Circles

A circle is a set of points in the xy-plane that are a fixed

distance r from a fixed point (h, k). The fixed distance r is
called the radius, and the fixed point (h, k) is called the
center of the circle. An equation of the circle with center
(h, k) and radius r is

( x − h) +( y −k) =
2 2
r 2 … (1)

This is called the standard form for the equation of the

Fig.1: A circle
circle.

If the center of the circle is the origin (0, 0), then the equation is x 2 + y 2 =
r 2 … (2)
Every equation of the second degree in x, y which lacks the xy term, and in which the
coefficients of x 2 and y 2 are the same, can be reduced to the form

x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c =0 … (3)

Consider the general form of such an equation x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c =0

⇒ x 2 + 2 gx + g 2 + y 2 + 2 fy + f 2 − g 2 − f 2 + c =0

⇒ ( x + g) + ( y + f ) = g2 + f 2 − c
2 2

( )
2
⇒ ( x + g ) + ( y + f )= g2 + f 2 − c
2 2
… (4)

If g 2 + f 2 − c > 0 , Eq. (3) represents a real circle.

0 Eq. (3) represents a single point ( − g , − f ) ; it is sometimes called a point-

If g 2 + f 2 − c =,

circle.
If g 2 + f 2 − c < 0 , Eq. (3) represents an imaginary circle.

Therefore, every equation which can be reduced to the form (3), where g 2 + f 2 − c > 0

represents a circle. The center of the circle is the point ( − g , − f ) and it’s radius is

g2 + f 2 − c .
Tangents and Normals:
The equation of the tangent to the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c =0 at ( x1 , y1 ) is

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

r 2 at ( x1 , y1 ) is
The equation of the tangent to the circle x 2 + y 2 =

x x1 + y y1 =
r2

The equation of the normal to the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c =0 at ( x1 , y1 ) is

y ( x1 + g ) − x ( y1 + f ) + f x1 − g y1 =
0

r 2 at ( x1 , y1 ) is
The equation of the normal to the circle x 2 + y 2 =

y x1 − x y1 =
0 or x y1 − x1 y =
0

The equation of normal at any point on a circle can be easily found since it is a straight line
joining the point and the center of circle.

Chord of contact: If two tangents be drawn to a circle from an external point the straight line
joining the points of contact is called the chord of contact of tangents.
The equation of the chord of contact of the tangents drawn to a circle
x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c =0 at ( x1 , y1 ) is x x1 + y y1 + g ( x + x1 ) + f ( y + y1 ) + c =0.

a 2 at ( x1 , y1 )
The equation of the chord of contact of the tangents drawn to a circle x 2 + y 2 =

is x x1 + y y1 =
r2 .
Q: Find the locus of 4 x 2 + 4 y 2 − 8 x + 8 y + 7 =.
0
2
 1 1
Solution: The give equation is equivalent  x −  + ( y + 1) =−
2

 2 2
There is no real pair of values of x, y which will satisfy this equation; the lous has no real
point; the locus is imaginary.

Q: Find the locus of 4 x 2 + 4 y 2 − 4 x + 8 y + 5 =.

0
2
 1
Solution: The give equation is equivalent  x −  + ( y + 1) =
2
0
 2

1 1 
The only real solution is x = , y = −1 . The locus is the point  , − 1 .
2 2 

1 at ( 3 5, 4 5 ) .
Q: Find the equation of the tangent to x 2 + y 2 =

Solution: The equation of the tangent to x 2 + y 2 =

1 at ( 3 5, 4 5) is
3 4
x   + y   − 1 =0
5 5
⇒ 3x + 4 y − 5 =0

Problem: Find the equation of the circle with the center ( −1,5 ) and radius 3.

Solution: The equation of the circle with the center ( −1,5 ) and radius 3 is given by

( x + 1) + ( y − 5) =
2 2
32
⇒ x 2 + 2 x + 1 + y 2 − 10 y + 25 =9
⇒ x 2 + y 2 + 2 x − 10 y + 17 =
0
Problem: Obtain the coordinates of the center and radius of the circle
2 x 2 + 2 y 2 − 2 x + 6 y − 45 =
0.

