Problem 5

Question

The number of points on the circle \(x^{2}+y^{2}-4 x-10 y+\) \(13=0\) which are at a distance 1 from the point \((-3,2)\) is (A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) none of these

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
2 points are on the circle at a distance 1 from (-3, 2).
1Step 1: Recognize the Equation of the Circle
The given equation is \(x^2 + y^2 - 4x - 10y + 13 = 0\). This is the standard form of a circle equation \((x-h)^2 + (y-k)^2 = r^2\), where \((h, k)\) is the center and \(r\) is the radius.
2Step 2: Complete the Square
To convert the given circle equation into standard form, we first complete the square for both \(x\) and \(y\).- For \(x\): \(x^2 - 4x\) becomes \((x-2)^2 - 4\)- For \(y\): \(y^2 - 10y\) becomes \((y-5)^2 - 25\)The equation can be rewritten as:\((x-2)^2 + (y-5)^2 = 16\). This shows the circle has center \((2, 5)\) and radius 4.
3Step 3: Use Distance Formula
We need to find points on this circle that are exactly 1 unit away from the point \((-3, 2)\). Use the distance formula:\(d = \sqrt{(x_1 - x_2)^2 + (y_1 - y_2)^2}\), and set \(d = 1\) for point \((x, y)\) from \((-3, 2)\). This gives the equation:\(\sqrt{(x + 3)^2 + (y - 2)^2} = 1\). Squaring both sides, we get:\((x + 3)^2 + (y - 2)^2 = 1\).
4Step 4: Set Up a System of Equations
Now we solve:1. \((x-2)^2 + (y-5)^2 = 16\) (circle equation)2. \((x + 3)^2 + (y - 2)^2 = 1\) (distance constraint)We need to solve this system to find common points.
5Step 5: Solve the System of Equations
Solve the system:Subtract the second equation from the first:\((x-2)^2 + (y-5)^2 = 16\)\(- (x + 3)^2 - (y - 2)^2 = -1\)Simplifying:\((x-2)^2 - (x + 3)^2 + (y-5)^2 - (y - 2)^2 = 15\)This reduces to a linear equation in terms of \(x\) and \(y\). Solve these to find the specific points \((x, y)\).
6Step 6: Calculate Intersection Points
Plug in different values and solve the linear equation derived in Step 5 to find the intersection points. Evaluate the specific solutions to confirm.

Key Concepts

Equation of CircleDistance FormulaComplete the SquareSystem of Equations
Equation of Circle
When it comes to circles in coordinate geometry, one of the fundamental concepts is the equation of a circle. The generalized form of a circle's equation is
  • The standard form: \((x-h)^2 + (y-k)^2 = r^2\)
  • Here, \((h, k)\) represents the center of the circle.
  • The variable \(r\) stands for the radius.
To understand how this works, consider converting any given circle equation into this standard form to extract both the center and the radius. By comparing, one can easily spot these critical values. This method of conversion is crucial in solving various geometric problems involving circles.
For example, given an equation like \(x^2 + y^2 - 4x - 10y + 13 = 0\), rewriting this in the standard circle equation form allows you to identify the center as \((2, 5)\) and the radius as 4.
Distance Formula
The distance formula is another vital element in coordinate geometry, especially when working with circles. It is used to calculate the distance between any two points, \((x_1, y_1)\) and \((x_2, y_2)\), on a plane. This formula is represented as:
  • \(d = \sqrt{(x_2-x_1)^2 + (y_2-y_1)^2}\)
This tool is essential when determining distances on a graph or solving points' locations, particularly for tasks like identifying points on a circle at a specific distance from another point.
In application, if you need to find points on the circle from the earlier problem that are exactly 1 unit away from \((-3, 2)\), you employ this formula. This helps to formulate an equation to solve for potential points on the circle under this distance constraint.
Complete the Square
Completing the square is an algebraic technique used to simplify quadratic equations. This method is especially useful for transforming non-standard equations of circles into their recognizable form, \((x-h)^2 + (y-k)^2 = r^2\). Here's the approach:
  • For terms involving \(x\), such as \(x^2 - 4x\), adjust them to form \((x - 2)^2 - 4\).
  • Similarly, for \(y\)-related terms like \(y^2 - 10y\), rewrite as \((y - 5)^2 - 25\).
By applying this method to the original circle equation, you can accurately determine the circle's center and radius. This simplifies solving intersecting points and other related questions in geometry.
In the exercise, completing the square helps to convert \(x^2 + y^2 - 4x - 10y + 13 = 0\) into a more interpretable form: \((x-2)^2 + (y-5)^2 = 16\).
System of Equations
A system of equations consists of multiple equations that share variables. Solving these systems is essential in finding solutions that satisfy all equations simultaneously. In geometry, combining equations like those of circles and lines can reveal points where these figures intersect.
  • To solve, one can employ methods like substitution, elimination, or graphical analysis.
  • For the exercise, the task involved configuring a system with two equations:
    - Circle's transformed equation: \((x-2)^2 + (y-5)^2 = 16\)
    - Distance constraint: \((x + 3)^2 + (y - 2)^2 = 1\)
By methodically handling these equations, you can solve for specific \((x, y)\) values that meet both conditions. This approach usually involves subtracting one equation from another or simplifying until a solution presents itself.