Circle Ghonse Maths Academy,

A’nagar
Theory Marks -

Circle : The locus or set of points which are at a Let P (x, y) is any point on the circle. Join AP and
fixed distance from a fixed point is called as Circle. BP.
Fixed point is called as centre of circle and fixed mAPB  900 ( angle in a semi-circle by diameter)
distance is called as radius of circle.  seg AP  seg BP

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
 slope of AP  slope of BP = -1
Some properties of Circle : y  y1 y  y 2
i) A chord of a circle is bisected by the perpendicular  x  x . x  x  1
1 2
drawn to it from the centre of the circle.
ii) The tangent at a point is perpendicular to the radius b gb g b gb g
 y  y1 y  y 2   x  x1 x  x 2
 b x  x gb x  x g  b y  y gby  y g  0
at the point of contact.
1 2 1 2

Forms of equations of circle : is the equation of circle in diameter form,

i) Centre - radius form : b g b
where x1 , y1 and x 2 , y 2 are endpoints of g
diameter of circle.
a
C
(h,k)
P
(x,y)
Circles touching Co-ordinate axes :
i) Circles touching X-axis :
Consider a is radius of circle and h is the
Consider a circle whose centre is at C(h, k) and x- co-ordinate of its centre.
radius as a. Y
Let P (x, y) is any point on the circle. Join CP.
Now, d(CP) = a
By distance formula,
b g
C1 h, a

b g b
xh  yk
2
g 2
a a

X' X
squaring both sides O
a

b x  hg  b y  k g
2
 a2
2
b g
C 2 h,a

is equation of circle in centre - radius form,

whose centre is at (h, k) and radius is a.
Y'
ii) Standard form :
There are two possible circles touching X-axis
The circle whose centre is at origin is called as
standard circle. Equation of circle in centre radius b g
having centres at C1 h, a and C2 h,a . b g
form is
b x  hg  b y  k g
2
 a2
2 ii) Circles touching Y-axis :
Y
For standard circle C(0,0),
i.e. h = 0, k = 0
 x 2  y2  a 2 C2 (-a,k)
a a
C1(a,k)

is equation of circle in standard form.

iii) Diameter form : X' O X

b g
P x, y

Y'
b
A x1 , y1 g b
B x2 , y2 g Let a is radius of circle, k is the Y-co-ordinate of
its centre.
There are two possible circles touching Y-axis
Consider a circle having diameter as AB, b g
having centres at C1 a, k and C 2 a, k . b g
where A  x1 , y1 , b g b
B  x2 , y2 g
Circle [1] Ghonse Maths Academy,
XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar
iii) Circles touching both axes : 9) If y = 2x is a chord of circle x 2  y 2  10x  0,
Let a is radius of circle. There are four possible find the equation of the circle with this chord as
circles touching co-ordinates axes having centres diametre.
b g b g b g b g
at C1 a, a , C2 a, a , C3 a,a and C 4 a,a 10) Find the equation of a circle with radius 4 units and

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
Y touching both the co-ordinate axes having centre
in third quadrant.
11) Find the equation of a circle passing through the
origin and having intercepts 4 and -5 on the co-
C2
a a
C1 ordinate axes.
a a 12) Find the equation of a circle passing through the
X'
a
O X points (1, -4), (5, 2) and having its centre on the
a
line x - 2y + 9 = 0.
C3 a a C4
13) Find the equation of the circle whose centre is at
(3, -4) and the line 3x - 4y - 5 = 0 cuts the circle at
Y'
A and B ; where l(AB) = 6.
* Note :
General Equation of Circle :
If circle has centre at C   h, k  and Equation of circle in centre radius form is
a) If circle touches the X - axis then radius of circle
will be k .
b x  hg  b y  k g
2 2
 a2

b) If circle touches the Y - axis then radius of circle i.e. x 2  2 xh  h 2  y 2  2 yk  k 2  a 2

will be h . d i
i.e. x 2  y 2  2 hx  2 ky  h 2  k 2  a 2  0
* Examples : Above equation can be written as
1) Find the equation of a circle with centre at origin and x 2  y 2  2gx  2 fy  c  0
radius 3.
2) Find the equation of a circle whose centre is Where , g = - h, f = - k
(-3, 1) and which pass through the point (5, 2). i.e. h = -g, k = -f
3) Find the equation of the circle with A (2, -3) and  b g
C  h, k
B (-3, 5) as end points of its diameter. i.e. C  b g, f g
4) Find the equation of the circle with is centre of general circle
i) Centre at origin and radius 4. and c = h2 + k2 - a2
ii) Centre at (-3, -2) and radius 6.  a 2  h2  k 2  c
iii) Centre at (2, -3) and radius 5.
Put h   g, k   f
iv) Centre at (-3, -3) passing through point (-3, -6)
5) Find the centre and radius of the circle.  a 2  g2  f 2  c
i) x 2  y2  25 ii) (x  5) 2  (y  3) 2  20
2 2
 a  g2  f 2  c
 1   1  1 is radius of general circle
iii)  x     y   
 2   3  36  Equation of circle in general form is
6) Find the equation of the circle with centre
x 2  y 2  2gx  2 fy  c  0
i) At (a, b) touching the Y-axis
ii) At (-2, 3) touching the X-axis Whose centre is (-g, -f) and radius is g 2  f 2  c
iii) on the X-axis and passing through the origin
having radius 4. Observe that :
iv) at (3, 1) and touching line 8x - 15y + 25 = 0 i) If g 2  f 2  c  0, the circle is real.
7) Find the equation of circle touching the Y-axis at ii) If g 2  f 2  c  0, the circle is a point circle.
point (0, 3) and whose Centre is at (-3, 3).
iii) If g 2  f 2  c  0, the circle is imaginary..
8) Find the equation of circle if the equations of two
diameters are 2x + y = 6 and 3x + 2y = 4, when From the different forms of equations of circle,
radius of circle is 9.
Circle [2] Ghonse Maths Academy,
XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar
We observe that the equation of a circle.  16h = 32
i) is a second degree equation in x and y,  h=2
ii) it does not contain a term in xy Put in equation (i),
iii) coefficent of x2 = coefficient of y2. 2-k=1
i.e. k = 1

