1 + 2g + c = 0 ...(2)
2 2
(2) + (ă 7) + 2g (2) + 2f (ă 7) + c = 0
or 53 + 4g ă 14f + c = 0 ...(3)
and (8)2 + (1)2 + 2g (8) + 2f (1) + c = 0
 65 + 16g + 2f + c = 0 ...(4)
Now subtracting (2) from (3), we get
52 + 2g ă 14f = 0
or 26 + g ă 7f = 0 ...(5)
and subtracting (3) from (4), we get Y
D(8,1)
12 + 2g + 16f = 0
X´ X
 3 + 3g + 4f = 0 ...(6) O A(1,0)
Solving (5) and (6), we get
g = ă 5 and f = 3
From (2), 1 ă 10 + c = 0 C(9,ă6)
Y´
 c = 9 B(2,ă1)
Therefore equation of circle passing through these point is
x2 + y2 ă 10x + 6y + 9 = 0

THE CIRCLE
14 MARKS
Substituting the fourth point in the equation of this circle, we get
(9)2 + (ă 6)2 ă 10 (9) + 6 (ă 6) + 9 = 0
Hence point C (9, ă 6) lies on the circle, that is, the four points are concyclic.

Illustration 9
Find the equation of all the circles touching x-axis, y-axis and line 3x + 4y ă 12 = 0.
Solution :
We can easily observe that there will be four
circles touching x-axis, y-axis and the line B
3x + 4y ă 12 = 0. The centre of any such circle
must be of the form ( r,  r) where r is the
radius of the circle. If we want to determine
the circles whose centres lie in first quadrant 3x + 4y ă 12 = 0
and which touch x-axis, y-axis and the line 3x O
+ 4y ă 12 = 0 then centres must be (r, r) (r >
0) and perpendicular distance of (r, r) from the
line 3x + 4y ă 12 = 0 must also be r.

3r  4r  12
 r
5

 7r ă 12 = 5r, 7r ă 12 = ă 5r
 r = 6, r = 1
Thus two such circles are
(x ă 6)2 + (y ă 6)2 = 62, (x ă 1) 2 + (y ă 1)2 = 12

 3 r  4 r  12
Next in the second quadrant the centre of such a circle must be (ă r, r) and r
5

 r = ă 3, r = 2
The value r = ă 3 is inadmissible since r > 0. Thus the equation of circle touching axes and the
line 3x + 4y ă 12 = 0, in the second quadrant is (x + 2) 2 + (y ă 2)2 = 22

 3 r  4 r  12
In the third quarant r
5

 r =, r = ă 6
 Both values are inadmissible.
Thus there is no such circle in the third quadrant.
Finally in the fourth quadrant

3 r  4 r  12
r  r= 3
5

The circle in the fourth quadrant must be (x ă 3) 2 + (y + 3)2 = 32

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 15

Second Method :
Note : We can solve the problem by trigonometry also. Denote the origin by C we have
a = CB = 3, b = CA = 4 and c = AB = 5  s = 6

  s(s  a )(s  b )(s  c )  6

 6
Now r   1
s 6

 6
r1 =  2
s a 6 3

 6
r2 = s  b  6  4  3

 6
r2 = s  c  6  5  6

Since radii of such circles are determined the equations can be immediately written down since
circle touches both axes. You must note that the four circles obtained are the inscribed circle (the
one with the smallest radius) and the three described circles of the triangle formed by co-ordinate
axes and the line 3x ă 4y ă 12 = 0

Illustration 1 0
Find the area of an equilateral triangle inscribed in the circle x2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
Solution :
Given circle is x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ...(1)
Let O be the centre and ABC be an equilateral triangle inscribed in the circle (1).
O   g ,  f 

and OA = OB = OC = g2  f 2  c ...(2)

BM
In OBM, sin60  
OB

3 A
 BM = OB sin 60Ĉ =  OB
2
60Ĉ
BC = 2BM = 3 OB  ...(3)
O
3
Area of ABC =  BC 2
4 60 Ĉ

3 B M C
3  OB (from (3))
2
=
4

g 
3 3 2
2
=  f2  c sq. units.
4
THE CIRCLE
16 MARKS

Illustration 1 1
Find the equation of the circumcircle of the quadrilateral formed by the four
lines a x + by  c = 0 and bx ă a y + c = 0
Solution : C
ăc=0
by

c=0
The given lines can be re-written as
ax+
ax + by + c = 0 ...(1)

ay+
D
ax + by ă c = 0 ...(2)

x ă
0
bx ă ay + c = 0 ...(3)

b
ăc=
bx ă ay ă c = 0 ...(4)

ay
B

xă
Equation (1) and (2) are parallel and equations (3) and (4) are also
=0

b
parallel. +c
by
a ax+
Slope of (1) or (2) =   m1 (say) A
b
b
and Slope of (3) or (4) =  m 2 (say)
a
Since m1m2 = ă 1
Hence ABCD be a square and AC and BD are the diameters of the circle. After solving, we get

 bc  ca bc  ca   ac  bc ac  bc 
A   2 2
, 2

2  and C   2 2
, 2 2

a  b a  b  a b a b 

 bc  ca  ac  bc   bc  ca   cc  bc 
 Equation of circle is  x  2  x  2
2  2   y  2 2  y  2  0
 a  b  a b   a b  a  b2 

 2 ac   2 bc 
 x2  y2   2 2  x   2 2  y  0
a  b  a  b 

Illustration 1 2
A circle of radius 5 units touches the co-ordinate axes in first quadrant. If the circle makes
one complete roll on x-axis along the positive direction of x-axis, find its equation in the
new position.
Solution :
Let C be the centre of the circle in its initial position and D be its centre in the new position.
Y

5 C(5,5) D(5+10 5)

N
5 5

X´ X
M L
O
5 10
Y´
THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 17

Since the circle touches the co-ordinates axes in first quadrant and the radius of circle be 5 units.
 Centre of circle is (5, 5)
Moving length of circle = circumference of the circle
= 2r = 2 (5) = 10 
Now centre of circle in new position is (5 + 10 , 5) and radius is 5 units, therefore, its equation
will be
(x ă 5 ă 10)2 + (y ă 5)2 = 5 2
or x2 + y2 ă 10 (1 + 2) x ă 10y + 100 2 + 100 + 25 = 0

5. Pos
osiition of a p
pooint w
wiith rre
espe
pecct tto
o c
ciircle
Let the equation of the circle be S  x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 and A (x 1 , y1) be any point.

Distance between the centre (ă g, ă f) and A is given by d  ( x1  g)2  ( y1  f ) 2

d 2  r 2  x12  y12  2 gx1  2 fy1  g2  f 2  g 2  f 2  c  x12  y12  2 gx1  2 fy1  c  S 1

Clearly A lies inside, on or outside the circle as d <, =, or > i.e., d2 ă r 2 <, =, or < 0
Hence S1(A) < 0  point lies inside the circle.
S1(A) = 0  point lies on the circle.
S1(A) > 0  point lies outside the circle.

Maximum a
annd M
Miinimum Di
Disstance o
off a P
Pooint ffrrom tthe
he C
Ciir cle
Let any point P (x1 , y 1) and circle
S  x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ...(1)
The centre and radius of the circle are

C (ă g, ă f) and (g 2  f 2
 c ) respectively

Case I :
If P inside the circle
In this case S1 < 0 A

 r ( g 2  f 2  c)  CA = CB P
C
The minimum distance of P from circle = PA = CA ă CP
B
= |r ă CP|
and the maximum distance of P from circle = PB
= CB + CP = |r + CP|

THE CIRCLE
18 MARKS
Case II : P
If P outside the circle
A
In this case S1 > 0
the minimum distance of P from circle C
= PA = CP ă CA = |CP ă r| B
and the maximum distance of P from the circle
= PB = CP + CB = |r + CP|

Case III : P
If P on the circle
In this case S1 = 0 C
the minimum distance of P from the circle = 0 A
and the maximum distance of P from the circle = PA = 2r

Illustration 1 3
Find the shortest and largest distance from the point (2, ă 7) to the circle
x 2 + y2 ă 14x ă 10y ă 151 = 0
Solution :
Y
Let S  x2 + y2 ă 14x ă 10y ă 151 = 0 B
 S1 = (2) 2 + (ă 7)2 ă 14(2) ă 10 (ă 7) ă 151
= ă 56 < 0
 P (2, ă 7) inside the circle C(7,5)
X´ X
O
radius of the circle, r  7  2
2
   5  151  15
2 P
A
 Centre of circle  (7, 5) Y´

 CP =  7  22   5  72 = 13

 Shortest distance = PA = r ă CP = 15 ă 13
= 2
and Largest distance = PB = r + CP = 15 + 13 = 28

6. Con
onttact o
off Two CCiircle s
Working R ulule
e :
The two circles having centres at A (x1, y1) and B (x 2, y2 ) and radii r 1 and r2 respectively touch
each other.

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 19

AB < r 1 ă r 2 r1 ă r 2 < AB < r 1 + r 2 AB > r1 + r2

< >
Smaller circle lies AB circle intersects AB One circle lies out
inside the bigge r = r1 ă r 2 in two = r1 + r2 side the other
circle                                    points              
circles touch circles touch
internally externally

r1 r1 r1

A C A C A D L C B
B r2 D B
r2 r2

r 1 ă r2 = AB + DC AB = r1 ă r2 r1 + r 2 = AC + CB + DC
 AB < r 1 ă r 2 = AB + DC
 AB < r1 + r 2

r1 r2 r1 r2
A B A B
C CD

AB = r 1 + r 2 + CD
AB = r1 + r 2 AB > r 1 + r 2

Illustration 1 4
Examine if the two circles x2 + y2 ă 2x ă 4y = 0 and x 2 + y 2 ă 8y ă 4 = 0 touch each other
externally or internally.
Solution :
Given circles are x2 + y2 ă 2x ă 4y = 0 ...(1)
and x2 + y2 ă 8y ă 4 = 0 ...(2)
Let A and B be the centres and r1 and r 2 the radii of circles (1) and (2) respectively, then

THE CIRCLE
20 MARKS

A  1, 2 , B  (0, 4), r1  5, r2  2 5

Now AB = (1  0)2  (2  4)2  5

and r1  r2  3 5. r1  r2  52 5  5

Thus AB = |r 1 ă r2|, hence the two circles touch each other internally.

Illustration 1 5
Prove that the circle x 2 + y2 + 2a x + c 2 = 0 and x 2 + y2 + 2by + c 2 = 0 touch each other if
1 1 1
2
 2

a b c2
Solution :
Given circles are
x2 + y 2 + 2ax + c 2 = 0 ...(1)
and x2 + y 2 + 2by + c2 = 0 ...(2)
Let A and B be the centres of circles (1) and (2) respectively and r1 and r 2 be their radii, then

A    a, 0  , B   0, b  , r1  a2  c2 , r2  b2  c2

The two circles (1) and (2) will touch each other externally or internally according as
AB = r1 + r2 or AB = |r 1 ă r 2|
i.e. AB 2 = (r 1 + r2) or AB2 = (r 1 ă r 2 )2
Thus the two circles will touch each other if

AB2   r1  r2 
2
or a2  b2  r12  r22  2 r1 r2

or a2 + b2 = a 2 ă c 2 + b2 ă c2  2 a2  c2 b2  c 2

or 2c 2   2 a 2  c 2 b2  c2

C2   a2  c2 b2  c2

or c4 = (a 2 ă c2) (b 2 ă c2) or c4 = a 2 b2 ă c 2b2 ă a2c2 + c4

or c2b 2 + a2 c2 = a 2b2

1 1 1
or 2
 2
 [dividing by a 2 b2c 2]
a b c2

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 21

Illustration 1 6
Prove that x 2 + y2 = a 2 and (x ă 2 a ) 2 + y 2 = a2 are two equal circles touching each other. Find
the equation of circle (or circles) of equal radius touching both the circles.
Solution :
Given circles are
x2 + y2 = a 2 ...(1)
and (x ă 2a)2 + y2 = a2 ...(2)
Let A and B be the centres and r1 and r2 the radii of the two circle (1) and (2) respectively, then
A  (0, 0), B  (2a, 0), r1 = a, r 2 = a

Now AB = (0  2a )2  02  2a  r1  r2

Hence the two circles touch each other externally.