Solution: Given 2 x 2 + 2 y 2 − 2 x + 6 y − 45 =
0
45
⇒ x2 + y 2 − x + 3 y −
= 0
2
1 1 1 3 9 9 45
⇒ x2 − 2 x   + − + y 2 + 2 y + − − =0
2 4 4 2 4 4 2
2 2
 1  3  10 45
⇒ x−  + y+  − − =
0
 2  2 4 2
3  10 + 90
2 2
 1 
⇒x−  + y+  − =
0
 2  2 4
2 2
 1  3
⇒x−  + y+  =
25
 2  2
2 2
 1  3
∴x−  + y+  =
52
 2  2

1 3
Thus, the coordinates of the center are  , −  and radius 5.
2 2

Problem: Find the equation of the circle through the points ( −3,1) , (1,3) with center lying on

the line 3 x + 2 y + 1 =0 .
Solution: The equation of circle passing through the given two points is given by

( x − x1 )( x − x2 ) + ( y − y1 )( y − y2 ) =A ( x − x1 )( y1 − y2 ) − ( y − y1 )( x1 − x2 )
⇒ ( x + 3)( x − 1) + ( y − 1)( y − 3=
) A ( x + 3)(1 − 3) − ( y − 1)( −3 − 1) 
⇒ ( x + 3)( x − 1) + ( y − 1)( y − 3) = A  −2 ( x + 3) + 4 ( y − 1) 

⇒ x 2 − x + 3 x − 3 + y 2 − 3 y − y + 3 = A ( −2 x − 6 + 4 y − 4 )

⇒ x 2 + y 2 + 2 x (1 + A ) − 4 y (1 + A ) =
−10 A … (2)

The coordinates of its centers are {− (1 + A ) , 2 (1 + A )}

If the center of (2) lies on the given line then we have
−3 (1 + A ) + 2 ( 2 (1 + A ) ) + 1 =0

⇒ −3 − 3 A + 4 (1 + A ) + 1 =0
⇒ −3 − 3 A + 4 + 4 A + 1 =0
⇒ 1 + A + 1 =0
∴ A=−2
Substituting the value of A in Eq. (2) we have
x2 + y 2 − 2 x + 4 y =
20

Problem: Derive the equation of the circle through the three points ( 3,1) , ( 4, − 3) , (1, − 1) .

Solution: The equation of circle passing through two points ( 3,1) and ( 4, − 3) is given by

( x − x1 )( x − x2 ) + ( y − y1 )( y − y2 ) =A ( x − x1 )( y1 − y2 ) − ( y − y1 )( x1 − x2 )
⇒ ( x − 3)( x − 4 ) + ( y − 1)( y + 3=
) A ( x − 3)(1 + 3) − ( y − 1)( 3 − 4 ) 
3) A  4 ( x − 3) + ( y − 1) 
⇒ ( x − 3)( x − 4 ) + ( y − 1)( y +=

− 3 A  4 ( x − 3) + ( y − 1) 
⇒ x 2 − 7 x + 12 + y 2 + 2 y=

9 A [ 4 x + y − 13] … (2)
⇒ x 2 + y 2 − 7 x + 2 y +=

If the circle (2) passes through the point (1, − 1) then we have

1 + 1 − 7 − 2 + 9= A [ 4 − 1 − 13]

⇒ 2=−10A
2 1
⇒ A=− = −
10 5
Substituting the value of A in Eq. (2) we have
1
x 2 + y 2 − 7 x + 2 y + 9 =− ( 4 x + y − 13)
5
⇒ 5 ( x 2 + y 2 − 7 x + 2 y + 9 ) =−4 x − y + 13

