Circle

A circle is a locus of a point whose distance from a fixed

point (called centre) is always constant (called radius).

Equation of a circle in various forms :

(a) The circle with centre as origin & radius ‘r’ has the
equation; x 2 + y2 = r2 .

Applied mathematics
is like the wine,
which becomes pure
in course of time.......
Dantzig

W h e n e ve r two (b) The circle with centre (h, k) & radius ‘r’ has the
unknown magnitudes equation; (x - h)2 + (y - k)2 = r2.
appear in a final
equation, we have a
locus, the extremity
of one of the unknown
magnitudes
describing a straight
line or a curve.
......
Pierre Fermat
(c) The general equation of a circle is
x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
with centre as (-g, -f) & radius = g2 +f 2 -c .

This can be obtained from the equation

(x – h)2 + (y – b)2 = r2
Þ x2 + y2 – 2hx – 2ky + h2 + k2 – r2 = 0
Take – h = g, – k = f and h2 + k2 – r2 = c
Also if
g² + f² - c > 0 Þ real circle.
g² + f² - c = 0 Þ point circle.
g² + f² - c < 0 Þ imaginary circle, with real centre,
that is (– g, – f)

Note : that every second degree equation in x & y, in which

coefficient of x 2 is equal to coefficient of y2 & the coefficient
of xy is zero, always represents a circle.

RESONANCE 1
 (d) The equation of circle with (x 1, y1 ) & (x 2, y2) as extremeties of its diameter is:
(x - x 1) (x - x 2) + (y - y1 ) (y - y2 ) = 0.

This is obtained by the fact that angle in a semicircle is a right angle.

\ (Slope of PA) (Slope of PB) = – 1
y - y1 y - y2
Þ x - x1 . x - x 2 = – 1

Note that this will be the circle of least radius passing through (x1 , y1) & (x 2, y2).

Illustration# 1 Find the equation of the circle whose centre is (1, –2) and radius is 4.

Solution : The equation of the circle is (x – 1)2 + (y – (–2))2 = 4 2

Þ (x – 1)2 + (y + 2) 2 = 16
Þ x 2 + y2 – 2x + 4y – 11 = 0

Illustration# 2 Find the equation of the circle which passes through the point of intersection of the
lines 3x – 2y – 1 = 0 and 4x + y – 27 = 0 and whose centre is (2, – 3).
Solution : Let P be the point of intersection of the lines AB and LM whose equations are
respectively
3x – 2y – 1 = 0 ..........(i)
and 4x + y – 27 = 0 ..........(ii)
Solving (i) and (ii), we get x = 5, y = 7. So, coordinates of P are (5, 7). Let C(2, –3) be
the centre of the circle. Since the circle passes through P, therefore
CP = radius Þ (5 - 2)2 + (7 + 3)2 = radius
Þ radius = 109 .
Hence the equation of the required circle is

(x – 2)2 + (y + 3) 2 = ( 109 )
2

Illustration# 3 Find the centre & radius of the circle whose equation is x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y + 12 = 0

Solution : Comparing it with the general equation x2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, we have

2g = – 4 Þ g = –2
2f = 6 Þ f = 3
& c = 12
\ centre is (–g, –f) i.e. (2, –3)

and radius = g2 + f 2 - c = ( -2)2 + (3)2 - 12 = 1

Illustration# 4 Find the equation of the circle, the coordinates of the end points of whose diameter are
(–1, 2) and (4, –3)

Solution : We know that the equation of the circle described on the line segment joining (x1, y1 )
and (x 2, y2 ) as a diameter is (x – x 1) (x – x 2) + (y – y1 ) (y – y2 ) = 0.

RESONANCE 2
 Here, x 1 = –1, x 2 = 4, y1 = 2 and y2 = –3.
So, the equation of the required circle is
(x + 1) (x – 4) + (y – 2) (y + 3) = 0 Þ x 2 + y2 – 3x + y – 10 = 0.

Intercepts made by a circle on the axes:

The intercepts made by the circle x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 on the co-ordinate axes are 2 g2 -c

2
(on x-axis) & 2 f -c (on y-axis) respectively..
If g2 > c Þ circle cuts the x axis at two distinct points.
g2 = c Þ circle touches the x-axis.
g2 < c Þ circle lies completely above or below the x-axis.

AB = 2AD = 2 r 2 - CD 2 = 2 r2 - f 2 = 2 g2 + f 2 - c 2 - f 2 = 2 f 2 - c

Illustration# 5 Find the equation to the circle touching the negative y-axis at a distance 3 from the
origin and intercepting a length 8 on the x-axis.
Solution : Let the equation of the circle be x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0. Since it touches y-axis at
(0, –3) and (0, – 3) lies on the circle.
\ c = f2 ...(i) 9 – 6f + c = 0 .......(ii)
From (i) and (ii), we get 9 – 6f + f 2 = 0 Þ (f – 3)2 = 0 Þ f = 3.
Putting f = 3 in (i) we obtain c = 9.
It is given that the circle x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 intercepts length 8 on x-axis

\ 2 g2 - c = 8 Þ 2 g2 - 9 = 8 Þ g2 – 9 = 16 Þ g = ± 5
Hence, the required circle is x 2 + y 2 ± 10x + 6y + 9 = 0.

Parametric equations of a circle:

The parametric equations of (x - h)2 + (y - k)2 = r2 are: x = h + r cos q ; y = k + r sin q ; - p <

q£p
where (h, k) is the centre, r is the radius & q is a parameter.

Illustration# 6 Find the parametric equations of the circle x2 + y2 – 4x – 2y + 1 = 0

Solution : We have : x 2 + y 2 – 4x – 2y + 1 = 0 Þ (x 2 – 4x ) + (y 2 – 2y) = – 1

Þ (x – 2)2 + (y – 1) 2 = 22
So, the parametric equations of this circle are
x = 2 + 2 cos q , y = 1 + 2 sin q.

RESONANCE 3
Illustration# 7 Find the equations of the following curves in cartesian form. Also, find the centre and
radius of the circle x = a + c cos q, y = b + c sin q

x-a y -b
Solution : We have : x = a + c cos q, y = b + c sin q Þ cos q = , sin q =
c c

2 2
æx-aö æ y -bö
Þ ç ÷ + ç ÷ = cos2 q + sin2 q Þ (x – a)2 + (y – b)2 = c 2
è c ø è c ø
Clearly, it is a circle with centre at (a, b) and radius c.

Position of a point with respect to a circle:

The point (x 1, y1) is inside, on or outside the circle S º x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0.
according as S1 º x 1² + y1 ² + 2gx 1 + 2fy1 + c < , = or > 0.

Note : The greatest & the least distance of a point A from a circle with centre C & radius r is AC + r &

AC - r respectively.

Illustration# 8 Discuss the position of the points (1, 2) and (6, 0) with respect to the circle
x 2 + y2 – 4x + 2y – 11 = 0

Solution : We have x 2 + y2 – 4x + 2y – 11 = 0 or S = 0, where S = x 2 + y2 – 4x + 2y – 11.