Let the equation of equal circle touching circles (1) and (2) be (x ă )2 + (y ă )2 = a 2 ...(3)
Its centre C is (, ) and radius r3 = a.
Since (3) touches (1).
 AC = r1 + r3 = 2a. [Here AC  |r 1 ă r 3 | as r1 ă r3 = a ă a = 0]
or AC 2 = 4a 2 or 2 +  2 = 4 a 2 ...(4)
Again since circle (3) touches circle (2)
 BC = r2 + r3 or BC 2 = (r 2 + r 3)2
 (2a ă )2 + 2 = (a + a)2 or 2 + 2 ă 4a = 0
or 4a2 ă 4a = 0 [from (4)]

  = a and from (4),    3 a

 
2
Thus required circles are  x  a   y
2
3a  a2

or x2  y2  2ax 2 3 ay  3a 2  0

7. THE INTERSECTION OF A LINE AND A CIRCLE

Any line will cut a circle either
(a) at two distinct points or
(b) at two coincident points or
(c) at two imaginary points.
In the second case the line will be tangent to the circle. Let us observe the intersection of the line
y = mx + c and the circle x2 + y2 = a2 . The x-ordinates of points of intersection of the line and
the circle are given by the equation

THE CIRCLE
22 MARKS
x2 + (mx + c)2 = a 2
 (1 + m2)x2 + 2mcx + c 2 ă a2 = 0
In general, there are 3 cases arises. When circle and a line intersects
Case I :
There are two different real points of intersection.
i.e.,  > 0
 4m2c2 ă 4(1 + m2) (c2 ă a2) > 0
 a 2 (1 + m 2) > c2

c
or a
1  m2
Case II :
There are two coincident points of intersection.
i.e.,  = 0
4m2c2 ă 4(1 + m2) (c2 ă a2) = 0
 a2 (1 + m 2) = c2

c
 a
1  m2

 c   a 1  m2

This is the required condition of tangency.

 the equation the tangents are y  mx  a 1  m 2

and y  mx  a 1  m2
Case III :
There is no real point of intersection
i.e.,  < 0
 4m2c2 ă 4(1 + m2) (c2 ă a2) < 0
 m2c2 ă (1 + m2 ) (c2 ă a 2) < 0
 m2c2 ă c 2 ă m2 c2 + a2 + a2 m2 < 0
 a2 (1 + m 2) < c 2
c2
a2 

1  m  2

c
 a
1  m2

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 23

Thus the line y = mx + c; will

(i) cut the circle x2 + y2 = a 2 at two distinct points if a2 (1 + m2) > c 2
(ii) touch the circle if, a2 (1 + m 2) = c2
(iii) not cut the circle at all if a2 (1 + m2) < c2.

Note :

(1) The line y  mx  a 1  m 2 will be a tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 for all values of m.

(2) The condition of tangency can also be obtained by equating perpendicular distance of the
centre (0, 0) than the line y ă mx ă c = 0 to the radius of the circle.
(3) In case the circle is x2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 we may shift the origin to the centre of the
circle and apply the results described above.

Another Method :
Let S = x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 and L = lx + my + n = 0
Let r be the radius of the circle and p be the length of the
perpendicular drawn from the centre (ă g, ă f) on the line L. Then
(i) line intersect the circle in two distinct points if p < r. p
(ii) line touch the circle if p = r r c
(iii) line neither intersects nor touches the circle i.e., passes outside
the circle if p > r.

Illustration 1 7
Find the values of k for which the line 3x ă 4y ă k = 0 will touch the circle x2 + y2 ă 2x ă 4y
+ h = 0. Find the point of contact also.
Solution :
We will solve the problem by two methods. The circle is
(x ă 1)2 + (y ă 2)2 = 1
Shifting the origin to (1, 2) the circle becomes x2 + y2 = 1 and the line becomes
3x ă 4y ă (5 + k) = 0
Now applying c 2 = a2 (1 + m 2)
2
 5 k  9 
  4   1  1  16   k = 0, k = 10
   

5
If k = 0 then c  
4

 3/4 1   3  4
and the point of contact is    5 / 4 ,  5 / 4  or, is  5 , 5 
   

THE CIRCLE
24 MARKS

3 4   8 6
Now with reference to old origin this point will be  5  1, 5  2  or will be  5 , 5 
   
Alternatively we can proceed as follows. For intersection of line and circle

2
 3 x  k  3 x  k
x2     2x  4  4 0
 4   4 
 25x2 ă (6k + 80)x + (k + 8)2 = 0

6 k  80  (6 k  80)2  100(k  8)2

 x =
50

3 k  40  (8 k  80)( 2k)
=
25
In case the line happens to be tangent we must have only one value of x.
 Discriminant of the quadratic = 0
 k = 0, k = ă 10

Illustration 1 8
Show that the line 3x ă 4y ă c = 0 will meet the circle having centre at (2, 4) and the radius
5 in real and distinct points if ă 35 < c < 15.
Solution :
Given line is 3x ă 4y ă c = 0 ...(i)
Centre of given circle circle is (2, 4) and its radius is 5, therefore its equation will be
(x ă 2)2 + (y ă 4)2 = 52
or x2 + y 2 ă 4x ă 8y ă 5 = 0 ...(ii)
1
From (i), y  3x  c  . Putting the value of y in (ii), we get
4

1 1
x2   3 x  c2  4 x  8  3 x  c  5  0
16 4

or 16x2 + 9x2 ă 6cx + c2 ă 64x ă 96x + 32c ă 80 = 0

or 25x2 ă 2(80 + 3c) x + c2 + 32c ă 80 = 0 ...(iii)
Line (i) will meet the circle (ii) in real and distinct points if discriminant of equation (iii) > 0
i.e., if 4(80 + 3c)2 ă 100 (c 2 + 32c ă 80) > 0 or (80 + 3c)2 ă 25(c 2 + 32c ă 80) > 0
or 6400 + 9c2 + 480c ă 25c2 ă 800c + 2000 > 0
or ă 16c2 ă 320c + 8400 > 0 or 16c2 + 320c ă 8400 < 0
or c2 + 20c ă 525 < 0

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 25

sign scheme for c 2 + 20c ă 525 :

When c 2 + 20c ă 525 = 0

 20  400  2100  20  50
c   35,15
2 2

Therefore, sign scheme for c2 + 20c ă 525 is as follows

 
+ve ă35 ăve 15 +ve

 c2 + 20c ă 525 < 0 ă 35 < c < 15

Length of the chord

B
Let O be the centre of the circle S = 0 and the line of the chord AB be
r
L= 0
Let p = length of  from centre to the line L = 0 O p C

Then AB = length of the chord = 2 (r 2  p2 ) . (by Pythagoras theorem)

A
L=0

TANGENT
In Geometry the tangent at any point of a circle is defined to be a straight line which meets the
circle there, but, being produced, does not cut it; this tangent is shown to be always perpendicular
to the radius drawn from the centre to the point of contact.

8. DI
DIFFFER
EREN
EN
ENTT FORMS OF T
THE
HE EQUAT
ATIION OF TANG
NGEENT

8.1 .1. Po
Poiint fo
forrm
The equation of the tangent at a point P (x, y) to a circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is

xx 1 + yy1 + g (x + x1 ) + f (y + y1 ) + c = 0

for equation of circle in standard form the equation becomes

xx 1 + yy 1 = a 2

Note : For equation of tangent of circle at (x 1, y1 ), substitute xx1 for x2 , yy1 for x 2, yy1 for
x  x1 y  y1 xy1  x1y
y2 , for x, for y and for xy and keep the constant as such
2 2 2

8.2 . Parametr ic form :

The equation of tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 at the point (a cos , a sin ) is
x cos  + y sin  = a

THE CIRCLE
 26 MARKS
Note : The equation of the tangent to the circle (x ă a)2 + (y ă b)2 = r 2 at the point (a + r cos
, b + r sin ) is
(x ă a) cos  + (y ă b) sin  = r.

8.3 . Sl
Slop
op
opee ffo
orm :

The equation of a tangent of slope m to the circle x2 + y 2 = a 2 is y  mx  a 1  m 

2
and the

 am a 
 
co-ordinates of the point of contact are   ,
 (1  m 2) (1  m 2) 

We already have done the proof for this.

Illustration 1 9
Find the condition that the straight line lx + my + n = 0 may touch circle x2 + y2 = a 2 and
also find the co-ordinates of the point of contact.
Solution :
given line is lx + my + n = 0 ...(1)
2 2 2 ...(2)
and given circle is x + y = a
line (1) will touch the circle (2) if the length of the perpendicular from its centre (0, 0) to line (1)
= radius of circle (2)

l.0  m.0  n
a
i.e. if 2 2
l m

or n 2 = a 2(l 2 + m2 ) This is the required condition.

Second part :
Let line (1) be tangent to circle (2) at (, ).
Now equation of the tangent to circle (2) at (, ) is x + y ă a2 = 0 ...(3)
Since (1) and (3) are equations of the same straight line, therefore comparing the coefficients, we
get

   a2
 
l m n
i  ii  iii 

la 2 ma 2
From (i) and (iii),    and from (ii) and (iii),   
n n

 la 2 ma 2 
Thus point of contact of line (1) and circle (2) is   n ,  n 
 
THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 27

la 2 ma2
Note : Condition for tangency can be obtained by putting x   , y in the equation
n n
of the circle because point of contact lies on the circle.

Illustration 20
Prove that the tangent to the circle x2 + y 2 = 5 at the point (1, ă 2) also touches the circle
x 2 + y2 ă 8x + 6y + 20 = 0 and find its point of contact.
Solution :
Given circles are x2 + y2 = 5 ...(1)
2 2
and x + y ă 8x + 6y + 20 = 0 ...(2)
Given point is (1, ă 2).
Now equation of the tangent to circle (1), at (1, ă 2) will be
x . 1 + y(ă 2) ă 5 = 0 or x ă 2y ă 5 = 0 ...(3)
Centre of circle (2) is C (4, ă 3) and its radius is 5
Now length of the perpendicular from C(4, ă 3) to line (3)

4  2   3  5 5
=   5 = radius of circle (2)
5 5

Hence line (3) also touches circle (2).

Second part :
Let (, ) be the point of contact of line (3) and circle (2).
Now equation of the tangent to circle (2) at (, ) is

 x    y  
x  y  8    6   20  0
 2   2 

or ( ă 4)x + ( + 3)y ă (4 ă 3 ă 20) = 0 ...(4)

Comparing equations (3) and (4), we get

  4   3 4  3  20
 
1 2 5
 i ii  iii 

From (i) and (ii), we get 2 +  = 5 ...(5)

and from (i) and (iii), we get  + 3 = 0 ...(6)
Solving (5) and (6), we get  = 3,  = ă 1
Hence point of contact of circle (2) and line (3) is (3, ă 1).

THE CIRCLE
28 MARKS

Illustration 21
Prove that the equation x 2 + y 2 ă 2x ă 2y ă 8 = 0, where  is a parameter, represents a family
of circles passing through two fixed points A and B on the x-axis. Also find the equation of
that circle of the family, the tangents to which at A and B meet on the line x + 2y + 5 = 0
Solution :
Given equation of the family of circles is
x2 + y2 ă 2x ă 2y ă 8 = 0 ...(1)
It can be written as x2 + y 2 ă 2x ă 8 ă 2y = 0 ...(2)
Clearly (2) is the equation of circles passing through the point of intersection of circle
x2 + y2 ă 2x ă 8 = 0
and the line y = 0 ...(3)
2
Putting y = 0 in (2), we get x ă 2x ă 8 = 0  x = 4, ă 2
Let A  (4, 0) and B (ă 2, 0). Thus (1) represents a family of circles passing through two fixed
points A (4, 0) and B (ă 2, 0) on the x-axis.
Now equation of tangents to circle (1) at (4, 0) and B (ă 2, 0) are
4x + y.0 ă (x + 4) ă (y + 0) ă 8 = 0 or 3x ă y ă 12 = 0 ...(4)
and ă 2x + y.0 ă (x ă 2) ă (y + 0) ă 8 = or ă 3x ă y ă 6 = 0 ...(5)

9
Solving (4) and (5), we get x = 1, y  


 9
If  1,   lies on line x + 2y + 5 = 0
 

18
then 1   5  0 or  = 3

Putting the value of  in (1), we have the equation of the required circle as
x2 + y2 ă 2x ă 6y ă 8 = 0

Illustration 22
Find the equations of the tangents to the circle x 2 + y 2 = 9, which
(i) are parallel to the line 3x + 4y ă 5 = 0
(ii) are perpendicular to the line 2x + 3y + 7 = 0
(iii) make an angle of 60Ĉ with the x-axis.
Solution :
3
(i) Slope of 3x + 4y ă 5 = 0 is 
4

3
Let m  
4
and equation of circle is x2 + y 2 = 9

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 29

3   3 
2
 Equations of tangents y   x  3 1    
4   4  


 4y = ă 3x  15
or 3x + 4y  15 = 0

2
(ii) slope of 2x + 3y + 7 = 0 is 
3

3
 Slope of perpendicular to 2x + 3y + 7 = 0 is  m (say)
2
and given circle is x 2 + y2 = 9
 Equations of tangents perpendicular to 2x + 3y + 7 = 0 is

