The point (-3,2) lies on a circumference whose equation is #(x+3)^2+(y+1)^2-r^2 = 0#, what is the radius of the circumference?

1 Answer
Dec 25, 2016

The radius is #r = 3#.

Explanation:

If the point #(-3, 2)# belongs to the circle #(x + 3)^2 + (y + 1)^2 - r^2 = 0# then its coordinates must verify that equation. That is, if we substitute in the equation of the circle #x# by #- 3# and #y# by #2# we must obtain a true equality. Then, it is enough to clear #r# of that equation:

#(-3 + 3)^2 + (2 + 1)^2 - r^2 = 0 rArr 9 - r^2 = 0#,

then:

#r = sqrt 9 = 3#.

(Remember #r# is a distance, then it's always a positive number).