For the point (1, 2), we have S1 = 12 + 2 2 – 4 × 1 +2 × 2 – 11 < 0
For the point (6, 0), we have S2 = 62 + 0 2 – 4 × 6 +2 × 0 – 11 > 0
Hence, the point (1, 2) lies inside the circle and the point (6, 0) lies outside the circle.

Line and a circle:

Let L = 0 be a line & S = 0 be a circle. If r is the radius of the circle & p is the length of the
perpendicular from the centre on the line, then:
(i) p> r Û the line does not meet the circle i. e. passes out side the circle.
(ii) p= r Û the line touches the circle. (It is tangent to the circle)
(iii) p< r Û the line is a secant of the circle.
(iv) p= 0 Þ the line is a diameter of the circle.
Also, if y = mx + c is line and x2 + y2 = a 2 is circle then
(i) c2 > a2 (1 + m 2 ) Û the line is a secant of the circle.
(ii) c2 = a2 (1 + m 2) Û the line touches the circle. (It is tangent to the circle)
(iii) c2 < a2 (1 + m 2) Û the line does not meet the circle i. e. passes out side the circle.

These conditions can also be obtained by solving y = mx + c with x2 + y2 = a2 and making the
discriminant of the quadratic greater then zero for secant, equal to zero for tangent and less the zero for
the last case.

RESONANCE 4
Illustration# 9 For what value of c will the line y = 2x + c be a tangent to the circle x2 + y 2 = 5 ?

Solution : We have : y = 2x + c or 2x – y + c = 0 ......(i) and x 2 + y2 = 5 ........(ii)

If the line (i) touches the circle (ii), then
length of the ^ from the centre (0, 0) = radius of circle (ii)

2´0 - 0 + c c
Þ 2 2 = 5 Þ = 5
2 + ( -1) 5

c
Þ = ± 5 Þ c = ± 5
5
Hence, the line (i) touches the circle (ii) for c = ± 5

Slope form of tangent :

y = mx + c is always a tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 if c2 = a2 (1 + m 2). Hence, equation

æ a 2m a 2 ö
of tangent is y = mx ± a 1 + m 2 and the point of contact is ç - , ÷.
è c cø

Point form of tangent :

(i) The equation of the tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 at its point (x 1, y1) is,
x x 1 + y y 1 = a².
(ii) The equation of the tangent to the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 at its point
(x 1, y1) is: xx 1 + yy1 + g (x+x 1) + f (y+y1) + c = 0.

Note : In general the equation of tangent to any second degree curve at point (x1, y1) on it can be obtained
x + x1 y + y1
by replacing x 2 by x x 1, y 2 by yy1, x by , y by ,
2 2
x1y + xy1
xy by and c remains as c.
2

Parametric form of tangent :

The equation of a tangent to circle x2 + y2 = a 2 at (a cos a, a sin a) is

x cos a + y sin a = a.

æ a cos a + b a sin a + b ö
ç 2 2 ÷
NOTE : The point of intersection of the tangents at the points P(a) & Q(b) is ç ,
a -b a -b ÷
ç cos cos 2 ÷ø
è 2

Illustration# 10 Find the equation of the tangent to the circle x2 + y2 – 30x + 6y + 109 = 0 at (4, –1).
Solution : Equation of tangent is

æx+4ö æ y + ( -1) ö
4x + (–y) – 30 ç ÷ + 6 ç ÷ + 109 = 0
è 2 ø è 2 ø
or 4x – y – 15x – 60 + 3y – 3 + 109 = 0 or –11x + 2y + 46 = 0
or 11x – 2y – 46 = 0
Hence, the required equation of the tangent is 11x – 2y – 46 = 0

RESONANCE 5
Illustration# 11 Find the equation of tangents to the circle x2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 12 = 0 which are parallel
to the line 4x + 3y + 5 = 0

Solution : Given circle is x 2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 12 = 0 .......(i)

and given line is 4x + 3y + 5 = 0 .......(ii)
Centre of circle (i) is (3, –2) and its radius is 5. Equation of any line
4x + 3y + k = 0 parallel to the line (ii) .......(iii)
If line (iii) is tangent to circle, (i) then

| 4.3 + 3( -2) + k |
= 5 or |6 + k| = 25
42 + 32
or 6 + k = ± 25 \ k = 19, – 31
Hence equation of required tangents are 4x + 3y + 19 = 0 and 4x + 3y – 31 = 0

Normal :
If a line is normal / orthogonal to a circle then it must pass through the centre of the circle. Using
y1 + f
this fact normal to the circle x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 at (x 1, y1 ) is; y - y1 = (x - x 1).
x1 + g

Illustration# 12 Find the equation of the normal to the circle x2 + y2 – 5x + 2y – 48 = 0 at the point
(5, 6).

æ5 ö
Solution : Since normal is line joining centre ç , - 1÷ and (5, 6)
è 2 ø

14
Slope =
5
Hence, the equation of the normal at (5, 6) is
y – 6 = (14/5) (x – 5) Þ 14x – 5y – 40 = 0

Pair of tangents from a point :

The equation of a pair of tangents drawn from the point A (x1, y1) to the circle
x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is : SS1 = T².
Where S º x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c ; S1 º x 1² + y1 ² + 2gx 1 + 2fy1 + c
T º xx 1 + yy1 + g(x + x 1 ) + f(y + y1) + c.

Illustration# 13 Find the equation of the pair of tangents drawn to the circle x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y = 0 from
the point (0, 1)

Solution : Given circle is S = x 2 + y 2 – 2x + 4y = 0 .......(i)

Let P º (0, 1)
For point P, S1 = 02 + 12 – 2.0 + 4.1 = 5
Clearly P lies outside the circle
and T º x . 0 + y . 1 – (x + 0) + 2 (y + 1)
i.e. T º –x +3y + 2.

RESONANCE 6
 Now equation of pair of tangents from P(0, 1) to circle (1) is SS1 = T 2
or 5 (x 2 + y2 – 2x + 4y) = (– x + 3y + 2)2
or 5x 2 + 5y2 – 10x + 20y = x 2 + 9y2 + 4 – 6xy – 4x + 12y
or 4x 2 – 4y2 – 6x + 8y + 6xy – 4 = 0
or 2x 2 – 2y2 + 3xy – 3x + 4y – 2 = 0 .......(ii)
Separate equation of pair of tangents : From (ii), 2x2 + 3(y – 1) x – 2(2y2 – 4y + 2) = 0

3( y - 1) ± 9( y - 1)2 + 8(2y 2 - 4 y + 2)
\ x =
4
or 4x – 3y + 3 = ± 25 y 2 - 50 y + 25 = ± 5(y – 1)
\ Separate equations of tangents are x – 2y + 2 = 0 and 2x + y – 1 = 0

Length of a tangent and power of a point :

The length of a tangent from an external point (x1, y 1) to the circle

2 2
S º x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is given by L = x1 + y1 + 2gx1 + 2f1y + c = S1 .

