Circles

JEE-MAIN + ADVANCED
MATHEMATICS

CIRCLES & SYSTEM OF CIRCLES

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::: C on t en t s :::
S.NO. TOPIC NAME PAGE NO.
1. Equation of the circle in various forms ...................................................... 41
1.1. Diametric form ............................................................................................ 41
1.2. Equation of a circle under different conditions .................................. 41
1.3. Parametric equation of a circle ............................................................... 41
1.4. Intercepts made on axes ........................................................................... 42
1.5. The position of a point with respect to a circle .................................. 42
Practice Problems - 01 .............................................. 43
2. 2.1. Tangents: ..................................................................................................... 46
2.2. Equation of tangent in slope form: ......................................................... 46
2.3. Equation of tangents in parametric form: ............................................ 46
2.4. Length of a tangent and power of a point: ........................................... 46
2.5. Director circle: .......................................................................................... 46
2.6. Equation of pair of tangent ..................................................................... 47
2.7. Perpendicular from the centre on the line then ........................... 47
Practice Problems - 02 .............................................. 48
3. 3.1. Chord of contact : ...................................................................................... 51
3.2. Equation of the chord with a given middle point ................................. 51
3.3. The condition that two circles should intersect .............................. 52
3.4. External and Internal Contacts of Circles : ........................................ 52
3.5. Common tangents to two circles .............................................................. 53
3.6. Length of an external (or direct) common tangent &
internal (or transverse) common tangent ...................................................... 53
Practice Problems - 03 .............................................. 55
4. 4.1. Normals ....................................................................................................... 58
4.2. Radical Axis ............................................................................................... 58
4.3. The radical axes of three circles, taken in pairs, are concurrent .. 59
4.4. Family of circles ...................................................................................... 59
4.5. Orthogonal circles ................................................................................... 61
Practice Problems - 04 .............................................. 63
5. Answer Sheet ......................................................... 67

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Definition
A circle is the locus of a point which moves in such a way that its distance from a fixed point is constant.
The fixed point is called the centre of the circle and the constant distance, the radius of the circle.

1. Equation of the circle in various forms:

The simplest equation of the circle is x2 + y2 = r2 whose centre is (0, 0) and radius r.
The equation (x a)2 + (y b)2 = r2 represents a circle with centre (a, b) and radius r.
The equation x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is the general equation of a circle with centre ( g, f) and radius
g2 + f 2 - c .
1.1 Diametric form

Equation of the circle with points P(x 1 , y1) and Q(x 2, y2) as extremities of a diameter is
(x x1) (x x2) + (y y1) (y y2) = 0.
1.2 Equation of a circle under different conditions :
CONDITION EQUATION

( x ± a ) + ( y ± a)
2 2
(i) Touches both the axes with radius a = a2
(ii) Touches x-axis only with centre (a, a) (x a)2 + (y a)2 = a2
(iii) Touches y-axis only with centre (a, b) (x a)2 + (y b)2 = a2
1.3 Parametric equation of a circle :
The equation x = a cosq, y = a sinq are called parametric equations of the circle x2 + y2 = a2 and q is
called a parameter. the point (a cosq, asinq) is also referred to as point q. The parametric coordinates
of any point on the circle (x h)2 + (y k)2 = a2 are given by (h + a cosq, k + a sinq) with 0 £ q < 2p.
Remarks :
(i) Since there are three independent constants g, f, c in the general equation of a circle.
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 a circle can be found to satisfy three independent geometrical
conditions and no more. For example, when three points on a circle or three tangents to a
circle or two tangents to a circle and a point on it are given, the circle can be determined.
(ii) To find the condition for the general equation of the second degree
ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 to represent the circle, viz.,
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 we see that there is no term in xy and that the coefficient of x2 is
the same as that of y2 i.e., the coefficient of xy = 0 and coefficient of x2 = coefficient of y2.
(iii) If an initial line through the centre is assumed, and its point of intersection with the circle is
taken as the starting point, then t measures the angle made by the radius vector of any
point with the initial line. Thus two diametrically opposite points can be taken as
(a + a cos t, b + a sin t) and (a + cos (t + p), b + a sin (t + p)).

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1.4 Intercepts made on axes:
Solving the circle x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 with y = 0 we get, x2 + 2gx + c = 0. If discriminant
4(g2 c) is positive, i.e., if g2 > c, the circle will meet the x-axis at two distinct points, say (x1, 0) and
(x2, 0) where x 1 + x 2 = 2g and x 1x2 = c. The intercept made on x-axis by the

circle = |x1 x2| = 2 g 2 - c .

In the similar manner if f 2 > c, intercept made on y-axis = 2 f 2 - c .

Remarks :
= If g2 - c > 0 Þ circle cuts x axis at two distinct points.
= If g2 = c Þ circle touches the x-axis
= If g2 < c Þ circle lies completely above or below the x-axis.
= Similar is the case for intercepts on y-axis.
Illustration 1:
Find the equation of the circle whose diameter is the line joining the points ( 4, 3) and
(12, 1). Find the intercept made by it on the y-axis
Solution :
The equation of the required circle is (x + 4)(x 12) + (y 3)(y + 1) = 0
On the y-axis, x = 0
Þ 48 + y2 2y 3 = 0 Þ y2 2y 51 = 0
Þ y=1± 52
Hence the intercept on the y-axis = 2 52 = 4 13
Illustration 2:
A circle has radius equal to 3 units and its centre lies on the line y = x 1. Find the equation of the circle
if it passes through (7, 3).
Solution :
Let the centre of the circle be (a, b).
It lies on the line y = x 1
Þ b = a 1. Hence the centre is (a, a 1).
Þ The equation of the circle is (x a)2 + (y a + 1)2 = 9
It passes through (7, 3) Þ (7 a)2 + (4 a)2 = 9
Þ a2 11a + 28 = 0 Þ (a 4) (a 7) = 0 Þ a = 4, 7.
Hence the required equation are x + y 8x 6y + 16 = 0 and x2 + y2 14x 12y + 76 = 0
2 2

1.5 The position of a point with respect to a circle :

= The point P(x1, y1) lies outside, on, or inside a circle S º x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0,
according as S1 º x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c > = or < 0.
= The greatest & the least distance of a point A from a circle with centre C & radius r is
AC + r & AC - r respectively.

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Single answer choice type

Q.1 Equation of the circle with radius 3 and centre as the point of intersection of the lines
2x + 3y =5, 2x y =1 is
(A) x2 + y2 = 9 (B) x2+y2 2x 2y 7=0
(C) x2+y2 2x 2y+7=0 (D) x2 + y2 + 9 = 0
Q.2 Equation of the circle concentric with the circle x2 y2 6x + 12y + 15 = 0 and of double its area is
(A) x2 + y2 6x + 12y 15 = 0 (B) x2 + y2 6x + 12y 30 = 0
(C) x2 + y2 6x + 12y 25 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 6x + 12y 20 = 0
Q.3 Equation of the circle of radius 3 that lies in 4 th quadrant and touching the lines
x = 0, y = 0 is
(A) x2 + y2 6x + 6y + 9 = 0 (B) x2 + y2 6x 6y + 9 = 0
(C) x2 + y2 + 6x 6y + 9 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 + 6x + 6y + 9 = 0
Q.4 If A1, A2, A3 be the areas of circles x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y 19 = 0, x2 + y2 = 9,
x2 + y2 4x 6y 12 = 0 respectively then
(A) A1 > A2 > A3 (B) A2 > A3 > A1 (C) A1 > A3 > A2 (D) A2 > A1 > A3
Q.5 The abscissae of two points A and B are the roots of the equation x2 + 2ax b2 = 0 and their ordinates
are the roots of the equation y2+2py q2=0 then the radius of the circle with AB as diameter is