⇒ 5 x 2 + 5 y 2 − 35 x + 10 y + 45 =−4 x − y + 13

⇒ 5 x 2 + 5 y 2 − 31x + 11 y + 32 =
0
Alternative: Let the equation of the circle be x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c =0 … (1)
Substituting the coordinates of three given points in Eq (1) gives the three equations
( 3,1) , ( 4, − 3) , (1, − 1) .
32 + 12 + 2 g ( 3) + 2 f (1) + c =0 ⇒ 6 g + 2 f + c =−10 … (2)

42 + ( −3) + 2 g ( 4 ) + 2 f ( −3) + c =0 ⇒ 8 g − 6 f + c =−25 … (3)

2

12 + ( −1) + 2 g (1) + 2 f ( −1) + c =0 ⇒ 2 g − 2 f + c =−2 … (4)

2

Eq(3)-Eq(2) implies 8 g − 6 f + c − 6 g − 2 f − c =
−25 + 10 ⇒ 2 g − 8 f =
−15 … (5)
Eq(2)-Eq(4) implies 6 g + 2 f + c − 2 g + 2 f − c =−10 + 2 ⇒ g + f =−2 … (6)
Solving Eqs. (5) and (6) for g and f we have
31
2 g − 8 ( − g − 2 ) =−15 ⇒ 10 g =−31 ⇒ g =−
10
 31  31 −20 + 31 11
f =−2 −  −  =−2 + = =
 10  10 10 10

 31   11  31 11 32
From Eq. (4) we have 2  −  − 2   + c =−2 ⇒ − − + c =−2 ⇒ c =
 10   10  5 5 5
Substituting the values of g, f and c in Eq. (1) we have the required equation of the circle
 31   11  32
x2 + y 2 + 2  −  x + 2   y + =
0
 10   10  5
31 11 32
⇒ x2 + y 2 − x+ y+ =
0
5 5 5
⇒ 5 x 2 + 5 y 2 − 31x + 11 y + 32 =
0
Problem: For what values of λ does the straight line 4 x + λ y + 7 =0 touch the circle

x 2 + y 2 − 6 x + 4 y − 12 =
0?
Solution: The equation of circle is given by
x 2 + y 2 − 6 x + 4 y − 12 =
0

⇒ x 2 + y 2 + 2 ( −3) x + 2 ( 2 ) y + ( −12 ) =0 … (1)

The general equation of circle is given by x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c =0 … (2)

Comparing Eqs. (1) and (2) we have g =
−3, f =
2 and c = −12 .

Thus, the center of the circle is ( 3, − 2 ) and radius is g2 + f 2 − c =5

Now the perpendicular distance from the origin to the line is given by
4 ( 3) + λ ( −2 ) + 7 19 − 2λ
=
42 + λ 2 16 + λ 2
It is obvious that the perpendicular distance from the origin of the circle to the given line (at
the intersecting point) is equal to the radius of the circle.
19 − 2λ
=5
16 + λ 2

( )
2
Thus ⇒ (19 − 2λ ) = 5 16 + λ 2
2

⇒ 361 − 76λ + 4λ 2 = 400 + 25λ 2

⇒ 400 + 25λ 2 − 361 + 76λ − 4λ 2 =
0
⇒ 21λ 2 + 76λ + 39 =
0
⇒ 400 + 25λ 2 − 361 + 76λ − 4λ 2 =
0
⇒ 21λ 2 + 63λ + 13λ + 39 =
0
⇒ 21λ ( λ + 3) + 13 ( λ + 3) =
0

⇒ ( λ + 3)( 21λ + 13) =

0

13
∴λ =−3, −
21
 System of Circles
The angle of intersection of two curves is measured by the angle between the tangents to the
curves at a point of intersection.
If θ be the angle of intersection of two circles whose radii are r1 and r2 and d be the distance

between their centers then

r12 + r2 2 − d 2
cos θ =
2r1r2
If the equation of two circles be
x 2 + y 2 + 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 =
0 and x 2 + y 2 + 2 g 2 x + 2 f 2 y + c2 =
0 then

r12 = g12 + f12 − c1 and r2 2 = g 2 2 + f 2 2 − c2

Thus cos θ =
g12 + f12 − c1 + g 2 2 + f 2 2 − c2 − {( g − g )
1 2
2
+ ( f1 − f 2 )
2
}
2 (g 1
2
+ f12 − c1 )( g 2 2 + f 2 2 − c2 )

g12 + f12 − c1 + g 2 2 + f 2 2 − c2 − g12 − g 2 2 + 2 g1 g 2 + f12 + f 2 2 − 2 f1 f 2

