Understanding the Equation (x-3)^2 + (y+5)^2 = 16
The equation (x-3)^2 + (y+5)^2 = 16 represents a circle in the coordinate plane. Let's break down how to understand and interpret this equation.
The Standard Form of a Circle Equation
The general 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 the Given Equation
Comparing our equation, (x-3)^2 + (y+5)^2 = 16, with the standard form, we can identify the following:
- Center: (h, k) = (3, -5)
- Radius: r^2 = 16, therefore r = 4
Visualizing the Circle
Using this information, we can visualize the circle:
- Locate the center: Plot the point (3, -5) on the coordinate plane.
- Draw the radius: From the center, move 4 units in all directions (up, down, left, right) to mark points on the circle's circumference.
- Connect the points: Draw a smooth curve connecting the points to represent the circle.
Conclusion
The equation (x-3)^2 + (y+5)^2 = 16 describes a circle with a center at (3, -5) and a radius of 4 units. Understanding the standard form of the circle equation allows us to easily identify its key characteristics and visualize its position and size on the coordinate plane.