Maths IIT-JEE MC SIR

CIRCLE Necessary and Sufficient Condition for General

Equation of 2° to Represent a Circle
Basic Geometry with Circles
ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
1. Equal chords subtends equal angles at the
NOTE
centre and vice-versa.
The general equation of circle
2. Equal chords of a circle are equidistant from the x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 contains 3
centre and vice-versa. independent arbitrary constants g, f and c which
3. Angle subtended by an arc at the centre is double means that a unique circle passes through 3 non-
the angle subtended at any point on the remain- collinear points. Hence 3 points on a circle must
ing part of the circle. be given to determine the unique equation of the
circle.
4. Angles in the same segment of a circle are equal.
(a) Coefficient of x2 = coefficient of y2 (not
5. The sum of the opposite angles of a cyclic quad-
neccessarily unity) and
rilateral is 180° and vice-versa.
(b) Coefficient of xy = 0
7. The greater of the two chords in a circle is nearer
Nature of Circle
to the centre than lesser.
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
8. A chord drawn across the circular region divides
(i) If g2 + f 2 – c > 0  Real circle with
it in two parts each of which is called a seg-
finite radius
ment of the circle.
(ii) If g2 + f 2 – c = 0  Point circle
9. The tangents at the extremities of a chord of a (iii) If g2 + f 2 – c < 0  imaginary circle
circle are equal.
Examples
Definition of Circle
Q. Find the equation of the circle passing through
Circle is defined as a locus of a point ‘P’ which moves in the points (3, 4), (–3, – 4), (0, 5).
x-y plane in such a way such that its distance from the
Q. Find the equation of the circle having lines
fixed point in the same plane is always constant.
2x – 3y = 5 and 3x – 4y = 7 as its diameter/
Standard Form Normal/longest chord and whose area is
(x – a)2 + (y – b)2 = r2 154 sq. units.
a, b  centre
Q. Find the equation of the Circumcircle of 
r  radius
formed by the lines
General Equation of the Circle xy + 2x + 2y + 4 = 0 ; x + y + 2 = 0
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 Q. Find centre and radius of the circle
Centre (–g, –f) 2x2 + 2y2 – 6x + 8y – 5 = 0
 1 1  Q. Find equation of circle concentric with 3x2 + 3y2
i.e.,   coefficient of x ; – coefficient of y  – 5x – 6y – 14 = 0 and perimeter of its semicirlce
 2 2  is 36.
Radius  g 2  f 2  c Q. Find equation of the circle which passes through
(2, 3) and centre on the x-axis, radius being 5.
Examples
Q. Find the equation of the circle for which centre
Q. Find equation of circle whose radius is 3 and is on the line y = 2x and passing through (–1, 2)
centre is (–1, 2). and (3, – 2).
Q. Find equation of circle whose radius is 10 and
centre is (–5, –6). Q. Find the equation of circle whose centre is
(4, 3) and touches the line 5x – 12y – 10 = 0.
Q. If two chords of a circle intersect either inside or
outside the circle, the rectangle contained by the
parts one chord is equal in area to the rectangle
contained by the parts of the other.
Maths IIT-JEE MC SIR