(A) a2 + b2 + p2 + q 2 (B) a 2 + p2 (C) b2 + q 2 (D) a 2 + b 2 - p2 - q 2

Q.6 A square is inscribed in the circle x2 + y2 4x + 6y 5 = 0 whose sides are parallel to co-ordinate
axes then vertices of square are
(A) (5, 0), (5, 6), ( 1, 0), ( 1, 6) (B) (5, 1), (5, 6), ( 1, 1), (-1, 6)
(C) (5, 1), (5, 6), ( 1, 0), (1, 6) (D) (0, 5), ( 6, 5), (0, 1), (6, 1)
Q.7 If the two circles x 2 + y2 + 2 gx + c = 0 and x 2 + y 2 - 2 fy - c = 0 have equal radius then locus of (g, f)
is
(A) x2 + y2 = c2 (B) x2 y2 = 2c (C) x y2 = c2 (D) x2 + y2 = 2c2
Q.8 If the circles described on the line joining the points (0, 1) and (a,b ) as diameter cuts the X-axis in
points whose abscissae are roots of equation x2 5x+3 = 0 then (a,b ) =
(A) (5, 3) (B) (3, 5) (C) ( 5, 3) (D) ( 5, 3)
Q.9 A line is at a distance 'c' from origin and meets axes in A and B. The locus of the centre of the circle
passing through O, A, B is
(A) x 2 + y 2 = c 2 (B) x 2 + y 2 = 2c 2 (C) x 2 + y 2 = 3c 2 (D) x 2 + y 2 = 4c 2
Q.10 A right angled isosceles triangle is inscribed in the circle x2 + y2 4x 2y 4 = 0 then length of the side
of the triangle is
(A) 2 (B) 2 2 (C) 3 2 (D) 4 2

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Q.11 The area bounded by circles x2 + y2 = r2, r = 1, 2 and rays given by 2x2 3xy 2y2=0, (y > 0) is
3p p p
(A) p (B) (C) (D)
4 2 4
Q.12 If d1&d2 are the longest and shortest distances of ( 7, 2) from any point (a ,b) on the curve whose
equation is x2+y2 10x 14y = 51 then G.M of d1 & d2is
(A) 11 (B) 7 (C) 2 (D) 2 11
Q.13 Two rods of lengths a and b slide along coordinate axes such that their ends are concyclic. Locus of
the centre of the circle is
(A) 4( x 2 + y 2 ) = a 2 + b 2 (B) 4( x 2 + y 2 ) = a 2 - b 2
(C) 4( x 2 - y 2 ) = a 2 - b 2 (D) xy = ab
Q.14 A circle of radius r passes through the origin and meets the axes at A and B. The locus of the centroid
of DOAB is
(A) x2 + y2 = 4r2 (B) x2 + y2 = 3r2 (C) 3(x2 + y2) = r2 (D) 9(x2 + y2) = 4r2
One or more than one type
Q.15 Let L1 be a straight line passing through the origin and L2 be the straight line x + y = 1. If the intercepts
made by the circle x2 + y2 x + 3y = 0 on L1 and L2 are equal, then which of the following equations
can represent L1?
(A) x + y = 0 (B) x y = 0 (C) 7y + x = 0 (D) x 7y = 0
Q.16 A(3, 0), B(0, 4) and C(0, 0) be the vertices of a triangle. If r is the radius of incircle and r1, r2, r3 be radii
of the excircles touching sides BC, AC and AB respectively, then
(A) r = 1 (B) r1 < r2 < r3 (C) r2 < r1 < r3 (D) r1 < r3 < r2
Q.17 The point (l, l + 1) will be outside the circle x2 + y2 2x + 4y = 0 for l =
(A) 1 (B) 3 (C) 7 (D) 2

Q.18 The number of rational points on the circle x 2 + (y - 3) 2 = 4 must be [Rational points are points
whose both co-ordinates are rational]
(A) 6 (B) less than 4 (C) two (D) more than 4
Linked comprehension type
Passage - 1
If one of the diameters of the circle circumscribing the rectangle ABCD is x 4y + 7 = 0 and two
vertices of the rectangle ABCD are the points A(-3, 4) and B(5, 4) respectively, then
Q.19 The centre of the circle is
(A) (1, 1) (B) (2, 2) (C) (1, 2) (D) (2, 1)
Q.20 The equation of the circle is
(A) x2 + y2 2x 4y 15 = 0 (B) x2 + y2 + 2x 4y 16 = 0
(C) x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y 4 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 2x + 4y 16 = 0
Q.21 If (a, 0) lies inside the circumscribed circle, then a possible value of a is
(A) 3 (B) 3 (C) 5 (D) 5

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Passage - 2
The abscissa of two points A and B are the roots of the equation x2 + 2x a2 = 0 and the ordinates are
the roots of the equation x2 + 4x b2 = 0
Q.22 The co-ordinates of centre of the circle having AB as diameter is
(A) ( 1, 2) (B) (1, 2) (C) ( 1, 2) (D) (1, 2)
Q.23 The length of radius of the circle having AB as diameter is
(A) a2 + b 2 (B) a2 + b 2 + 5 (C) a2 + b2 - 5 (D) a 2 - b2 + 5
Q.24 The equation of circle having AB as diameter is
(A) x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y = a2 + b2 (B) x2 + y2 + x + 2y = a2 + b2
(C) x2 + y2 + 2x + y = a2 + b2 (D) x2 + y2 2x 4y = a2 + b2
Matrix match type
Q.25 Let x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 be an equation of circle
COLUMN - I COLUMN - II
A) If circle lie in first quadrant, then P) g < 0
B) If circle lie above x - axis, then Q) g > 0
C) If circle lie on the left of y axis, then R) g2 c < 0
D) If circle touches positive x-axis S) c > 0
and does not intersect y-axis, then
Integer type
Q.26 The difference between the radii of the largest and the smallest circles which have their centres on
circumference of x2 + y2 + 4x + 2y = 4 and passing through (a,b) lying outside the given circle is

Q.27 Radius of the circle that can be drawn to pass through the points (0,7) (0,6) and touching the x axis is K
14 K
then is
13

é 2b + 3d ù
Q.28 For the circle ax 2 + y 2 + bx + dy + 2 = 0 centre is (1,2) then value of ê =
ë 5 úû
(where [.] is the G.I.F)
Q.29 The longest distance from ( 3, 2) to the circle x2 + y2 2x + 2y + 1 = 0 is
æ 1ö
Q.30 If çè mi , m ÷ø , i = 1,2,3,4 are concyclic points then the value of m1m2m3m4 is
i

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2.1 Tangents:
A tangent to a curve at a point is defined as the limiting positions of a secant obtained by joining the
given point to another point in the vicinity on the curve as the second point tends to the first point along
the curve or as the limiting position of a secant obtained by joining two points on the curve in the vicinity
of the given point as both the points tend to the given point.
Two tangents, real or imaginary, can be drawn to a circle from a point in the plane. The tangents are real
and distinct if the point is outside the circle, real and coincident if the point is on the circle, and imaginary
if the point is inside the circle.
Equations of tangents:

If S = 0 be a curve than S1 = 0 indicate the equation which is obtained by substituting x = x 1 and

y = y1 in the equation of the given curve, and T = 0 is the equation which is obtained by substituting
x2 = xx 1, y2 = yy1, 2xy = xy1 + yx1, 2x = x + x 1, 2y = y + y1 in the equation S = 0.
If S º x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 then S1 º x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c, and
T º xx1 + yy1 + g (x + x1) + f (y + y1) + c
= Equation of the tangent to x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 at A(x1, y1)
is xx1 + yy1 + g(x + x1) + f (y + y1) + c = 0.
= In particular, equations of the tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 at (x1, y1) is xx1 + yy1 = a2
2.2 Equation of tangent in slope form:
The condition that the straight line y = mx + c is a tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 is c2 = a2 (1 + m2)
and the point of contact is ( a2m/c, a2/c) i.e. y = mx ± a 1+ m 2 is always a tangent to the circle
x2 + y2 = a2 whatever be the value of m.
2.3 Equation of tangents in parametric form:
Since parametric co-ordinates of circle x 2 + y2 = a2 is (a cos q, a sin q), then equation of tangent at
(a cos q, a sin q) is
x.a cos q + y. a sin q = a2 or x cos q + y sin q = a
2.4 Length of a tangent and power of a point:

The length of a tangent from an external point (x1, y1 ) to the circle S º x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0 is

given by L = x1 + y1 + 2 gx1 + 2 f1 y + c = S1 . Square of length of the tangent from the point

2 2

P is also called the Power Of Point w.r.t. a circle.

