Exploring the Circle: (x-1)^2 + (y+2)^2 = 9
This equation represents a circle in the standard form. Let's break down its components and understand what it tells us about the circle:
Standard Form of a Circle
The standard form of a circle's equation is:
(x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2
where:
- (h, k) represents the center of the circle
- r represents the radius of the circle
Decoding the Equation: (x-1)^2 + (y+2)^2 = 9
Comparing this equation with the standard form, we can extract the following information:
- Center: (h, k) = (1, -2)
- Radius: r^2 = 9, so r = 3
Therefore, the equation (x-1)^2 + (y+2)^2 = 9 defines a circle with a center at (1, -2) and a radius of 3 units.
Visualizing the Circle
To visualize the circle, follow these steps:
- Plot the center: Mark the point (1, -2) on the coordinate plane.
- Draw the radius: From the center, draw a line segment of length 3 units in any direction. This represents the radius.
- Complete the circle: Using the radius as a guide, draw a circle that passes through the end point of the radius and is centered at (1, -2).
Key Points
- The equation (x-1)^2 + (y+2)^2 = 9 describes a specific circle.
- The center and radius of the circle can be directly identified from the equation.
- Understanding the standard form of a circle's equation allows us to quickly analyze its properties.
This equation provides a compact and efficient way to represent a circle, making it easier to analyze and manipulate in various geometric and algebraic applications.