AP = length of tangent
AP2 = AD . AE
Square of length of the tangent from the point P is also called the power of point w.r.t. a circle.
Power of a point w.r.t. a circle remains constant.
Power of a point P is positive, negative or zero according as the point ‘P’ is outside, inside or on
the circle respectively.

Illustration# 14 Find the length of the tangent drawn from the point (5, 1) to the circle x2 + y2 + 6x – 4y
– 3= 0

Solution : Given circle is x 2 + y 2 + 6x – 4y – 3 = 0 .........(i)

Given point is (5, 1). Let P = (5, 1)

Now length of the tangent from P(5, 1) to circle (i) = 5 2 + 12 + 6.5 - 4.1 - 3 = 7

Director circle :
The locus of the point of intersection of two perpendicular tangents is called the director circle of
the given circle. The director circle of a circle is the concentric circle having radius equal to 2
times the original circle.

Proof :

AC = r cosec 45º = r 2

RESONANCE 7
Illustration# 15 Find the equation of director circle of the circle (x – 2)2 + (y + 1) 2 = 2.

Solution : Centre & radius of given circle are (2, –1) & 2 respectively..
Centre and radius of the director circle will be (2, –1) & 2 × 2 = 2 respectively..
\ equation of director circle is (x – 2)2 + (y + 1)2 = 4
Þ x 2 + y2 – 4x + 2y + 1 = 0.

Chord of contact :
If two tangents PT1 & PT 2 are drawn from the point P(x 1, y1) to the circle S º x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy +
c = 0, then the equation of the chord of contact T1T 2 is:
xx 1 + yy1 + g (x + x 1 ) + f (y + y1 ) + c = 0.

Note : Here R = radius; L = length of tangent.

(a) Chord of contact exists only if the point ‘P’ is not inside.

2 LR
(b) Length of chord of contact T1 T 2 = .
R 2 + L2

R L3
(c) Area of the triangle formed by the pair of the tangents & its chord of contact =
R 2 + L2

æ 2R L ö
(d) Tangent of the angle between the pair of tangents from (x1, y1) = çç 2 ÷
2 ÷
èL -R ø
(e) Equation of the circle circumscribing the triangle PT1 T 2 is:
(x - x 1) (x + g) + (y - y 1) (y + f) = 0.

Illustration# 16 Find the equation of the chord of contact of the tangents drawn from (1, 2) to the circle
x 2 + y2 – 2x + 4y + 7 = 0

Solution : Given circle is x 2 + y 2 – 2x + 4y + 7 = 0 .......(i)

Let P = (1, 2)
For point P (1, 2), x 2 + y 2 – 2x + 4y + 7 = 1 + 4 – 2 + 8 + 7 = 18 > 0
Hence point P lies outside the circle
For point P (1, 2), T = x . 1 + y . 2 – (x + 1) + 2(y + 2) + 7
i.e. T = 4y + 10
Now equation of the chord of contact of point P(1, 2) w.r.t. circle (i) will be
4y + 10 = 0 or 2y + 5 = 0

Example # 17 Tangents are drawn to the circle x 2 + y 2 = 12 at the points where it is met by the circle
x 2 + y2 – 5x + 3y – 2 = 0; find the point of intersection of these tangents.
Solution : Given circles are S1 º x 2 + y 2 – 12 = 0 ....... (i)
and S2 = x 2 + y2 – 5x + 3y – 2 = 0 ....... (ii)
Now equation of common chord of circle (i) and (ii) is
S1 – S2 = 0 i.e. 5x – 3y – 10 = 0 ....... (iii)
Let this line meet circle (i) [or (ii)] at A and B

RESONANCE 8
 Let the tangents to circle (i) at A and B meet at P(a, b), then AB will be the chord of
contact of the tangents to the circle (i) from P, therefore equation of AB will be

xa + yb – 12 = 0 ....... (iv)
Now lines (iii) and (iv) are same, therefore, equations (iii) and (iv) are identical
a b -12 18
\ = = \ a = 6, b = –
5 -3 - 10 5

æ 18 ö
Hence P = ç 6, - ÷
è 5 ø

1 2 . Pole and polar:

(i) If through a point P in the plane of the 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 & R is called the
Polar of the point P; also P is called the Pole of the Polar.
(ii) The equation to the polar of a point P (x1, y 1) w.r.t. the circle x 2 + y2 = a2 is given by
xx 1 + yy1 = a 2, & if the circle is general then the equation of the polar becomes
xx 1 + yy1 + g (x + x 1) + f (y + y1) + c = 0 i.e. T = 0. Note that if the point (x1, y 1) be on the
circle then the tangent & polar will be represented by the same equation. Similarly if the
point (x 1, y1 ) be outside the circle then the chord of contact & polar will be represented by
the same equation.
æ Aa 2 Ba 2 ö
(iii) Pole of a given line Ax + By + C = 0 w.r.t. circle x2 + y2 = a 2 is çç - ,- ÷.
÷
è C C ø
(iv) If the polar of a point P pass through a point Q, then the polar of Q passes through P.

(v) Two lines L1 & L 2 are conjugate of each other if Pole of L1 lies on L 2 & vice versa. Similarly
two points P & Q are said to be conjugate of each other if the polar of P passes through Q
& vice-versa.

Illustration# 18 Find the equation of the polar of the point (2, –1) with respect to the circle
x 2 + y2 – 3x + 4y – 8 = 0

Solution : Given circle is x 2 + y 2 – 3x + 4y – 8 = 0 ............(i)

Given point is (2, –1) let P = (2, –1). Now equation of the polar of point P
with respect to circle (i)

æ x +2ö æ y - 1ö
x.2 + y(–1) – 3 ç ÷ + 4 ç ÷ – 8 = 0
è 2 ø è 2 ø
or 4x – 2y – 3x – 6 + 4y – 4 – 16 = 0 or x + 2y – 26 = 0

Example # 19 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 x 2 + y 2 + 4x + 6y + 9 = 0

and given line is 3x + 5y + 17 = 0
Let P(a, b) be the pole of line (ii) with respect to circle (i)
Now equation of polar of point P(a, b) with respect to circle (i) is
xa + yb + 2(x + a) + 3(y + b) + 9 = 0

RESONANCE 9
 or (a + 2)x + (b + 3) y + 2a + 3b + 9 = 0
Now lines (ii) and (iii) are same, therefore,

a+2 b+3 2a + 3b + 9
= =
3 5 17
(i) (ii) (iii)
From (i) and (ii), we get 5a + 10 = 3b + 9 or 5a – 3b = – 1
From (i) and (iii), we get 17a + 34 = 6a + 9b + 27 or 11a – 9b = –7
Solving (iv) & (v), we get a = 1, b = 2. Hence required pole is (1, 2).

