Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle

KEY CONCEPTS (CIRCLE)

STANDARD RESULTS :
1. EQUATION OF A CIRCLE IN VARIOUS FORM:
(a) The circle with centre (h, k) & radius ‘r’ has the equation;
(x  h)2 + (y  k)2 = r2.
(b) The general equation of a circle is x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 with centre as:
(g, f) & radius = g2  f 2  c .
Remember that every second degree equation in x & y in which coefficient of
x2 = coefficient of y2 & there is no xy term always represents a circle.
If g2 + f 2  c > 0  real circle.
2 2
g + f  c = 0 point circle.
g2 + f 2  c < 0  imaginary circle.
Note that the general equation of a circle contains three arbitrary constants, g, f & c which
corresponds to the fact that a unique circle passes through three non collinear points.
(c) The equation of circle with (x1 , y1) & (x2 , y2) as its diameter is :
(x  x1) (x  x2) + (y  y1) (y  y2) = 0.
Note that this will be the circle of least radius passing through (x1 , y1) & (x2 , y2).
2. INTERCEPTS MADE BY A CIRCLE ON THE AXES :
The intercepts made by the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 on the co-ordinate axes are
2 g2  c & 2 f 2  c respectively..
NOTE :
If g2  c > 0  circle cuts the x axis at two distinct points.
If g2 = c  circle touches the x-axis.
If g2 < c  circle lies completely above or below the x-axis.
3. POSITION OF A POINT w.r.t. A CIRCLE :
The point (x1 , y1) is inside, on or outside the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0.
according as x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c  0 .
Note : The greatest & the least distance of a point A from a circle
with centre C & radius r is AC + r & AC  r respectively.
4. LINE & A CIRCLE :
Let L = 0 be a line & S = 0 be a circle. If r is the radius of the circle & p is the length of the
perpendicular from the centre on the line, then :
(i) p > r  the line does not meet the circle i. e. passes out side the circle.
(ii) p = r  the line touches the circle.
(iii) p < r  the line is a secant of the circle.
(iv) p = 0  the line is a diameter of the circle.
5. PARAMETRIC EQUATIONS OF A CIRCLE :
The parametric equations of (x  h)2 + (y  k)2 = r2 are :
x = h + r cos  ; y = k + r sin  ;   <    where (h, k) is the centre,
r is the radius &  is a parameter.
Note that equation of a straight line joining two point  &  on the circle x2 + y2 = a2 is
   
x cos + y sin = a cos .
2 2 2

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
6. TANGENT & NORMAL :
(a) The equation of the tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 at its point (x1 , y1) is,
x x1 + y y1 = a2. Hence equation of a tangent at (a cos , a sin ) is ;
x cos  + y sin  = a. The point of intersection of the tangents at the points P() and Q() is
   
a cos 2 , a sin 2 .
   
cos 2
cos 2
(b) The equation of the tangent to the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 at its point (x1 , y1) is
xx1 + yy1 + g (x + x1) + f (y + y1) + c = 0.
(c) y = mx + c is always a tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 if c2 = a2 (1 + m2) and the point of
 2 2

contact is   a m , a  .
 c c
(d) If a line is normal / orthogonal to a circle then it must pass through the centre of the circle.
Using this fact normal to the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 at (x1 , y1) is
y1  f
y  y1 = (x  x1).
x1  g
7. A FAMILY OF CIRCLES :
(a) The equation of the family of circles passing through the points of intersection of two circles
S1 = 0 & S2 = 0 is : S1 + K S2 = 0 (K  1).
(b) The equation of the family of circles passing through the point of intersection of a circle
S = 0 & a line L = 0 is given by S + KL = 0.
(c) The equation of a family of circles passing through two given points (x1 , y1) & (x2 , y2) can be
written in the form :
x y 1
(x  x1) (x  x2) + (y  y1) (y  y2) + K x1 y 1 1 = 0 where K is a parameter..
x2 y2 1
(d) The equation of a family of circles touching a fixed line y  y1 = m (x  x1) at the fixed point (x1 , y1)
i s
2 2
(x  x1) + (y  y1) + K [y  y1  m (x  x1)] = 0 , where K is a parameter.
In case the line through (x1 , y1) is parallel to y - axis the equation of the family of circles
touching it at (x1 , y1) becomes (x  x1)2 + (y  y1)2 + K (x  x1) = 0.
Also if line is parallel to x - axis the equation of the family of circles touching it at
(x1 , y1) becomes (x  x1)2 + (y  y1)2 + K (y  y1) = 0.
(e) Equation of circle circumscribing a triangle whose sides are given by L1 = 0 ; L2 = 0 &
L3 = 0 is given by ; L1L2 +  L2L3 +  L3L1 = 0 provided co-efficient of xy = 0 & co-efficient of
x2 = co-efficient of y2.
(f) Equation of circle circumscribing a quadrilateral whose side in order are represented by the
lines L1 = 0, L2 = 0, L3 = 0 & L4 = 0 is L1L3 +  L2L4 = 0 provided co-efficient of
x2 = co-efficient of y2 and co-efficient of xy = 0.
8. LENGTH OF A TANGENT AND POWER OF A POINT :
The length of a tangent from an external point (x1 , y1) to the circle
S  x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is given by L = x12  y12  2 g x1  2 f1 y  c = S1 .
Square of length of the tangent from the point P is also called THE POWER OF POINT w.r.t.
a circle. Power of a point remains constant 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.