Note that : Power of a point P is positive, negative or zero according as the point P is outside,
inside or on the circle respectively.
2.5 Director circle:
The locus of the point of intersection of perpendicular tangents is called director circle.

If ( x - a) 2 + ( y - b) 2 = r2 is the equation of a circle then its director circle is

(x - a) 2 + ( y - b) 2 = 2r2 .

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2.6 Equation of pair of tangent

The joint equation of a pair of tangents drawn from the point A(x 1, y1) to the circle,
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is T2 = SS1.
2.7 Perpendicular from the centre on the line then
= p>rÛ the line does not meet the circle
= p=rÛ the line touches the circle
= 0 < p < r Û the line is a secant of the circle

= p=0Û the line is a diameter of the circle

Illustration 3 :
Find the pair of tangents from A (5, 10) to the circle x2 + y2 + 4x 2y 8 = 0 and the corresponding
points of contact.
Solution:

The circle is : (x + 2)2 + (y 1)2 = 13 ; the centre C is ( 2, 1) and the radius is 13 .

Let y = mx + b be a tangent ; then, since it passes through A,
b = 10 5m .......(1)
If p is the length of the perpendicular from C to the tangent, then p = r = 13 . But, the equation of the
tangent being written as mx y + b = 0, p is given by
- 2m - 1 + b
p=± .......(2)
(1 + m 2 )

9 - 7m
or, by means of (1) p = ± .
(1 + m 2 )
Hence, m is given by (9 7m)2 = 13(1 + m2) or 18m2 63m + 34 = 0
or (3m 2)(6m 17) = 0
The gradients are 2/3 and 17/6; the tangents are

2 17
y 10 = (x 5) and y 10 = (x 5)
3 6
or 2x 3y + 20 = 0 and 17x 6y 25 = 0. ........(3)

3 6
The corresponding normals are y 1 = (x + 2) and y 1 = (x + 2)
2 17
or 3x + 2y + 4 = 0 and 6x + 17y 5 = 0.
The coordinates of the point of contact of the first tangent in (3) are obtained by solving
2x 3y + 20 = 0 and 3x + 2y + 4 = 0;
the coordinates are ( 4, 4).
Similarly, the point of contact of the second tangent is (7/5, 1/5)

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PRACTICE PROBLEMS 2
Single answer choice type
Q.1 If the lines x 2 y 3 0 , 3x ky 7 0 cut the coordinate axes in concyclic points, then k =
(A) 3/2 (B) 1/2 (C) 3/2 (D) 4
Q.2 The locus of the point from which the length of the tangent to the circle x 2 y2 2x 4 y 4 0 is 3
units is
(A) x 2 + y 2 - 2 x - 4 y - 9 = 0 (B) x 2 + y 2 - 2 x - 4 y - 4 = 0
(C) x 2 + y 2 - 2 x - 4 y - 3 = 0 (D) x 2 + y 2 - 2 x - 4 y - 5 = 0

Q.3 The equation of the tangent to the circle x 2 y2 4x 4y 2 0 at (1,1) is

(A) x - 3 y + 2 = 0 (B) x + 3 y - 2 = 0 (C) 3 x + y - 1 = 0 (D) x + 3 y = 4
Q.4 The line 4 y - 3x + l = 0 touches the circle x + y - 4 x - 8 y - 5 = 0 then l =
2 2

(A) 29 (B) 10 (C) 35 (D) 35

Q.5 Equation of the tangent to the circle x 2 + y 2 = 3 , which is inclined at 600 with x-axis is
(A) y = 3 x + 2 3 (B) y 3 = x + 2 3 (C) y = - x 3 + 4 3 (D) y = - 3 x - 2 3
Q.6 Equation of the tangent to the circle x 2 + y 2 - 2 x + 4 y - 4 = 0 which is parallel to the line
3x + 4 y - 1 = 0 is
(A) 3x + 4y = 5 (B) 3x + 4y = 15 (C) 3x + 4y = 10 (D) 3x 4y = 10
Q.7 Slopes of tangents through (7, 1) to the circle x2 + y2 = 25 satisfy the equation
(A) 12m2+7m+12=0 (B) 12m2 7m+12=0 (C) 12m2+7m 12=0 (D) 12m2 7m 12=0
Q.8 Locus of the point of intersection of tangents to the circle x2+y2+2x+4y 1=0 which include an angle of
600 is
(A) x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y 19 = 0 (B) x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y + 19 = 0
(C) x2 + y2 2x 4y 19 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 2x 4y + 19 = 0
Q.9 Locus of point of intersection of perpendicular tangents to the circle x2+y2 4x 6y 1=0 is
(A) x2 + y2 4x 6y 15 = 0 (B) x2 + y2 4x 6y + 15 = 0
(C) x2 + y2 4x 3y 15 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y 15 = 0
Q.10 Locus of the point of intersection of perpendicular tangents drawn one to each of the circles
x2 + y2 = 8 and x2 + y2 = 12 is
(A) x2 + y2 = 4 (B) x2 + y2 = 20 (C) x2 + y2 = 208 (D) x2 + y2 = 16
Q.11 The equation of the circle with centre at (4, 3) and touching the line 5x 12y 10 = 0 is
(A) x2 + y2 4x 6y + 4 = 0 (B) x2 + y2 + 6x 8y + 16 = 0
(C) x2 + y2 8x 6y + 21 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 24x 10y + 144 = 0
Q.12 If 3x + y = 0 is a tangent to the circle with centre at the point (2, 1), then the equation of the other
tangent to the circle from the origin is
(A) x 3y = 0 (B) x + 3y = 0 (C) 3x y = 0 (D) 2x + y = 0

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Q.13 The equation of the tangent to the circle x2 + y2 + 4x 4y + 4 = 0 which makes equal intercepts on the
positive co-ordinate axes is

(A) x + y = 2 (B) x + y = 2 2 (C) x + y = 4 (D) x + y = 8

Q.14 The lengths of the tangents from any point on the circle 15x2 + 15y2 48x +64y = 0 to the two circles
5x2 +5y2 24 x + 32y +75 = 0, 5x2 + 5y2 48x + 64y + 300 = 0 are in the ratio
(A) 1 : 2 (B) 2 : 3 (C) 3 : 4 (D) 2 : 1
Q.15 The locus of the mid-point of the portion intercepted between the axes by the line
x cos a + y sin a = p (where p is constant) is

1 1 4 2 2 4 1 1 2
(A) x2 + y2 = 4p2 (B) 2
+ 2= 2 (C) x + y = (D) + 2= 2
x y p p2 x 2
y p
Q.16 A point on the line x = 3 from which the tangents drawn to the circle x2 + y2 = 8 are at right angles is,

(A) (3, - 7 ) (B) ( 3, 23 ) (C) ( 3,7 ) (

(D) 3, - 23 )
Q.17 The equation of locus of the points of intersection of the tangents to the circle
x = r cos a , y = r sin a at points whose parametric angles differ by p / 3 , is

2 2 4r 2 2 2 r2
(A) x2 + y2 = r2 (B) x + y = (C) x2 + y2 = 2r2 (D) x + y =
3 3
Q.18 The pair of tangents from (2, 1) to the circle x2 + y2 = 4 is
(A) 3 x 2 + 4 xy + 16 x + 8 y + 20 = 0 (B) 3 x 2 + 4 xy + 16 x - 8 y + 20 = 0
(C) 3 x 2 + 4 xy - 16 x - 8 y + 20 = 0 (D) 3 x 2 - 4 xy - 16 x + 8 y - 20 = 0
One or more than one type
Q.19 Let x 2 + y2 + 4x 1 = 0 be a circle and P(l, l + 1) be a point then
(A) P lies out side the circle if l > 0
(B) Length of tangent from P to the circle is least when l = 0
(C) Length of the tangent from P to the circle is least when l = -3
(D) P lies inside of the circle if l > -3
Q.20 The centre of the circles passing through origin and touching the lines 3x+4y 3 = 0, 5x +12y+1 = 0
(A) must lie in the acute angle formed by the two given lines
(B) must lie in the obtuse angle formed by the two given lines
(C) must lie on angular bisector of the given lines