Diametrical Form of Circle (i) If f 2 – c > 0

 circle cuts the y-axis at 2 distinct points
(x – x1)(x – x2) + (y – y1)(y – y2) = 0 2
(ii) If f = c
Where (x1, y1) & (x2, y2) are diametrical  circle toluches the y-axis.
opposite ends (iii) If f 2 < c
Example  circle lies completely either on right or
Q. Find the equation of the circle of least radius on left of y-axis.
passing through the points (2, 3), (3, 1). Examples
Q. Find equation of tangent to circle parallel to Q. Find the equation of the circle which touches the
tangent x + y = 5, center is (1, 2). +ve axis of y at a distance of 4 units from origin
Q. The abscissa of 2 points ‘A’ and ‘B’are the roots and cuts off an intercept of 6 units from the posi-
of the equation x2 + 2x – 3 = 0 and the ordinate tive axis.
are the roots of the equation y2 – 4y + 1 = 0. Q. Find the equation of the circle which touches the
Find the equation of circle with AB as diameter. coordinate axes and whose radius = 5.
Q. Find the equation of the circle which touches the Q. Find the equation of a circle through origin
lines x = 0, y = 0 and x = 4 ? cutting off intercept equals to unity on the lines
Q. Line y = mx + c cuts the curve y2 = 4ax at A and y2 – x2 = 0.
B. Find the equation of circle with AB as diam- Q. Find the equation of the locus of the centre of a
eter. circle which touches the positive y-axis and
Q. If line y = x + c and y2 = 8x intersect in A & B. having intercept on x-axis equals to 2l.
Circle with AB as diameter passes through Q. Find the equation of incircle and circumcircle
(0, 0) find c ? of the quadrilateral formed by the lines x = 0 &
Q. Find locus of point of intersection of y = 0, x = 16, y = 16.
x + 2y +  (x – 2y) = 0 and Q. Find  if length of intercept by line 3x – 4y +  =
(x + y – 2) +  (x – 2) = 0 0 on the circle x2 + y2 = 25 is of 8 unit.
if these lines are always perpendicular to each Q. Find the equation of circle whose centre is
other. (5, 0) and touches the circle x2 + y2 = 4.
INTERCEPT Q. Two rods whose lengths are 2a & 2b move along
Length of chord the rectangular axes (one on X-axis and other
Angle between Line & Circle on Y-axis) in such a way that their extremities
are always concyclic. Find the equation of the
p locus of the centre of the circle.
cos  =
r
X-Intercept
Position of A Point w.r.t. A Circle
2
|x1 – x2| = 2 g c
P(x1, y1)
(i) If g2 – c > 0
 circle cuts the x-axis at 2 distinct points.
(ii) If g2 – c = 0 r
 circle touches the x-axis.
O
(iii) If g2 < c (–g, –f)
 circle lies completely above or below the
x-axis. x2+y2+2gx+2fy+c=0
Y-Intercept
OP  r
|y1 – y2| = 2 f2 c
Maths IIT-JEE MC SIR
Position of A Point w.r.t. A Circle Line and A Circle
(i) If p > r
S1  Power of point  line is neither secant nor tangent ; passes outside
x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c > 0 the circle.
If S1 > 0  Point exterior of a circle (ii) If p = r  line is tangent to the circle.
If S1 = 0  Point on circle (iii) If p < r  line is a secant.
If S1 < 0  Point interior of circle. (iv) If p = 0 line is a diameter.
Greatest and least distance of a point A(x1, y1) II Method
Solve the line with the circle and if
(i) D>0  line is a Secant
(ii) D=0  line is a Tangent
A(x1, y1) C
(iii) D<0  line passes outside the
circle.
Examples
Q. For what value of ‘m’ the line 3x – my + 6 = 0 is
Maximum distance = |AC + r| and tangent to the circle x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y – 3 = 0
Minimum distance = |AC – r| Q. Find k if line 3x + 4y = k touches the circle x2 +
Examples y2 – 10x = 0
Q. If the join of (x1, y1) & (x2, y2) makes on obtuse Q. Find the equation of T = 0 to circle x2 + y2 = 4
angle at (x3, y3) then prove that and parallel to line x + 2y + 3 = 0
(x3 – x1)(x3 – x2) + (y3 – y1)(y3 – y2) < 0 Q. Find radius of circle whose tangents are
Q. S1 = x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y – 3 = 0 6x + 8y + 26 = 0 ; 3x + 4y – 17 = 0
S2 = x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y – 3 = 0 NOTE
point (1, 2) lies
(i) Number of tangents from external point to circle
(A) inside S1 = 0 and inside S2 = 0
is 2.
(B) outside S1 = 0 and outside S2 = 0
(ii) Number of tangents from interior point to circle
(C) inside S1 = 0 and outside S2 = 0
is 0.
(D) outside S1 = 0 and inside S2 = 0
(iii) If point is on periphery the number of tangent
Q. Find the minimum and maximum distance is 1.
between two points one lying on the circle
Parametric Equation of A Circle
x2 + y2 = 144 and other lying on (x – 15)2 +
(y – 20)2 = 1 x = x1 + r cos  and y = y1 + r sin 
x1, y1  fixed centre, r  fixed radius and
Q. Find minimum and maximum distance between
 [0, 2) is a parameter.
any point on circle x2 + y2 = 25 & point (6, 8).
NOTE : If  is eliminated we get Cartesian form of a
Lines and A Circle circle i.e., (x – x1)2 + (y – y1)2 = r2.
Let L = 0 be a line and S = 0 be a circle. If ‘r’ is the Example
radius of the circle and ‘p’ is the length of perpendicular
from the centre on the line, then Q. x2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 3 = 0 convert into paramet-
ric form.
P Q. If x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 4 = 0 find max/min value
Tangent
of 3x + 4y.
Secant
Q. Find circumcentre of ABC, where co-ordi-
Diameter nates of
C
  