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
9. DIRECTOR CIRCLE:
The locus of the point of intersection of two perpendicular tangents is called the DIRECTOR
CIRCLE of the given circle. The director circle of a circle is the concentric circle having radius

equal to 2 times the original circle.

10. EQUATION OF THE CHORD WITH A GIVEN MIDDLE POINT :
The equation of the chord of the circle S  x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + 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 + x1) + f (y + y1) + c = x12 + 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.
11. CHORD OF CONTACT :
If two tangents PT1 & PT2 are drawn from the point P (x1, y1) to the circle
S  x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, then the equation of the chord of contact T1T2 is :
xx1 + yy1 + g (x + x1) + f (y + y1) + c = 0.

REMEMBER :
(a) Chord of contact exists only if the point ‘P’ is not inside .
2LR
(b) Length of chord of contact T1 T2 = .
R 2 L2

R L3
(c) Area of the triangle formed by the pair of the tangents & its chord of contact = 2 2
R L
Where R is the radius of the circle & L is the length of the tangent from (x1, y1) on S = 0.
 2R L 
(d) Angle between the pair of tangents from (x1, y1) = tan1  2 2 
 L R 
where R = radius ; L = length of tangent.
(e) Equation of the circle circumscribing the triangle PT1 T2 is :
(x  x1) (x + g) + (y  y1) (y + f) = 0.
(f) The joint equation of a pair of tangents drawn from the point A (x1 , y1) to the circle
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is : SS1 = T2.
Where S  x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c ; S1  x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c
T  xx1 + yy1 + g(x + x1) + f(y + y1) + c.
12. POLE & POLAR :
(i) If through a point P in the plane of the circle , there be drawn any straight line to meet the
circle in Q and R, the locus of the point of intersection of the tangents at Q & R is called
the POLAR OF THE POINT P ; also P is called the POLE OF THE POLAR.
(ii) The equation to the polar of a point P (x1 , y1) w.r.t. the circle x2 + y2 = a2 is given by
xx 1 + yy 1 = a 2 , & if the circle is general then the equation of the polar becomes
xx1 + yy1 + g (x + x1) + f (y + y1) + c = 0. Note that if the point (x1 , y1) be on the circle then
the chord of contact, tangent & polar will be represented by the same equation.
 Aa 2 Ba 2 
(iii) Pole of a given line Ax + By + C = 0 w.r.t. any circle x2 + y2 = a2 is   , .