=
2 (g 1
2
+ f12 − c1 )( g 2 2 + f 2 2 − c2 )

−c1 − c2 + 2 g1 g 2 + 2 f1 f 2
=
2 (g 1
2
+ f12 − c1 )( g 2 2 + f 2 2 − c2 )

2 g1 g 2 + 2 f1 f 2 − c1 − c2
=
2r1r2

If θ = 0 the two circles touch each other internally and 2r1=

r2 2 g1 g 2 + 2 f1 f 2 − c1 − c2

If θ= 90° the two circles are said to be orthogonal and 2 g1 g 2 + 2 f1 f 2 − c1 − c2 =

0

θ 180° the two circles touch each other externally and −2r1=
If = r2 2 g1 g 2 + 2 f1 f 2 − c1 − c2

Radical Axis: The locus of points from which tangents to two given circles are equal is a
straight line perpendicular to the line joining their centers and passing through their points of
intersection. This line is called the radical axis of the circles.
If the equation of two circles be
x 2 + y 2 + 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 =
0 and x 2 + y 2 + 2 g 2 x + 2 f 2 y + c2 =
0 then their centers are at

( − g1 , − f1 ) and ( − g 2 , − f 2 ) , respectively.

Let P ( x1 , y1 ) be any point on the locus. If PT1 and PT2 are the lengths of tangents drawn

from P to the circles, then PT1 = PT2 or PT12 = PT2 2

or, x12 + y12 + 2 g1 x1 + 2 f1 y + c1 = x12 + y12 + 2 g 2 x1 + 2 f 2 y1 + c2

⇒ 2 x1 ( g1 − g 2 ) + 2 y1 ( f1 − f 2 ) + c1 − c2 =
0

i.e., the locus of points is 2 ( g1 − g 2 ) x + 2 ( f1 − f 2 ) y + c1 − c2 =

0 which represents a line.

Common chord of a pair of circles as diameter

Consider the pair of circles be
x 2 + y 2 + 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 =
0 … (1)

and x 2 + y 2 + 2 g 2 x + 2 f 2 y + c2 =
0 … (2)

The equation of their common chord is given by

x 2 + y 2 + 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 − ( x 2 + y 2 + 2 g 2 x + 2 f 2 y + c2 ) =
0

⇒ 2 g1 x + 2 f1 y + c1 − 2 g 2 x − 2 f 2 y − c2 =
0

⇒ 2 g1 x − 2 g 2 x + 2 f1 y − 2 f 2 y + c1 − c2 =
0

⇒ 2 ( g1 − g 2 ) x + 2 ( f1 − f 2 ) y + ( c1 − c2 ) =
0 … (3)
Q: Find the square of the length of the tangent from the point (2, 1) to the circle
3x 2 + 3 y 2 − 5 x + 2 y − 3 =0

Solution: Given 3 x 2 + 3 y 2 − 5 x + 2 y − 3 =0 … (1)

Reducing the equation to the general form
5 2
x 2 + y 2 − x + y − 1 =0 … (2)
3 3
Hence the square of the length of the tangent from the point (2, 1) to the circle (2) is
5 2
( 2 ) + (1) − 1
22 + 12 −
3 3
10 2
=4 − +
3 3
4
=
3

Q: Prove that the circles x 2 + y 2 − 3 x + 8 y − 2 =0 and x 2 + y 2 + 4 x − 5 y − 24 =

0 cut
orthogonally.
Solution: If the two circles are orthogonal then 2 g1 g 2 + 2 f1 f 2 − c1 − c2 =
0 … (1)

 3  5
Now 2 g1 g 2 + 2 f1 f 2 − c1 − c2 = 2  −  ( 2 ) + 2 ( 4 )  −  − ( −2 ) − ( −24 )
 2  2
=−6 − 20 + 2 + 24
=0
Thus, the given two circles cut orthogonally.
Q: Find the equation of the circle which cuts the circles
x2 + y 2 + 2 x + 4 y + 6 =0 and x 2 + y 2 + 4 x + 6 y + 2 =0 orthogonally and passes through the

point (1,1) .

