The Greek Method The Greek method for finding the equation of the tangent line to a circle uses the fact that at any point on a circle, the lines containing the center and the tangent line are perpendicular (see Problem 1). Use this method to find an equation of the tangent line to the circle x2 + y2 = 9 at the point (1, 2)
Problem 1
The tangent line to a circle may be defined as the line that intersects the circle in a single point, called the point of tangency. See the figure.
If the equation of the circle is x2 + y2 = r2 and the equation of the tangent line is y = mx + b, show that:
(a) r2(1 + m2) = b2
(b) The point of tangency is .
(c) The tangent line is perpendicular to the line containing the center of the circle and the point of tangency.
We need at least 10 more requests to produce the solution.
0 / 10 have requested this problem solution
The more requests, the faster the answer.