Equation of the chord with a given middle point:

The equation of the chord of the circle S º x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 in terms of its mid point M
(x 1, y1 ) is xx 1 + yy1 + g (x + x 1) + f (y + y1) + c = x 12 + y12 + 2gx 1 + 2fy1 + c which is designated by
T = S1.

Notes :(i) The shortest chord of a circle passing through a point ‘M’ inside the circle, is one chord
whose middle point is M.
(ii) The chord passing through a point ' M ' inside the circle and which is at a maximum distance
from the centre is a chord with middle point M.

Illustration# 20 Find the equation of the chord of the circle x2 + y 2 + 6x + 8y – 11 = 0, whose middle
point is (1, –1)
Solution : Equation of given circle is S º x 2 + y2 + 6x + 8y – 11 = 0
Let L º (1, –1)
For point L(1, –1), S1 = 1 2 + (–1)2 + 6.1 + 8(–1) – 11 = –11 and
T º x.1 + y (–1) + 3(x + 1) + 4(y – 1) – 11 i.e. T º 4x + 3y – 12
Now equation of the chord of circle (i) whose middle point is L(1, –1) is
T = S1 or 4x + 3y – 12 = –11 or 4x + 3y – 1 = 0
Second Method : Let C be the centre of the given circle, then C º (–3, –4). L º (1, –1)
-4 + 1 3
slope of CL = =
- 3 -1 4

4
\ Equation of chord of circle whose middle point is L, is y + 1 = – (x – 1)
3
[Q chord is perpendicular to CL) or 4x + 3y – 1 = 0

Equation of the chord joining two points of circle :

The equation of chord PQ to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 joining two points P(a) and Q(b) on it is given
by the equation of a straight line joining two point a & b on the circle x 2 + y2 = a 2 is
a+b a+b a -b
x cos + y sin = a cos .
2 2 2

RESONANCE 10
Common tangents to two circles:

Case Number of Tangents Condition

(i) 4 common tangents

(2 direct and 2 transverse) r1 + r2 < c1 c2 .

(ii) 3 common tangents. r1 + r2 = c1 c2 .

(iii) 2 common tangents. ½r1 - r 2½ < c1 c 2 < r1 + r2

(iv) 1 common tangent. ½r1 - r 2½ = c1 c2 .

(v) No common tangent. c1 c2 < ½r1 - r2½.

(Here C1C 2 is distance between centres of two circles.)

Notes :(i) The direct common tangents meet at a point which divides the line joining centre of circles
externally in the ratio of their radii.
Transverse common tangents meet at a point which divides the line joining centre of circles
internally in the ratio of their radii.
(ii) Length of an external (or direct) common tangent & internal (or transverse) common tangent
to the two circles are given by: Lext = d2 - (r1 - r2 )2 & L int = d2 - (r1 + r2 )2 ,
where d = distance between the centres of the two circles and r1 , r2 are the radii of the two
circles. Note that length of internal common tangent is always less than the length of the
external or direct common tangent.

Illustration# 21 Examine if the two circles x 2 + y2 – 2x – 4y = 0 and x 2 + y 2 – 8y – 4 = 0 touch each

other externally or internally.

Solution : Given circles are x 2 + y 2 – 2x – 4y = 0 ...........(i)

and x + y – 8y – 4 = 0
2 2
...........(ii)
Let A and B be the centres and r1 and r2 the radii of circles (i) and (ii) respectively, then
A º (1, 2), B º (0, 4), r1 = Ö5, r2 = 2Ö5

Now AB = (1 - 0)2 + (2 - 4)2 = Ö5 and r1 + r2 = 3 5 , |r1 – r2| = 5

Thus AB = |r1 – r2|, hence the two circles touch each other internally.

Orthogonality of two circles:

Two circles S1= 0 & S2= 0 are said to be orthogonal or said to intersect orthogonally if the
tangents at their point of intersection include a right angle. The condition for two circles to be
orthogonal is:
2 g1 g 2 + 2 f 1 f 2 = c 1 + c 2 .

RESONANCE 11
 Proof :

(C1C2)2 = (C1P)2 + (C2P)2

Þ (g1 – g2)2 + (f 1 – f 2)2 = g12 + f 12 – c1 + g22 + f 22 – c2
Þ 2g1g2 + 2f1f 2 = c1 + c2

Notes : (a) The centre of a variable circle orthogonal to two fixed circles lies on the radical axis of two
circles.

(b) If two circles are orthogonal, then the polar of a point 'P' on first circle w.r.t. the second
circle passes through the point Q which is the other end of the diameter through P. Hence
locus of a point which moves such that its polars w.r.t. the circles S1 = 0, S2 = 0 & S3 = 0 are
concurrent in a circle which is orthogonal to all the three circles.
(c) The centre of a circle which is orthogonal to three given circles is the radical centre provided
the radical centre lies outside all the three circles.

Illustration# 22 Obtain the equation of the circle orthogonal to both the circles x2 + y2 + 3x – 5y+ 6 = 0
and 4x 2 + 4y2 – 28x +29 = 0 and whose centre lies on the line 3x + 4y + 1 = 0.

Solution. Given circles are x 2 + y 2 + 3x – 5y + 6 = 0 ...........(i)

and 4x 2 + 4y2 – 28x + 29 = 0
29
or x 2 + y2 – 7x + = 0. ..........(ii)
4
Let the required circle be x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ..........(iii)
Since circle (iii) cuts circles (i) and (ii) orthogonally

æ3ö æ 5ö
\ 2g ç ÷ + 2f ç - ÷ = c + 6 or 3g – 5f = c + 6 ...........(iv)
è2ø è 2ø

æ 7ö 29 29
and 2g ç - ÷ + 2f.0 = c + or – 7g = c + ...........(v)
è 2ø 4 4

5
From (iv) & (v), we get 10g – 5f = –
4
or 40g – 20f = – 5. ..........(vi)
Given line is 3x + 4y = – 1 ..........(vii)
Since centre (– g, – f) of circle (iii) lies on line (vii),
\ – 3g – 4g = – 1 .........(viii)
1
Solving (vi) & (viii), we get g = 0, f =
4
29
\ from (5), c = –
4
\ from (iii), required circle is
1 29
x 2 + y2 + y – = 0 or 4(x 2 + y2) + 2y – 29 = 0
2 4

RESONANCE 12
Radical axis and radical centre:

The radical axis of two circles is the locus of points whose powers w.r.t. the two circles are equal.
The equation of radical axis of the two circles S1 = 0 & S2 = 0 is given by
S1 - S2 = 0 i.e. 2 (g 1 - g2) x + 2 (f 1 - f 2) y + (c1 - c 2) = 0.

The common point of intersection of the radical axes of three circles taken two at a time is called
the radical centre of three circles. Note that the length of tangents from radical centre to the three
circles are equal.