Solution: Let the equation of circle be x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c =0 … (1)

If circle (1) is orthogonal to x 2 + y 2 + 2 x + 4 y + 6 =0 then we have

2 g (1) + 2 f ( 2 ) − c − 6 =0

⇒ 2g + 4 f − c =6 … (2)

If circle (1) is orthogonal to x 2 + y 2 + 4 x + 6 y + 2 =0 then we have

2 g ( 2 ) + 2 f ( 3) − c − 2 =0

⇒ 4g + 6 f − c =2 … (3)

If circle (1) passes through the given point (1,1) then we have

2 + 2g + 2 f + c =0
⇒ 2 g + 2 f + c =−2 … (4)
Eq(3)-Eq(2) implies 4 g + 6 f − c − −2 g − 4 f + c =
2 − 6 ⇒ 2g + 2 f =
−4 … (5)
Using (5) in (4) we have −4 + c =−2 ⇒ c =2
Eq(4)-Eq(2) implies 2 g + 2 f + c − 2 g − 4 f + c = −2 − 6 ⇒ −2 f + 2 + 2 = −8 ⇒ f = 6 … (6)

Using (6) in (5) we have 2 g + 2 ( 6 ) =−4 ⇒ 2 g =−16 ⇒ g =−8 … (7)

Substituting the values of g, f and c in Eq. (1) we obtain the equation of circle
x 2 + y 2 − 16 x + 12 y + 2 =0.
Q: Find the equation of the circle through the intersection of the circles
x2 + y 2 + 5x + 6 y + 7 =0 and x2 + y 2 + 4 x + 3 y + 2 =
0 whose center lies on the line
x + 3y + 5 =0.
Solution: The circle through the intersection of the given circles is
x2 + y 2 + 5x + 6 y + 7 − λ ( x2 + y 2 + 4 x + 3 y + 2) =
0

⇒ (1 − λ ) x 2 + (1 − λ ) y 2 + ( 5 − 4λ ) x + ( 6 − 3λ ) y + 7 − 2λ =
0

 5 − 4λ   6 − 3λ  7 − 2λ
⇒ x2 + y 2 +  x+ y+ =
0 … (1)
 1− λ   1− λ  1− λ

 5 − 4λ 6 − 3λ 
The center of circle (1) is  − , − 
 2 (1 − λ ) 2 (1 − λ ) 

If the center lies on x + 3 y + 5 =0 then we have

5 − 4λ  6 − 3λ 
− + 3  − +5 =0
2 (1 − λ )  2 (1 − λ ) 
⇒ −5 + 4λ − 18 + 9λ + 10 (1 − λ ) =0
⇒ 13λ − 23 + 10 − 10λ =
0
⇒ 3λ − 13 = 0
13
∴λ =
3
Thus, the equation of the circle is
10 x 2 + 10 y 2 + 37 x + 21 y + 5 =
0
Q: If y = 2 x be the equation of the chord of a circle x 2 + y 2 =
10 x . Find the equation of the
circle of which this chord is a diameter.
Solution: The circle through the intersection of the given line & circle is
x 2 + y 2 − 10 x − λ ( y − 2 x ) =
0

⇒ x 2 + y 2 − 10 x − λ y + 2λ x =
0

⇒ x2 + y 2 − 2 (5 − λ ) x − λ y =
0 … (1)

 λ
Coordinates of the center of this circle is  5 − λ , 
 2
These coordinates should satisfy the given chord y = 2 x , therefore