2
3 3
y x 3 1  
2 2

 2 y  3 x  3 13

or 3 x  2 y  3 13  0
(iii) Since tangent make an angle 60Ĉ with the x-axis

 m  tan 60  3
and given circle x2 + y2 = 9

 3
2
 Equation of tangents y  3x  3 1 

or 3 x y 6 0

Alternative Method
(i) Let tangent parallel to 3x + 4y ă 5 = 0 is
3x + 4y +  = 0 ...(1)
2 2
and circle x + y = 9
then perpendicular distance from (0, 0) on (2) = radius

3
(3  42 )
2

or || = 15
  = 15
From (1), equations of tangents are
3x + 4y  15 = 0

THE CIRCLE
 30 MARKS
(ii) Let tangent perpendicular to 2x + 3y + 7 = 0 is
3x ă 2y +  = 0 ...(2)
and circle x2 + y2 = 9
then perpendicular distance from (0, 0) on (2) = radius


3
3 2  ( 2) 2

or   3 13

or    3 13

From (2), equations of tangents are 3 x  2 y  3 13  0

(iii) Let equation of tangent which makes an angle of 60Ĉ with the x-axis is

y  3x  c ...(3)

or 3x ă y + c = 0
and circle x2 + y 2 = 9
then perpendicular distance from (0, 0) to (3) = radius

c
3
(3)2  ( 1)2

or |c| = 6
or c =  6

From (3), equations of tangent are 3x  y  6  0

5. Length o
off T
Taangent

I. The length of the tangent drawn from a given external point (x1, y 1) to the circle

x2 + y2 = a 2 is given by x 12  y12  a 2

Proof :
Equation of given circle is x2 + y 2 = a 2 ...(1)
Its centre is C (0, 0) and radius is a. Let P (x1 , y1 ) be the given point. From P let PT be a tangent
to the circle touching the circle at T. Then PT will be the length of the tangent. Join C, P and
C, T since PT  CT hence from right angled CTP, CT2 + PT2 = CP 2
or PT2 = CP 2 ă CT2 ...(1)
But CT = the radius of the circle = a

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 31

and CP2 = (x1 ă 0)2 + (y1 ă 0)2 = x12  y12

T
2 2 2 2 P(x1,y1)
Therefore, from (1) PT = x1  y1  a

C
or PT  x 12  y12  a 2 (0,0)

This is the required length of the tangent drawn from an external point (x1, y1) to circle (1).

II. The length of the tangent drawn from a given external point (x1, y 1) to the circle

x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 given by x12  y12  2 gx1  2 fy1  c ...(1)

The equation of given circle is x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0

T
Its centre is C (ă g, ă f) and radius is g2  f 2  c . P
(x1,y1)
g2+f2ăc
Let P (x1, y1 ) be the given point. From P Let PT be a tangent to
the circle touching the circle at T. Then PT will be the length of C
(ăg,ăf)
the tangent. Join C, T and C, P. Since CT  PT.
 from right angled CTP,
CT2 + PT2 = CP2, or PT2 = CP2 ă CT 2 ...(2)

But CT = the radius of the circle = g2  f 2  c

and CP2 = (x1 ă (ă g)} 2 + {y1 ă (ă f)} 2 = (x1 + g)2 + (y 1 + f)2

= x12  y12  2gx1  2fy1  g 2  f 2

Therefore, from (2), we have

PT2 = ( x12  y12  2 gx1  2 fy1  g 2  f 2)  ( g 2  f 2  c) 2

= x12  y12  2 gx1  2 fy1  g2  f 2  g2  f 2  c

 PT = x12  y12  2 gx1  2 fy1  c

This is the required length of the tangent drawn from an external point (x1 , y 1) to the given
circle (1).
Tip : If S  0 is the equation of given circle and s1  0 is the equation achieved by butting

(x, y1) in s, then the length o tangent from (x1 y1) is given by S1 .

THE CIRCLE
 32 MARKS

Illustration 23
If the length of tangent from (f , g ) to the circle x2 + y 2 = 6 be twice the length of the tangent
from (f, g ) to circle x2 + y2 + 3x + 3y = 0 then will f 2 + g 2 + 4f + 4g + 2 = 0 ?
Solution :
According to the question

( g 2  f 2  6)  2 (f 2  g 2  3f  3g )

On squaring g2 + f 2 ă 6 = 4f2 + 4g2 + 12f + 12g

or 3f 2 + 3g2 + 12f + 12g + 6 = 0
or f2 + g2 + 4f + 4g + 2 = 0
which is true  yes.

Illustration 24
Let 2x 2 + y2 ă 3xy = 0 be the equation of a pair of tangents drawn from origin O to a circle
of radius 3 with centre in the first quadrant. If A is one of the points of contact find the
length of OA.
Solution :
The given equation represents lines y = x and y = 2x
if 2  is the angle between them
2 1 1 2tan
tan 2   
1  2 3 1  tan 2   tan    3  10

But, as centre lies in the first quadrant


and 0   
4

3
tan    3  10 only. Now OA = 3 cot  =  3  10

Illustration 25
Tangents PA and PB are drawn from P (ă 1, 2) to the circle x2 + y2 ă 2x ă 4y + 2 = 0
(i) Find the lengths PA (or PB)
(ii) Find the area of PAB
(iii) Find the equation of PA and PB A
Solution :
(i) PA2 or PB 2
(ă1,2) P M
= value of circles equation for x = ă 1 and y = 2
= 1 + 4 + 2 ă 8 = 1  PA = PB = 1
B

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 33

(ii) Equation of chord of contact AB must be

x (ă 1) + y (2) ă 1 (x ă 1) ă 2 (y + 2) + 2 = 0 or 2x + 1 = 0

2   1  1 1
Now PM =  distance of P (ă 1, 2) from AB = 
2
2  0 2 2

2 2 1 3
 AM = PA  PM  1  
4 2

1 3 1 3
 Area of PAB = base. height =   square units.
2 2 2 4

(iii) Equation of any line through P (ă 1, 2) is y ă 2 = m (x + 1) or y ă mx ă 2 ă m = 0

If this happens to be tangent to the given circle the length from the centre (1, 2) on the line
must be equal to the radius 3.

2m2m 2 2
  3  4m = 3m + 3  m   3
2
1 m

Thus the equations of tangents PA and PB are y ă 2 = 3 (x + 1) and y ă 2 = ă 3 (x + 1)

Note : Part (iii) can also be done by using S S1 = T2
We already know the values of S1 and T in this problem
S 1 = 1 (since (length) 2 of PA or PB)
T = 2x + 1 (equation of chord of contact)
Therefore combined equation of PA nd PB is
(x2 + y2 ă 2x ă 4y + 2) . 1 = (2x + 1) 2 or ă 3x2 + y 2 ă 6x ă 4y + 1 = 0

Let 
y2 ă 3x2 ă 6x ă 4y + 1 y  3 x c1  y  3 x  c2 
On comparing coeffs. of x, y and constant terms, we get

 6   c2 3  c1 3, ă 4 = c2 ă c 1, 1 = c 1 c 2

On solving first two we get c1  2  3, c2  2  3

These values satisfy the third equation c1 c 2 = 1  The assumption (1) is justified

 Lines are y  3x  2 3 and y   3 x  2  3

Illustration 26
AB is a diameter of a circle. CD is a chord parallel to AB and 2 CD = AB. The tangent at
B meets the line AC produced at E. Prove that AE = 2AB.

THE CIRCLE
34 MARKS
Solution :
Let O be the centre of the circle which is taken as the origin. Let a be the radius of the circle.
Now A  (ă a, 0), B  (a, 0) E
Since CD || AB and 2CD = AB

CD AB 2 a
Also CL =    a/2
2 4 4
In OLC
a, 3a a, 3a
2 2 C D
2 aL 2 2
a 3a 2
OL  OC2  CL2  a2   a 3a
4 2 2 B
A X
(a,0)
a O a (a,0)
 a 3  a 3 
 C    , a , D   , a
 2 2  2 2 
Now equation of circle is x2 + y 2 = a2 ...(1)
and equation of tangent at B(a, 0) is
xa + y.0 = a 2 or x= a ...(2)

3
a 0
Equ. of AC is y ă 0 = 2
a
x  a  or y  x x  a  ...(3)
a 
2

Solving (2) and (3), we get x = a, y  2 3a  E  a, 2 3a  

Now AE  (  a  a) 2  (0  2 3 a) 2  4 a  2.2 a  2.AB

10. Equ
quaation of pair of t ang
ngeents
The equation of pair of pair of tangents drawn
A
from an external point P (x1 y1) to the circle x 2 + y2 = a 2
is given by
C (0,0)
2 2 2 2
(x + y ă a ) (x12  y12 2
 a ) = (xx1 + yy 1 ă a ) P (x 1y 1)

OR we can say SS 1 = T2 B
where S  equation of circle
S 1  value after putting (x1 y1) in equation of circle
T  equation of tangent at point (x 1 y1)
Note : If the equation of circle is given in general form then also the condition SS1 = T 2 is valud
for the equation of circle, x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, the equation becomes

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 35

(x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c) ( x21  y21  2 gx1  2 fy1  c)

= (xx1 + yy1 + g (x + x1) + f (y + y1))2 + c

Note that the equation of tangent is also with respect to the general equation of circle.

11. Direct or c
ciircle
The locus of the point of intersection of two perpendicular tangents to a given conic is known as
its director circle.
The equation of the director circle of the circle x2 + y 2 = a 2 is x 2 + y 2 = 2a 2

12. Nor
orma
ma
mall T
Too the C
Ciir cle
The normal at any point P of a curve is the straight line which passes through P and is perpendicular
to the tangent at P.
Generally there is no need to remember the formula for normal to circle. We follow the following
steps to find the equation of normal.
Step 1 : Write the equation of tangent to the given circle at (x1 y1 )
Step 2 : Write the equation of a line which is perpendicular to the above line & passes through
(x 1 y1). The equation obtained is the equation of normal.
To find the equation to the normal at the point (x´, y´) of (1), the circle,
x2 + y2 = a 2
and (2), the circle
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0

(1) The tangent at (x´, y´) is

xx´ + yy´ = a2

x´ a2
i.e. y x
y´ y´
The equation to the straight line passing through (x´, y´) perpendicular to this tangent is,
y ă y´ = m (x ă x´)

 x´ 
Where m     1
 y´ 

y´
i.e., m
x´
The required equation is therefore

y´
y  y´  x  x´ 
x´
i.e., x´y ă xy´ = 0

THE CIRCLE
36 MARKS
Similary you can find the equation of normal to the general form of circle.
Note : The equation of normal to circle x 2 + y2 = a2 will always poss through centre and thus will
be of the form y = mx

Illustration 27
Find the equation of the normal to the circle x2 + y2 = 2x, which is parallel to the line
x + 2y = 3.
Solution :
Given circle is x2 + y 2 ă 2x = 0
Centre of given circle is (1, 0)
Since normal is parallel to x + 2y = 3
let the equation of normal is x + 2y = 
Since normal passes through the centre of the circle i.e., (1, 0)
then 1 + 0 =l
  = 1
then equation of normal is x + 2y = 1
or x + 2y ă 1 = 0

Alternative Method :
Equation of normoal at (x1, y1) of x2 + y2 ă 2x = 0 is

x  x1 y  y1

x1  1 y1  0

y1
or slope = x  1  m1 (say)
1

since normal is parallel to x + 2y = 3

1
 Slope =   m2 (say)
2
but given m1 = m2

y1 1

x1  1 2

or x1 + 2y1 ă 1 = 0
 locus of (x1, y1) is x + 2y ă 1 = 0

13. Cho
horr d of Con
ontt act
If from any point T outside a circle two tangents TP and TQ be drawn to the circle, the straight
line PQ joining the points of contact is called the chord of contact of tangents from T.

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 37

The equation of chord of contact of tangents to the circle at Y

2 2 2
x + y = a is given by
xx 1 + yy 1 = a 2 P(x´,y´)
Proof : T(x1,y1)
Let T be the point (x1, y1) and P and Q the points (x´, y´) and Q(x'',y'')
(x´´, y´´) respectively. X
O
The tangent at P is xx´ + yy´ = a2 ...(1)
and that at Q is, xx´ + yy´ = a2 ...(2)
Since, these tangents pass through T, its coordinates (x1, y 1)
must satisfy both (1) and (2).
Hence x1 x´´ + y 1y´´ = a 2 ...(3)
2 ...(4)
and x1 x´´ + y 1y´´ = a
The equation to PQ is then,
xx1 + yy1 = a2 ...(5)
For, since (3) is true, it follows that the point (x´, y´), i.e., P, lies on (5). Also, since (4) is true, it
follows that the point (x´´, y´´), i.e., Q, lies on (5).
Hence, both P and Q lie on the straight line (5), i.e., (5), is the equation to the required chord
of contact.
If the point (x1, y1) lie within the circle the argument of the preceding article will show that the
line joining the (imaginary) points of contact of the two (imaginary) tangents drawn from (x1, y1)
is xx1 + yy1 = a 2.

