Exploring the Equation: (x-2)^2 + (y+3)^2 = 36
The equation (x-2)^2 + (y+3)^2 = 36 represents a circle in the Cartesian coordinate plane. Let's break down why and explore its key features:
Understanding the Standard Form
The general equation for a circle 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
Comparing this to our given equation, we can easily identify the following:
- Center: (2, -3)
- Radius: 6 (since the square root of 36 is 6)
Visualizing the Circle
Now that we know the center and radius, we can visualize the circle on a graph.
- Plot the center: Locate the point (2, -3) on the coordinate plane.
- Draw the radius: From the center, mark points 6 units away in all directions (up, down, left, right). These points will lie on the circumference of the circle.
- Connect the points: Draw a smooth curve connecting the points to form the circle.
Key Properties
- Symmetry: Circles are symmetrical around their center. Any line passing through the center divides the circle into two equal halves.
- Circumference: The total distance around the circle is given by the formula C = 2πr, where r is the radius.
- Area: The region enclosed by the circle is given by the formula A = πr^2, where r is the radius.
Conclusion
The equation (x-2)^2 + (y+3)^2 = 36 represents a circle centered at (2, -3) with a radius of 6. By understanding the standard form of the equation and its properties, we can easily visualize and analyze the characteristics of this geometric shape.