Notes :(a) If two circles intersect, then the radical axis is the common chord of the two circles.
(b) If two circles touch each other then the radical axis is the common tangent of the two
circles at the common point of contact.
(c) Radical axis is always perpendicular to the line joining the centres of the two circles.
(d) Radical axis will pass through the mid point of the line joining the centres of the two
circles only if the two circles have equal radii.
(e) Radical axis bisects a common tangent between the two circles.
(f) A system of circles, every two which have the same radical axis, is called a coaxal
system.
(g) Pairs of circles which do not have radical axis are concentric.

Illustration# 23 Find the co-ordinates of the point from which the lengths of the tangents to the following
three circles be equal.
3x 2 + 3y2 + 4x – 6y – 1 = 0
2x 2 + 2y2 – 3x – 2y – 4 = 0
2x 2 + 2y2 – x + y – 1 = 0

Solution : Here we have to find the radical centre of the three circles. First reduce them to
standard form in which coefficients of x2 and y2 be each unity. Subtracting in pairs the
three radical axes are
17 5 3 3
x – y + = 0 ; –x – y – = 0
6 3 2 2

11 5 1
– x + y – = 0.
6 2 6
æ 16 31 ö
solving any two, we get the point ç - - ÷ which satisfies the third also. This point
è 21 63 ø
is called the radical centre and by definition the length of the tangents from it to the
three circles are equal.

RESONANCE 13
Family of Circles:
This article is aimed at obtaining the equation of a group of circles having a specific characteristic.
For example, the equation x2 + y 2 + 4x + 2y + l = 0 where l is arbitrary, represents a family of circles
with fixed centre (–2, –1) but variable radius. We have the following results for some other families of
circles.
(a) The equation of the family of circles passing through the points of intersection of two circles
S1 = 0 & S2 = 0 is : S1 + K S2 = 0
(K ¹ -1, provided the co-efficient of x 2 & y2 in S1 & S2 are same)
(b) The equation of the family of circles passing through the point of intersection of a circle S =
0 & a line L = 0 is given by S + KL = 0.
(c) The equation of a family of circles passing through two given points (x1, y1) & (x 2, y2 ) can be
written in the form:

x y 1
(x - x 1) (x - x 2) + (y - y1) (y - y2) + K x1 y1 1 = 0 where K is a parameter..
x2 y2 1

(d) The equation of a family of circles touching a fixed line y - y1 = m (x - x 1) at the fixed
point (x 1, y1) is (x - x 1)2 + (y - y 1)2 + K [y - y 1 - m (x - x 1)] = 0, where K is a parameter.
(e) Family of circles circumscribing a triangle whose sides are given by L1 = 0; L2 = 0 and L3 =
0 is given by; L1L2 + l L2L3 + m L3L1 = 0 provided co-efficient of xy = 0 and co-efficient of x 2
= co-efficient of y2.
(f) Equation of circle circumscribing a quadrilateral whose side in order are represented by the
lines L1 = 0, L2 = 0, L3 = 0 & L4 = 0 are u L1L3 + l L2L4 = 0 where values of u & l can be found
out by using condition that co-efficient of x 2 = co-efficient of y2 and co-efficient of xy = 0.

Illustration# 24 Find the equations of the circles passing through the points of intersection of the circles
x 2 + y2 –2x – 4y – 4 = 0 and x 2 + y2 – 10x – 12y + 40 = 0 and whose radius is 4.

Solution : Any circle through the intersection of given circles is S1 + lS2 = 0

or (x 2 + y 2 – 2x – 4y – 4) + l(x 2 + y2 – 10x – 12y + 40 ) = 0
(1 + 5l ) ( 2 + 6l ) 40l - 4
or (x 2 + y2 ) – 2 x –2 y + = 0 ...........(i)
1+ l 1+ l 1+ l

r= g2 + f 2 - c = 4, given

(1 + 5l )2 ( 2 + 6l ) 2 40l - 4
\16 = 2 + 2 –
(1 + l ) (1 + l ) 1+ l

16(1 + 2l + l 2) = 1 + 10l + 25l2 + 4 + 24l + 36l 2 – 40l2 – 40l + 4 + 4l

or 16 + 32l + 16l2 = 21l2 – 2l + 9
or 5l2 – 34l – 7 = 0
\ (l – 7) (5l + 1) = 0
\ l = 7, – 1/5
Putting the values of l in (i) the required circles are 2x 2 + 2y2 – 18x – 22y + 69 = 0
and x 2 + y2 – 2y – 15 = 0

Illustration# 25 Find the equations of circles which touches 2x – y + 3 = 0 and pass through the points
of intersection of the line x + 2y – 1 = 0 and the circle x2 + y 2 – 2x + 1 = 0.

RESONANCE 14
Solution : The required circle by S + lP = 0 is
x 2 + y2 – 2x + 1 + l (x + 2y – 1) = 0
or x 2 + y2 – x (2 – l) + 2ly + (1 – l) = 0
centre (– g, – f) is [{2 – l)/2, – l]

1
r= g2 + f 2 - c = (2 - l )2 / 4 + l2 - (1 - l ) = 5l2 = (l/2) 5 .
2
Since the circle touches the line 2x – y + 3 = 0 therefore perpendicular from centre is

2.[( 2 - l ) / 2] - ( -l ) + 3 l
equal to radius = 5.
± 5 2

l
or 5 = ± . 5
2
\ l=±2
Putting the values of l in (i) the required circles are
x 2 + y2 + 4y – 1 = 0
x 2 + y2 – 4x – 4y + 3 = 0.

Illustration# 26 Find the equation of circle pasing through the points A(1, 1) & B(2, 2) and whose radius
is 1.
Solution : Equation of AB is x – y = 0
\ equation of circle is
(x – 1) (x – 2) + (y – 1) (y – 2) + l(x – y) = 0
or x 2 + y2 + (l – 3)x – (l + 3)y + 4 = 0

(l - 3)2 (l + 3)2
radius = + -4
4 4

But radius = 1 (given)

( l - 3)2 ( l + 3)2
\ + -4 = 1
4 4

or (l – 3)2 + (l + 3)2 – 16 = 4 Þ l=±1

\ equation of circles are x + y – 2x – 4y + 4 = 0 & x 2 + y 2 – 4x – 2y + 4 = 0
2 2

Illustration# 27 Find the equation of the circle passing through the point (2, 1) and touching the line
x + 2y – 1 = 0 at the point (3, – 1).
Solution : Equation of circle is (x – 3)2 + (y + 1) 2 + l(x + 2y – 1) = 0
5
Since it passes through the point (2, 1), 1 + 4 + l (2 + 2 – 1) = 0 Þ l= –
3
5
\ circle is (x – 3)2 + (y + 1)2 – (x + 2y – 1) = 0
3
Þ 3x 2 + 3y2 – 23x – 4y + 35 = 0

Example # 28 Find the equation of circle circumcscribing the triangle whose sides are 3x – y – 9 = 0,
5x – 3y – 23 = 0 & x + y – 3 = 0.