æ 1 ö
(D) must be (1, 0) and ç + , 0 ÷
è 5 ø
Q.21 The equation of the tangents drawn from the origin to the circle x2 + y2 2rx 2by + b2 = 0 are
(A) y = 0 (B) x = 0
(C) (b2 r2)x 2rby = 0 (D) (b2 r2)x + 2rby = 0

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Q.22 If tangents are drawn from origin to the circle x2 + y2 2x 4y + 4 = 0, then

3 -1 4
(A) slope of one of tangents is (B) angle between tangents is tan
4 3

-1 3
(C) angle between tangents is tan (D) slope of one of the tangent is not defined
4

Q.23 The range of values of a such that the angle q between the pair of tangents drawn from (a, 0) to the
p
circle x2 + y2 = 1 satisfies < q < p, lies in
2

(A) (1, 2) (B) (1, 2 ) (C) ( - 2, - 1) (D) (2,4)

Q.24 A point P( 3,1) moves on the circle x2 + y2 = 4 and after covering a quarter of the circle leaves it
tangentially. the equation of a line along with the point moves after leaving the circle is

(A) y = 3x + 4 (B) 3y = x + 4 (C) 3y = x - 4 (D) y = 3x - 4

Q.25 The equation of a circle C1 is x2 + y2 = 4. The locus of the intersection of orthogonal tangents to the
circle is the curve C2 and the locus of the intersection of perpendicular tangents to the curve C2 is the
curve C3. Then
(A) C3 is a circle

(B) the area enlclosed by the curve C2 is 8p sq.units

(C) C2 and C3 are circles with the same centre

(D) Area enclosed by curve C3 is 16p sq.units
Linked comprehension type
Passage - 1

Consider the relation 3l2 6l 1 + 6m2 = 0 where l , m Î R then the line lx + my + 1 = 0 touches a
fixed circle.
Q.26 Centre of the circle

(A) ( 3, 0) (B) ( -3, 0 ) (C) ( 0,3) (D) ( 0, -3 )

Q.27 Radius of the circle

(A) 6 (B) 3 (C) 5 (D) 2

Q.28 Number of tangent which can be drawn from the point ( 2,1) is / are

(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) None of these

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0
 Circles
Matrix match type
Q.29 Let C1 and C2 be two circles whose equations are x2 + y2 2x = 0 and x2 + y2 + 2x = 0 and P (l , l ) is
a variable point.
COLUMN - I COLUMN - II
A) P lies inside C1 but outside C2 p) l Î ( -¥, -1) È ( 0, ¥)
B) P lies inside C2 but outside C1 q) l Î ( -¥, -1) È (1, ¥ )
C) P lies outside C1 but outside C2 r) l Î ( -1,0)
D) P does not lie inside C2 s) l Î ( 0,1)
Integer type
Q.30 If a circle passes through the points of intersection of the axes with the lines lx y + 1 = 0 and
k
x 2y+3= 0, l > 0 and radius of the circle is then value of (k + l) is : (k and l are co-prime
l 2
Q.31 If the shortest distance between the circle 16x2 + 16y2 + 48x 8y 43 = 0 and the line 8x 4y + 73 = 0
is 2 k then k is
Q.32 A circle passes through a point (2,8) and touches the lines 4x 3y 24 = 0 and 4x + 3y + 42 = 0 and
centre lies on the line x = l then ( - 4l ) is
Q.33 If P(1, 1) is an interior point of a circle x2 + y2 4x 4y k = 0 which neither touches nor intersects
the axes, then number of integral values of k is
Q.34 The tangents drawn from origin to the circle x2 + y2 2ax 2b y + a2 = 0 are perpendicular
then a2 b2 is
Q.35 The locus of the centre of the circle touching the line 2x y = 1 at (1,1) is ax + by + c = 0 then
(a + b + c) is

3.1 Chord of contact :

If two tangents PT 1 & PT 2 are drawn from an outside point P(x 1, y 1 ) to the circle
S º x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0 , then the equation of the chord of contact T1 T2 is :

xx1 + yy1 + g( x + x1 ) + f ( y + y1 ) + c = 0 .
3.2 Equation of the chord with a given middle point

The equation of the chord of the circle S º x 2 + y 2 + 2 gx + 2 fy + c = 0 in terms of its mid point
x1 + g
M ( x1 , y1 ) is y - y1 = - ( x - x1 ) .This on simplication can be put in the form
y1 + f

xx1 + yy1 + g ( x + x 1 ) + f ( y + y1 ) + c = x 12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c which is designated by T = S1.

Note That
= the shortest chord of a circle passing through a point M inside the circle, is one chord whose middle
point is M.
= the chord passing through a point M inside the circle and which is at a maximum distance from the
centre is a chord with middle point M.
51
 Circles

Remember :
= Chord of contact exists only if the point P is outside the circle
2 LR
= Length of chord of contact T1 T2= .
R 2 + L2

RL3
= Area of the triangle formed by the pair of tangents and its chord of contact = where
R 2 + L2
R is radius of the circle & L is the length of the tangent from (x1, y1 ) on the circle S = 0.

æ 2 RL ö
= Tangent of the angle between the pair of tangents from ( x1 , y1 ) = ç 2 2 ÷ where
èL -R ø
R = radius; L = length of tangent.
= Equation of the circle circumscribing the triangle PT1 T2 is :
(x - x1 )(x + g ) + ( y - y1 )( y + f ) = 0 .
Illustration 4:

Find the co-ordinates of the point from which tangents are drawn to the circle

x2 + y2 6x 4y + 3 = 0 such that the mid point of its chord of contact is (1, 1).
Solution :
Let the required point be P(x1, y1). The equation of the chord of contact of P with respect to the given
circle is xx1 + yy1 3(x + x1) 2(y + y1) + 3 = 0

The equation of the chord with mid-point (1, 1) is

x + y 3 (x + 1) 2 (y + 1) + 3 = 1 + 1 6 4 + 3 Þ 2x + y = 3

Equating the ratios of the coefficients of x, y and the constant terms and solving for x, y we get
x1 = 1, y1 = 0.
3.3 The condition that two circles should intersect

A necessary and sufficient condition for the two circles to intersect at two distinct points is
r1 + r2 > C1C2 > |r1 r2|, where C1, C2 be the centres and r1, r2 be the radii of the two circles.
3.4 External and Internal Contacts of Circles :
If two circles with centres C 1(x1, y1) and C2(x2, y2) and radii r1 and r2 respectively, touch each other
externally, C1C2 = r1 + r2. Coordinates of the point of contact are
æ r1x 2 + r2 x 1 r1 y 2 + r2 y1 ö
A º çç , ÷÷ .
è 1 2r + r r1 + r2 ø
The circles touch each other internally if C1C2 = r1 r2.
Coordinates of the point of contact are

æ r1x 2 - r2 x1 r1y 2 - r2 y1 ö
T º çç , ÷.
è r1 - r2 r1 - r2 ÷ø
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2
 Circles

3.5 Common tangents to two circles:

Number Of Tangents Condition

= 4 common tangents r1 + r2 < c1c2

(2 direct and 2 transverse)

= 3 common tangents. r1 + r2 = c1 c2

= 2 common tangent r1 - r2 < c1c2 < r1 + r2

= 1 common tangent r1 - r2 = c1c2

= No common tangent c1c2 < r1 - r2

3.6 Length of an external (or direct) common tangent & internal (or transverse)
common tangent
Length of an external (or direct) common tangent & internal (or transverse) common tangent to the
two circles is given by : Lext = d 2 - (r1 - r2 )2 & Lint = d 2 - (r1 + r2 )2 where d = distance
between the centres of the two circles. r1 & r2 are the radii of the two circles.
Note that length of internal common tangent is always less than the length of the external or direct
common tangent.
= The direct common tangents to two circles meet on the line of centres and divide it externally in the
ratio of the radii.
= The transverse common tangents also meet on the line of centres and divide it internally in the ratio of
the radii.