A   2  cos ,3  sin  B (2 + cos , 3 + sin )
 3 3
 4 4 
C   2  cos ,3  sin 
 3 3 
Maths IIT-JEE MC SIR
Q. If A(cos , sin 1) ; B(cos , sin 2) ; Method - II
C(cos , sin 3) are the vertices of the ABC Example
then, Find
Q. Find point of tangency if equation of tangent
(i) centroid of ABC 3x + 4y = 50 to circle x2 + y2 – 6x – 8y = 0.
(ii) circumcentre of ABC Q. Find the equations of the tangents to the circle
(iii) orthocentre of ABC x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 4 = 0 which are.
Tangent (i) perpendicular to the line 3x – 4y + 7 = 0.
Tangent is the limiting case of the secant as the point (ii) parallel to the line 3x – 4y + 7 = 0
B  A. Q. Find the equation of the tangent to the circle
Normal x2 + y2 = 4 drawn from the point (2, 3).
Normal is a line perpendicular to the tangent passing Q. Find the equation of the tangent drawn to the
through the point of tangency. In case of circle normal circle x2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 3 = 0 from the point
always passes through centre. (7, 4) lying outside the circle. Also find the point
of contact.
Equation of the tangent drawn to the circle in the
various forms Q. Find shortest distance between line
3x + 4y = 25 and circle x2 + y2 – 6x + 8y = 0
Cartesian Form
Q. If equation of tangent line on circle x2 + y2 = 12
Tangent drawn to the circle
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 at its point (x1, y1) is is y = x + 2 then Find point of contact.
xx1 + yy1 + g(x + x1) + f(y + y1) + c = 0 Q. Tangent is drawn from the point P(4, 0) to the
Cartesian Form circle x2 + y2 = 8 touches it at the point A in the
If circle is x2 + y2 = a2 then equation of tangent 1st quadrant. Find the coordinates of another
is xx1 + yy1 = a2 point B on the circle such that AB = 4.

Example NOTE

Q. If equation of circle is x2 + y2 = 25. Point of intersection of the tangent drawn to the

Find equation of tangent at (3, 4). circle x2 + y2 = a2 at the point P() and Q() is
P() (a cos , a sin )
Parametric form Q() (a cos , a sin )
x1  r cos      
 a cos a sin
y1  r sin   2 2
h= ;k=
Equation of tangent is x cos  + y sin  = r    
cos cos
Slope form 2 2
x2 + y2 = a2 Example
Equation of the tangent is y = mx ± a 1  m 2 Q. Find the locus of the point of intersection of the
pair of tangents drawn to a circle
NOTE x2 + y2 = a2 at P() and Q(),
For a unique value of m there will be 2 tangent which are where | – | = 120°.
parallel to each other. NOTE
Point of Tangency Equation of a chord line joining two points 
Method - I and  on the x2 + y2 = a2 is

