Question

Find an equation of the circle that has center (-1,2) and passes through (5,-4).

Answer 1

General equation for a circle
(x - a)² + (y - b)² = r²
with (a,b) represents the center, (x,y) represents one of the points lie on the circle, and r represents the radius

Determine r² by substituting the points into the general equation
(x - a)² + (y - b)² = r²
(5 - (-1))² + (-4 - 2)² = r²
(5 + 1)² + (-6)² = r²
6² + 36 = r²
36 + 36 = r²
72 = r²

Determine the equation of the circle
(x - a)² + (y - b)² = r²
(x - (-1))² + (y - 2)² = 72
(x + 1)² + (y - 2)² = 72 (This is the equation of the circle)