RESONANCE 15
Solution :

L1L2 + lL2L3 + µL1L3 = 0

(3x – y – 9) (5x – 3y – 23) + l(5x – 3y – 23) (x + y – 3) + µ (3x – y – 9) (x + y – 3) = 0
(15x 2 + 3y2 – 14xy – 114x + 50y + 207) + l(5x 2 – 3y2 + 2xy – 38x – 14y + 69)
+ µ (3x 2 – y2 + 2xy – 18x – 6y + 27) = 0
(5l + 3µ + 15)x + (3 – 3l – µ)y + xy (2l + 2µ – 14) – x (114 + 38l + 18µ) + y(50
2 2

– 14l – 6µ)
+ (207 + 69l + 27µ) = 0 ...........(i)
coefficient of x 2 = coefficient of y2
Þ 5l + 3µ + 15 = 3 – 3l – µ
2l + µ + 3 = 0 ...........(ii)
coefficient of xy = 0
Þ l+µ –7=0 ..........(iii)
Solving (ii) and (iii), we have
l = – 10, µ = 17
Puting these values of l & µ in equation (i), we get 2x 2 + 2y2 – 5x + 11y – 3 = 0

RESONANCE 16
 MISCELLANEOUS SOLVED EXAMPLES

Sec- A (Subjective)
1. If a variable circle passes through a fixed point A (a, b) and always touches the x-axis, then find the
locus of the other end B of diameter AB of the circle.

æa+h b+kö
Sol. Let B be (h, k). Mid point of AB will be ç , ÷
è 2 2 ø

C B(h, k)

M x
From figure CM = AC
b+k 1
Þ = (a - h)2 + (b - k)2
2 2
Þ (b + k)2 = (a - h)2 + (b - k)2

Þ (a - h)2 = 4b k
So locus of B will be (x-a)2 = 4by

2. Find all the points P on the line 4x - 3y - 6 = 0 , from where, the angle between the tengents to the
-1 æ 24 ö
circle x 2 + y 2 - 6x - 4y + 4 = 0 is tan ç ÷
è 7 ø

Sol. Center of circle is (3, 2), which lie on the line 4x - 3y - 6 = 0

A
P
3
C
(3, 2)
B

24 2 tan q 24
tan 2 q = Þ =
7 1 - tan2 q 7

3 -4 3 -4 æ pö
Þ tan q = , Þ tan q = (rejecting as q Î ç 0, ÷ )
4 3 4 3 è 2ø
Þ AP = 4 and CP = 5
Now equation of given line P¢ CP i.e. 4x – 3y – 6 = 0 may also be written as
æ3ö æ4ö
x = r ç ÷ + 3, y = r ç ÷ + 2
è5ø è5ø
Put r = 5, - 5, we get
P º (6, 6) and P¢ º (0, - 2)

3. If -3l 2 - 6l - 1 + 6m2 = 0, find the equation of the circle for which lx + my + 1 = 0 is a tangent.

Sol. The given expression can be written as

6(l 2 + m2 ) = 9l 2 + 6l + 1

RESONANCE 17
 | 3l + 1|
i.e. = 6
l 2 + m2
From this expression we can conclude that the perpendicular distance of the point (3, 0) from the line
lx + my +1 = 0 is 6.
Hence the given line is a tangent to the circle (x - 3)2 + y 2 = 6

4. Let S º x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 be a given circle. Find the locus of the foot of the perpendicular
drawn from the origin upon any chord of S which subtends right angle at the origin.
O

A P (h, k) B
p
AB is a variable chord such that ÐAOB =
2
Let P (h, k) be the foot of the perpendicular drawn from origin upon AB. Equation of the chord AB is
-h
y-k= (x - h)
k
i.e. hx + ky = h2 + k 2
Equation of the pair of straight lines passing through the origin and the intersection points of the given
circle
x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 .....(1)
and the variable chord AB is
2
2 2 æ hx + ky ö æ hx + ky ö
x + y + 2 (gx + fy) ç 2 2 ÷
+cç 2 ÷ =0 ....(2)
èh +k ø è h + k2 ø
As equation (3) must represent a pair of perpendicular lines, we have coefficient of x2 + coefficient of y2
=0
æ 2gh ch2 ö æ 2fk ck 2 ö
i.e. çç 1 + 2 2
+ 2
÷
2 2 ÷
+ ç
ç
1 + 2 2
+ 2
÷=0
2 2 ÷
è h +k (h + k ) ø è h +k (h + k ) ø
Putting (x, y) in place of (h, k) gives the equation of the required locus as
c
x 2 + y 2 + gx + fy + =0
2

5. The line Ax + By + C = 0 cuts the circle x 2 + y 2 + gx + fy + c = 0 at P and Q. The line A'x + B'y + C' =
0 cuts the circle x 2 + y 2 + g'x + f'y + c' = 0 at R and S. If P, Q, R and S are concyclic, show that
g - g¢ f - f ¢ c - c ¢
A B C = 0
A¢ B¢ C¢

Sol. Equation of a circle through P and Q is x 2 + y 2 + gx + fy + c + l (Ax + By + C) = 0

i.e. x 2 + y 2 + (g + lA) x + (f + lB) y + (c + lC) = 0 ....(1)

and equation of a circle through R ans S is x 2 + y 2 + g¢x + f ¢y + c ¢ + m (A ¢x + B¢y + C¢) = 0

x 2 + y 2 + (g¢ + mA ¢) x + (f ¢ + mB¢) y + (c ¢ + mC¢) = 0 ....(2)

If P, Q, R and S are concyclic points, then equations (1) and (2) must represent the same circle.

RESONANCE 18
 g + lA f + lB c + lC
Equating the ratio of the coefficients, we have 1 = = =
g¢ + mA ¢ f ¢ + mB¢ c ¢ + mC¢
i.e. lA - mA ¢ + g - g¢ = 0 .....(3)
lB - mB¢ + f - f ¢ = 0 ....(4)
and lC - mC¢ + c - c ¢ = 0 ....(5)

A - A ¢ g - g¢
Eliminating l and m from equation (3), (4) and (5), we have B -B¢ f - f ¢ = 0
C -C¢ c - c ¢

g - g¢ f - f ¢ c - c ¢
or A B C = 0 [interchanging rows by columns and then interchanging the first and the
A¢ B¢ C¢
third row and then second and third row]

6. Consider a family of circles passing through the intersection point of the lines 3 (y - 1) = x - 1 and

y - 1 = 3 (x - 1) and having its centre on the acute angle bisector of the given lines. Show that the
common chords of each member of the family and the circle x 2 + y 2 + 4x - 6y + 5 = 0 are concurrent.
Find the point of concurrency.