 C C 
(iv) If the polar of a point P pass through a point Q, then the polar of Q passes through P.
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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
(v) Two lines L1 & L2 are conjugate of each other if Pole of L1 lies on L2 & vice versa Similarly two
points P & Q are said to be conjugate of each other if the polar of P passes through Q &
vice-versa.
13. COMMON TANGENTS TO TWO CIRCLES :
(i) Where the two circles neither intersect nor touch each other , there are FOUR common
tangents, two of them are transverse & the others are direct common tangents.
(ii) When they intersect there are two common tangents, both of them being direct.
(iii) When they touch each other :
(a) EXTERNALLY : there are three common tangents, two direct and one is the tangent at the
point of contact .
(b) INTERNALLY : only one common tangent possible at their point of contact.
(iv) Length of an external common tangent & internal 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.
(v) The direct common tangents meet at a point which divides the line joining centre of circles
externally in the ratio of their radii.
Transverse common tangents meet at a point which divides the line joining centre of circles
internally in the ratio of their radii.
14. RADICAL AXIS & RADICAL CENTRE :
The radical axis of two circles is the locus of points whose powers w.r.t. the two circles are equal.
The equation of radical axis of the two circles S1 = 0 & S2 = 0 is given ;
S1  S2 = 0 i.e. 2 (g1  g2) x + 2 (f1  f2) y + (c1  c2) = 0.
NOTE THAT :
(a) If two circles intersect, then the radical axis is the common chord of the two circles.
(b) If two circles touch each other then the radical axis is the common tangent of the two circles
at the common point of contact.
(c) Radical axis is always perpendicular to the line joining the centres of the two circles.
(d) Radical axis need not always pass through the mid point of the line joining the centres of
the two circles.
(e) Radical axis bisects a common tangent between the two circles.
(f) The common point of intersection of the radical axes of three circles taken two at a time
is called the radical centre of three circles.
(g) A system of circles , every two which have the same radical axis, is called a coaxal system.
(h) Pairs of circles which do not have radical axis are concentric.
15. ORTHOGONALITY OF TWO CIRCLES :
Two circles S1= 0 & S2= 0 are said to be orthogonal or said to intersect orthogonally if the
tangents at their point of intersection include a right angle. The condition for two circles
to be orthogonal is : 2 g1 g2 + 2 f1 f2 = c1 + c2 .
Note :
(a) Locus of the centre of a variable circle orthogonal to two fixed circles is the radical axis between
the two fixed circles .
(b) If two circles are orthogonal, then the polar of a point 'P' on first circle w.r.t. the second circle
passes through the point Q which is the other end of the diameter through P . Hence locus of a
point which moves such that its polars w.r.t. the circles S1 = 0 , S2 = 0 & S3 = 0 are concurrent in
a circle which is orthogonal to all the three circles.

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
SOLVED EXAMPLE

1. Find the equation of the circle whose centre is (1, –2) and radius is 4.
Sol. The equation of the circle is (x – 1)2 + (y – (–2))2 = 42
 (x – 1)2 + (y + 2)2 = 16
 x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y – 11 = 0 Ans.

2. Find the equation of the circle which passes through the point of intersection of the lines 3x – 2y
– 1 = 0 and 4x + y – 27 = 0 and whose centre is (2, –3).
Sol. Let P be the point of intersection of the lines AB and LM whose equations are respectively
3x – 2y – 1 = 0 .....(i)
and 4x + y – 27 = 0 .....(ii)
Solving (i) and (ii) , we get x = 5, y = 7, So coordinates of P are (5, 7).
Let C (2, –3) be the centre of the circle. Since the circle passes through P, therefore
2 2
CP = radius   5  2    7  3 = radius

 radius = 109 .
2
Hence the equation of the required circle is (x – 2)2 + (y + 3)2 =  109 
3. Find the centre & radius of the circle whose equation is x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y + 12 = 0.
Sol. Comparing it with the general equation x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, We have
2g = – 4  g=–2
2f = 6  f=3
& c = 12
2 2 2 2
 centre is (–g, –f) i.e., (2, –3) and radius = g  f  c   2    3  12  1

4. Find the equation of the circle, the coordinates of the end points of whose diameter are (–1, 2)
and
(4, –3).
Sol. We know that the equation of the circle described on the line segment joining (x1, y1) and (x2, y2)
as a diameter is (x – x1) (x – x2) + (y – y1) (y – y2) = 0.
Here x1 = –1, x2 = 4, y1 = 2 and y2 = –3
So, the equation of the required circle is
(x + 1) (x – 4) + (y – 2) (y + 3) = 0  x2 + y2 – 3x + y – 10 = 0

5. Find the equation to the circle touching the y-axis at a distance –3 from the origin and intercepting
a length 8 on the x-axis.
Sol. Let the equation of the circle be x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0.
Since it touches y-axis at (0, –3) and (0, –3) lies on the circle.
 c = f2 .....(i) 9 – 6f + c = 0 .....(ii)
From (i) and (ii) , we get 9 – 6f + f 2 = 0  (f – 3)2 = 0  f = 3.
Putting f = 3 in (i) we obtain c = 9.
It is given that the circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 intercepts length 8 on x-axis
 2 g 2  c  8  2 g 2  9  8  g2 – 9 = 16 g = ± 5
Hence, the required circle is x2 + y2 ± 10x + 6y + 9 = 0.