53
 Circles
Note :
(i) When two circles are real and non-intersecting, 4 common tangents can be drawn.
Condition r1 + r2 < c1.c2.
(ii) When two circles touch each other externally, 3 common tangents can be drawn to the circle.
Condition r1 + r2 = c1.c2.
(iii) When two circles intersect each other, two common tangents can be drawn to the circles.
(iv) When two circles touch each other internally 1 common tangent can be drawn to the circles.
Illustration 5:
Prove that the circles x 2 + y2 6x 6y 7 = 0 and x2 + y2 10x + 7 = 0 intersect and find the
coordinates of the common points.
Solution :
The first circle, S1, is (x 3)2 + (y 3)2 = 25; its centre C1 is (3, 3) and its radius is 5.

The second circle, S2, is (x 5)2 + y2 = 18; its centre C2, is (5, 0) and its radius is 3 2 .

Subtracting the equations of the circles we obtain, after division by 2,

2x 3y 7 = 0. ... (i)

Then p1, the perpendicular distance from C1(3, 3) to the line (i), is 10/ 13 which is less than

r1 (º 5).

Similarly p2, the perpendicular distance from C2(5, 0) to (i), is 3/ 13 which is less than r2 (º3 2 ).
Accordingly, the circles intersect and (i) is the equation of the common chord AB.

The coordinates of A and B are obtained by solving (i) and one of the equations of the circles in this
case the second equation is the simpler for this purpose. On eliminating y between the two equations
concerned we obtain 9x2 + (2x 7)2 90x + 63 = 0

or 13x2 118x + 112 = 0 or (x 8)(13x 14) = 0.

Thus the abscissa of A and B are 8 and 14/13; from (i) the corresponding ordinates are

3 and 21/13; A and B are the points (8, 3) and (14, 13, 21/13).
Illustration 6 :

Find the equations of the common tangents to the circles x 2 + y2 2x 6y + 9 = 0 and

x2 + y2 + 6x 2y + 1 = 0.
Solution :

The centres are C1(1, 3) and C2( 3, 1) respectively and the radii are r1 = 1 + 9 - 9 = 1 and
r2 = 9 + 1 - 1 = 3.

æ - 3 + 3 10 ö æ 5 ö
point I dividing C1C 2 internally in the ratio 1 : 3 is ç . ÷ or ç 0, ÷ .
è 4 4 ø è 2ø
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4
 Circles
Similarly point E dividing C1C 2 externally in the ratio 1 : 3 is (3, 4). The equation of a transverse
common tangent is of the form

y 5/2 = m(x 0) or 2mx 2y + 5 = 0

Since this is tangent to the first circle, its distance from the centre (1, 3) is same as its radius 1.
2m (1) - 2(3) + 5 3
So, =1 or, (2m 1)2 = 4m2 + 4 or, m =
2
4m + 4 4
Since the two circles does not touch each other externally, \ second value of m = infinity, so the
equations of transverse common tangent are x = 0 and 3x + 4 y 10 = 0. The equation of a direct
common tangent is of form y 4 = m(x 3) or mx y + 4 3m = 0

Since this line is tangent to the circle, we get

m(1) - 3 + 4 - 3m 4
=1 or (1 2m)2 = m2 + 1 or (3m 4) m = 0 or m = 0,
2
m +1 3
So the common tangents are

4
y 4 = 0 (x 3) or y = 4 and y 4 = (x 3) or 4x 3y = 0
3

PRACTICE PROBLEMS 3
Single answer choice type
Q.1 The chord of contact of (2, 1) w.r.t to the circle x 2 + y 2 + 4 x + 4 y + 1 = 0 is
(A) 2x + y + 7 = 0 (B) 4x + 3y + 7 = 0 (C) 3x + 4y + 1 = 0 (D) not existing
Q.2 The equation of the chord of x2 + y2 4x +6y + 3 = 0 whose mid point is (1, 2 ) is
(A) x + y + 1 = 0 (B) 2x + 3y + 4 = 0 (C) x y 3=0 (D) 2x 3y 6 = 0
Q.3 The mid point of the chord x 2y + 7 = 0 w.r.t the circle x 2 + y 2 - 2 x - 10 y + 1 = 0 is

æ 7 21ö æ 7 21ö æ -7 -21ö

(A) (7, 21) (B) çè , (C) çè , ÷ø (D) çè ,
4 4 ÷ø 5 5 5 5 ÷ø

Q.4 The length of chord of contact of the point (3, 6) with respect to the circle x2 + y2 = 10 is

2 70 12
(A) units (B) 6 5 units (C) 5 units (D) units
3 5
Q.5 The straight line x 2y+1 = 0 intersects the circle x2 + y2 = 25 in points P and Q, the coordinates of the
point of intersection of tangents drawn at P and Q to the circle is
(A) (25, 50) (B) ( 25, 50) (C) (25, 50) (D) ( 25, 50)
Q.6 Locus of the point of intersection of tangents at the extremeties of a chord of a circle x2 + y2 = a2
which touch the circle x2 + y2 2ax = 0 is
(A) y2 = a 2x (B) y2 = a(a + 2x) (C) y2 = a + 2x (D) y2 = a(a 2x)

55
 Circles
Q.7 Locus of the point, the chord of contact of which subtends an angle 2q at the centre of circle
x2 + y2 = r2 is
r2
(A) x2 + y2 = 2r2 (B) x 2 + y2 = r 2 cos2 q (C) x 2 + y 2 = (D) x 2 + y2 = r 2 sec 2 q
2
Q.8 The circles x 2 y 2 12 x 8 y 48 0 , x 2 y2 4x 2y 4 0 are
(A) intersecting (B) touching externally
(C) touching internally (D) one is lying inside the other
Q.9 The number of common tangents to x2 + y2 = 1, x2 + y2 6x 8y + 24 = 0 is
(A) one (B) two (C) four (D) zero
Q.10 If the circles x2 + y2 = 2 and x2 + y2 4x 4y + l =0 have exactly three real common tangents the l=
(A) 10 (B) 6 (C) 6 (D) 10
Q.11 For the circles x2 + y2 + 2lx + c = 0 , x2 + y2 + 2my - c = 0 the number of common tangents when c ¹ 0
is
(A) one (B) two (C) four (D) zero
Q.12 If the two circles ( x - 1)2 + ( y - 3)2 = r 2 and x2 + y2 8x + 2y + 8 = 0 intersect in two distinct points,
then
(A) r > 2 (B) 2 < r < 8 (C) r < 2 (D) r = 2
Q.13 The area of the triangle formed by the tangents from (1, 3) to the circle x2 + y2 4x + 6y + 1 = 0 and
its chord of contact is
250 3 125 3 250 3 125 3
(A) sq.units (B) sq.units (C) sq.units (D) sq.units
37 37 17 17
Q.14 The condition that the two circles x2 + y2 + 2ax + c = 0, x2 + y2 + 2by + c = 0 may touch each other
is
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2
(A) 2
+ 2
= (B) 2
+ 2
= 2 (C) 2
+ 2
= 2 (D) + =
a b c a b c a b c a b c
One or more than one type
Q.15 Equations of the circles concentric with the circle x2 2x + y2 4y = 0 and touching the circle
x2 + y2 + 2x = 1, must be
(A) x 2 + y 2 - 2x - 4y = 0 (B) x 2 + y 2 - 2x - 4y + 3 = 0

(C) x 2 + y2 - 2x - 4y - 13 = 0 (D) x 2 + y2 - 2x - 4y - 1 = 0
Q.16 An isosceles triangle ABC is inscribed in a circle x2 + y2 = a2 with the vertex A at (a, 0) and the base
angle B and C each equal to 75º, then co-ordinates of an end point of the base are
æ 3a a ö æ 3a a ö æ a 3a ö æ 3a a ö
(A) çç 2 , 2 ÷÷ (B) çç - 2 , 2 ÷÷ (C) çç 2 , 2 ÷÷ (D) çç - 2 , - 2 ÷÷
è ø è ø è ø è ø
Q.17 P is a variable point on a circle C and Q is a fixed point, R is a point on PQ dividing it in the ratio p:q,
where p>0 and q > 0 are fixed. Then the locus of R is
(A) a circle (B) an ellipse
(C) a circle if p = q and an ellipse otherwise (D) pair of straight lines
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6
 Circles
Q.18 If OP and OQ are the tangents from (0,0) to the circle x + y + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0 , then
2 2