Step 1 Write equation of normal {  to T = 0 & pass-      

x cos + y sin = a cos
ing through (–g, –f)} 2 2 2
Step 2 Intersection of N = 0, T = 0 is coordinate of that
point.
Maths IIT-JEE MC SIR
Example Director Circle
Q. In a ABC the equation of line BC  x – y = 0, Locus of intersection of two mutually perpen-
O  (2, 3), H(5, 8). Find equation of circum- dicular tangents
circle. (x – )2 + (y – )2 = 2r2
Length of Tangent & Power of a point Examples
“Length of the tangent from an external point Q. Find the range of ‘a’ such that the angle ‘’
(x1, y1) to a given circle” between the pair of tangents drawn from the point
S = x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0

(a, 0) to the circle x2 + y2 = 4 satisfies <<.
L1 = x12  y12  2gx1  2fy1  c  S1 2
Example Chord in Terms of Mid Point
Q. Find length of tangent from (6, 8) to circle x2 + T = S1
y2 = 25
Examples
5 Important Deduction
Q. Find mid point of the chord
(i) Area of Quad PAOB = rL 2x – 5y + 18 = 0 of the circle
x2 + y2 – 6x + 2y – 54 = 0
rL3
(ii) Area of PAB = 2 Q. Locus of the middle point of the chords of the
r  L2
circles x2 + y2+2gx + 2fy + c = 0 which passes
2rL through a fixed point (a, b) lying outside the
(iii) Length of chord of contact AB = circle.
r 2  L2
(iv) Angle 2 between the pair of tangent Q. Find the equation to the locus of the middle point
of the chord of the circle
 2rL  x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 which subtends right
2 = tan–1  2 2  angle at a given point (a, b).
 L r 
(v) Equation of the circle circumscribing the Q. Tangents are drawn to a unit circle with centre
PAB. (x – x1)(x + g) + (y – y1)(y + f) = 0 at origin from every point on the line 2x + y = 4,
prove that
Example
(i) Chord of contact passes through a fixed point.
Q. Tangents PA & PB are drawn from P(4, 3) to (ii) Equation to the locus of the middle point of chord
circle x2 + y2 = a2, Find of contact.
(a) PA Q. Chord of contact of the tangent drawn from a
(b) Area of quadrilateral PAOB point on the circle x2 + y2 = a2 to the circle x2 +
(c) AB y2 = b2 touches the circle x2 + y2 = c2. Prove
(d) Area PAB that a, b, c are in G.P.
(e) APB
Q. If the chord of contact of tangent drawn from P
(f) equation of circumcircle of PAB
to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 subtends a right angle
Q. Find the length of the tangent from any point on at the centre, find the locus of P.
the circle x2 + y2 = 25 to the circle x2 + y2 = 16.
Q. Find the range of ‘p’ for which the power of a Pair of Tangents
point P(2, 5) is negative w.r.t. a circle x2 + y2 – SS1 = T2
8x – 12y + p = 0 and the circle neither touches where S  x2 + y2 – a2 ; S1  x12 + y12 – a2.
nor intersects the coordinates axis.
Examples
Q. Find the locus of a point the tangents from which Q. Show that the equation to the pair of tangents
to the circles 4x2 + 4y2 – 9 = 0 and 9x2 + 9y2 – drawn from the origin to the circle.
16 = 0 are in the ratio 3 : 4. x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is
(gx + fy)2 = c(x2 + y2)
Maths IIT-JEE MC SIR
Q. Tangents are drawn to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 Example
from two points on the axis of x, equidistant from Q. Find equation of circumcircle of  whose verti-
the point (, 0). Show that the locus of their ces are (1, 0), (2, 0), (3, 1).
intersection is y2 = a2( – x).
Type - 4 (Point Circle)
Family of Circles
Equation of family of circles touching a line at its
Type - 1 fixed point (x1, y1) is
Equation of the family of circles which passes (x – x1)2 + (y – y1)2 +  L = 0
through the points of intersection of two circles Examples
S1 = 0 and S2 = 0 is
Q. Find the equation of a circle which touches the
S1 +  S2 = 0 ;  – 1
line 2x – y = 4 at the point (1, –2) and passes
Q. Find the equation of a circle which passes through (3, 4).
through the point of intersection of Q. Find the equation of the circle which passes
S1 = 0 and S2 = 0 through the point (–1, 2) & touches the circle
S1  x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y – 3 = 0 x2+y2–8x + 6y = 0 at origin.
S2  x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y – 12 = 0
Q. Find equation of circle to when line 4x + 3y =
(i) Which passes through (0, 0).
10 is a common tangent at (1, 2) and radius of
(ii) Centre lies on x-axis or centre lies on y-axis.
each circle is 5.
Type - 2
Type - 5
Equation of the family of circles passes through
Equation of a circle passing through points of
the point of intersection of a circles S = 0 and a
intersection of lines l1, l2, l3 = 0 / equation of
line L = 0 is given by S + L = 0.
circumcircle of ABC where equation of sides
Modifying Type - 1 Using Type - 2 are given
S1 + (S2 – S1) = 0 l1l2 + l2l3 + l3l1 = 0
Examples NOTE