14. The e qu
qua horrd of the circle x2 + y2 + 2 gx + 2fy + c = 0 who
ation of the cho hosse middl
dlee
poiint is ( x1 , y 1)
po
The equation of the chord o the circle S  x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 bisected at the point (x1y1)
is given by

T = S1

where T  xx1 + yy1 + g(x + x1) + f(y + y1) + c

and S1  x12 + y12 + 2gx 1 + 2fy1 + c

Proof :
The equation of given circle is x2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ...(1)
Its centre is C  (ă g, ă f)
Let PQ be the chord whose mid-points is L (x1, y 1).
We have to find the equation of the chord PQ of the circle
y1  f C(ăg,ăf)
Slope of CL = x  g
1
Since CL  PQ
P L Q
x1  g
 slope of PQ = (x1,y1)
y1  f

THE CIRCLE
38 MARKS

x1  g
Now equation of chord PQ is y  y1  (x  x1 )
y1  f

or (y ă y1) (y1 + f) = ă (x 1 + g) (x ă x 1)

or yy1 ă y12 + yf ă y1f = ă xx 1 + x 21 ă xg + gx 1

or xx1 + yy1 + gx + fy = x12 + y12 + gx1 + fy1

Adding gx1 + fy1 + c to both sides, we get

xx1 + yy1 + g(x + x1) + f(y + y 1) + c = x21 + y21 + 2gx 1 + 2fy1 + c

This is the required equation of the chord PQ whose mid-point is (x1, y1 ).

Note : This equation can be written as T = S1,

15. 1 Com
Commmon c
chhor
ordd of ttw
wo Ci
Cirrcl es :
The chord joining the points of intersection of two given circles is called their common chord.

C1 M C2

S1 =0 S2 =0
Q

The equation of common chord of two circles is given by

S1 ă S 2 = 0

Where S1  x 2 + y 2 + 2g1x + 2f1y + c1 = 0 ...(i)

S2  x 2 + y 2 + 2g2x + 2f2y + c2 = 0 ...(ii)
subtracting (i) & (ii), we get 2x (g1 ă g 2) + 2y (f1 ă f 2) + c1 ă c 2 = 0
which is the required equation of common chord.

15. 2 Le
Lenngth of co
comm
mm
mmoon c
cho
ho
horrd :
P
We have PQ = 2(PM) ( M is mid point of PQ)

C1 C2
= 2 {(C1P) 2  C 1M  }
2 M
S´=0
S=0 Q
where C1P = radius of the circle S = 0
and C1M = length of perpendicular from C 1 on common chord PQ.

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 39

Illustration 28

Find the length of the common chord of the two circles

x2 + y2 ă 2x ă 4y = 0
x2 + y2 = 9
Solution :
The equation of the common chord AB is 2x + 4y ă 9 = 0
Since centre of C2 is (0, 0). The perpendicular length from C 2 to the common chord AB is

9 9 A
= 
22  42 20
C1

81 99 M
AM = C2 A 2  C2 M 2  9  C2
 (0,0)
20 2 5 B

99
 Length of common chord = 2AM =
5

Illustration 29
Tangents are drawn at those points of the circle x2 + y2 ă 9 = 0 where it is intersected by
the circle x2 + y2 ă 2x ă 4y = 0. Find the intersection point of these tangents.
Solution :
Let the circles intersect at A and B and tangents to C1 are drawn at A and B which intersect at
P (, ) then the line AB has two status. At first it is a common chord of two circles and secondly
it is t he chor d of contact when t angents ar e drawn fr om P ( , ) to x2 + y2 ă 9 = 0
 The lines 2x + 4y ă 9 = 0 and x + y ă 9 = 0 are coincident.

  9
     = 2,  = 4
2 4 9

Thus tangents intersect at (2, 4).

Illustration 30
Find the equation of the chord of x 2 + y2 ă 6x + 10y ă 9 = 0 which is bisected at (ă 2, 4).
Solution :
The equation of the required chord is
ă 2x + 4y ă 3 (x ă 2) + 5 (y + 4) ă 9 = 4 + 16 + 12 + 40 ă 9
ă 5x + 9y ă 46 = 0
or 5x ă 9y + 46 = 0

THE CIRCLE
 40 MARKS

Illustration 31
Find the middle point of the chord intercepted on line lx + my + n = 0 by the circle
x 2 + y2 = a 2.
Solution :
Let (x1 , y1) be the middle point of the chord intercepted by the circle x2 + y2 = a2 , on the line
lx + my + n = 0. Then equation of the chord of the circle x2 + y2 = a 2, whose middle points is
(x1, y1), is

xx1 + yy1 ă a 2 = x12  y12 ă a 2

or xx1 + yy1 = x12  y12 ...(1)

Clearly lx + my + n = 0 and (1) represented the same line,

x1 y1 x12  y12
 =   (say)
l m n
 x1 = l 
...(2)
y1 = m

and x12  y12 = – n

or l2 2 + m 22 = ă n (from (2))

n
  = l2 m2


nl mn
so from (2), x1   , y1  
2 2
l m l  m2
2

 nl nm 
Hence, the required point is   2 ,  
 l  m
2
l2  m2 

Illustration 32
Find the locus of middle points of chords of the circle x 2 + y 2 = a 2 , which subtend right angle
at the point (c, 0). Y
Solution : A
Let N (h, k) be the middle point of any chord
)
,k
(h

AB, which subtend a right angle at P (c, 0)

N
Since APB = 90Ĉ X´ X
P(c,0)
 NA = NB = NP
B O
(since distance of the vertices from middle point of the hypotenuse are
equal)

Y´
THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 41

or (NA)2 = (NB) 2 = (h ă c) 2 + (k ă 0) 2 ...(1)

But also BNO = 90Ĉ
 (OB)2 = (ON) 2 + (NB)2
 ă (NB)2 = (ON) 2 ă (OB) 2
 ă [(h ă c)2 + (k ă 0)2] = (h 2 + k2) ă a 2
or 2 (h2 + k2) ă 2ch + c2 ă a 2 = 0
 Locus of N (h, k) is
2(x2 + y 2 ) ă 2cx + c2 ă a 2 = 0

16. Pole a nd Polar

If through a point P (within or outside a circle) there be drawn any straight line to meet the circle
in Q and R, the locus of the point of intersection of the tangents at Q and R is called the polar
of P; also P is called the pole of the polar.
The equation to the polar of the point (x1, y 1 ) with respect to the circle x2 + y2 = a 2.

T
R

xx1 + yy1 = a 2

In a similar manner it may be proved that the polar of (x1, y1) with respect to the circle.
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
is xx1 + yy 1 + g(x + x1 ) + f(y + y1) + c = 0

To find the pole of a given line with respect to any circle.

Let the equation to the given line be
Ax + By + C = 0 ...(1)
1. Let the equation to the circle be,
x2 + y2 = a 2
and let the required pole be (x1, y 1)
Then, (1) must be the equation to the polar of (x1, y 1), i.e., it is the same as the equation.
xx1 + yy 1 ă a 2 = 0 ...(2)

THE CIRCLE
42 MARKS
Comparing equations (1) and (2), we have

x1 y  a2
 1 
A B C

A 2 B
so that x1  a and y 1   a 2
C C
The required pole is therefore, the point

 A 2 B 2
 C a ,  C a 
 
2. Let the equation to the circle be
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
If (x 1, y 1 ) be the required pole, then (1) must be equivalent to the equation,
xx1 + yy 1 + g(x + x1 ) + f(y + y1) + c = 0 ...(3)
i.e., x(x1 + g) + y(y 1 + f) + gx 1 + fy1 + c = 0
Comparing (1) with (3), we therefore, have

x1  g y1  f gx  fy1  c
  1
A B C
By solving these equations we have the values of x1 and y1.
If the polar of a point P pass through a point T, then the polar of T passes through P.
Let P and T be the points (x1, y1) and (x2, y 2) respectively.
The polar of (x1, y1) with respect to the circle x 2 + y2 = a 2 is,
xx1 + yy1 = a2
This straight line passes through the point T if,
x2 x1 + y2 y1 = a2 ...(1)
Since the relation (1) is true, it follows that the point (x1, y1), i.e., P, lies on the straight line
xx2 + yy2 = a 2 , which is the polar of (x2, y 2), i.e., T, with respect to the circle.

Problems b
baased o
onn po
polle a
annd p
poolar w
wiith rre
espect to a c
ciir cle
Working Rule : Use the following formula whichever is needed.

x  y1
(i) In order to find the equation of the polar of point (x1, y 1) in place of x and in place
2
of y in the equation of the circle.
(ii) If the pole of the given line lx + my + n = 0 with respect to the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy
+ c = 0 is to be obtained. Let the pole be (, ) and then compare the equation of this polar
and the equation of given line.
(iii) Two points are said to be conjugate to each other if the polar of one point w.r.t. the circle
passes through the other.
Also two lines are conjugate of each other w.r.t. a circle if pole of one line lies on the other.

THE CIRCLE
 MARKS 43

Illustration 33
Find the equation of the polar of the point (2, ă 1) with respect to the circle x 2 + y2 ă 3x +
4y ă 8 = 0.
Solution :
Given circle is x2 + y2 ă 3x + 4y ă 8 = 0 ...(1)
Given point is (2, ă 1) let P  (2, ă 1). Now equation of the polar of point P with respect to circle
(1) is
x 2  y1
x .2  y   1  3   4 2   8  0
 2   
or 4x ă 2y ă 3x ă 6 + 4y ă 4 ă 16 = 0 or x + 2y ă 26 = 0

Illustration 34
Find the pole of the line 3x + 5y + 17 = 0 with respect to the circle x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y + 9 = 0
Solution :
Given circle is x2 + y 2 + 4x + 6y + 9 = 0 ...(1)
and given line is 3x + 5y + 17 = 0 ...(2)
Let P (, ) be the pole of line (2) with respect to circle (1).
Now equation of polar of point P(, ) with respect to circle (1) is
x + y + 2(x + ) + 3(y + ) + 9 = 0
or ( + 2)x + ( + 3)y + 2 + 3 + 9 = 0 ...(3)
Now lines (2) and (3) are same, therefore,
  2  3 2 3 9
 
3 5 17
 i  ii  iii
From (i) and (ii), we get 5 + 10 = 3 + 9 or 5 ă 3 = ă 1 ...(4)
From (i) and (iii), we get
17 + 34 = 6 + 9 + 27 or 11 ă 9 = ă 7 ...(5)
Solving (4) and (5), we get  = 1,  = 2
Hence required pole is (1, 2).

Illustration 35
Show that the polars of the point (1, ă 2) with respect to the circles x 2 + y2 + 2x + 8y + 5 =
0 and x 2 + y2 + 2x + 8y + 5 = 0 coincide. Prove also that there is another point, the polars
of which with respect to these circles are the same and find its co-ordinates.
Solution :
Given circles are
x2 + y2 + 6y + 5 = 0 ...(1)
2 2
and x + y + 2x + 8y + 5 = 0 ...(2)
Let P  (1, 2)
Now polar of point P (1, ă 2) with respect to circle (1) is
x.1 + y(ă 2) + 3(y ă 2) + 5 = 0 or x + y ă 1 = 0 ...(3)
Again polar of point P (1, ă 2) with respect to circle (2) is

THE CIRCLE
44 MARKS
x.1 + y(ă 2) + x + 1 + 4(y ă 2) + 5 = 0
or 2x + 2y ă 2 = 0 or x + y ă1 = 0 ...(4)
From (3) and (4) it follows that the polars of point (1, ă 2) with respect to circles (1) and (2) are
same.
Second part :
Let Q(, ) be a point the polars of which with respect to circles (1) and (2) are same.
Now equation of polars of point P(, ) with respect to circles (1) and (2) are respectively.
x + y + 3(y + ) + 5 = 0 or x + ( + 3)y + 3 + 5 = 0 ...(5)
and x + y + (x + ) + 4(y + ) + 5 = 0
or ( + 1)x + ( + 4)y +  + 4 + 5 = 0 ...(6)
Now equations (5) and (6) are identical

  1   4   4  5
 
  3 3  5
 i  ii  iii
From (i) and (ii), we have
 +  + 3 + 3 =  + 4 or  ă  = 3 ...(7)
From (i) and (iii), we have
3 + 3 + 5 + 5 =  2 + 4 + 5
or 2 +  ă 3 ă 5 = 0
or ( + 3)2 + ( + 3) ă 3 ă 5 = 0 [(from (7)]
or 22 + 6 + 4 = 0 or  2 + 3 + 2 = 0    = ă 1, ă 2.
From (7), when  = ă 1,  = 2 and when  = ă 2,  = 1.
Thus points are (2, ă 1) and (1, ă 2).
But given P is (1, ă 2), therefore, required point Q will be (2, ă 1).