λ
= 2 (5 − λ )
2
⇒ λ= 4 (5 − λ )
⇒ λ = 20 − 4λ
∴λ = 4
Substituting the value of λ in Eq. (1), we get the required equation of the circle
x2 + y 2 − 2 (5 − 4) x − 4 y =
0
⇒ x2 + y 2 − 2 x − 4 y =
0
Q: Find the equation of the circle drawn on the common chord of the following pair of circles
as diameter

( x − a) + y= a2 , x2 + ( y − b =
) b2
2 2 2

Solution: Consider the pair of circles be

( x − a) + y2 =
2
a 2 … (1)

and x 2 + ( y − b ) =
2
b 2 … (2)

The equation of their common chord is given by

( x − a)
2
(
+ y 2 − a 2 − x2 + ( y − b ) − b2 =
2
0)
⇒ x 2 − 2 xa + a 2 + y 2 − a 2 − ( x 2 + y 2 − 2 yb + b 2 − b 2 ) =
0

⇒ x 2 − 2 xa + y 2 − ( x 2 + y 2 − 2 yb ) =
0

⇒ x 2 − 2 xa + y 2 − x 2 − y 2 + 2 yb =
0
⇒ − 2 xa + 2 yb =0
⇒ ax − by =
0 … (3)
Now the equation of the circle drawn on the above common chord of the given pair of circles
as diameter is
x 2 − 2 xa + a 2 + y 2 − a 2 − λ ( x 2 + y 2 − 2 yb + b 2 − b 2 ) =
0

⇒ x 2 − 2 xa + y 2 − λ ( x 2 + y 2 − 2 yb ) =
0

⇒ (1 − λ ) x 2 − 2ax + (1 − λ ) y 2 + 2λby =
0

a λb
⇒ x2 + y 2 − 2 x+2 y=
0 … (4)
1− λ 1− λ
 a λb 
The center of the above circle is  ,− .
 1− λ 1− λ 
Since the common chord (3) is the diameter of circle (4), the center of the circle is on the (3)
 a   λb 
Thus a   −b− =0
 1− λ   1− λ 
 a2 λb 2
⇒ + =
0
1− λ 1− λ
⇒ a 2 + λb 2 = 0
a2
⇒λ =−
b2
Substituting the value of λ in Eq (4) we have

a b  a2 
x2 + y 2 − 2 x+2 −  y =
0
1− λ 1 − λ  b2 

 a2   a2 
⇒ ( x 2 + y 2 ) 1 + 2  − 2ax + 2b  − 2  y =
0
 b   b 

 a 2 + b2  2a 2
⇒ ( x + y )
2 2
2  − 2ax − y=
0
 b  b

⇒ ( x 2 + y 2 )( a 2 + b 2 ) − 2ab ( bx + ay ) =
0

∴ ( a 2 + b 2 )( x 2 + y =
2
) 2ab ( bx + ay ) … (5)
Exercises:
1. Find the equation to the circle whose radius is 8 and the center is (-4,2).
2. Find the equation of the circle passing through the three points ( −3, 2 ) , (1, 7 ) and

( 5, − 3) .
3. Find the equation of the tangent to x 2 + y 2 + 3 x + 5 y + 2 =0 at (1, − 3) .

4. Find the equation of the circle through the intersection of the circle
x2 + y 2 + 2 x + 3 y + 4 =
0 and the line 2 x + 3 y + 4 =0 and which passes through point

( 2,3) .
0 and x 2 + y 2 − 2 x + 4 y =
5. Find the angle between the circles x 2 + y 2 − 8 x − 12 y = 0.

6. Show that the pair of circles x 2 + y 2 − 2ax + 2by =

0 and x 2 + y 2 + 2bx + 2ay =
0
intersect orthogonally.
7. Find the equation of the circle drawn on the common chord of the following pair of
circles as diameter:
x 2 + y 2 + 2 x + 3 y + 1= 0, x 2 + y 2 + 4 x + 3 y + 2= 0 .
8. Find the equation of the circle through the intersection of the circles
x y
x2 + y 2 =
2ax and x 2 + y 2 =
2by and having its center on the line − =2.
a b