Q. Find the equation of a circle drawn on the chord To find  &  coefficient of x2 = coefficient of
x cos  + y sin  = p of the circle y2 & coefficient of xy = 0.
x2 + y2 = a2 as its diameter. Type - 6
Q. Show that the equation
Equation of a circle circumscribing a quadrilat-
x2 + y2 – 2x + y – 8 = 0 represents for differ-
eral whose sides in order are represented by the
ent values of , a system of circles passing through
line
two fixed points A and B on the X-axis, and
l1 = 0 ; l2 = 0 ; l3 = 0 ; l4 = 0 is given by
also find the equation of that circle of the system
l1l3 +  l2l4 = 0
the tangent to which at A and B meet on the line
x + 2y + 5 = 0. NOTE
Q. Find the equation of a circle which passes To find  coefficient of x2 = cosfficient of y2 &
through the point of contact of the tangents drawn coefficient of xy = 0.
from the origin to the circle Common Tangents
x2 + y2 – 11x + 13y + 17 = 0
Type - 3 1. Direct Common Tangent (DCT)
(External Common Tangent)
Equation of the family of circles passes through
2. Transverse Common Tangent (TCT)
two given points A(x1, y1) & B(x2, y2).
(Internal Common Tangent)
Equation of Circle Passing Through (x1, y1),
Direct Common Tangent
(x2, y2) in Diametrical Form
The centres of both the circles lie on the same
S + L = 0
side of the tangent line.
S (x – x1)(x – x2) + (y – y1)(y – y2) = 0
l line in 2 point form
Maths IIT-JEE MC SIR
Transverse Common Tangent Radical Axis
Radical axis of 2 circles is the locus of a point whose
The centres of both the circles lie on the opposite side of powers w.r.t. the two circles are equal.
the tangent line.
The equation of radical axis of two circles
Length of DCT/TCT S1 = 0 and S2 = 0 is given by
S1 – S2 = 0
Lext = d 2  (r1  r2 ) 2 Note That
d 2  (r1  r2 ) 2 (a) If two circles intersect, then the radical axis is
Lint =
the common chord of the two circles.
Equation of DCT/TCT (b) If two circles touch each other then the radical
Position of Circles axis is the common tangent of the two circles at
(And Number of Common Tangents) the common point of contact.
(c) Radical axis is always perpendicular to the line
1. If 2 circles are separated, then d > r1 + r2 joining the centres of the two circles.
(d) Radical axis need not always pass through the
mid point of the line joining the centres of the
two circles.
(e) Radical axis bisects a common tangent between
the two circles.
(f) If one circle is contained in another circle when
2. If 2 circles touch externally then d = r1 + r2 radical axis passes outside to both the circles.
Examples
Q. Show that the equation of a straight line meeting
the circle x2 + y2 = a2 in 2 points at equal
distance ‘d’ from the point (x1 , y1) on its
circumference is
3. If 2 circles touches internally then d = |r1 – r2| d2
xx1 + yy1 – a2 + =0
one common tangent (1 D.C.T.). 2
4. If 2 circles intersect each otehr then |r2 – r1| < d Q. Prove that the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0
< r1 – r2 . will bisect circumference of the circle x2 + y2 +
2 common tangent (2 D.C.T) 2g'x + 2f 'y + c' = 0
if 2g'(g – g') + 2f '(f – f ') = c – c'.
5. If d < |r1 – r2| no tangent.
Q. Tangent are drawn to the circle
Example
x2 + y2 = 12 at the points where it is met by the
Q. Find the range of ‘r’ so that the circles : circle x2 + y2 – 5x + 3y – 2 = 0.
(x – 1)2 + (y – 3)2 = r2 and Find the point of intersection of the tangent.
(x – 4)2 + (y – 1)2 = 9
Q. Find the equation of a circle which bisects the
intersects at 2 distinct points.
circumferences of the circles
Q. Find common tangent to the circles x2 + y2 = 1, x2 + y2 + 2x = 3 and
x2 + y2 = 1 and (x – 1)2 + (y – 3)2 = 4 x2 + y2 + 2y = 3.
Q. Find the equation of the circles to which the line Q. Find the locus of the centre of circles which
4x + 3y = 10 is a common tangent at (1, 2) and bisect the circumference of the circles
radius of each of the circle is 5. x2 + y2 = 4 and x2 + y2 – 2x + 6y + 1 = 0.
Q. Find the equation of the circle which bisects the
circumference of the circle x2 + y2 + 2y – 3 = 0
and touches the line x – y = 0 at origin.
Maths IIT-JEE
Radical Centre
Point of intersection of the radical axis of 3 circles taken
2 at a time is called the Radical Centre.
NOTE
Radical axis taken 2 at a time will be concurred
at a point
Radical centre of three circles described on sides
of a  as diameter is orthocenter of the .
MC SIR
Q. Prove that locus of the centre of a variable circle
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 which cuts the
2 gives circles x2 + y2 + 2g1x + 2f1y = 0 and
x2 + y2 + 2g2 + 2f2y + c = 0 orthogonally is the
radical axis of 2 given circles.
Q. If the circles, S1 : x2 + y2 + 2x + 2ky + 6 = 0
and S2 = x2 + y2 + 2kx + k = 0 intersects
orthogonally then find k.