Illustration 36
Let C be the centre of a circle. The lines L1 and L2 are the polars of points A and B
respectively with respect to the circle. Perpendiculars AM and BN are dropped from A to
the line L2 and from B to the line L1. Prove that CA : CB = AM : BN.
Solution :
Let the circle be x2 + y 2 ă a2 = 0 ...(1)
A  (x1, y1) and B  (x2, y2 )
Since C is the centre of circle (1)
 C  (0, 0)
Now Polars of A and B w.r.t. circle (1) are respectively
xx1 + yy1 ă a 2 = 0 ... (2) and xx2 + yy 2 ă a 2 = 0 ...(3)

2 2
x1 x2  y1 y2  a x2 x1  y2 y1  a x21  y21 CA
AM  
 = = CB
BN 2 2
x2  y2
2 2
x1  y1 x22  y22

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 45

17. Family of Ci
Cirrcles
1. The equation of the family of circles passing
through the point of intersection of two given
circles S = 0 and S´ = 0 is given as S + S´ = 0
(where  is a parameter,   ă 1)

S=0 S´=0
S+ S´=0

2. The equation of the family of circles passing

S+L=0
through the point of intersection of circle S = 0
and a line L = 0 is given as S +  L = 0 (where
 is a parameter)

S=0
L=0

3. The equation of the family of circles touching

the circle S = 0 and the line L = 0 at their point

S+L=0
of contact P is S + L = 0 (where  is a
parameter)

S=0 L=0

4. The equation of a family of circles passing

through two given points P(x1, y1) and (x2 , y2) P(x1,y1)
can be written in the form
(x ă x1) (x ă x 2 ) + (y ă y1) (y ă y 2 )

x y 1 Q(x2,y2)
  x1 y1 1  0
x2 y2 1

(where  is a parameter)
5. The equation of family of circles which touch y
ă y 1 = m(x ă x 1) at (x1, y1 ) for any finite m is
(x ă x 1)2 + (y ă y 1)2 +  {(y ă y 1) ă m(x ă x 1)} (x1,y1)
= 0
and if m is infinite, the family of circles is
(x ă x 1) 2 + (y ă y 1)2 + (x ă x1) = 0
(where  is a parameter) yăy1=m(xăx 1)

THE CIRCLE
46 QUIZRR
6. Equation of the circles given in diagram are

(x ă x 1)(x ă x 2) + (y ă y 1) (y ă y 2 )
 cot  {(x ă x 1) (y ă y 2) ă (x ă x 2 ) (y ă y1)} = 0
(x1, y1) (x2,y2)

Illustration 37
Find the equation of a circle which passes through the intersection of the circles x 2 + y 2 ă
9 = 0, x2 + y 2 + 2x + 4y + 3 = 0 and also passes through (0, 0).
Solution :
The equation of the required circle must be of the form
x2 + y2 ă 9 +  (x 2 + y2 ă 2x ă 4y + 3) = 0
If this passes through (0, 0) we must have
ă 9 + 3 = 0   = 3
The required circle, is x + y ă 9 + 3(x 2 + y2 ă 2x ă 4y + 3) = 0
2 2

or 2x2 + 2y2 ă 3x ă 6y = 0

Illustration 38
Find the equation of a circle which passes through the intersection of the circles x 2 + y 2 ă
2x + 4y ă 3 = 0, x2 + y2 ă 6x ă 8y + 5 = 0 and
(i) whose centre lies on y-axis
(ii) whose centre lies on the line 2x + y = 7
(iii) whose diameter is the common chord of given circles.
Solution :
The required circles must be of the form
x2 + y2 ă 2x + 4y ă 3 + (x 2 + y2 ă 6x ă 8y + 5) = 0 ...(1)
which, on arranging becomes
(1 + )x2 + (1 + )2 ă 2 (1 + 3)x + 2 (2 ă 4)y + 5 ă 3 = 0
1  3 2  4 5  3
or x2 + y2 ă 2. x  2. y  0
1  1  1 

1  3 4  2 
The centre =    ,   
1 1 

1  3
For part (i), we must have 0
1 

1 1
  . On putting     at (1)
3 3

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 47

We get the answer to part (i)

For part (ii) we must have

 1  3   4  2  7
2  7   
 1     1    3

(iii) The common chord of the two given circle is 4x + 12y ă 8 = 0 or x + 3y ă 2 = 0

 1  3 4  2 
Now the centre  ,  must lie on this common chord since common chord is the
 1  1  
diameter

1  3  4  2  7
  3 20  
1  1   13

Note : The student will determine easily that certain problems of this type will either lead to
indeterminate equations or equations which have no solutions. Let us discuss one case. Suppose
we want the equation of circles passing through the intersection of the circles x2 + y 2 ă 9 = 0
and x2 + y 2 ă 2x ă 4y = 0and passing through origin then on putting x = 0, y = 0 in
x2 + y2 ă 9 +  (x 2 + y 2 ă 2x ă 4y) = 0 ...(1)
we get ă 9 = 0  does not exist.
But it can easily noticed that the second circle satisfies both the condition. (It passes through
origin and passes through the intersection of two given circles). Can we settle this paradox ?
Indeed the equation x 2 + y2 ă 2x ă 4y = 0 can be obtained from (1) if  =  or else, from the
beginning itself we can take the family of the circles equation as
x2 + y2 ă 2x ă 4y +  (x2 + y2 ă 9) = 0
which will yield  = 0
Thus in all such complex situations we must re-do the problem and must observe intricacies of
the situation.

Illustration 39
Find the equation of a circle passing through the points (2, 0), (3, ă 1) and (2, 5).
Solution :
The equation of circles passing through first two points (2, 0) and (3, ă 1) may be taken as

x y 1
( x  2)( x  3)  ( y  0)( y  1)   2 0 10
3 1 1

Or x2 + y 2 ă 5x + y + 6 + (x + y ă 2) = 0
If this passes through (2, 5) we must have
4 + 25 ă 10 + 5 + 6 + 5 = 0   = ă 6
Thus the required circle is x2 + y2 ă 5x + y + 6 ă 6(x + y ă 2) = 0
 x2 + y2 ă 11x ă 5y + 18 = 0
THE CIRCLE
48 QUIZRR

Illustration 40
Find the equation of circle passing through (2, 0) and (3, ă 1) and cutting a chord length
4 units on y-axis.
Solution :
From the equation x2 + y2 ă 5x + y + 6 + (x + y ă 2) = 0 we conclude that length of the chord

2
1  
   6  2 
2
intercepted on y-axis = 2  (applying 2 f c )
 2 

2
1  
 2     6  2   4
 2 

  = 3,  = ă 13
Thus one such circle is x2 + y2 ă 5x + y + 6 + 3(x + y ă 2) = 0
 x2 + y2 ă 2x + 4y = 0

Illustration 41
Show that any chord that arises as an intersection of a circle through A (2, 0) and B
(3, ă 1) and the circle x 2 + y2 ă 2x + 6y ă 11 = 0 passes through a fixed point. Find the co-
ordinates of that point.
Solution :
Any circle through A (2, 0) and B (3, ă 1) is x 2 + y2 ă 5x + y + 6 + (x + y ă 2) = 0
This will cut the circle x2 + y2 ă 2x + 6y ă 11 = 0 in a chord whose equation is
ă 3x ă 5y + 17 +  (x + y ă 2) = 0
It is clear that these chords are concurrent at a point whose co-ordinates are given by
ă 3x ă 5y + 17 = 0, x + y ă 2 = 0

 7 11 
We easily get the fixed point as   , 
 2 2 

18. Angle of Intersection of Two C ir

irccles
The angle between two circles is the angle between their
tangents at their point of intersection.
Let P be a point of intersection of the two circles. Let PT and P
PT´ be the tangents to the two circles at P. Then the angle of
intersection of the two circles at P is the TPT´ or  ă TPT´ B
 A
If A and B be the centres of the two circles then T T´
PA  PT and PB  P´   TPT´ = APB or  ă APB.

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 49

19. ORTHOGONAL CI
CIRRCLES
Two circles are said to be intersect orthogonally when the tangents at their points of intersection
are at right angles.
If the two circles intersect at P, the radii, O1P and O2P, which are P
a1 a2
perpendicular to the tangents at P, must also be at right angles.

Hence, O1O 22  O1P 2  O 2P 2 O1 O2

i.e., the square of the distance between the centres must be equal
to the sum of the squares of the radii.
Also the tangent frrom O2 to the other circle is equal to the radius a2 , i.e., if two circles be
orthogonal the length of the tangent drawn from the centre of one circle to the second circle is
equal to the radius of the first.
Either of these two conditions will determine whether the circles are orthogonal.
The centres of the circles,
x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 and x2 + y2 + 2g´x + 2f´y + c´ = 0
are the points (ă g, ă f) and (ă g´, ă f´); also the squares of their radii are
g2 + f2 ă c and g´ 2 + f´2 ă c´.
They therefore, cut orthogonally if
(ă g + g´) 2 + (ă f + f´) 2 = g2 + f 2 ă c + g´ 2 + f´2 ă c´,

i.e., if 2gg´ + 2ff´ = c + c ´

Illustration 42
Show that the circles x 2 + y2 ă 2x ă 6y ă 12 = 0 and x 2 + y2 + 6x + 4y ă 6 = 0 cut each other
orthogonally.
Solution :

Given circles are x2 + y 2 ă 2x ă 6y ă 12 = 0 ...(1)

and x2 + y 2 + 6x + 4y ă 6 = 0 ...(2)

We know that the circles x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 and

x 2 + y2 + 2g 1x + 2f 1y + c1 = 0

will cut each other orthogonally if 2gg1 + 2ff1 = c + c 1

Here g = ă 1, f = ă 3, c = ă 12

and g1 = 3, f1 = 2, c 1 = ă 6

Now 2gg1 + 2ff 1 = 2(ă 1)(3) + 2(ă 3).2 = ă 18 = c + c 1

Hence circles (1) and (2) cut each other orthogonally

THE CIRCLE
50 QUIZRR

Illustration 43

If S = 0 and S 1 = 0 are the two circles with radii a and a 1 respectively. Show that the circles

S S1
 intersect at right angles.
a a1

Solution :
Let A and B be the centre of the two circles. We take AB as x-axis and its middle point as the
origin. Let AB = 2k, then A  (ă k, 0), B  (k, 0).
A(ăk,O) O B(k,O)
Now the equation of the two circles are
S  (x ă k) 2 + y2 ă a 2 = 0 and S 1  (x + k) 2 + y2 ă a 12 = 0

S S1
Also  0  a 1S  aS 1 = 0
a a1

 a1[( x  k)  y  a ]  a[( x  k)  y  a1 ]  0
2 2 2 2 2 2

  2 2 2 2 2 2
 a1[( x  k)  y  a ]  a[( x  k)  y  a1 ]  0

 ( a  a1 )( x  y )  2 kx  ( a1  a)  ( k  aa1 )( a1  a)  0
2 2 2

  2 2 2
 ( a1  a) ( x  y )  2 kx( a1  a)  ( k  aa1 )( a1  a)  0

 2  a1  a
2
x  y  2 k 
2
 x  k  aa1  0 ... 1 
  a1  a

  x2  y2  k  a1  a
 2  2
 x  k  aa1  0 ... 2
  a1  a

 a1  a  2
Here g     k , f 1  0, c  k  aa 1
 a1  a 

 a1  a  2
and g1    a  a  k , f 2  0, c1  k  aa1
 1 

Now 2gg1 + 2ff1 = 2k2 + 0 = 2k2 = c + c1

S S1 S S1
Hence circles a  a  0 and a  a  0 intersect at right angles.
1 1

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 51

Illustration 44
Prove that the two circles which pass through the points (0, a ) and (0, ă a) and touch the
line y = mx + c will cut orthogonally if c2 = a 2 (2 + m2 ).
Solution :
Let a circle be x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy +  = 0 ...(1)
Since circle (1) passes through (0, a) and (0, ă a).
 a2 + 2fa +  = 0 and a2 ă 2fa +  = 0
Solving these equations, we get f = 0,  = ă a 2
Since line mx ă y + c = 0 touches circle (1)
 radius of the circle = length of the perpendicular from the centre (ă g, ă f) to the line.

 mg  f  c
g2  f 2   

1  m2

 mg  c
g 2  a2 
 [ f = 0 and  = ă a 2]
1  m2

or (1 + m2)(g 2 + a2) = (ă mg + c) 2
or g2 + 2mcg + (1 + m2 )a2 ă c 2 = 0 ...(2)

Let g 1 and g2 be the roots of eqn. (2)

 g1 + g2 = ă 2mc, g 1g2 = (1 + m 2 )a2 ă c 2
Corresponding to the two values of g the two circles are
x2 + y2 + 2g 1x ă a 2 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 2g2x ă a 2 = 0
They will cut orthogonally if 2g 1g2 + 2f 1f 2 = c1 + c 2
i.e. if, 2{(1 + m2 ) a 2 ă c 2} + 2.0. 0 = ă a 2 ă a 2
or (1 + m2)a 2 ă c 2 + a2 = 0; or c2 = (2 + m2)a2.