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
* Examples :  centre of circle is C (2, 1)
1) Find the centre and radius of each of the following. radius = l(PB)
i) x 2  y2  2x  4y  4  0
ii) x 2  y 2  6x  8y  24  0  (h  6) 2  (k  4) 2
iii) 4x 2  4y 2  24x  8y  24  0  (2  6) 2  (1  4) 2
2) Prove that 3x 2  3y 2  6x  4y  1  0 represents a
circle. Find its centre and radius.  16  9
3) Show that equation 3x 2  3y 2  12x  18y  11  0 = 5 units.
represents a circle. Find its centre and radius. Now, required circle has centre at (2, 1) and
4) Find the equation of the circle passing through the radius as 5 unit.
points (5, -6), (1, 2) and (3, -4).  By centre radius form,
5) Find the equation of the circle passing through the i.e. (x  h) 2  (y  k) 2  a 2
points (5, 7), (6, 6) and (2, -2).
 (x  2) 2  (y  1) 2  (5) 2
6) Show that the points (3, -2), (1, 0),
(-1, -2) and (1, -4) are concyclic. i.e. x 2  4x  4  y 2  2y  1  25
7) Show that the points (5, 5), (6, 4), (-2, 4) and (7,1)
 x 2  y 2  4x  2y  20  0
are concyclic. Find the equation, centre and radius
of this circle. is equation of required circle.
Solution : Let A (5, 5), B (6, 4), C (-2, 4) and D (7, 1) L.H.S. = x 2  y 2  4x  2y  20
First we will find equation of circle passing through Consider, points D (7, 1)
three points A(5, 5), B (6, 4), C (-2, 4).
 L.H.S.  7 2  12  (4  7)  (2  1)  20
Let P (h, k) be the centre of circle.
 49  1  28  2  20
=0
R.H.S.
Also, point (7, 1) lies on the circle.
 Points (5, 5), (6, 4), (-2, 4) and (7, 1) are
concyclic.

Parametric Equations of standard circle

l(PA) = l(PB) = l(PC) ....... radii of circle x 2 + y2 = a2 :
Consider, Draw a standard circle with radius a.
l(PA) = l(PB)
Let P (x, y) is any point on circle.  is parameter
 [l ( PA)]2  [l ( PB )]2 of point P. Join OP.
i.e. (h  5) 2  (k  5) 2  (h  6) 2  (k  4) 2 b g
 l OP  a, mPOX  
 h 2  10h  25  k 2  10k  25  x  a cos  , y  a sin 
Y
 h 2  12h  36  k 2  8k  16
 2h - 2k = 2
i.e. h - k = 1 .......... (i) b g
P x, y

Also, l(PB) = l(PC) a


 [l ( PB )]2  [l ( PC )]2 X' O X

 (h  6) 2  (k  4) 2  (h  2) 2  (k  4) 2
 h 2  12h  36  k 2  8k  16
 h 2  4h  4  k 2  8k  16 Y'

Circle [3] Ghonse Maths Academy,

XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar
Equation of standard circle is y1  0 y1
x 2  y2  a 2  Slope of OP  
x1  0 x 1
L.H.S.  x 2  y 2
Since OP is perpendicular to the tangent at P,
 a 2 cos 2   a 2 sin 2 

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
x1
d
 a 2 cos 2   sin 2  i  slope of the tangent at P is  y and it passes
1
 a2
= R.H.S. through point P  x1 , y1 
 x  a cos  & y  a sin  are called as  by slope point form equation of tangent at P is
parametric equations of the standard circle y  y1  m  x  x1 
x 2  y 2  a 2 . Angle  is called as a parameter,,
x1
where , 00    3600 . i.e. y  y1   y (x  x1 )
bg
If P  is any point on the circle x 2  y 2  a 2
1

 yy1  y1   xx1  x1
2 2

b
then P a cos , a sin  g
i.e. xx1  yy1  x12  y12 .....(i)
Note :
i) The parametric equations of the circle Now, point P (x1 , y1 ) lies on the circle
b x  hg  b y  k g
2 2
r 2
are given by x 2  y2  r 2
x  h  r cos , y  k  r sin , where 0    2
 x1  y1  r , put in equation (i)
2 2 2
ii) The co-ordinates of any point on the circle
b x  hg  b y  k g
2 2
b
 r 2 are h  r cos , k  r sin  g  equation of the tangent to circle x 2  y 2  r 2
at P(x1 , y1 ) is xx1  yy1  r 2 .
* Examples :
1) Write the parametric equations of the circles * The equation of the tangent to the circle
i) x 2  y2  9 ii) x 2  y2  2x  4y  4  0
x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 at the point P(x1 , y 1 )
iii) (x  3)2  (y  4) 2  25
2) Find the parametric equation of the circle on it :
The centre of circle
x 2  y 2  6x  4y  3  0
3) Find the parametric representation of the circle x 2  y 2  2gx  2fy  c  0
3x 2  3y 2  4x  6y  4  0. is at C(g, f ).
Let P(x1 , y1 ) be the po int
* Tangent :
on the circle.
If a line intersects a circle at two coincident points,
then that line is tangent to the circle and the point of y1  f
 slope of CP 
intersection is called the point of contact. x1  g
Note that the perpendicular distance from the center Since CP is perpendicular to the tangent at P,
to the tangent is equal to the radius of the circle.
x1  g
 slope of the tangent at P is  and it
* The equation of tangent to a standard circle y1  f

