A Maths Revision Notes >>

Circles: Circle properties

Right-angle in semi-circle

sketch

If points $A$, $B$ and $C$ are points on the circumference of the circle and $AC$ is the diameter of the circle, then $\angle ABC = 90^\circ$.


Example

Three points are given by $A(1, 4)$, $B(9, 8)$ and $C(7, 12)$.

(i) Show that angle $ABC$ is $90^\circ$.

Solutions (by gradient)

Solutions (by Pythagoras theorem)

(ii) Hence, find the equation of the circle that passes through the points $A$, $B$ and $C$.

Answer: $ (x - 4)^2 + (y - 8)^2 = 25 $

Solutions

Perpendicular bisector of chord

sketch

The perpendicular bisector of chord $AB$ will pass through the centre of the circle, $O$.


Example 1

A circle passes through the points $(2, 3)$ and $(-1, 6)$. Its centre lies on the line $2x + 5y = -1$.

(i) Find the centre of the circle.

Answer: $ (-3, 1) $

Solutions

(ii) Find the equation of the circle.

Answer: $ (x + 3)^2 + (y - 1)^2 = 29 $

Solutions

Example 2: Use three points on circle to locate centre of circle

A circles passes through the origin and the points $A(1, -1)$ and $B(4, 0)$. Find the coordinates of the centre of the circle.

Answer: $ (2, 1) $

Solutions

Tangent & normal to the circle

Diagram

The tangent to the circle at $P$ (blue line) is perpendicular to the radius $OP$.

The normal to the circle at $P$ (red line) is perpendicular to the tangent and it passes through the centre of the circle.


Example 1: Form equation of tangent & normal

The equation of a circle is $(x - 1)^2 + (y - 2)^2 = 5$.

(i) Find the equation of the normal to the circle at $P(2, 4)$.

Answer: $ y = 2x $

Solutions

(ii) Find the equation of the tangent to the circle at $P(2, 4)$.

Answer: $ y = -{1 \over 2}x + 5 $

Solutions

Example 2: Find equation of circle

The line $y = -x + 6$ is tangent to a circle at point $A$. The centre of the circle is $(0, 1)$.

(i) Find the coordinates of point $A$.

Answer: $ A(2.5, 3.5) $

Solutions

(ii) Find the equation of the circle.

Answer: $ x^2 + (y - 1)^2 = 12.5 $

Solutions

Example 3: x-axis, y-axis, vertical line and horizontal line as tangent

Find the equation of the following circles:

(i) A circle, $C_1$, with centre $(-3, 2)$ that touches the $x$-axis.

(from think! A Maths Workbook Worksheet 7D)

Answer: $ (x + 3)^2 + (y - 2)^2 = 4 $

Solutions

(ii) A circle, $C_2$, with centre $(-2, 2)$ that touches both the $x$-axis and $y$-axis.

(from A Maths 360 Ex 8.1)

Answer: $ (x + 2)^2 + (y - 2)^2 = 4 $

Solutions

(iii) A circle, $C_3$, such that the positive $x$-axis, negative $y$-axis and the line $x = 12$ are tangents to the circle.

(from A Maths 360 Ex 8.1)

Answer: $ (x - 6)^2 + (y + 6)^2 = 36 $

Solutions

Past year O level questions

Year & paper Comments
2022 P2 Question 9 Tangent perpendicular to radius
2021 P2 Question 9 Tangent perpendicular to radius
2020 P1 Question 9 Tangent perpendicular to radius
2019 P2 Question 6 Tangent perpendicular to radius
2018 P2 Question 11 Right-angle in semi-circle
2017 P1 Question 12 Normal to the circle
2016 P2 Question 11 Tangent perpendicular to radius
2015 P2 Question 7 x-axis and y-axis are tangents to the circle
2014 P2 Question 10 Tangent perpendicular to radius
2013 P2 Question 10 Tangent perpendicular to radius
2011 P2 Question 11 Tangent perpendicular to radius


Circles: Equation Linear law