Illustration 45
Find the angle between the circles
S : x 2 + y2 ă 4x + 6y + 11 = 0 and S´ : x2 + y 2 ă 2x + 8y + 13 = 0
Solution :
Centres and radii of circles S and S´ are

C1 (2, ă 3), r1  2 , C 2 (1, ă 4), r 2 = 2

Distance between centres, d = C1C 2

= (2  1) 2  ( 3  4) 2  2

THE CIRCLE
52 QUIZRR
If angle between the circles is , then

 r12  r22  d 2 
cos (180Ĉ ă ) =  2 r1 r2


 

 2  4  2 1
cos (180Ĉ ă ) =  
 2. 2.2  2
180Ĉ ă  = 45Ĉ
 = 135Ĉ

20. RADICAL AXIS

The radical axis of two circles is the locus of a point, which moves so that the lengths of the
tangents drawn from it to the two circles are equal.
Let the equations of the two circles be

x2 + y2 + 2g1x + 2f 1y + c 1 = 0 ...(1)

and x2 + y2 + 2g2x + 2f 2y + c 2 = 0 ...(2)

and let P(, ) be any point such that the tangents from it to these circles are equal.

P( , ) P(,)
Radical axis

B A
A B

Radicalaxis

Now PA = 2  2  2g 1  2f 1  c1

and PB = 2  2  2g 2   2f 2   c 2

We have PA = PB    PA2 = PB2

 2 +  2 + 2g1 + 2f1 + c1 =  2 + 2 + 2g 2 + 2f 2 + c 2
or 2(g1 ă g2)  + 2 (f1 ă f2)  + c1 ă c 2 = 0
Hence, the locus of P (, ) is 2(g1 ă g 2) x + 2 (f1 ă f 2) y + c1 ă c2 = 0

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 53

 The equation of the radical axis of circles (1) and (2) is

2(g1 ă g 2) x + 2 (f1 ă f2) y + c 1 ă c2 = 0
Note :
(i) If we denote the L.H.S. of (1) and (2) by S1 and S2 respectively, we see that the equation
of the radical axis of the circles S 1 = 0 and S2 = 0 will be S 1 ă S2 = 0
Hence in order to write down the equation of the radical axis of two circles make the co-
efficient of x2 in the equation of the two circles unity and then subtract.
(ii) Since S1 ă S 2 is of the form S1 + kS2 = 0, where k = ă 1 hence radical axis of two circles
will pass through the point of intersection of the two circles if they cut each other. Thus
(a) if the two circles cut each other at two different points, then their radical axis will be
their common chord.
(b) if the two circles touch each other (internally or externally), then their radical axis will
be the common tangent at the point of contact.
(c) According to the above definition radical axis of two intersecting circles will be their
common chord but from any point on this chord lying inside the circles no tangent can
be drawn to the circles and hence definition of radical axis as given above is not correct
and must be modified.
Modified definition of radical axis :
If S1 = 0 and S2 = 0 be the equations of the two circles where coefficients of x2 in S1 and S2 are
equal, then their radical axis is the straight line S 1 ă S2 = 0.

Propert ies of R
Raadical axis :
Property I : The radical axis of two circles is perpendicular to the line of centres.
Let the equation of the two circles be
x2 + y2 + 2g1x + 2f 1y + c1 = 0 ...(1)
2 2
and x + y + 2g2x + 2f 2y + c2 = 0 ...(2)
Let A and B be the centres of the two circles (1) and (2) respectively, then
A  (ă g1, ă f1) and B  (ă g 2, ă f 2)

f2  f1
slope of AB = g  g  m1 (say)
2 1

2(g1 ă g 2) x + 2(f1 ă f2) y + c 1 ă c2 = 0 ...(3)

g1  g2 g  g1
Its slope =  2  m2 (say)
f1  f2 f2  f1

since m1m2 = ă 1, hence radical axis is perpendicular to the line joining the centres.

THE CIRCLE
54 QUIZRR
Property II : The radical axis of three circles taken two at a time are concurrent.
Let the equation of the three circles be
S1  x2 + y2 + 2g1x + 2f 1y + c1 = 0 ...(1)
S2  x2 + y2 + 2g2x + 2f 2y + c2 = 0 ...(2)
2 2
S3  x + y + 2g3x + 2f 3y + c3 = 0 ...(3)
Radical axis of circles (1) and (2), (2) and (3) and (3) and (1) are
S1 ă S 2  = 2(g 1 ă g 2) x + 2(f 1 ă f2 ) y + c1 ă c2 = 0 ...(4)
S2 ă S 3  = 2(g 2 ă g 3) x + 2(f 2 ă f3 ) y + c2 ă c3 = 0 ...(5)
and S3 ă S 1  = 2(g 3 ă g 1) x + 2(f 3 ă f1 ) y + c3 ă c1 = 0 ...(6)
Adding (4), (5) and (6) we see that L.H.S. is indentically zero, hence the three lines are concurrent.
Note : The point of intersection of these three radical axes is called the radical centre of the three
circles.

Property III : The radical axis of two circles bisects their common tangent.
Let AB be one of the common tangents meeting the radical axis at P, then since P lies on the
radical axis hence by definition of radical axis PA = PB.
Thus the radical axis bisects the common chord.

Property IV : If two circles cut a third circle orthogonally, then the radical axis of the two
circles will pass through the centre of the third circle.
Or
The locus of the centre of a circle cutting two given circles orthogonally is the radical axis
of the two circles.
Let the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ...(1)
cut the circles
x2 + y2 + 2g1 x + 2f1y + c 1 = 0 ...(2)
and x2 + y2 + 2g2 x + 2f2y + c 2 = 0 ...(3)
orthogonally, then
2gg 1 + 2ff1 = c + c 1 ... (4) and 2gg2 + 2ff2 = c + c2 ...(5)
(4) ă (5), we get 2(g 1 ă g2) g + 2(f 1 ă f2) f = c 1 ă c2 ...(6)
centre of circle (1) is (ă g, ă f).  from (6) locus of (ă g, ă f) is
2(g1 ă g2) (ă x) + 2(f1 ă f2) (ă y) = c1 ă c 2
or 2(g1 ă g2) x + 2(f 1 ă f2) y + c1 ă c 2 = 0 ...(7)
Clearly (7) is the radical axis of circles (2) and (3).

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 55

Radica l C
Ceentre :

The point of concurrence of the radical axes of three circles whose centre are non-colliener, taken
in pair, is called the radical centre of circles

Propert ies o
off R
Raadi
diccal C
Ceentr e :

1. Co-ordinates of radical centre can be found by solving the equations

S1 = S 2 = S 3 = 0
2. The radical centre of three circles described on the sides of a triangle as diameters is the
orthocentre of the triangle.
3. The radical centre of three given circles will be the centre of a fouroth circle which cuts all
the three circles orthogonally and the radius of the fourth circle is the length of tangent
drawn from radical centre of the three given circles to any of these circles.

Illustration 46

Find the radical centre of three circles described on the three sides 4x ă 7y + 10 = 0, x + y
ă 5 = 0 and 7x + 4y ă 15 = 0 of a triangle as diameters.
Solution :
Since the radical centre of three circles described on the sides of a triangle as diameters is the
orthocentre of the triangle.
 Radical centre = orthocentre
Given sides are 4x ă 7y + 10 = 0 ...(1)
x+ yă 5 = 0 ...(2)
7x + 4y ă 15 = 0 ...(3)
Since lines (1) and (3) are perpendiculars the point of intersection of (1) and (3) is (1, 2), the
orthocentre of the triangle. Hence radical centre is (1, 2).

21 . Coa xi al ci rcl e s

Definition : A system of circles is said to be coaxial when they have a common radical axis, i.e.,
when the radical axis of each pair of circles of the system is the same.

So
Some
me pr
proope rti e s

1. Circles passing through two fixed points form a coaxial system of circles, because every pair
of circles has the same common chord and hence the same radical axis.
2. The equation x2 + y 2 + 2gx + c, where g is variable and c is a constant, is the simplest
equation of a coaxial system of circles. The common radical axis of this system of circles is
y-axis.

THE CIRCLE
56 QUIZRR
To find the equation of a system of coaxial circles.

Since, the radical axis of any pair of the circle is perpendicular to the line joining their centres,
it follows that the centres of all the circles of a coaxial system must lie on a straight line which
is perpendicular to the radical axis.
Take the line of centres as the axis of x and the radical axis as the axis of y so that O is the origin.
The equation to any circle with its centre on the axis of x is
x 2 + y2 ă 2gx + c = 0 ...(1)

Any point on the radical axis is (0, y1 ).

The square on the tangent from it to the circle (1) is by y21  c .

Since, this quantity is to be the same for all circles of the system it follows that c is the same for
all such circles; the different circles are therefore obtained by giving different values to g in the
equation (1).
The intersections of equation (1) with the radical axis are then obtained by putting x = 0 in

equation (1), and we have y   c .

If c be negative, we have two real points of intersection. In such cases the circles are said to be
of the Intersecting Species.
If c be positive, we have two imaginary points of intersection.

Illustration 47
Find the equation of the system of circles co-axial with the circles
x2 + y 2 + 4x + 2y + 1 = 0
and x2 + y 2 ă 2x + 6y ă 6 = 0
Also, find the equation of that particular circle whose centre lies on the radical axis.
Solution :
Given circles are
S1  x2 + y2 + 4x + 2y + 1 = 0
and S2  x2 + y2 ă 2x + 6y ă 6 = 0
 Radical axis is S1 ă S 2 = 0 ...(1)
i.e., 6x ă 4y + 7 = 0
Now system of co-axial circle is
S1 +  (S1 ă S 2 ) = 0
2 2
 (x + y + 4x + 2y + 1) +  (6x ă 4y + 7) = 0
 x + y2 + 2x (2 + 3) + 2y (1 ă 2) + 1 + 7= 0
2
...(2)

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 57

Its central [ă (2 + 3), ă (1 ă 2)] lies on (1)

 6 ï ă (2 + 3) ă 4 ï ă (1 ă 2) + 7 = 0
or ă 12 ă 18 + 4 ă 8 + 7 = 0
or ă 26 ă 1 = 0

1
 
26
Substituting the value of  in (2), the equation of circle is

 3   2  7
x 2  y 2  2x  2    2y  1  26   1  26  0
 26   
 26(x2 + y2 ) + 98x + 56y + 9 = 0

Illustration 48
If A, B, C be the centres of three co-axial circles and t1, t2 , t 3 be the lengths of the tangents
to from any point, prove that BC. t12  CA. t22  AB t32  0
Solution :
Let the equations of three circles are x2 + y2 + 2gi x + c = 0, i = 1, 2, 3,
According to the question A  (ă g1, 0), B  (ă g2, 0), C  (ă g3, 0)
Let any point be P (h, k)

 t1 = h 2  k2  2g 1h  c

t2 = h 2  k2  2g 2 h  c

t3 = h 2  k 2  2g 3 h  c

and AB = (g 1 ă g2)

BC = (g 2 ă g3)

and CA = (g 3 ă g1)

Now BC. t12  CA. t22  AB t32

=  (g2 ă g3) (h 2 + k2 + 2g1h + c)

= (h 2 + k 2 + c)  (g2 ă g 3) + 2h  g1 (g 2 ă g3 )
= (h 2 + k2 + c) (g2 ă g 3 + g 3 ă g 1 + g1 ă g 2) + 2h {g1(g 2 ă g3) + g 2 (g 3 ă g1) + g 3 (g 1 ă g2)
= (h 2 + k2 + c) (0) + 2h(0)
= 0
which proves the result.

