Understanding the Equation: (x-6)^2 + (y-3)^2 = 25
The equation (x-6)^2 + (y-3)^2 = 25 represents a circle in the Cartesian coordinate system. Let's break down why this is the case and how to interpret the equation.
The Standard Form of a Circle Equation
The general standard form for the equation of 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
Analyzing our Equation
Comparing our equation (x-6)^2 + (y-3)^2 = 25 to the standard form, we can identify the following:
- Center: (h, k) = (6, 3)
- Radius: r^2 = 25, so r = 5
Graphing the Circle
Now that we know the center and radius, we can easily graph the circle:
- Plot the center: Mark the point (6, 3) on the coordinate plane.
- Draw the circle: With the center as the starting point, use the radius (5 units) to draw a circle that passes through points 5 units away in all directions.
Key Takeaways
- The equation (x-6)^2 + (y-3)^2 = 25 describes a circle with a center at (6, 3) and a radius of 5.
- Understanding the standard form of a circle equation allows us to quickly identify the center and radius, making graphing and analyzing the circle simpler.
- This equation represents an infinite set of points that are all equidistant (5 units) from the center point.