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
6. Find the parametric equations of the circle x2 + y2 – 4x – 2y + 1 = 0.
Sol. We have : x2 + y2 – 4x – 2y + 1 = 0  (x2 – 4x) + (y2 – 2y) = –1
 (x – 2)2 + (y – 1)2 = 22
So, the parametric equations of this circle are
x = 2 + 2 cos  , y = 1 + 2 sin .

7. Find the equations of the following curves in cartesian form. Also, find the centre and radius of
the circle x = a + c cos  , y = b + c sin 
x a yb
Sol. We have : x = a + c cos  y = b + c sin   cos = , sin =
c c
2 2
 x a   yb  2 2
     = cos  + sin   (x – a)2 + (y – b)2 = c2
 c   c 
Clearly, it is a circle with centre at (a, b) and radius c.

8. Discuss the position of the points (1, 2) and (6, 0) with respect to the circle x2 + y2 – 4x + 2y – 11
=0
Sol. We have x2 + y2 – 4x + 2y – 11 = 0 or S = 0, where S = x2 + y2 – 4x + 2y – 11.
For the point (1, 2), we have S1 = 12 + 22 – 4 × 1 + 2 × 2 – 11 < 0
For the point (6, 0), we have S2 = 62 + 02 – 4 × 6 + 2 × 0 – 11 > 0
Hence, the point (1, 2) lies inside the circle and the point (6, 0) lies outside the circle.

9. For what value of c will the line y = 2x + c be a tangent to the circel x2 + y2 = 5 ?

Sol. We have : y = 2x + c or 2x – y + c = 0 ..... (i) and x2 + y2 = 5..... (ii)
If the line (i) touches the circle (ii), then
Length of the from the centre (0, 0) = radius of circle (ii)

2 0  0  c c
  5   5
2
22   1 5

c
  5  c=±5
5
Hence, the line (i) touches the circle (ii) for c = ± 5

10. Find the equation of the tangent to the circle x2 + y2 – 30x + 6y + 109 = 0 at (4, –1).
Sol. Equation of tangent is

 x  4   y   1 
4x + (–y) – 30    6  + 109 = 0
 2   2 
or 4x – y – 15x – 60 + 3y – 3 + 109 = 0 or –11x + 2y + 46 = 0
or 11x – 2y – 46 = 0
Hence, the required equation of the tangent is 11x – 2y – 46 = 0.

11. Find the equation of tangents to the circle x2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 12 = 0 which are parallel to the line
4x + 3y + 5 = 0
Sol. Given circle is x2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 12 = 0 .....(i)
and given line is 4x + 3y + 5 = 0 .....(ii)
Centre of circle (i) is (3, –2) and its radius is 5. Equation of any line
4x + 3y + k = 0 parallel to the line (ii) .....(iii)

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
If line (iii) is tangent to circle, (i) then
| 4.3  3(2)  k |
= 5 or |6 + k| = 25
4 2  32
or 6 + k = ± 25  k = 19, – 31
Hence equation of required tangents are 4x + 3y + 19 = 0 and 4x + 3y – 31 = 0

12. Find the equation of the normal to the circle x2 + y2 – 5x + 2y – 48 = 0 at the point (5, 6).
Sol. The equation of the tangent to the circle x2 + y2 – 5x + 2y – 48 = 0 at (5, 6) is
 x 5  x 6
5x + 6y – 5    2  – 48 = 0  10x + 12y – 5x – 25 + 2y + 12 – 96 = 0
 2   2 
 5x + 14y – 109 = 0
5 14
 Slope of the tangent =   Slope of the normal =
14 5
Hence, the equation of the normal at (5, 6) is
y – 6 = (14/5)(x – 5)  14x – 5y – 40 = 0