(A) Equation of PQ is gx + fy = 0
(B) Equation of PQ is gx + fy + c = 0
(C) Equation of circumcircle of DOPQ is x 2 + y 2 + gx + fy = 0
(D) Equation of circum circle of DOPQ is x 2 + y 2 + 2gx + 2 fy = 0
Linked comprehension type
Passage - 1
To the circle x2 + y2 = 4, two tangents are drawn from P( 4, 0), which touches the circle at T1 and T2,
a rhombus PT1P1T2 is completed.
Q.19 Circumcenter of the triangle PT1T2 is at
æ 3 ö
(A) ( 2, 0) (B) (2, 0) (C) ç 2 ,0÷ (D) (0, 2)
è ø
Q.20 Ratio of the area of triangle PT1P1 to that the P1T1T2 is
(A) 2 : 1 (B) 1 : 2 (C) 3 : 2 (D) 1 : 1
Q.21 If P is taken to be at (h, 0) such that P1 lies on the circle, the area of the rhombus is
(A) 6 3 sq. units (B) 2 3 sq. units (C) 3 3 sq. units (D) 4 sq. units
Passage - 2
A circle C1 of radius 2 units rolls on the outerside of the circle C2 : x 2 + y 2 + 4 x = 0, touching it
externally.
Q.22 The locus of the centre of this outer circle C1 is the circle C3 :
(A) x 2 + y 2 + 4 y - 12 = 0 (B) x 2 + y2 + 4 x - 12 = 0
(C) x 2 + y 2 + 4 x + 4 y - 4 = 0 (D) x 2 + y2 - 4 x = 0
Q.23 Area of the quadrilateral formed by a pair of tangents from a point on C3 to the circle C2 with a pair of
radii at the points of contact of the tangents is
(A) 2 3 sq. units (B) 4 3 sq. units (C) 3 sq.units (D) 3 3 sq. units
Q.24 Square of the length of the intercept made by the circle C3 on any tangent to C1 is
(A) 12 sq. units (B) 24 sq. units (C) 48 sq. units (D) 16 sq. units
Matrix match type
Q.25 From the point P(4, 4) tangents PA and PB are drawn to the circle x2 + y2 6x + 2y + 5 = 0 whose
centre is C then match the following
column - I column - II
A) Length of AB P) 5/2
B) Tangent of the angle between PA and PC Q) 10
C) Area of triangle PAB R) 1
D) Absolute difference of slopes of PA and PB S) 3/4

57
 Circles

Integer type
Q.26 If k sq.units be the area of the quadrilateral formed by pair of tangents drawn from (4,5) to the circle
x2 + y2 4x 2y 11 = 0 and pair of radii drawn at the points of contact, then value of k is
Q.27 If a circle of radius r is touching the lines x2 4xy + y2 = 0 in the first quadrant at points A and B then
k 3r 2
area of DOAB is then value of (k + l) is : (k and l are co-prime)
l
Q.28 The circles x2 + y2 = 4 and x2 + y2 8x + 12 = 0 touch each other, then the equation of their common
tangent at the point where they touch is x = k then k is
Q.29 Consider four circles ( x ± 1)2 + ( y ± 1)2 = 1 . Equation of smaller circle touching these four circles is
x2 + y2 = a b c then (a + b + c) is
Q.30 There are two circles whose equations are x2 + y2 = 9 and x2 + y2 8x 6y + n2 = 0 n Î I . If the two
circles have exactly two common tangents, then the number of possible values of n is

4.1 Nor mals

The normal to a curve at a point is defined as the straight line passing through the point and perpendicular
to the tangent at that point. In case of a circle, every normal passes through the centre of the circle.
The equation of the normal to the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 at any point (x1, y1) lying on the
x - x1 y - y1
circle is x + g = y + f .
1 1
x y
In particular, equations of the normal to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 at (x1, y1) is x = y
1 1
4.2 Radical Axis

The radical axis of two circles is the locus of a point whose powers w.r.t both the circles are of equal.
Equation to the Radical Axis
In general S S¢ = 0 represents the equation of the radical Axis to the two circles i.e.
2x(g g¢ ) + 2y (f f ¢) + c c¢ = 0 where S º x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 and
S¢ º x2 + y2 + 2g¢x + 2f ¢y + c¢ = 0
= If S = 0 and S¢ = 0 intersect in real and distinct point then S S¢ = 0 is the equation of the
common chord of the two circles.
= If S = 0 and S¢ = 0 touch each other, then S S¢ = 0 is the equation of the common tangent to
the two circles at the point of contact.

(-g,-f) (-g ,-f )

(-g, -f) (-g , -f )

Common tangent
Common chord
= Radical axis is always perpendicular to the line joining the centres of the two circles.
= Radical axis will pass through the mid point of the line joining the centres of the two circles
only if the two circles have equal radii.
= Radical axis bisects a common tangent between the two circles.
= Pairs of circles which do not have radical axis are concentric.

558
8
 Circles
4.3 The radical axes of three circles, taken in pairs, are concurrent

Let the equations of the three circles S 1, S2 and S3 be

S1 º x2 + y2 + 2g1x + 2f1y + c1 = 0,
S2 º x2 + y2 + 2g2x + 2f2y + c2 = 0
and S3 º x2 + y2 + 2g3x + 2f3y + c3 = 0 ........(1)
Now, by the previous section, the radical axis of S1 and S2 is
obtained by subtracting the equations of these
circles ; hence it is S1 S2 = 0 .......(2)
Similarly, the radical axis of S2 and S3 is
S2 S3 = 0 .......(3)
The lines (2) and (3) meet at a point whose coordinates say, (X, Y) satisfy
S1 S2 = 0 and S2 S3 = 0;
hence the coordinates (X, Y) satisfy
(S1 S2) + (S2 S3) = 0; that is , (X, Y) satisfy S1 S3 = 0 ........(4)
But (4) is the radical axis of the circles S1 and S3 and hence the three radical axes are concurrent. The
point of concurrency of the three radical axes is called the radical centre.
Illustration 7:
Prove that the circle x2 + y2 6x 4y + 9 = 0 bisects the circumference of the circle
x2 + y2 8x 6y + 23 = 0.
Solution :
The given circles are
S1 º x2 + y2 6x 4y + 9 = 0 .........(1)
and S2 º x2 + y2 8x 6y + 23 = 0 .........(2)
Equation of the common chord of circles (1) and (2) which is also the radical axis of the circles S1 and
S2 is S1 S2 = 0 or, 2x + 2y 14 = 0 or, x+y 7=0 .........(3)

Centre of the circle S2 is (4, 3). Clearly, line (3) passes through the point (4, 3) and hence line (3) is the
equation of the diameter of the circle (2). Hence circle (1) bisects the circumference of circle (2).
4.4 Family of circles

= If S º x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 and S¢ º x2 + y2 + 2g¢x + 2f¢y + c¢ = 0 are two intersecting

circles , then S + lS¢ = 0, l ¹ 1, is the equation of the family of circles passing through the
points of intersection S = 0 and S¢ = 0.

= If S º x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is a circle which is intersected by the straight line

µ º ax + by + c = 0 at two real and distinct points, then S + lµ = 0 is the equation of the family
of circles passing through the points of intersection of S = 0 and µ = 0. If µ = 0 touches
S = 0 at P, then S + lµ = 0 is the equation of the family of circles, each touching µ = 0 at P.
59
 Circles
= The equation of a family of circles passing through two given points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2) can be
written in the form.
x y 1
(x x1) (x x2) + (y y1)(y y2) + l x1 y1 1 = 0 where l is a parameter..
x 2 y2 1
= The equation of the family of circles which touch the line y - y1 = m(x x1) at (x1, y1) for any
value of m is (x x1)2 + (y y1)2 + l(y - y1 m (x x1)) = 0.

= Family of circles circumscribing a triangle whose sides are given by L1 = 0; L2 = 0 and

L3 = 0 is given by ; L1 L2 + lL2 L3 + mL3 L1 = 0 provided coefficient of xy = 0 and
coefficient of x2 = coefficient of y2.