x 2 + y 2 = r 2 at the point P(x1 , y 1 ) on it : passes through point P  x1 , y1 

The centre of the circle  by slope point form equation of tangent at P is
x  y  r is at O(0, 0) y  y1  m  x  x1 
2 2 2

and its radius is r.Let

x1  g
P(x1 , y1 ) be the po int i.e. y  y1   y  f (x  x1 )
1
on the circle.
 (y  y1 )(y1  f )  (x  x1 )(x1  g)

Circle [4] Ghonse Maths Academy,

XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar

i.e. yy1  y12  fy  fy1   xx1  gx  x12  gx1 * Condition of tangency :

Find the condition that the line y = mx + c should
i.e. xx1  yy1  gx  fy  x12  y12  gx1  fy1 touch the circle x 2  y 2  a 2 . Further, if this
Adding gx1 , fy1 and c to both side, we get, condition is satisfied, find the coordinates of the

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
point of contact.
xx1  yy1  gx  gx1  fy  fy1  c
Solution : Let the given line touches the circle at
 x12  y12  2gx1  2fy1  c. P(x1 , y1 ). Then the equation of this tangent line is
i.e. xx1  yy1  g(x  x1 )  f (y  y1 )  c xx1  yy1  a 2 , i.e., yy1   xx1  a 2
 x12  y12  2gx1  2fy1  c. But its equation is given to be y = mx + c
......(i)  comparing the coefficients, we get,
Now P(x1 , y1 ) lies on the circle y1  x1 a 2 a 2m a2
   x1   and y1 
x 2  y 2  2gx  2fy  c  0 1 m c c c
Now, (x1 , y1 ) lies on the circle x 2  y 2  a 2 .
 x1  y1  2gx1  2fy1  c  0
2 2

 x1  y1  a
2 2 2
put in equation (i)
 the equation of the tangent at P(x1 , y1 ) to the 2
 a 2m   a 2 
2

i.e.       a
2
circle x 2  y 2  2gx  2fy  c  0 is  c   c 
xx1  yy1  g(x  x1 )  f (y  y1 )  c  0 .
a 4m2 a 4
Remark :   2  a2
c2 c
In order to write the equation of the tangent at
P(x1 , y1 ) to a circle  c2  a 2 (1  m 2 ).
This is the requaird condition.
Replace x2 y2 2x 2y c If this condition is satisfied, then the point of contact
By xx1 yy1 x  x1 y  y1 c  a 2m a 2 
and keep constant term as it is. is (x1 , y1 ), i.e.   , .
 c c 
Alternative method :
* Equation of tangent to circle x 2 + y 2 = r 2 If the line touches the circle, then it intersects the
in parametric form : circle in only one point.
The parametric equations of the circle x 2  y 2  r 2 Equation of circle is x 2  y 2  a 2 ....(i)
are x  r cos , y  r sin . Equation of line is y  mx  c
To find the points of intersection of the line with the
If P( ) is the point P(x1 , y1 ),
circle
then x1  r cos , y1  r sin . put y  mx  c in the equation (i)
The equation of the tangent to the circle
 x 2  (mx  c) 2  a 2
x 2  y 2  r 2 at P  x1 , y1  is i.e. x 2  m 2 x 2  2mcx  c 2  a 2  0
xx1  yy1  r 2 ,  (1  m 2 )x 2  2mcx  (c 2  a 2 )  0 .....(ii)
put x1  r cos , y1  r sin . It is a quadratic equation in x, it will have two
i.e. x(r cos )  y(r sin )  r 2 possible roots.
As the line touches the circle it must cut circle in
 x cos   y sin   r two concident points. Hence this quadratic equation
is equation of tangent to circle x 2  y 2  r 2 at any has equal roots.
point P() i.e. in parametric form.  its discriminant ,   0

Circle [5] Ghonse Maths Academy,

XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar
i.e. B2  4AC  0 a 4m2 a 4
 2  a2
 4m 2 c 2  4(1  m 2 )(c 2  a 2 )  0 c2 c
 4m 2 c2  4(c 2  a 2  m 2 c2  m 2 a 2 )  0  c  a 2 (m 2  1)
2

 4m 2 c2  4(c2  a 2 )  4m 2 c2  4m 2 a 2  0 i.e. c   a m 2  1

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
 c2  a 2  m2a 2  0 Thus there two tangents to the circle with slope m.
 c2  a 2 (1  m 2 ) ........ (iii) 1) If c  a m  1, then the equation of the tangent is
2

This is the requird condition.