Sol. The given lines 3 (y - 1) = x - 1 .....(1)

and y - 1 = 3 (x - 1) ....(2)
intersect at the point (1, 1)
Rewriting the equation of the given lines such that their constant terms are both positive, we have
x - 3y + 3 - 1 = 0 ....(3)

and - 3 x + y + 3 -1 = 0 ....(4)
Here, we have
(product of coefficients of x) + (product of coefficients of y) = - 3 - 3 = - ve quantity which implies
that the acute angle between the given lines contains the origin.
Therefore, equation of the acute angle bisector of the given lines is

x - 3y + 3 - 1 - 3x + y + 3 - 1
=+
2 2
i.e. y=x
Any point on the above bisector can be chosen as (a, a) and equation of any circle passing through (1,
1) and having centre at (a, a) is
(x - a )2 + (y - a )2 = (1 - a )2 + (1 - a )2

i.e. x 2 + y 2 - 2ax - 2ay + 4a - 2 = 0 ....(6)

The common chord of the given circle
x 2 + y 2 + 4x - 6y + 5 = 0 ....(7)
and the circle represented by equation (6) is
(4 + 2a ) x + (2a - 6) y + (7 - 4a ) = 0
i.e. (4x - 6y + 7) + 2a (x + y - 2) = 0 ...(8)
which represents a family of straight lines passing through the intersection point of the lines
4x - 6y + 7 = 0 ....(9)

RESONANCE 19
 and x+y - 2 =0 ....(10)

æ1 3ö
Solving equations (9), (10) gives the coordinates of the fixed point as ç , ÷
è2 2ø
7. Find the range of v alues of l f or which the variable line 3x + 4y - l = 0 lies between the
circles x 2 + y 2 - 2x - 2y + 1 = 0 and x 2 + y 2 - 18x - 2y + 78 = 0 without intercepting a chord on either
circle.
Sol. The given circle
S1 º x 2 + y 2 - 2x - 2y + 1 = 0

has centre C1 º (1,1) and radius r1 = 1

The other given circle
S2 º x 2 + y 2 - 18x - 2y + 78 = 0 ....(1)

has centre C2 º (9, 1) and radius r2 = 2. ....(2)

According to the required condition, we have
C1M1 ³ r1

|3+4-l|
i.e. ³1
32 + 42

i.e. (l - 7) ³ 5 [ C1 lies below the line \ (7–l) is a –ve quantity]

| 27 + 4 - l |
i.e. l ³ 12 . Also C2M2 ³ 2 Þ ³2
32 + 42
Y

M1
C2
C1
X
O M2

i.e. (31 - l ) ³ 10 [  C2 lies below the line \ (31 – l) is a +ve quantity]

i.e. l £ 21
Hence, the range of l is [12, 21].
8. A is one of the points of intersection of two given circles. A variable line through A meets the two circles
again at point P and Q. Show that the locus of the mid-point of P and Q is also a circle passing through
A.

Sol. Let us choose the intersection point A as the origin and the radical axis of the circles, as the Y-axis
(fig.). Then the equation of the circles can be chosen as
S1 º x 2 + y 2 - 2g1 x - 2fy = 0 ....(1)

and S2 º x 2 + y 2 - 2g2 x - 2fy = 0 ....(2)

Equation of a variable line through A can be written as y = mx
Putting in equation (1), we have
x 2 (1 + m2 ) - 2(g1 + mf ) x = 0
2(g1 + mf )
gives x = 0,
1 + m2
Putting in equation (2), we have x 2 (1+ m 2) – 2 (g2 + mf) x = 0

RESONANCE 20
 2(g2 + mf ) Y
gives x = 0, S1
1 + m2 S2

2(g1 + mf )
Thus, we have P º (x1, mx 1 ) where x1 = P
1 + m2
X
2(g2 + mf )
and Q º (x 2 , mx 2 ) where x 2 = Q A
1 + m2
If M (h, k) be the mid-point of PQ, then 2h = x 1 + x 2
i.e. h (1 + m 2) = g1 + g2 + 2mf ....(3)
and 2k = m (x 1 + x 2)
i.e. k (1+m 2) = m(g1 + g2 + 2mf) ....(4)
k
Dividing equation (4) by equation (3), we have m =
h
Putting the above value of m in equation (3), we have
æ k2 ö 2kf
h ç 1 + 2 ÷ = g1 + g2 + i.e. h2 + k 2 = (g1 + g2 ) h + 2fk
ç h ÷ h
è ø
Putting (x, y) in place of (h, k) gives the equation of the required locus, as
x 2 + y 2 - (g1 + g2 ) x - 2fy = 0
which is a circle through A (0, 0)

9. Prove that there does not exist more than one rational point on circumference of the circle with center
( 7, 11) (A point P (x, y) is said to be rational, it both x and y are rational numbers)

Sol. Let circle be (x - 7 )2 + (y - 11)2 = r 2

x 2 + y 2 - 2 7 x - 2 11 y + 18 - r 2 = 0 . If possible let circle passes through more than one rational

points (x 1, y1) and (x 2, y2)
So x12 + y12 - 2 7 x1 - 2 11 y1 + 18 - r 2 = 0 ....(i)

x 22 + y 22 - 2 7 x 2 - 2 11 y 2 + 18 - r 2 = 0 ....(ii)

(i) = (ii) Þ x12 + y12 - 2 7 x1 - 2 11 y1 = x 22 + y 22 - 2 7 x 2 - 2 11 y 2

Since x 1, y1, x 2, y2 are rational numbers.
So comparing irrational parts, we get
7 x1 + 11 y1 = 7 x 2 + 11 y 2 Þ 7 (x1 - x 2 ) = 11 (y 2 - y1 )

7 y 2 - y1
if x1 ¹ x 2 , then =
11 x1 - x 2
Þ Irrational = rational, which is a contradiction, so x1 = x 2, similarly y1 = y2. Hence more than one
rational point can not exist on the circumference of the circle with center ( 7, 11)

10. A v ari abl e c i rcl e wi t h cent er on x - ax i s and t ouchi ng t he f i x ed ci rcl e

2 2 2
x + (y - a) = b (a > b > 0) externally intersect x-axis at the points B and D. Find point P on +ve y-
axis for which angle BPD in constant .
y

(0, a)

Sol. OB D x
C (s, 0)
(s+r, 0)
(s –r, 0)

RESONANCE 21
 Let P be (0, d)
-d
slope of PD =
s+r
-d
slope of PB =
s-r
Circles touch externally, so
(r + b)2 = a2 + s2
Let ÐBPD = q, then

-d d
+ 2rd 2rd
2dr
tan q = s + r s-r = = 2 2 2
= 2
d2 2 2
s -r +d2 b + 2rb - a + d d - (a - b2 ) + 2rb
2
1+ 2 2
(s - r )

f or q to be constant, tan q must be independent of 'r'. For it take d2 - (a2 - b2 ) = 0 so,

d a2 - b2
tan q = = and point P º (0, a2 - b2 ) .
b b

Sec- B (Objective)
æ 1ö
1. If ç ai , ÷ be 4 distinct points on a circle for i = 1, 2, 3, 4, then a1 a 2 a3 a4 will
è ai ø
(A) be always 1 (B) depend upon radius of the circle only
(C) depend upon centre of the circle only (D) depend upon centre and radius both
Sol. (A)
Let circle be x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0