= Equation of circle circumscribing a quadrilateral whose side in order are represented by the
lines L1 = 0 , L2 = 0 , L3 = 0 & L4 = 0 are L1 L3 + lL2 L4 = 0 where value of l can be found
out by using condition that coefficient of x2 = coefficient of y 2 ¹ 0 and coefficient of xy = 0.
Illustration 8:
Tangents PQ and PR are drawn to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 from the point P(x1, y1). Prove that equation
of the circumcircle of DPQR is x 2 + y2 xx1 yy1 = 0.
Solution :
QR is the chord of contact of the tangents to the circle
x2 + y2 a2 = 0 .........(1)
So, it s equation will be
xx1 + yy1 a2 = 0 ..........(2)

The circumcircle of DPQR is a circle passing through the intersection of the circle (1) and the line (2)
and the point P(x1, y1).

Circle through the intersection of (1) and (2) is

x2 + y2 a2 + l(xx1 + yy1 a2) = 0 ..........(3)

it will pass through (x1, y1) if

x12 + y12 a2 + l(x12 + y12 a2) = 0

l = 1 (since x12 + y12 ¹ a2)

Hence equation of circle is (x2 + y2 a2) (xx1 + yy1 a2) = 0

or x2 + y2 xy1 yy1 = 0.

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 Circles
Illustration 9 :

If the line y = x + 1 is a tangent to the circle x 2 + y 2 + 2 x + 2 y + c = 0 . Then find the corresponding

point of contact.
Solution :

Let the pt. be (a, a + 1) .

So, the equation of circle will be of the form

( x - a) 2 + [ y - (a + 1)]2 + l( x - y + 1) = 0 .

Comparing with the given circle

we get, - 2a + l = 2 ... (1)

and - 2(a + 1) - l = 2 . ... (2)

3
Adding (1) & (2) we get, a = - .
2

æ 3 1ö
So the point is ç - , - ÷ .
è 2 2ø

4.5 Orthogonal circles

Two circles are said to be orthogonal if the tangents to the circles

at either point of intersection are at right angles.

In fig. Q1 and Q2 are the centres of the circles

A
S1 º x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 .......(1)
Q1 Q2
S2 º x2 + y2 + 2Gx + 2Fy + C = 0 ........(2)
B
the circles, S1 and S2, intersect at A and B.

The tangent at A to the circles S1 is perpendicular to the radius Q1A, and the tangent at A to S2 is
perpendicular to the radius Q2A. Hence, if the two tangents are at right angles, then the radii Q1A and
Q2A must also be at right angles. Accordingly, the condition that S1 and S2 should be orthogonal is that
ÐQ1AQ2 should be 90º; by Pythagoras theorem this condition is equivalent to

Q1Q22 = Q1A2 + Q2A2 = r12 + r22 .......(3)

(g G)2 + (f F)2 = g2 + f2 c + G2 + F2 C

or, on simplification, 2(gG + fF) = c + C. .......(4)

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Since, AQ2 is perpendicular to the radius Q1A, the tangent at A to the circle S1 passes through the
centre of the circle S2; similarly, the tangent at A to S2 passes through the centre of S1.

In numerical examples the procedure of solution should be based on the condition expressed by (3).

Note :

= The centre of a variable circle orthogonal to two fixed circles lies on the radical axis of two circles.
= The centre of a circle which is orthogonal to three given circles is the radical centre provided the
radical centre lies outside all the three circles.

Illustration 10:

If two circles cut a third circle orthogonally, prove that their common chord will pass through the centre
of the third circle.

Solution :
Let us take the equation of the two circles as
x2 + y2 + 2l1 x + a = 0 ........(1)
x2 + y2 + 2l2x + a = 0 .........(2)
We can select axes suitable (the line of centers as x-axis and the point midway between the centre as
origin) to get the above form of equation.
Let the third circle be x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 .........(3)
The circle (1) and (3) cut orthogonally
2l1g = a + c ..........(4)
The circles (2) and (3) cut orthogonally
2l2g = a + c ..........(5)
From (4) and (5), 2g (l1 l2) = 0 but l1 ¹ l2
\ g=0
Hence centre of the third circle (0, f)
The common chord of (1) and (2) has the equation S1 S2 = 0

i.e. x2 + y2 + 2 l1 x + a (x2 + y2 + 2l2x + a) = 0

or 2(l1 l2) x = 0 \ x = 0
\ (0, f) satisfies the equation x = 0.

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PRACTICE PROBLEMS 4
Single answer choice type
Q.1 The normal at (1, 1) to the circle x 2 y2 4x 6 y 4 0 is
(A) 4x + 3y= 7 (B) 4x + y= 5 (C) x + y= 2 (D) 4x y= 5
Q.2 Equation of a circle which passes through the point of intersection of circles x 2 + y 2 - 4 x + 6 y - 3 = 0
and x 2 + y 2 + 4 x - 6 y - 12 = 0 and centre lies on y-axis is

2 2 15
(A) x 2 + y 2 = 15 (B) x + y =
2
(C) x 2 + y 2 - 8 y - 16 = 0 (D) No such circle
Q.3 Area of triangle formed by tangent, normal at (1, 3) on x2 + y2 = 4 with positive x-axis
(A) 3 sq.units (B) 2 3 sq.units (C) 3 3 sq.units (D) 4 3 sq.units

Q.4 The length of common chord of the circles ( x - a ) + ( y - b ) = c 2 and ( x - b ) + ( y - a ) = c 2 is

2 2 2 2

4c 2 - 2 ( a - b ) 4c 2 + 2 ( a - b ) 4c 2 + 2 ( a + b ) (D) 4c 2 - 2 ( a + b)
2 2 2 2
(A) (B) (C)

Q.5 Angle between the circles x 2 + y 2 + 8x + 4 y - 5 = 0 and x 2 + y 2 - 4 x - 6 y + 4 = 0 is

-1 4 -1 1 19 -1 1
(A) cos (B) sin (D) cos
-1
(C) sin
5 10 10 10

Q.6 Equation of a circle which has a tangent 3 x + 4 y = 6 and two normals given by ( x - 1)( y - 2 ) = 0 is

(A) ( x - 3) + ( y - 4 ) = 52
2 2
(B) x 2 + y 2 - 4 x - 2 y + 4 = 0

(C) x 2 + y 2 - 2 x - 4 y + 4 = 0 (D) x 2 + y 2 - 2 x - 4 y + 5 = 0
Q.7 The radical centre of three circles taken in pairs described on the sides of a triangle ABC as diameters
is the
(A) centroid of the D ABC (B) incentre of the D ABC
(C) circumcentre of the D ABC (D) orthocentre of the D ABC

Q.8 Two circles (x + a)2 + (y + b)2 = a2 and ( x + a ) 2 + ( y + b) 2 = b 2 intersect orthogonally if

(A) 2aa + 2 bb = b 2 + a 2 (B) aa + bb = a 2 + b 2

(C) aa + bb + a 2 + b 2 = 0 (D) none of these

Q.9. If a circle passes through the point (a, b) and cuts the circle x2 + y2 = 4 orthogonally, then the locus
of its centre is
(A) 2ax 2by (a2 + b2 + 4) = 0 (B) 2ax + 2by (a2 + b2 + 4) = 0
(C) 2ax 2by + (a2 + b2 + 4) = 0 (D) 2ax + 2by + (a2 + b2 + 4) = 0

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Q.10 The equation of the circle having its centre on the line x + 2y 3 = 0 and passing through the point of
intersection of the circle x 2 + y2 2x 4y + 1 = 0 and x2 + y2 4x 2y + 4 = 0 is
(A) x2 + y2 6x + 7 = 0 (B) x2 + y2 3x + 4 = 0
(C) x2 + y2 2x 2y + 1 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 + 2x 4y + 4 = 0
Q.11 If the radical axis of the circles x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 and 2x2 + 2y2 + 3x + 8 y + 2c = 0 touches
the circle x2 + y2 + 2x + 2y + 1 = 0, then