y  mx  a m 2  1 and its point of contact is
2
c
Put c2  a 2 (1  m 2 ) and 1  m 2  in  a 2m a 2   am a 
a2  ,  , i.e.   , ,
equation (ii), we get,  c c   m2  1 m2  1 
 c2  2 2) If c  a m 2  1, then the equation of the tangent
 2  x  2mcx  (a  a m  a )  0
2 2 2 2

a
  is y  mx  a m 2  1 and its point of contact is
 c 2 x 2  2mca 2 x  a 4 m 2  0  a 2m a 2   am a 
 (cx  a 2 m) 2  0  cx  a 2 m  0  ,  , i.e.  , .
 c c   1 m
2
1  m2 
a 2m
 x , put in y  mx  c .
c * Tangents from a point to the circle :
 a 2 m  c2  a 2 m 2 Show that, in general, two tangents can be drawn
 y  m    c 
 c  c from a point P(x1 , y1 ) to the circle x 2  y 2  a 2 .
a 2  a 2 m2  a 2m2 a 2 Proof : The equation of the tangent to the circle
i.e. y   ... from (ii)
c c x 2  y 2  a 2 in terms of slope m is
 a 2 m a 2 
 the point of contact is  c , c  . y  mx  a m 2  1
 
* Remark : As tangents are drawn from P(x1 , y1 )
In case of general equation of a circle, a line is
tangent to the circle, if length of the perpendicular  y1  mx1  a m 2  1
from the centre of the circle to the line is equal to
i.e. y1  mx1   a m 2  1
the radius of the circle.
 (y1  mx1 )  a (m  1)
2 2 2

* Tangent in terms of slope :

 y1  2mx1 y1  m x1  a m  a
2 2 2 2 2 2
Let the equation of the tangent be
y = mx + c. ........ (i)  (x1  a )m  2mx1 y1  (y1  a )  0 ... (i)
2 2 2 2 2

If this touches the circle at P(x1 , y1 ), then its This is quadratic equation in m and it has, in
equation is general, two roots m1 and m 2 which are the
xx1  yy1  a 2 , i.e., yy1   xx1  a 2 .... (ii) nothing but slopes of two tangents that can be drawn
As equations (i) and (ii) represent the same line, to the circle from the point P.
comparing the coefficients, we get, Hence, in general, two tangents can be drawn
y1  x1 a 2 to the circle from the point P.
 
1 m c * Remarks : If m1 , m 2 are the root of equation (i),
 x1 a 2
y1 a 2 then
i.e.  , 
m c 1 c 2x1 y1
a 2m a2 sum of roots, m1  m 2  and
 1 x   and y1  x12  a 2
c c
y12  a 2
Now, P(x1 , y1 ) lies on the circle, product of roots, m1m 2  .
x12  a 2
 x1  y1  a
2 2 2

Circle [6] Ghonse Maths Academy,

XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar
Examples :  y1  a   x1  a
2 2 2 2

1) Find the equation of a tangent to the circle

 x1  y1  2a
2 2 2

x  y  3x  2y  0 at the origin.
2 2

2) Find the equation of tangent to the circle  The equation of the locus of P(x1 , y1 ) is
x 2  y 2  2a 2 .

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
x 2  y 2  4x  3y  2  0 at the point (4, -2).
3) Find the equation of the tangent to the circle This is the equatoion of the director circle of the
x 2  y 2  4x  6y  12  0 at (-1, -1). circle x 2  y 2  a 2 .
4) Show that the line 7x - 3y - 1 = 0 touches the circle * Note : The director circle of a given circle is
x 2  y 2  5x  7y  4  0 at point (1, 2) concentric with the given circle and the radius of
5) Show that the line 3x - 4y +15 = 0 is a tangent to the the director circle is equal to 2 times the radius
circle x  y  9. Find the point of contact.
2 2 of the given circle.

* Director Circle : * Length of tangent :

Definition : The locus of the points P, such that Show that the length of the tangent segment to the
the tangents from P to the given circle are circle x 2  y 2  2gx  2fy  c  0 from the point
perpendicular to each other is called as Director P(x1 , y1 ) outside it is x12  y12  2gx1  2fy1  c .
circle of a given circle.
Proof :
* Theorem :
Prove that the equation of the director circle of the
circle x 2  y 2  a 2 is x 2  y 2  2a 2 .
Proof : Let P(x1 , y1 ) be a point such that the tangents
from P to the circle x 2  y 2  a 2 are perpendicular
to each other.
The equations of a tangents in terms of slope m, to The equation of the circle is
the circle x 2  y 2  2gx  2fy  c  0
The centre of the circle is C( g,  f ) and
x 2  y 2  a 2 are
its radius  r  g 2  f 2  c.
y  mx  a m  1 2
P(x1 , y1 ) is any point outside the circle.
i.e., y  mx   a m 2  1. Let PT be the tangent segment to the circle.
If these pass through the  by the distance formula
 CP   (x1  g)2  (y1  f ) 2
2
po int P(x1 , y1 ), then

i.e.  CP   x12  2gx1  g 2  y12  2fy1  f 2

2
y1  mx1   a m 2  1
 (y1  mx1 )  a (m  1)
2 2 2
 CT   r  g 2  f 2  c
 y1  2mx1 y1  m x1  a m  a
2 2 2 2 2 2
Now  CTP is right - angled at T..
 (x1  a )m  2x1 y1m  (y1  a )  0 ... (i)
2 2 2 2 2
Hence by Pythagora’s Theorem,
 PT    CP    CT    CP   r 2
2 2 2 2
It is a quadratic equation in m, having roots m1 , m 2
which are the slopes of the tangents that can be  x12  2gx1  g 2  y12  2fy1  f 2  (g 2  f 2  c)
drawn to the circle from the point P.  x12  y12  2gx1  2fy1  c
Since these tangents are perpendicular to each other,
 PT  x1  y1  2gx1  2fy1  c
2 2
m1 m 2  1.
Also from the quadratic equation (i),
* Notes :
y12  a 2
m1 m 2  . i) If the equation of the circle is given in the form
x12  a 2
Ax 2  Ay 2  2Gx  2Fy  C  0, then divide by
y 2  a2
 x 2  a 2  1 A and use the formula.
1

