2.6.2

Tangent on a Circle

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Tangent of a Circle

A circle with centre (0,0) and radius r has the equation x2 + y2 = r2. Find the tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = 25 at the point (-3,4):

Step 1

Step 1

  • First calculate the gradient of the line from the origin to (-3,4):
    • Gradient of purple line is m = 4-3
Step 2

Step 2

  • The tangent will be perpendicular to the purple line so the gradient of the tangent is -1m:
    • gradient of tangent = -1m = 34
Step 3

Step 3

  • Substitute in (-3,4) to y = 34x + c:
    • 4 = -94 + c
    • c = 254
    • So the equation of tangent is y = 34x + 254.

Translations & Reflections

Translations are when we move a graph without changing its shape. A reflection is when you reflect the shape in a given line.

Vertical translation

Vertical translation

  • Moves a function up or down.
  • You can add and subtract from f(x) in the form y = f(x) to produce a vertical translation:
    • y = f(x) + a moves the graph up by a
    • y = f(x) - a moves the graph down by a
Horizontal translation

Horizontal translation

  • Moves a function left or right.
  • You can add and subtract from x in the form y = f(x) to produce a horizontal translation:
    • y = f(x + a) moves the graph left by a
    • y = f(x - a) moves the graph right by a
Reflection in the x axis

Reflection in the x axis

  • For a function y = f(x):
    • y = -f(x) gives a reflection in the x axis
Reflection in the y axis

Reflection in the y axis

  • For a function y = f(x):
    • y = f(-x) gives a reflection in the y axis
Invariant points

Invariant points

  • Invariant points are points that don’t change in a transformation (e.g reflection).
  • (0, 1.5) is the invariant point shown in the above reflection.
Jump to other topics
1

Number

1.1

Using Numbers

1.2

Fractions, Decimals & Percentages

1.3

Powers & Roots

1.4

Accuracy

2

Algebra

2.1

Introduction to Algebra

2.2

Manipulating Algebra

2.3

Proofs & Functions

2.4

Straight Line Graphs

2.5

Common Graphs

2.6

Transformations & Tangents

2.7

Properties of Graphs

2.8

Solving Equations

2.9

Inequalities

2.10

Sequences

3

Ratio

4

Geometry

4.1

Introduction to Geometry

4.2

Triangles & Quadrilaterals

4.3

Transformations

4.4

Circle Basics

4.5

Circle Theorems

4.6

Measurements & Units

4.7

Calculating Area

4.8

Triangle Formulae

4.9

3D Shapes

4.10

Vectors

5

Probability

6

Statistics

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