3 3 3 3 3
(A) g = &f = 2 (B) g ¹ &f ¹ 2 (C) g = or f = 2 (D) f = &g =
4 4 4 4 4
Q.12 A circle passes through the origin and has its centre on y = x. If it cuts x2 + y2 4x 6y + 10 = 0
orthogonally, then the equation of the circle is
(A) x2 + y2 x y = 0 (B) x2 + y2 6x 4y = 0
(C) x2 + y2 2x 2y = 0 (D) x2 + y2 + 2x + 2y = 0
Q.13 Two equal circles with their centres on x and y axes will possess the radical axis in the following form

a 2 + b2
(A) ax - by - =0 (B) 2gx 2fy + g2 f2 = 0
4
(C) g2x + f2y g4 f4 = 0 (D) 2g2x + 2f2y g4 f4 = 0
Q.14 The locus of the centre of the circle which cuts the circle x2 + y2 + 2g1x + 2f1y + c1 = 0 and
x2 + y2 + 2g2x + 2f2y + c2 = 0 orthogonally is
(A) an ellipse (B) the radical axis of the given circle
(C) a conic (D) another circle

Q.15 Consider a family of circles passing through the intersection point of the lines 3 (y 1) = x 1 and
y 1 = 3 (x 1) and having its centre on the acute angle bisector of the given lines. Then the
common chords of each member of the family and the circle x2 + y2 + 4x 6y + 5 = 0 are concurrent
at

æ 1 1ö æ1 3ö æ3 3ö æ 1 1ö
(A) ç , ÷ (B) ç , ÷ (C) ç , ÷ (D) ç - , - ÷
è2 2 ø è2 2ø è2 2ø è 2 2ø

One or more than one type

Q.16 If the straight line ax + by = 2; a, b ¹ 0, touches the circle x2 + y2 2x = 3 and is normal to the circle
x2 + y2 4y = 6, then the values of a and b are
(A) a = 1 (B) b = 1 (C) a = 4/3 (D) b = 1
Q.17 If the circle C1: x2 + y2 = 16 intersects another circle C2 of radius 5 in such a manner that the common
3
chord is of maximum length and has a slope equal to , then the coordinates of the centre of C2 are
4

æ9 12 ö æ 9 12 ö æ 9 12 ö æ 9 12 ö
(A) çè 5 , - 5 ÷ø (B) çè - 5 , 5 ÷ø (C) çè 5 , 5 ÷ø (D) çè - 5 , - 5 ÷ø

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Q.18 The circle x + y 2 2
4x 4y + 4= 0 is inscribed in a triangle which have two of its sides along the
coordinate axes. If the locus of the circumcentre of the triangle is x + y xy + k x 2 + y 2 = 0, then k
is equal to
(A) 1 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) 2
Q.19 All those circles which pass through (2, 0) and ( 2, 0) are orthogonal to the circle(s)
(A) x2 + y2 5x + 4 = 0 (B) x2 + y2 + 13x + 4 = 0
(C) x2 + y2 12x + 4 = 0 (D) x2 + y2 10x + 4 = 0

Q.20 If q is the angle subtended by the circle S º x 2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c at the point P(x1, y1) and
S º x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c , then

2 S1 q S1
(A) cot q = (B) cot
2
=
g2 + f 2 - c g2 + f 2 - c

-1 g2 + f 2 - c S1 + c - g 2 - f 2
(C) q = 2 tan (D) cos q =
S1 S1 - c + g 2 + f 2

Q.21 Consider the circle x2 + y2 10x 6y + 30 = 0. Let O be the centre of the circle and tangent at
A(7, 3) and B(5, 1) meet at C. Let S = 0 represents family of circles passing through A and B, then
(A) area of quadrilateral OACB = 4
(B) the radical axis for the family of circles s = 0 is x + y = 10
(C) the smallest possible circle of the family s = 0 is x2 + y2 12x 4y + 38 = 0
(D) the coordinates of point C are (7, 1).
Q.22 If x + y = 2 does not intersect any member of family of circles x2 + y2 ax = 0 at two distinct points
(a is a parameter). Then maximum value of |a + 4| is
(A) less than 4 (B) more than 4 (C) 4 2 (D) 2 2
Linked comprehension type
Passage - 1
Consider a family of circles passing through the points (3, 7) and (6, 5). Answer the following questions.
Q.23 Number of circles which belong to the family and also touching x axis are
(A) 0 (B) 1 (C) 2 (D) Infinite
Q.24 If each circle in the family cuts the circle x2 + y2 4x 6y 3 = 0, then all the common chords pass
through the fixed point which is
æ 23 ö
(A) (1, 23) (B) (2, 23/2) (C) ( 3, 3/2) (D) çè 2,
3 ÷ø
Q.25 If circle which belongs the given family cuts the circle x2 + y2 = 20 orthogonally then centre of that circle
is
(A) (1/2, 3/2) (B) (9/2, 7/2) (C) (59/18, 25/6) (D) (17/9, 25/6)

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Matrix match type

Q.26 There are two circles C1 : x2 + y2 = 4 and C2 : x2 + y2 2x 4y + 4 = 0 then
Column I Column II
(A) Length of the common chord P) p / 2

(B) Length of their common tangent Q) 4 / 5

(C) The sum of areas of two circles R) 2
(D) The angle of intersection of C1 and C2 S) 5p
Q.27 Match the column
Column I Column II
(A) The value of |k| for which x2 + y2 = 4 and P) 2 5
x2 + y2 2x + 2ky = k cut orthogonally
(B) The length of the chord cut by 4y = 3x + 1 Q) 8
on the circle x 2 + y2 6x = 0
9
(C) The value of |k| for which lines R)
2
2x ky + 3 = 0, 4x + y + 5 = 0 cut axes
in concyclic point
(D) In any triangle, the maximum value of S) 4
r1 + r2 + r3
must be
R
Integer type
Q.28 The radius of the circle which has normals xy 2x y + 2 = 0 and a tangent 3x + 4y 6 = 0 is
Q.29 The circle x2 + y2 + kx + (1 + k) y (k + 1) = 0 passes through the same two points for every real
5
value of k and radius of the circle is then k is
2
Q.30 The radius of the circle passing through the point of intersection of the circle x2 + y2 = 4 and the
19
line 2x + y = 1 and having minimum possible radius is then k is
k

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ANSWER SHEET
PRACTICE PROBLEMS -1

1. [B] 2. [A] 3. [A] 4. [C] 5. [A]

6. [A] 7. [B] 8. [A] 9. [D] 10. [C]

11. [B] 12. [D] 13. [C] 14. [D] 15. [BC]

16. [AC] 17. [ABCD] 18. [BC] 19. [C] 20. [A]

21. [B] 22. [A] 23. [B] 24. [A]

25. [A - PRS ; B - RS ; C - QS ; D - PS] 26. [6] 27. [7]

28. [4] 29. [6] 30. [1]

PRACTICE PROBLEMS -2

1. [C] 2. [D] 3. [A] 4. [C] 5. [A]

6. [C] 7. [D] 8. [A] 9. [A] 10. [B]

11. [C] 12. [A] 13. [B] 14. [A] 15. [B]

16. [A] 17. [B] 18. [C] 19. [ABC] 20. [AC]

21. [BC] 22. [ABD] 23. [BC] 24. [BC]

25. [ABCD] 26. [A] 27. [A] 28. [A]

29. [A - S ; B- R ; C - Q ; D - P] 30. [7] 31. [5] 32. [9]

33. [1] 34. [0] 35. [0]

PRACTICE PROBLEMS -3

1. [B] 2. [C] 3. [C] 4. [A] 5. [B]

6. [D] 7. [D] 8. [B] 9. [C] 10. [B]

11. [B] 12. [B] 13. [A] 14. [A] 15. [BC]

16. [BD] 17. [A] 18. [BC] 19. [A] 20. [D]

21. [A] 22. [B] 23. [B] 24. [C]

25. [A - Q ; B - R ; C - P ; D - P] 26. [8] 27. [7]

28. [2] 29. [7] 30. [9]

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PRACTICE PROBLEMS -4

1. [B] 2. [B] 3. [B] 4. [A] 5. [C]

6. [C] 7. [D] 8. [A] 9. [B] 10. [A]

11. [C] 12. [C] 13. [B] 14. [B] 15. [B]

16. [CD] 17. [AB] 18. [AB] 19. [ABCD] 20. [BCD]

21. [ACD] 22. [BC] 23. [C] 24. [D] 25. [C]

26. [A - Q ; B -R ; C - S ; D -P] 27. [A - S ; B -P ; C - Q ; D -R] 28. [1]

29. [2] 30. [5]

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