(x+2)^2+(y-3)^2=4

3 min read Jun 16, 2024

Exploring the Equation: (x+2)^2 + (y-3)^2 = 4

The equation (x+2)^2 + (y-3)^2 = 4 represents a circle in the Cartesian coordinate system. Let's break down its meaning and explore its key features.

Understanding the Equation

The equation is derived from the distance formula, which calculates the distance between two points in a plane. In this case, the equation represents all points (x, y) that are exactly 2 units away from the point (-2, 3).

Here's how we can analyze the equation:

(x+2)^2 and (y-3)^2: These terms represent the squared distances of the x and y coordinates from the center point (-2, 3).
4: This constant represents the square of the radius of the circle.

Key Features of the Circle

Center: The center of the circle is at the point (-2, 3). This is determined by the terms (x+2) and (y-3).
Radius: The radius of the circle is 2 units. This is determined by the square root of the constant 4.

Visual Representation

You can easily visualize this circle by plotting its center and radius on a graph.

Steps:

Plot the center: Mark the point (-2, 3) on the graph.
Draw the radius: From the center, draw a line segment of length 2 units in all directions (up, down, left, right).
Complete the circle: Connect the endpoints of these radius segments to form a complete circle.

Applications

The equation of a circle is used in various fields, including:

Geometry: To study geometric properties of circles and their relationships with other shapes.
Physics: To model the path of objects moving in a circular trajectory.
Engineering: To design circular structures and components.

Conclusion

The equation (x+2)^2 + (y-3)^2 = 4 concisely describes a circle with a center at (-2, 3) and a radius of 2. By understanding the components of the equation and its relationship to the distance formula, we can gain valuable insights into the properties and applications of circles in various fields.