Circle [7] Ghonse Maths Academy,

XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar
ii) The lenght of the tangent segment to the circle Two circles with centres C1 , C2 and radii r1 , r2
x 2  y 2  a 2 drawn from the point P(x1 , y1 ) is intersect at two points if
x12  y12  a 2 . r1  r2  d  C1C2   r1  r2 .

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
* Extra Information :

i) Circles touching each other externally :

The line AB joining the points of intersection is

the common chord of the two circles. This is also
called the radical axes.
Two common tangents can be drawn to the two
If C1 , C2 are centres and r1 , r2 are the radii of circles.
two circles, then these circles touch each other
externally if d  C1C2   r1  r2 and the point of iv) Concentric Circles :
contact P divides seg.C1C 2 internally in the ratio
r1 : r2 .
Three common tangents to the two circles.

ii) Circles touching each other internally :

Two circles are said to be concentric circles if
their centres are same.
If C1 , C2 are centres and r1 , r2 are the radii of
two circles, then d  C1C2   0 .
No common tangent can be drawn in this case.
If C1 , C2 are centres and r1 , r2 are the radii of
two circles, then these circles touch each other Miscellaneous Exercise
I) Choose the correct alternatives.
internally if d  C1C2   r1  r2 and the point of 1) Equation of a circle which passes through (3, 6) and
contact P divides seg.C1C 2 externally in the ratio touches the axes is
a) x 2  y 2  6x  6y  3  0
r1 : r2 . Only one common tangent can be drawn.
b) x 2  y 2  6x  6y  9  0
c) x 2  y 2  6x  6y  9  0
iii) Circles neither touching nor intersecting :
d) x 2  y 2  6x  6y  3  0
Solution / Hint : As circle touches both the axes
 equation of circle is  x  r    y  r   r ....(i)
2 2 2

It passes through (3, 6)  we get r = 3, r = 15.

put in equation (i)
2) If the lines 2x - 3y = 5 and 3x - 4y = 7 are the
Two circles with centres C1 , C2 and radii r1 , r2
diameters of a circle of area 154 sq. units, then the
neither intersect nor touch touch each other if equation of the circle.
d  C1C2   r1  r2 . a) x 2  y 2  2x  2y  40
Four common tangent can be drawn to the two b) x 2  y 2  2x  2y  47
circles. c) x 2  y 2  2x  2y  47
d) x 2  y 2  2x  2y  40
iii) Circles intersecting each other : 3) Find the equation of the circle which passes through
Circle [8] Ghonse Maths Academy,
XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar
the points (2, 3) and (4, 5) and the centre lies on 2) Find the centre and radius of the circle
the straight line y - 4x + 3 = 0. x  3  4sin , y  2  4 cos 
a) x 2  y 2  4x  10y  25  0 Ans : C   3, 2  , r  4
b) x 2  y 2  4x  10y  25  0 3) Find the equation of circle passing through the point

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
c) x 2  y 2  4x  10y  25  0 of intersection of the lines x + 3y = 0 and
d) x 2  y 2  4x  10y  25  0 2x - 7y = 0 whose centre is the point of intersection
4) The equation of the tangent to the circle x 2  y 2  4 of lines x + y + 1 = 0 and x - 2y + 4 = 0.
which are parallel to x + 2y + 3 = 0 are Ans : C   2,1 , r  5 , x 2  y 2  4x  2y  0
a) x - 2y = 2 b) x  2y  2 3
4) Find the equation of circle which passes through the
c) x  2y  2 5 d) x  2y  2 5 origin and cuts of chords of length 4 and 6 on the
5) If the lines 3x - 4y + 4 = 0 and 6x - 8y - 7 = 0 are positive side of X - axis and Y - axis respectively.
tangents to a circle, then the radius of the circle is Ans : x 2  y 2  4x  6y  0
3 4 1 7 5) Show that the points (9, 1), (7, 9), (-2, 12) and
a) b) c) d)
4 3 4 4 (6, 10) are concyclic.
6) Area of the circle with centre at (1, 2) and passing
6) The line 2x - y + 6 = 0 meets the circle
through (4, 6) is
x 2  y 2  10x  9  0 at A and B. Find the equation
a) 5 b) 10 c) 25 d) 100
of circle on AB as diameter.
7) If a circle passes through the point (0, 0), (a, 0) and
 9 12 
(0, b) then find the co-ordinates of its centre. Ans : A   5, 4  , B    5 , 5 
 
 a  b   a b   a b  a b
a)  2 , 2  b)  2 , 2  c)  2 , 2  d)  2 , 2  5x 2  5y 2  34x  8y  3  0
       