13. Find the equation of the pair of tangents drawn to the circle x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y = 0 from the point
(0, 1)
Sol. Given circle is S = x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y = 0 .....(i)
Let P  (0, 1)
For Point P, S1 = 02 + 12 – 2.0 + 4.1 = 5
Clearly P lies outside the circle
and T x . 0 + y . 1 – (x + 0) + 2(y + 1)
i.e. T –x + 3y + 2.
Now equation of pair of tangents from P(0, 1) to circle (1) is SS1 = T2
or 5(x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y) = (–x + 3y + 2)2
or 5x2 + 5y2 – 10x + 20y = x2 + 9y2 + 4 – 6xy – 4x + 12y
or 4x2 – 4y2– 6x + 8y + 6xy – 4 = 0
or 2x2 – 2y2 + 3xy – 3x + 4y – 2 = 0 ..... (ii)
Note : Separate equation of pair of tangents : From (ii) 2x + 3(y – 1) x – 2 (2y2 – 4y + 2) = 0
2

2
3  y  1  9  y  1  8  2y 2  4y  2 
 x=
4

or 4x – 3y + 3 = ± 25y 2  50y  25 = ± 5(y – 1)

 Separate equations of tangents are x – 2y + 2 = 0 and 2x + y – 1 = 0.

14. Find the length of the tangent drawn from the point (5, 1) to the circle x2 + y2 + 6x – 4y – 3 = 0.
Sol. Given circle is x2 + y2 + 6x – 4y – 3 = 0 .....(i)
Given point is (5, 1), Let P = (5, 1)
Now length of the tangent from P(5, 1) to circle (i) = 52  12  6.5  4.1  3  7

15. Find the equation of director circle of the circle (x – 2)2 + (y + 1)2 = 2.
Sol. Centre & radius of given circle are (2, –1) & 2 respectively..
Centre and radius of the director circle will be (2, –1) & 2 × 2 = 2 respectively..
 equation of director circle is (x – 2)2 + (y + 1)2 = 4
 x2 + y2 – 4x + 2y + 1 = 0

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
16. Find the equation of the chord of contact of the tangents drawn from (1, 2) to the circle
x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y + 7 = 0
Sol. Given circle is x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y + 7 = 0 ..... (i)
Let P = (1, 2)
For point P(1, 2), x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y + 7 = 1 + 4 – 2 + 8 + 7 = 18 > 0
Hence point P lies outside the circle
For point P(1, 2), T = x . 1 + y . 2 – (x + 1) + 2(y + 2) + 7
i.e., T = 4y + 10
Now equation of the chord of contact of point P(1, 2) w.r.t. circle (i) will be
4y + 10 = 0 or 2y + 5 = 0

17. Tangents are drawn to the circle x2 + y2 = 12 at the points where it is met by the circle
x2 + y2 – 5x + 3y – 2 = 0 ; find the point of intersection of these tangents.
Sol. Given circles are S1 x2 + y2 – 12 = 0 .....(i)
and 2 2
S2 = x + y – 5x + 3y – 2 = 0 .....(ii)
Now equation of common chord of circle (i) and (ii) is
S1 – S2 = 0 i.e., 5x – 3y – 10 = 0
Let this line meet circle (i) [or (ii) at A and B]
Let the tangents to circle (i) at A and B meet at P(), then AB will be the chord of contact of the
tangents to the circle (i) from P, therefore equation of AB will be

x+ y– 12 = 0
Now lines (iii) and (iv) are same, therefore, equations (iii) and (iv) are identical
  12 18
     6, –
5 3 10 5
 18 
Hence P =  6,  
 5
18. Find the equation of the polar of the point (2, –1) with respect to the circle x2 + y2 – 3x + 4y – 8 =
0.
Sol. Given circle is x2 + y2 – 3x + 4y – 8 = 0 .....(i)
Given point is (2, –1) let P = (2, –1). Now equation of the polar of point P with respect to circle (i)
 x  2   y 1 
x.2 + y(–1) – 3    4 – 8 = 0
 2   2 
or 4x – 2y – 3x – 6 + 4y – 4 – 16 = 0 or x + 2y – 26 = 0

19. Find the pole of the line 3x + 5y + 17 = 0 with respect to the circle x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y + 9 = 0.
Sol. Given circle is x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y + 9 = 0 .....(i)
and given line is 3x + 5y + 17 = 0 .....(ii)
Let P() be the pole of line (ii) with respect to circle (i)
Now equation of polar of point P() with respect to circle (i) is
x+ y+ 2(x +) + 3(y + ) + 9 = 0
or (+ 2)x + (+ 3)y + 2+ 3+ 9 = 0 .....(iii)
Now lines (ii) and (iii) are same, therefore,

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
  2   3 2  3  9
 
3 5 17
(i) (ii) (iii)
From (i) and (ii), we get
5+ 10 = 3 + 9 or 5 – 3= –1 .....(iv)
From (i) and (iii), we get
17+ 34 = 6+ 9+ 27 or 11– 9= –7 .....(v)
Solving (iv) & (v), we get = 1, = 2
Hence required pole is (1, 2).

