Understanding the Equation: (x-2)^2 + (y+3)^2 = 16/9
The equation (x-2)^2 + (y+3)^2 = 16/9 represents a circle in the coordinate plane. Let's break down the equation and explore its meaning:
The Standard Form of a Circle
The general 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 = 16/9 with the standard form, we can identify the following:
- Center: (h, k) = (2, -3)
- Radius: r = √(16/9) = 4/3
Therefore, our equation describes a circle with its center at the point (2, -3) and a radius of 4/3 units.
Visualizing the Circle
To visualize the circle, you can follow these steps:
- Plot the center: Locate the point (2, -3) on the coordinate plane.
- Draw the radius: From the center (2, -3), draw a line segment of length 4/3 units in all directions (up, down, left, right).
- Connect the points: Connect the endpoints of these radius segments to form a smooth circle.
Key Points
- The equation (x-2)^2 + (y+3)^2 = 16/9 is a concise representation of a circle with specific properties.
- By understanding the standard form of a circle's equation, you can quickly identify its center and radius.
- Visualizing the circle on a coordinate plane helps to understand its geometrical properties.