7) Show that x = -1 is a tangent to circle
8) The equation of a circle with origin as centre and
passing through the vertices of an equilateral triangle x 2  y 2  2y  0 at (-1, 1).
whose median is of length 3a is 8) Find the equation of tangent to the circle
a) x  y  9a
2 2 2
b) x  y  16a
2 2 2
 2 
x 2  y 2  64 at the point P   .
c) x  y  4a
2 2 2
d) x 2  y 2  a 2  3 
9) A pair of tangents are drawn to a unit circle with Ans : x  3y  16  0 .
centre at the origin and these tangents intersect at 9) Find the equation of locus of the point of intersection
A enclosing an angle of 600 . The area enclosed by of perpendicular tangents drawn to the circle
these tangents and the arc of the circle is x  5cos  and y  5sin  .
2   Solution : The parametric equation of the circle is
a)  b) 3
3 6 3 x  5cos , y  5sin 
 3    sqaring and adding
c)  d) 3  1  6 
3 6  
 x 2  y 2  25cos 2   25sin 2 
10) The parametric equations of the circle
x 2  y 2  mx  my  0 are i.e. x 2  y 2  25(cos 2   sin 2 )
m m m m i.e. x 2  y 2  25 , a = 5
a) x   2  cos , y   
2
sin 
2 2 The equations of tangents to standard circle in terms
m m m m of slope are
b) x   2  cos , y 
2
 sin 
2 2
y  mx  a m 2  1,
c) x = 0, y = 0 d) x  m cos ; y  m sin  put a = 5
II) Answer the following :
1) Find the centre and radius of the circle  y  mx  5 m 2  1
Consider these tangents are drawn through the point
x 2  y 2  x  2y  3  0
 1  17 P(x1 y1 ) .
Ans : C   , 1 , r 
2  2
y1  mx1  5 m 2  1

Circle [9] Ghonse Maths Academy,

XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar

i.e. y1  mx1   5 m 2  1
squaring both sides
 (y1  mx1 )  25 (m  1)
2 2
i.e. y1  2mx1 y1  m x1  25m  25
2 2 2
8 6
ii)  5 , 5  , 3x  4y  0 Ans : i)  2, 4  , y  4  0
 
14) Find the length of tangent segment drawn from the
point (5, 3) to the circle x 2  y2  10x  6y  17  0.
2

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
Ans : 7 units.
 (x1  25)m  2mx1 y1  (y1  25)  0
2 2 2 15) Find the value of k, if the length of the tangent from
It is a quadratic equation in m. It has two possible the point (8, -3) to the circle.
x 2  y 2  2x  ky  23  0 is 10.
roots as m1 and m 2 which are nothing but slopes
Ans : k = 8
of the two tangents drawn to the circle from the 16) Find the equaton of the tangent to circle
point P.
x 2  y 2  6x  4y  0, at the point (6, 4) on it.
y1  25
2
Ans : 3x +2y - 26 = 0
Now, m1m 2  2
x1  25 17) Find the equation of tangent to circle x 2  y 2  5,
As tangents are perpendicular, at the point (1, -2) on it.
m1m 2  1 Ans : x - 2y - 5 = 0
18) Find the equation of tangent to Circle x  5 cos ,
y12  25 y  5sin , at the point    / 3 on it.
 x 2  25   1
1 Ans : x  3y  10  0
 y1  25   x1  25 19) Show that 2x + y + 6 = 0 is a tangent to
2 2

x 2  y 2  2x  2y  3  0 . Find its point of contact.

 x1  y1  50
2 2

 the equation of the locus of point P is Ans :  3,0 

x 2  y 2  50 .
10) Find the equation of the circle concentric with
x 2  y 2  4x  6y  1 and having radius 4 units.
Ans : x 2  y 2  4x  6y  3  0
11) Find the length of the intercepts made on the co-
ordinate axes, by the circle.
i) x 2  y 2  8x  y  20  0
ii) x  y  5x  13y  14  0
2 2
Ans : i) x intercept = 12, y intercept = 9
ii) x intercept = 9, y intercept = 15
12) Show that the circles touch each other externally.
Find their point of contact and the equation of their
common tangent.
i) x 2  y 2  4x  10y  20  0 ,
x 2  y 2  8x  6y  24  0
ii) x 2  y2  4x  10y  19  0 ,
x 2  y 2  2x  8y  23  0.
 1 13 
Ans : i)  5 5  ,  , 3x  4y  11  0
 
ii) 1, 2  , x  3y  7  0
13) Show that the circles touch each other internally.
Find their point of contact and the equation of their
common tangent.
i) x 2  y2  4x  4y  28  0, x 2  y 2  4x  12  0 .
ii) x  y  4x  12y  4  0,
2 2
x 2  y 2  2x  4y  4  0.
Circle
XI - (Sci.)
20) If the tangent at (3, -4) to the circle x 2  y2  25
touches the circle x 2  y 2  8x  4y  c  0, find c.
Ans : c = - 61
21) Find the equations of the tangents to the circle
x 2  y 2  16 with slope -2.
Ans : 2x  y  4 5  0
22) Find the equations of the tangents to the circle
x 2  y 2  4 which are parallel to 3x  2y  1  0 .
Ans : 3x  2y  2 13  0
23) Find the equations of the tangents to the circle
x 2  y 2  36 which are perpendicular to the line
5x + y = 2.
Ans : x  5y  6 26  0 .
24) Find the equations of the tangents to the circle
x 2  y 2  2x  8y  23  0 having slope 3.
Solution :
Slope of tangent, m = 3
Let the equation of the tangents be
y = mx + c
put m = 3
i.e. y = 3x + c
i.e. 3x - y + c = 0 ......(i)
The equation of the given circle is
x 2  y 2  2x  8y  23  0
Compairing with
x 2  y 2  2gx  2fy  c  0
[ 10 ] Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar
 g  1, f  4, c  23 of the two tangents drawn to the circle from the
point P.
Centre C   g, f   1, 4 
2x1 y1 y12  a 2
Radius, r  g 2  f 2  c m  m  m m 
 1 x12  a 2 and 1 2 x12  a 2
2