Q. Lines lx + my + n = 0 ; px + qy + r = 0 intersects
the circle
x2 + y2 + 2g1x + 2f1y + c1 = 0 and x2 + y2 +
2g2x + 2f2y + c2 = 0 at 4 points A and B ; C and
D respectively. If these points are concyclic then
prove that
2(g1  g 2 ) 2(f1  f 2 ) c1  c2
l m n =0
p q r

Coaxial System of Circles

Definition : A system of circles, every 2 of which
have the same radical axis, is called Coaxial
system of circles.
Example
Q. Find the equation of the circle passes through
(1, 1) belonging to the system of coaxial circles
which touches x2 + y2 = 8 at (2, 2).
Q. From a point P tangents drawn to the circles
x2 + y2 + x – 3 = 0 ; 3x2 + 3y2 – 5x + 3y = 0
and 4x2 + 4y2 + 8x + 7y + 9 = 0 are of equal
length. Find the equation of the circle passes
through P and which touches the line x + y = 5
at (6, – 1).
Orthogonality of Two Circles
Two curves are said to be orthogonal if angle
between them is 90° at point of intersection.
Angle Between Two Curve
NOTE
Line is tangent to itself
Condition for Orthogonality of 2 Circles
2g1 g2 + 2f1 f2 = c1 + c2
Examples
Q. The circle x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y + 1 = 0 & line x =
0, y = 0 orthogonally. Find the equation of circle.