æ 1ö
put ç a, ÷ , we get
è aø
a 4 + 2g a3 + ca 2 + 2fa + 1 = 0

roots of this biquadratic will be a1, a 2 , a3 , a 4

so, a1 a 2 a3 a 4 = 1

2. Two circles with radii 'r1' and 'r2', r1 > r2 ³ 2, touch each other externally. If 'q' be the angle between
the direct common tangents, then
-1 æ r1 + r2 ö -1 æ r1 - r2 ö
(A) q = sin ç r - r ÷ (B) q = 2 sin ç r + r ÷
è 1 2ø è 1 2ø

-1 æ r1 - r2 ö
(C) q = sin ç r + r ÷ (D) none of these
è 1 2ø
Sol. (B)
r1 - r2 r1
sin q =
r1 + r2 r2
O1 O2
-1 æ r1 - r2 ö
Þ 2q = 2 sin ç ÷
è r1 + r2 ø
Hence (B) is correct

RESONANCE 22
3. If the curves ax 2 + 4xy + 2y2 + x + y + 5 = 0 and ax 2 + 6xy + 5y2 + 2x + 3y + 8 = 0 intersect at
four concyclic points then the value of a is
(A) 4 (B) – 4 (C) 6 (D) – 6

Sol. (B)
Any second degree curve passing through the intersection of the given curves is

ax 2 + 4xy + 2y 2 + x + y + 5 + l (ax 2 + 6xy + 5y 2 + 2x + 3y + 8) = 0

If it is a circle, then coefficient of x 2 = coefficient of y2 and coefficient of xy = 0
a (1 + l ) = 2 + 5l and 4 + 6l = 0
10
2-
2 + 5l 2 3 =-4
Þ a= and l = - Þ a =
1+ l 3 2
1-
3
Hence (B) is correct answer.

4. Equation of the circle touching the y-axis at (0, –3) and making an intercept of length 8 on x-axis
and having centre in 3rd quadrant will be

(A*) x 2 + y 2 + 10 x + 6y + 9 = 0 (B) x 2 + y 2 + 6x + 10 y + 9 = 0

(C) x 2 + y 2 + 6x + 6y + 3 = 0 (D) x 2 + y 2 + 8x + 6y + 1 = 0
Sol. (A)

Let circle be x 2 + y 2 + 2g x + 2f y + c = 0

passes through (0, –3), so 9 - 6f + c = 0

touches the y-axis, So f 2 = c
solving both, we get f = 3, c = 9

intercepts on x-axis 2 g2 - c = 8 Þ g = ± 5 but centre lie in 3rd quadrant so g = 5, required

circle will be x 2 + y 2 + 10 x + 6 y + 9 = 0

5. The tangent at P (a, b) to the circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 cuts the coordinate axes at A and B. Then area of
DOAB (0 is origin) is

r2 r4 r2 r4
(A) (B) (C) (D)
ab ab 2ab | 2ab |

Sol. (D)

æ r2 ö æ r2 ö
Equation to tangent at P will be xa + yb = r 2 Þ A º ç , 0 ÷ , b º ç 0, ÷
ça ÷ ç b÷
è ø è ø

r4
So, area will be
| 2ab |

6. If the angle between the tangents from a point P to the circle x 2 + y 2 + 4x - 6y + 9 sin2 a + 13 cos2 a = 0
is 2a, then locus of P will be

(A) (x + 2)2 + (y - 3)2 = 9 (B) (x + 2)2 + (y - 3)2 = 4

(C) (x - 2)2 + (y + 3)2 = 25 (D) (x - 2)2 + (y + 3)2 = 16

RESONANCE 23
Sol. (B)
A

P(h, k) C
(–2, 3) radius = 4 sin2 a = 2 sin a

B
CA
= sin a Þ PC = 2
PC

So locus of P will be (x + 2)2 + (y - 3)2 = 4

7. Tangents are drawn from different points on the line 3x + 4y = 24 to the circle x 2 + y2 = 5, then all
the chords of contact will passes through a fixed point, whose coordinates are

æ5 5ö
(A) (3, 4) (B*) ç , ÷ (C) (2, 3) (D) None of these
è8 6ø

Sol. (B)
æ 24 - 3l ö
Let ç l, ÷ be a point on the line 3x + 4y - 24 = 0 , its chords of contact will be
è 4 ø
æ 24 - 3l ö æ 3y ö
lx + ç ÷ y - 5 = 0 ; (6y - 5) + l ç x - =0
è 4 ø è 4 ÷ø
æ5 5ö
which is of the form L1 + l L 2 = 0 So all of the members will pass through a point ç , ÷
è8 6ø

8. If the circle x 2 + y 2 = 16 intersect circle C2 of radius 5 such that common chord is of maximum
length and is of slope 3/4, then possible coordinates of center of C2 are

æ -9 12 ö æ 9 12 ö æ 9 -12 ö æ -9 -12 ö
(A) ç , ÷ (B) ç , ÷ (C) ç , ÷ (D) ç ,
è 5 5 ø è5 5 ø è5 5 ø è 5 5 ÷ø

Sol. (A), (C)

Common chord will be diameter of the smaller circle and line joining the centers will be
-4
perpendicular to common chord. So it will be of the slope
3

4
5

æ -3 ö æ4ö
x=rç ÷ + 0; y=rç ÷+0
è 5 ø è5ø

æ 9 12 ö æ 9 12 ö
put r = ± 3, we get coordinates of the center of C2 as ç - , ÷, ç 5 , - 5 ÷
è 5 5 ø è ø

So answers (A) and (C)

RESONANCE 24
9. If a circle passes through the points of intersection of coordinates axis with the line lx - y + 1 = 0

and x - 2y + 3 = 0 , then l can be

1
(A) 1 (B) 3 (C*) 2 (D*)
3
Sol. (C)
Two lines a1x + b1y + c1 = 0 and a2 x + b2 y + c 2 = 0 will intersect the coordinates axis at concyclic
1
points if c1c2 (a1 a 2 – b1b 2) (a1c2 – a2 c1 ) (b1 c 2 – b2 c 1) = 0. Hence l = 2,
3
Hence answers (C) and (D).

10. Tangents are drawn to the circle x 2 + y2 = 50 from a point 'P' lying on the x-axis. These tangents
meet the y-axis at points 'P1' and 'P2'. Possible coordinates of 'P' so that area of triangle PP1 P2 is
minimum, is / are

(A*) (10, 0) (B) (10 2 , 0) (C*) (–10, 0) (D) (–10 2 , 0)

Sol. (A), (C)

OP = 5 2 cosec q,
P1
OP1 = 5 2 sec q

5 2
100 Q
area (DPP 1P2 ) = sin 2q , area ( DPP1 P2 )min = 100
P 5 2
O

Þ q = p / 4 Þ OP = 10
P2
Þ P = (10, 0), ( -10, 0)
Hence (A), (C) are correct

*****

RESONANCE 25