THE CIRCLE
58 QUIZRR
22 . The C
Coommon Tangents o
off Two c
ciir cle s
Let C1 and C2 be two circles whose radii are r1 and r2 respectively. Let r1 > r2 and let d be the
distance between the centres C1 and C2. Five different cases arise.

Case 1 : C2 completely within C1

In this case C1 D > C1B (The line joining centres C 1 and C2
cuts C 2 at A and B
 r1 > C 1C2 + C2B  r 1 > d + r1  d < r 1 ă r2 C1 C2
D
A B
condition : d < |r 1 ă r 2 |
No. of tangents : No ta ngent po ssible
The distance between the centres is less than the difference of the radii.

Case 2 : C2 touches C1 internally

condition : d = r 1 ă r 2
No. of tangents : 1 c ommon ta ngen t
C1 C2
The distance between the centres is equal to the
difference of their radii.
In this case there is one common tangent whose Transverse
equation is S ă S´ = 0 tangent

Case 3 : C1 & C2 intersect (not just touching)

condition : r 1 ă r 2 < d < r 1 + r 2
No. of tangents : 2 common ta ngents
The distance between the centres is greater than the difference of the radii and less than
the sum of radii.

C1 C2
T

Direct tangents

It is easy to observe by inspection that the necessary and sufficient condition for this case
is r 1 ă r2 < d < r1 + r2
There will be two direct common tangents only. The length and the equation of tangents can
be found as in the last case.

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 59

Case 4 : C1 and C 2 touch externally

T1 direct tangents
condition : d = r 1 + r 2
No. of tangents : 3 c ommon ta ngents T2
C1 M
1 tra nsverse ta ngent P
C2
2 direc t ta n gents
Transverse tangent

C1 C22   C1M  d 2   r1  r2 
2 2
The length of direct common tangent = T1T2 = C2M =

The equation of common tangent T1T2 can be obtained by finding the co-ordinate of the
point P which is the point of intersection of T 1T2 and C 1C2 (produced). Note that
PC1 CT r
 1 1  1
PC 2 C 2T2 r2
By external division formula P can be determined after which the common tangent T1T2 can
be found.

Case 5 : C2 lies outside C1 completely

condition : d > r 1 + r 2
No. of tangents : 4 c ommon ta ngents
2 tra nsverse ta ngents M
2 direc t ta n gents
The necessary and sufficient condition for this T1 T2
case is d > r1 + r 2
C1 C2
The direct common tangents can be obtained P
by the method described in case (iii), the length
T1 T2
d 2  r1  r2 
2
of direct common tangent =

Now observe the following figure for length and equation of the transverse common tangents.
Let one of the transverse common tangent meet C1 at T1 and C2 at T2 and T1T 2 is intersected

PC1 CT r
by C1C2 at P. Then  1 1  1
PC2 C2 T2 r2

from which P can be determined easily if C1 and C2 are given. The length T1 T2 = C 2M where
M be the foot of the perpendicular from C2 to C1T1 produced.

Now C2 M =  C1 C2 2   C1 M 2  d   C1 T1  T1 M 
2 2
d   r1  r2 
2 2

THE CIRCLE
60 QUIZRR

Illustration 49
Determine the number of common tangents to the two circles
C1 : x 2 + y2 = 25, C 2 : x2 + y2 ă 4x + 6y + 4 = 0 and find their lengths.
Solution :
The centres are (0, 0), (2, 3) and radii are 5 and 3.

d  13, r1  5, r2  3
We can note that r1 ă r 2 < d < r1 + r2
 The circles intersect at two distinct real points.
 There are two direct common tangents.

d 2   r1  r2   13   5  3 
2 2
Their lengths =  3 units

Illustration 50
Find all the common tangents to the circles C1 : x 2 + y2 + 22x ă 4y ă 100 = 0 and C2 : x 2 + y 2
ă 22x + 4y + 100 = 0. Find their lengths also.
Solution :
(C1 and C2 will also denote the centre of the two circles)

15 L
5 
C ( 11
, ă2 C2  P
(ă11,2) )

M
S

Note that centre of C1 is (ă 11, 2) and its radius is 15.

The centre of C2 is (11, ă 2) and its radius is 5.
Let the common tangent meet circle C1 at N and C 2 at L.
Produce NL so that it intersects the line joining C1 and C2 at P.
Since the triangle PNC1 and PLC 2 are similar.

C1 P r1 15
  3
C2 P r2 3
Since P lies externally. The co-ordinates of P are

 15  11  5   11 15    2  5  2 
 ,  i.e. P is (22, ă 4)
 15  5 15  5 
Any line through (22, ă 4) may be taken as y + 4 = m (x ă 22) or y ă mx + 4 + 22m = 0

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 61

S L

C C
P

N M

Since it is a tangent to C2 , we must have  from centre of C2 = radius of C 2

 2  11 m  4  22 m 7 3
  5  m  ,
24 4
1  m2

7 3
 The direct common tangents are y  4  ( x  22) and y  4   ( x  22)
24 4
or 7x ă 24y = 250 and 3x + 4y = 50 ...(1)
Again for transverse common tangents

C1 P r1 15
we note that common tangent NL is intersected by C 1 C 2 at P and  
PC2 r2 5

 15  11  5  11  15   2  5  2   11 
 P is  ,  i.e. P is  , 1
 15  5 15  5   2 

 11   11 
Now any line through  ,  1  may be taken as y + 1 = m  x 
 2   2 

24 4
As before we get m   or
7 3

24  11  4 11 
 Transverse common tangents are y + 1 =   x  and y + 1 =  x 
7  2 3 2 

or 24x + 7y = 125 or 4x ă 3y = 25 ...(2)

Note : If we take one of the common tangents (1) and solve it with C 1 and C 2 . The distance
between the points of contact will be the length of the direct common tangent. But the length
can be found without finding these points and without finding the equation of common
tangents. Indeed length of the direct

common tangents = d2   r1  r2   ( 11  11)2  (2  2)2  (15  5)2  400  20

2

d 2   r1  r2   10
2
The length of the tranverse common tangent =

THE CIRCLE
62 QUIZRR

Illustration 51
Find the coordinates of the point at which the circles x2 + y2 ă 4x ă 2y + 4 = 0 and x 2 + y 2
ă 12x ă 8y + 36 = 0 touch each other. Also find the equation of common tangents touching
the circles in distinct points.
Solution :
I Circle II Circle
Centre A(2, 1) B (6, 4)

Radius r1  4  1 4  1 r2  36  16  36  4

AB = 16 + 9  25  5  1  4  r1  r2

 the two circles touch externally

 1 P 4
Q A B(6,4)
(2,1)
+ 2, 0
3

 14 8 
P, the point of contact, divides AB internally in the ratio 1 : 4 hence P is  5 , 5  and Q which
 

2 
divides AB externally in the same ratio is  , 0 
3 
The tangent from Q to the circle I will also be tangent to the circle II and hence will be a common
tangent touching the two circles in two distinct points.
If  be the angle that this tangent (actually there are two) makes with AB, then

1 1 3
sin    
AQ 16 5
1
9

3
 tan  
4
Now if ÂmÊ be the slope of one of the common tangents from Q, then

3
m
3
 tan   4  slope of AB = 3 
3  4 
1m 
4
4

16 m ă 12 = 12 + 9 m

24
7m = 24  m 
7
THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 63

3
m´ 
4  3
If ÂmÊ be the slope of the other common tangent 3  m´ = 0
1  m´ 4
4

The two common tangents are

yă 0 = 0  y= 0
i.e., the x-axis

24  2
y 0  x 
7 
and
3

7y = 24x ă 16  24x ă 7y ă 16 = 0

THE CIRCLE
 64 QUIZRR

SOME MORE PROBLE MS

Illustration 1
Let a circle be given by 2x (x ă a ) + y (2y ă b) = 0 (a  0). Suppose it is possible to draw two

 b
distinct chords from  a ,  on the circle such that each is bisected by x-axis. Show that the
 2
condition for this is a 2 > 2b 2 .
Solution :

 b
Let (, ) be the other ends of the chord drawn from P  a , 2  then as it bisected by a point on
 
x-axis we have P
b
 b
0 2  
2 2

 b
Since   ,  2  lies on the circle, we have O
 

b
2 ( ă a) ă (ă 2b) = 0 or 2 2 ă 2a + b2 = 0
2
For two distinct such chords this should yield two distinct real roots.
 4a2 ă gb2 > 0 or a2 > 2b2

Illustration 2
Show that the circle circumscribing the triangle whose sides are
x cos  + y sin  = a sec
 + b sin

x cos b + y sin  = a sec  + b sin

x cos + y sin = a sec + b sin
passes through the points (0, b)
Solution :
The equation of a conic circumscribing the triangle must be of the form
(x cos  + y sin  ă a sec  ă b sin )(x cos  + y sin  ă a sec  ă b sin )
+  (x cos + y sin ă a sec  ă b sin)(x cos  + y sin  ă a sec  ă b sin )
+ ø (x cos  + y sin  ă a sec  ă b sin )(x cos  + y sin  ă a sec  ă b sin ) = 0 ...(i)
Since this represents a circle
coeff. of x2 = coeff. of y 2 ...(ii)
coeff. of xy = 0 ...(iii)

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 65

(ii)  cos  cos  +  (cos  cos ) + ø (cos  cos ) = sin  sin  +  (sin  sin ) + ø (sin  sin )
 cos ( + ) +  sin ( + ) + ø cos( + ) = 0 ...(iv)
(iii)  sin ( + ) +  sin ( + ) + ø sin( + ) = 0 ...(v)
Solving (iv) and (v) for  and ø, we get

  1
 
sin     sin      sin    

sin      sin    
  , 
sin     sin    

Now the circle (i) will pass through (0, b) if

(ă a sec) (ă a sec) +  (ă a sec) (ă a sec) + ø (ă a sec ) (ă a sec) = 0
Which is equivatent to cos  +  cos  +  cos  = 0 ...(vii)

sin      sin     
To prove (vii) it is difficult to show cos   cos  cos  0
sin      sin     

Which is indeed true in the light of C-D formulas.

Illustration 3
Find the range of parameter Âa Ê for which the variable line y = 2x + a lies between the circles
x 2 + y2 ă 2x ă 2y + 1 = 0 and x2 + y2 ă 16x ă 2y + 61 = 0 without intersecting or touching either
circle.
Solution :
The given circles are C 1 : (x ă 1) 2 + (y ă 1)2 = 1 and C2 : (x ă 8) 2 + (y ă 1)2 = 4
The line y ă 2x ă a = 0 will lie between these circles if centre of the circles lie on opposite sides
of the line, i.e., (1 ă 2 ă a) (1 ă 16 ă a) < 0  a  (ă 15, ă 1)

12a 1  16  a
Line will not touch or intersect the circles if,  1, 2
5 5

 1 a  5, 15  a  2 5

 a 5  1 or a   5, a  2 5  15 or a   2 5  15
On taking the intersection of these inequations the required values of a lie in the interval

2 5  15,  5  1 
Illustration 4
Find the area of the quadrilateral formed by a pair of tangents from the point (4, 5) to the
circle x 2 + y 2 ă 4x ă 2y ă 11 = 0 and a pair of its radii.

THE CIRCLE
66 QUIZRR
Solution :
Given circle is S  x2 + y 2 ă 4x ă 2y ă 11 = 0 ...(1)
Let C be its centre and a be its radius; then C  (2, 1) and a = 4.
Let P  (4, 5)
Now length of tangent PA or PB from P to circle (1)

A
= 42  52  4.4  2.5  11  2

and radius CA = 4
 area of PAC P C

1 1
= PA.AC = 2.4  4
2 2
B
 area of quadrilateral PACB
= 2 area of PAC = 8 square units.

Illustration 5
Prove that the circle x2 + y2 ă 6x ă 4y + 9 = 0 bisects the circumference of the circle x2 + y 2
ă 8x ă 6y + 23 = 0
Solution :
Given circles are
S1  x2 + y2 ă 6x ă 4y + 9 = 0 ...(1)
 x2 2
and S2 + y ă 8x ă 6y + 23 = 0 ...(2)
Equation of common chord of circles (1) and (2) which is also the radical axis of circles (1) and
(2) is
S1 ă S 2 = 0
or 2x + 2y ă 14 = 0 or x + y ă 7 = 0 ...(3)
Centre of circle (2) is (4, 3)
Clearly line (3) passes through the point (4, 3) and hence line (3) is the diameter of circle (2).
Hence circle (1) bisects circumference of circle (2).

