Understanding the Equation: (x-3)^2 + (y+2)^2 = 16
The equation (x-3)^2 + (y+2)^2 = 16 represents a circle in the coordinate plane. Let's break down why:
The Standard Form of a Circle
The general equation for a circle with center (h, k) and radius r is:
(x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2
Matching Our Equation to the Standard Form
Comparing our equation (x-3)^2 + (y+2)^2 = 16 to the standard form, we can identify the following:
- Center: (h, k) = (3, -2)
- Radius: r^2 = 16, therefore r = 4
Key Takeaways
- Our equation represents a circle with a center at (3, -2) and a radius of 4 units.
- The equation is in standard form, making it easy to identify the center and radius of the circle.
Visualizing the Circle
To visualize the circle, we can plot the center (3, -2) on the coordinate plane. Then, we can move 4 units in every direction (up, down, left, right) from the center to find points on the circle. Connecting these points will create the circle.
Applications
Understanding the equation of a circle has applications in various fields:
- Geometry: It's fundamental for understanding circles, their properties, and relationships with other geometric shapes.
- Physics: Circles are involved in various physical phenomena, such as circular motion, planetary orbits, and wave propagation.
- Computer graphics: Circles are used extensively in computer graphics, image processing, and game development.
Summary
The equation (x-3)^2 + (y+2)^2 = 16 describes a circle with a center at (3, -2) and a radius of 4 units. By understanding the standard form of a circle's equation, we can easily identify its key properties and apply them to various applications.