Understanding the Equation: (x-2)^2 + (y-3)^2 = 16
This equation represents a circle in the Cartesian coordinate system. Let's break down why:
The Standard Equation 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.
Analyzing our Equation
Comparing our equation, (x - 2)^2 + (y - 3)^2 = 16, to the standard form, we can identify the following:
- Center: (h, k) = (2, 3)
- Radius: r^2 = 16, therefore r = 4
Visualizing the Circle
Now that we know the center and radius, we can easily visualize the circle. It's centered at the point (2, 3) and has a radius of 4 units. This means that every point on the circle is exactly 4 units away from the point (2, 3).
Key Points to Remember
- The equation (x-2)^2 + (y-3)^2 = 16 defines a circle with a specific center and radius.
- Understanding the standard form of a circle's equation allows us to quickly identify its center and radius.
- This equation is a fundamental concept in geometry and can be used to solve various problems related to circles.