Illustration 6
One of the diameters of the circle circumscribing the rectangle ABCD is 4y = x + 7. If A and
B are the points (ă 3, 4) and (5, 4) respectively, find the area of the rectangle.
Solution : C
Given A  (ă 3, 4) and B  (5, 4) D
Let P be the middle point of AB, then P  (1, 4) H 4y=x+7

4 4 B
Equation of AB is y  4  (x  3) or y = 4, clearly
3 5 P
A
(1,4)
THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 67

AB is parallel to x-axis, therefore perpendicular bisector of AB will be parallel to y-axis and since
it passes through the point P (1, 4) therefore its equation will be x = 1. ...(1)
Also equation of one diameter of circle is 4y = x + 7 ...(2)
Solving (1) and (2), we get x = 1, y = 2
If H be the centre of the circle circumscribing the rectangle ABCD, then H  (1, 2)

 length of perpendicular from H to AB i.e., HP  (1  1) 2  (4  2 2 )  2

 one side of the rectangle = 2HP = 4

Also other side of rectangle = AB  ( 3  5)2  (4  4)2

Now area of rectangle ABCD = 4 ï 8 = 32 units

Illustration 7
C1 and C2 be two concentric circles. The radius of C 2 being twice that of C 1 . From a point
P on C 2 tangents PA and PB are drawn to C1. Prove that the centroid of the triangle PAB
lies on C1.
Solution :
Let the equations of C1 and C2 be
x2 + y 2 = a2 , x2 + y 2 = 4a 2 P

From any point P (2a cos , 2a sin ) tangents PA and PB are drawn then
A B
AB will be chord of contact whose equation must be
x. 2a cos  + y. 2a sin  = a 2 or x cos  + y sin  = a/2 ...(i) C2
C1
If A be (x1 , y1) and B be (x 2, y2) must be roots of

2
a 
  xcos  
x2   2 2
  a (since A, B be points of intersection of AB
sin 
 
 

and C1 )

2  a2 
x  a cos  x    a2 sin 2    0  x 1 + x2 = a cos 
 4 
 
We similarly get y1 = y 2 = a sin  (on eliminating x term)
Therefore the co-ordinates of centroid G of triangle PAB

 2 a cos   x1  x2 2 asin   y1  y2 
=  ,    a cos  , a sin  
 3 3 
Which obviously lies on C 1.

THE CIRCLE
68 QUIZRR

Illustration 8
Let S  x2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 be a given circle. Find the locus of foot of the  drawn
from origin upon any any chord of S = 0 which subtend a right angle at the origin.
Solution :
Let AB be any arbitrary chord subtending 90Ĉ at origin whose equation is
y = mx + d ...(i)
Then equation of OA and OB can be obtained by homogenizing equation of S with the help of (i)
Thus equation of OA and OB is
2
 y  mx   y  mx   y  mx 
x2  y2  2 gx    2 fy    c  0 ...(ii)
 d   d   d 

90 M

Since OA  OB (given) in equation (ii), coeff. of x2 + coeff. of y2 = 0

2 gm cm 2 2f c
 1   1  2 0 ...(iii)
d 2 d
d d
Now equation of line  to AB and passing through origin must be

1
y  x ...(iv)
m
Since the point M whose locus is to be determined is point of intersection of OM and AB the
required locus must be eliminant of (i), (iv) and (iii). On solving (i) and (iv) for m and d,

x x 2  y2
we get m and d
y y

on putting m and d in (iii), we get

2
 x   x  y cy2
1  2g    c  2   1  2f  0
 x2  y2 2 
x2  y2
 
2
   x y  x2  y2

c
which simplifies to x2 + y 2 + gx + fy + = 0 (on multiplying by (x2 + y2)2).
2

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 69

Illustration 9

A circle touches the line y = x at P such that OP = 4 2 . The circle contains (ă 10, 2) in its
interior and the lengths of its chord on the line x + y = 0 is 6 2 . Determine the equation
of the circle.
Solution :
Let y = x cuts circle at A and B and M is the mid point of AB. Then if C be the centre of the circle
CPOM must be a rectangle.
(CMO = 90Ĉ, CPO = 90Ĉ, (y = x)  (y = ă x)
 CM = OP = 4 2

 radius CA = CM 2  MA 2  (4 2) 2  (3 2) 2  5 2

If C be (h, k) then  from (h, k) on y = x must be equal to radius

k h
   5 2  k ă h =  10 ...(i)
2

Again  from (h, k) y = ă x must be equal to 4 2

k h
 4 2  k+ h =  8 ...(ii)
2

A
M
B P´
C O

P
B´

In all, there are four possibilities in which equations (i) and (ii) can exist
kă h k+ h Solution

+ 10 + 8 h = ă 1, k = 9 The circle is (x + 1) 2 + (y ă 9)2 = (5 2) 2 this

doesnÊt contain (ă 10, 2) in its interior

+ 10 ă 8 h = ă 9, k = 1 The circle is (x + 9) 2 + (y + 1)2 = (5 2)2 and

which satisfies all given conditions.

ă 10 +8 h = 9, k = ă 1 The circle does not contain (ă 10, 2)
ă 10 ă 8 h = 1, k = ă 9 The circle does not contain (ă 10, 2)

Thus the only circle satisfying the condition of the problem is (x + 9)2 + (y + 1)2 = (5 2) 2
THE CIRCLE
 70 QUIZRR

Illustration 1 0
A ray is drawn from origin to cut the given circle x2 + y 2 = 2a x (a > 0) at B. From B equal
segments BM and BN of constant length b are laid of in either direction. As the ray revolves
the points M nd N describe a curve (limacon of Pascal). Find its equation.
Solution :
Let y = mx be any ray OB drawn from O then for B

2a 2am
we solve y = mx and x2 + y2 ă 2ax = 0. We easily get x  1 m 2 , y  1 m 2
 

Let us now put equation of OB in parametric from with respect to point B (since M and N are
situated at a distance b from B).

2 am  2a 
Indeed equation of OB is y  2
 m x 
 
1 m  1  m2 

2a 2 am
x 2
y
1 m 1  m2
or 
1 / 1  m2 m / 1  m2

For the points M and N we can equate to  b and the squared result will be satisfied by both M
2
 2a  b2
and N. Taking first expression equal to b and on squaring, we get  x   
 1  m2  1  m2

But M and N satisfy the simple relation y = mx (since they lie on OB)

y
Therefore on putting m  , we get a pure relation between abscissa and co-ordinates of M
x

2
 
  2
 x  2a   b
(or N) as  y2  y2
 1  2  1  2
 x  x

which easily simplifies to (x2 + y2 ă 2ax)2 = b2 (x2 + y2) and which is the equation of limacon of
Pascal.

Illustration 1 1

Consider two circles C1 : x2 + y2 = r1 2 and C2 : x 2 + y2 = r22 (r 2 > r 1). Let ÂAÊ be a fixed point
on the circle C1 say A (r 1, 0) and ÂBÊ a variable point on the circle C 2. The line BA meets the
circle C2 again at C. Find

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 71

(a)  [5r 22 ă 3r 12, 5r 2 2 + r12]

show that OA2 + OB 2 + BC 2 
(b) the locus of mind point of AB, ÂOÊ being the origin
Solution :
A must be (r1, 0). Let B be the point (r 2 cos , r2 sin ), it is evident that the length of BC will
be maximum when BC is the diameter of C2 and minimum when BC is tangent to C 1 at A.

 max BC = 2r2 , min BC = 2 r22  r12

Y
Now, OA2 + OB2 + BC 2 = r12  r22 + BC2, which will lie between

r22  r12  4(r22  r12 ) and r22  r12  4r22

B
 5r22  r12  OA 2  OB2  BC2  5r22  3r12

OA2 + OB2 + BC2  [5r22  3r12 , 5r22  r12 ] O A

Now let ÂDÊ be the mid-point of AB C1

C2
 r  r2 cos  r2 sin   C
 D 1 ,  (h , k) (say)
 2 2 

2k 2 h  r1
 sin   , cos   4k2 + (2h ă r 1) 2 = r22
r2 r2

2
 r1  2 r22
Locus of ÂDÊ is,  x    y 
 2 4

Illustration 1 2
Prove that the square of the length of the tangent drawn from a point on one circle to
another circle is equal to twice the product of the perpendicular distance of that point from
the radical axis of the two circles and the distance between their centres.
Solution :
Without loss of generality, the equation of the two circles can be taken as
x 2 + y2 = a 2 and (x ă c) 2 + y2 = b 2

P(acos , asin )
M A

X
C1 (0,0) C2 (c,0)
2 2 2
(xăc) + y = b
x2 + y2 = a2 B

Radical axis

THE CIRCLE
72 QUIZRR
 Radical axis of the two circles is given by (x ă c)2 ă x2 ă b 2 + a2 = 0 ...(1)

c 2  a 2  b2
 ă 2cx + c2 + a2 ă b2 = 0  x 
2c

Let P (a cos , a sin ) be any point on the first circle, then

PA = (a cos  c )2  a 2 sin 2   b 2  a 2  b 2  c 2  2ac cos 

c2  a2  b2 c2  a2  b2  2 ac cos 
Also, PM   a cos   and C 1 C2 = c
2c 2c

c2  a2  b2  2 ac cos 
2  PM  .  C1 C2   .c  c 2  a 2  b 2  2ac cos    PA 
2

c
Hence, (PA)2 = 2 (PM). (C 1C2 )

Illustration 1 3
Tangents are drawn from the point (h , k ) to the circle x2 + y2 = a 2. Prove that the area of
3
2 2 2 2
a (h  k  a )
the triangle formed by them and their chord of contact is
h2  k2

Solution :
Given circle is x2 + y2 = a 2 ...(1)
The equation of the chord of contact AB of tangents drawn from P(h, k) to the circle (1) is
xh + yk = a2 ...(2)

We have to find the area of PAB. From P(h, k) draw PL  AB.

2 2 2
h k a
Now PL  ...(3)
h2  k2
..
Here h 2 + k2 ă a 2 > 0 . P(h, k) lies outside circle (1)

Also PA  h2  k2  a2 P(h,k) ...(4)

( h2  k2  a2 )2
2 2 2 2 2 2
 AL = AP ă PL = (h + k ă a ) ă
h2  k2
A
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 L
( h  k  a )( h  k )  (h  k  a )
=
h2  k2 C
(0,0) B

( h2  k2  a2 ) ( h2  k2  h2  k2  a2 )
 AL 
(h 2  k 2 )

THE CIRCLE
 QUIZRR 73

1
a (h2  k2  a2 ) 2
= 1
2 2 2
(h  k)

1
Now the area of APB = .AB.PL = AL.PL
2
1 3
2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
a (h  k  a ) (h  k  a ) a (h  k  a )
= 1
. 1

h2  k2
(h 2  k 2) 2 (h 2  k 2) 2

Illustration 1 4
Find the equation of a circle which is coaxial with the circles 2x 2 + 2y2 ă 2x + 6y ă 3 = 0 and
x 2 + y2 + 4x + 2y + 1 = 0. It is given that the centre of the circle to be determined lies on the
radical axis of these circles.
Solution :
Equation of the given circles are

3
S1  x2 + y2 ă x + 3y ă = 0 ...(1)
2
S2  x2 + y2 + 4x + 2y + 1 = 0 ...(2)
 The radical axis of circles (1) and (2) is

5
S1 ă S 2 = O or ă 5x + y ă = 0 or 10x ă 2y + 5 = 0 ...(3)
2
 Required circle will have the equation of the form
x2 + y 2 + 4x + 2y + 1 + k(10x ă 2y + 5) = 0
or x2 + y 2 + 2(2 + 5k)x + 2(1 ă k)y + (1 + 5k) = 0 ...(4)
Its centre is (ă 2 ă 5k, k ă 1). From question it lies on line (3)
 10(ă 2 ă 5k) ă 2(k ă 1) + 5 = 0; or ă 52k ă 13 = 0;

1
 k
4
Putting the value of k in (4), we get

 5  1  5
x2 + y2 + 2  2   x  2 1   y  1    0
 4  4  4

3 5 1
or x2 + y2 + x  y   0;
2 2 4
or 4(x2 + y2) + 6x + 10y ă 1 = 0 ...(5)
This is the required circle.

THE CIRCLE
 The only app you need to prepare for

JEE Main JEE Adv. BITSAT WBJEE MHT CET and more...

4.8 50,000+ 2,00,000+

Rating on Google Play Students using daily Questions available

With MARKS app you can do all these things for free

Solve Chapter-wise PYQ of JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, BITSAT, WBJEE, MHT CET & more

Create Unlimited Custom Tests for any exam

Attempt Top Questions for JEE Main which can boost your rank

Track your exam preparation with Preparation Trackers

Complete daily goals, rank up on the leaderboard & compete with other aspirants

4.8 50,000+ 2,00,000+

Rating on Google Play Students using daily Questions available