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
= 1  16  23  40 .
Since 1 and 2 are the inclinations of the tangents,
As line (i) is tangent to the circle,
 the length of perpendicular from the centre tan 1  m1 and tan 2  m 2 .
C (1, - 4) to the line is equal to radius of circle.
(i) tan 1  tan 2  0 .....given
ax1  by1  c
i.e. r  m1  m 2  0
a 2  b2 2x1 y1
 x 2  a2  0
3(1)  (1) (4)  c 1

  40
32  (12 )  x1 y1  0
 the equation of the locus of P is xy = 0
3 4 c
  40 (ii) cot 1  cot 2  5 .....given
10
1 1
 7  c   20  tan   tan   5
1 2
 7  c  20 or 7  c   20 1 1
 c  13 or c   27 i.e. m  m  5
1 2
 from (i), the equations of the tangents are m 2  m1
3x - y + 13 = 0 and 3x - y- 27 = 0  m m 5
1 2
25) Find the equation of the locus of a point, the tangents
from which to the circle x 2  y 2  9 are at right  m1  m 2  5m1m 2
angles. 2x1 y1  y12  a 2 
Ans : x 2  y 2  18  5  2 2
x12  a 2  x1  a 
26) Tangents to the circle x 2  y 2  a 2 with
 2x1 y1  5y1  5a
2 2
inclinations, 1 and 2 intersect in P. Find the locus
 5y1  2x1 y1  5a
2 2
of P such that
i) tan 1  tan 2  0 ii) cot 1  cot 2  5  the equation of the locus of point P is
iii) cot 1.cot  2  c. 5y 2  2xy  5a 2 .
Solution : (iii) cot 1.cot 2  c
The equations of tangents in terms of slope m to
1 1
the standard circle are i.e. tan   tan   c
1 2
y  mx  a m 2  1 1
As these tangents are drawn from the point P(x1, y1 )  mm c
1 2
1
 y1  mx1  a m 2  1  m1m 2 
c
i.e. y1  mx1   a m 2  1 y1  a
2 2
1
i.e. 2 2 
 (y1  mx1 )  a (m  1)
2 2 2 x1  a c
 x1  a  c(y1  a )
2 2 2 2

 y1  2mx1 y1  m x1  a m  a
2 2 2 2 2 2
 the equation of the locus of point P is
 (x1  a )m  2mx1 y1  (y1  a )  0
2 2 2 2
x 2  a 2  c(y 2  a 2 ) .
It is a quadratic equation in m. It has two possible
roots as m1 and m 2 which are nothing but slopes
Circle [ 11 ] Ghonse Maths Academy,
XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar
27) Find the equation of the circle which touches the Solution :
lines 4x + 3y + 10 = 0 and 4x + 3y - 50 = 0 and
whose centre lies on the line 2x +y = 0.
Solution : Equations of tangent lines are
4x + 3y + 10 = 0 and 4x + 3y - 50 = 0

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
These tangents are parallel to each other,
therefore the distance between them
is the diameter of the circle.
As circle touches both the axes in first quadrant
Let radius = h = k = a
 By using centre radius form,
equation of circle is
x  a  y  a
2 2
 a2
c1  c2
 diameter, d   x 2  2ax  a 2  y 2  2ay  a 2  a 2
a b
2 2

i.e. x 2  y 2  2ax  2ay  a 2  0

29) Find the equation of the circle whose centre is at
(4, 5) and which passes through the centre of the
Where c1  10, c 2  50, a  4, b  3 circle x 2  y 2  4 x  6 y  12  0
Solution : Equation of given circle is
10   50 
 d x 2  y 2  4x  6y  12  0
42  32 comparing with
10  50 x 2  y 2  2gx  2fy  c  0
i.e. d   12  2g = 4, 2f = -6
16  9
 g = 2, f = -3
 radius of required circle is r = 6  centre C  ( g, f )
Let C be the centre of the circle which lies on the
C  ( 2,3)
line 2x + y = 0.
Required circle passes through centre of given
 the line 2x + y = 0........(i)
is the daimeter of circle. It cuts the circle i.e. through P (-2, 3)
tangents 4x + 3y -50 = 0 and 4x + 3y +10 = 0 Centre of required circle is (4, 5).
at P and Q respectively.
 Centre C is the midpoint of PQ.
To find P :
solving 4x + 3y = 50
and 2x + y = 0
 P = (-25,50)
To find Q : radius = l(CP)
solving 4x + 3y =-10  (4  2) 2  (5  3) 2
and 2x + y = 0
 Q = (5, -10)  36  4
 by midpoint formula,  40 unit
 25  5 50  10  Now, required circle has centre at (4, 5) and radius
C ,    10, 20 
 2 2  as 40 .
Now required circle has centre at ( -10, 20 ) and  By centre radius form.
radius as 6
i.e. (x  h) 2  (y  k) 2  a 2
Ans : x  y  20x  40y  464  0
2 2

