Chapter 8

Coordinate Geometry of the Circle

The equation of a circle, its centre and radius — with an interactive exercise.

Coordinate Geometry of the Circle: a circle with centre $(a,b)$ and radius $r$ has equation

Circle equation

$(x-a)^2 + (y-b)^2 = r^2$

So $(x-2)^2+(y-3)^2=25$ has centre $(2,3)$ and radius $5$ (since $\sqrt{25}=5$).

Remember

  • Centre $=(a,b)$, radius $=\sqrt{r^2}$.
  • $x^2+y^2=r^2$ is centred on the origin.

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