Question
Question: The common tangents to \({x^2} + {y^2} - 10y = 0\) and \({x^2} + {y^2} + 6y = 0\) form a triangle . ...
The common tangents to x2+y2−10y=0 and x2+y2+6y=0 form a triangle . Then the correct option is
a.Triangle is isosceles but not equilateral
b.Triangle is equilateral
c.Area of the triangle is (15)23 sq. units
d.Area of the triangle is 15 sq. units
Solution
We know that the general equation of a circle is x2+y2+2gx+2fy+c=0 whose centre and radius is given by (−g,−f) and g2+f2−c.using this we can find the centre and radius of the two circles and by finding the distance between the two centres using the formula(x1−x2)2+(y1−y2)2 we get that it is equal to the sum of the radii of the circles .Hence the circles touch each other externally and by using the property that the length of tangents from an external point to a circle are equal. we can show that the triangle formed is a isosceles triangle
Complete step-by-step answer:
We are given equations of two circles x2+y2−10y=0and x2+y2+6y=0
We know that the general equation of a circle is x2+y2+2gx+2fy+c=0
Its centre and radius is given by (−g,−f) and g2+f2−c
Let's consider the circle x2+y2−10y=0
Here 2g=0 and 2f=−10
Hence g=0 and f=−5
Therefore its centre is (−g,−f)=(0,5)
And radius is 02+(−5)2−0=25=5units
Let's consider the circle x2+y2+6y=0
Here 2g=0 and 2f=6
Hence g=0 and f=3
Therefore its centre is (−g,−f)=(0,−3)
And radius is 02+(3)2−0=9=3units
Let's find the distance between the centres
⇒(x1−x2)2+(y1−y2)2 ⇒(0−0)2+(5−(−3))2 ⇒(8)2=8units
Sum of radii = 5 + 3 =8 units
Therefore the distance between the centres is equal to the sum of their radii
Hence the circles touch each other externally
Now the tangents touch the circle x2+y2−10y=0at C and D and touch the circle x2+y2+6y=0 at A and B
Let PQR be the triangle formed
By the property ,
The length of tangents from an external point to a circle are equal.
⇒PA=PB……..(1)
⇒PC=PD …….(2)
From this
We get that AC=BD ……..(3)
And AQ=BR ……..(4)
Adding (1) and (4) we get
⇒PA+AQ=PB+BR ⇒PQ=PR
Therefore we get that the two sides of the triangle PQR are equal .
Hence it is an isosceles triangle
The correct option is a.
Note: The tangent always touches the circle at a single point.
It is perpendicular to the radius of the circle at the point of tangency
It never intersects the circle at two points.