28) Find the equation of a circle in the first quadrant  (x  4)2  (y  5) 2  ( 40) 2
with centre at (h, k) and touching both the axes. i.e x 2  8x  16  y 2  10y  25  40

Circle [ 12 ] Ghonse Maths Academy,

XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar

 x 2  y 2  8x  10y  1  0  4h  3k  17 ........(ii)

is equation of required circle. Solving (i) and (ii)
30) Find the equation of the circle passing through the h = -2, k = -3
vertices of a triangle whose sides are reprsented  Centre of circle is C (-2, -3)
radius = l(PB)

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
by the equations x  y  2  0, 3x  4 y  6  0
and x  y  0  (h  2) 2  (k  0) 2
Solution : Consider  ABC
 (2  2) 2  ( 3) 2
To find vertex A :
Solving, x + y = 2  16  9
x-y=0 = 5 units
x = 1, y = 1 Now, required circle has centre at (-2, -3) and
 A (1, 1) radius as 5.
 By centre radius form,
i.e. (x  h) 2  (y  k) 2  a 2
 (x  2) 2  (y  3)2  (5) 2
i.e. x 2  4x  4  y 2  6y  9  25
i.e. x 2  y 2  4x  6y  12  0 is equation of
required circle.
31) Find the parametric equations of the circle
x 2  y 2  ax  by  0 .
To find vertex B : Solution : Equation of given circle is
Solving x + y = 2 x 2  y 2  ax  by  0
3x - 4y = 6
x=2,y=0  x 2  ax  y 2  by  0
 B  (2, 0) a2 b2 a 2 b2
 x  ax   y  by   0 
2 2

To find vertex C : 4 4 4 4
Solving x - y = 0 2 2
 a 2  b2 
2

i.e.  x     y    
a b
3x - 4y = 6 
 2  2   2 

x = -6, y = -6
Comparing with
 C  (6, 6)
(x  h)2  (y  k) 2  r 2
Let P (h, k) be the centre of circle
l(PA) = l(PB) = l(PC) ........ (radii of circle) a b a 2  b2
 h  ,k  , r 
Consider, 2 2 2
l(PA) = l(PB) Parametric equations of general circle are
 [l ( PA)]2  [l ( PB )]2 x  h  r cos  y  k  r sin 
a a 2  b2 b a 2  b2
 (h  1) 2  (k  1) 2  (h  2) 2  (k  0) 2 x  cos  y   sin  .
2 2 2 2
 h 2  2h  1  k 2  2k  1  h 2  4h  4  k 2 32) Find the equation of the following curve in cartesian
i.e. 2h  2k  2 form. If it is a circle, find its centre and radius
 h - k = 1.........(i) x  a  r cos , y  b  r sin .
Also, Solution : Given equations are
l(PB) = l(PC)
x  a  r cos , y  b  r sin 
 [l ( PB )]2  [l ( PC )]2 i.e. x  a  r cos  , y  b  r sin 
 (h  2) 2  (k  0) 2  (h  6) 2  (k  6) 2 xa yb
i.e.  cos ,  sin 
r r
 h 2  4h  4  k 2  h 2  12h  36  k 2  12k  36 squaring and adding, we get,
i.e. 16h  12k  68

Circle [ 13 ] Ghonse Maths Academy,

XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.
 Ghonse Maths Academy,
A’nagar
2 2
 x a   yb
    cos   sin 
2 2

 r   r 
(x  a) 2 (y  b)2
  1
r2 r2

Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *Ghonse Maths Academy, Ahmednagar *
i.e. (x  a) 2  (y  b) 2  r 2
This is the cartesian form of the equation of curve
which is a circle with centre at (a, b) and
radius = r
33) Show that the equations x  a cos   b sin ,
y  a sin   b cos  represent a circle,  being
a parameter.
Solution : Given equations are
x  a cos   b sin 
y  a sin   b cos 
squaring and adding these equations
x 2  y 2  (a cos   b sin ) 2  (a sin   b cos )2
i.e. x 2  y2  a 2 cos 2   b2 sin 2   a 2 sin 2   b 2 cos 2 
i.e. x 2  y 2  a 2 (cos 2   sin 2 )  b2 (sin 2   cos2 )
 x 2  y2  a 2  b2 sin 2   cos 2   1
This equation represents a circle, having centre at
C  (0, 0) and radius  a 2  b 2 .
15) Show that the parametric equations

x  2a
FG 1  t IJ ,
2

y
4at
H1  t K
2
1  t2
represent a circle of
radius 2a.
Solution : Given equations are
 1 t2  4at
x  2a  2 
, y
 1 t  (1  t 2 )
 1 t2  2a  2t
i.e. x  2a  1  t 2  , y 
  (1  t 2 )
x 1 t2 y 2t
i.e.  , 
2a 1  t 2 2a 1  t 2
squaring and adding,
x2 y 2 (1  t 2 )2 4t 2
 2  
4a 2
4a (1  t ) (1  t 2 ) 2
2 2

(1  t 2 ) 2  4t 2

(1  t 2 ) 2
(1  t 2 )2
 (a  b) 2  4ab  (a  b) 2
(1  t 2 )2
x2 y2
  1
4a 2 4a 2
i.e. x 2  y 2  4a 2
This equation represent a circle, having centre at
C(0, 0) and radius as 2a unit.

*****

Circle [ 14 ] Ghonse Maths Academy,

XI - (Sci.) A’nagar.