20. Find the equation of the chord of the circle x2 + y2 + 6x + 8y – 11 = 0, whose middle point is (1,
–1).
Sol. Equation of given circle is S x2 + y2 + 6x + 8y – 11 = 0
Let L  (1, –1)
For point L(1, –1), S1 = 12 + (–1)2 + 6.1 + 8(–1) – 11 = – 11 and
T x.1 + y(–1) + 3(x + 1) + 4(y – 1) – 11 i.e., T 4x + 3y – 12
Now equation of the chord of circle (i) whose middle point is L (1, –1) is
T = S1 or 4x + 3y – 12 = – 11 or 4x + 3y – 1 = 0
Second Method
4  1 3
Let C be the centre of the given circle, then C (–3, –4), L (1, –1) slope of CL = 
3  1 4
 Equation of chord of circle whose middle point is L, is
4
 y + 1 = – (x – 1) [ chord is perpendicular to CL]
3
or 4x + 3y – 1 = 0

21. Examine if the two circles x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y = 0 and x2 + y2 – 8y – 4 = 0 touch each other externally
or internally.
Sol. Given circles are x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y = 0 .....(i)
2 2
and x + y – 8y – 4 = 0 .....(ii)
Let A and B be the centres and r1 and r2 the radii of circles (i) and (ii) respectively, then
A (1, 2), B  (0, 4), r1 = 5 , r2 = 2 5
2 2
Now AB = 1  0    2  4  5 and r1+ r2 = 3 5 , |r1 + r2| = 5
Thus AB = |r1 – r2|, hence the two circles touch each other internally.

22. Obtain the equation of the circle orthogonal to both the circles x2 + y2 + 3x – 5y + 6 = 0 and
4x2 + 4y2 – 28x + 29 = 0 and whose centre lies on the line 3x + 4y + 1 = 0.
Sol. Given circles are x2 + y2 + 3x – 5y + 6 = 0 .....(i)
and 2 2
4x + 4y – 28x + 29 = 0
29
or x2 + y2 – 7x +  0. .....(ii)
4
Let the required circle be x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 .....(iii)
Since circle (iii) cuts circles (i) and (ii) orthogonally
3  5
 2g   + 2f    = c + 6 or 3g – 5f = c + 6 .....(iv)
2  2

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
 7 29 29
and 2g    + 2f.0 = c + or –7g = c + .....(v)
 2 4 4
5
From (iv) & (v) , we get 10g – 5f = 
4
or 40g – 20f = – 5 .....(vi)
Given line is 3x + 4y = – 1 .....(vii)
Since centre (–g, – f) of circle (iii) lies on line (vii),
 –3g – 4g = –1 .....(viii)
1
Solving (vi) & (viii), we get g = 0, f =
4
29
 from (5), c =   from (iii), required circle is
4
1 29
x2 + y2 + y– =0 or 4(x2 + y2) + 2y – 29 = 0
2 4

23. Find the co-ordinates of the point from which the lengths of the tangents to the following three
circles be equal.
3x2 + 3y2 + 4x – 6y – 1 = 0
2x2 + 2y2 – 3x – 2y – 4 = 0
2x2 + 2y2 – x + y – 1 = 0
Sol. Here we have to find the radical centre of the three circles. First reduce them to standard form in
which coefficients of x2 and y2 be each unity. Subtracting in pairs the three radical exis are
17 5 3 3 11 5 1
xy 0 ; x  y   0 ;  x y 0
6 3 2 2 6 2 6
 16 31 
solving any two, we get the point   ,  which satisfies the third also. This point is called
 21 63 
the radical centre and by definition the length of the tangents from it to the three circles are equal.

24. Find the equations of the circles passing through the points of intersection of the circles
x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 4 = 0 and x2 + y2 – 10x – 12y + 40 = 0 and whose radius is 4.
Sol. Any circle through the intersection of given circles is S1 + S2 = 0
or (x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 4) + 1(x2 + y2 – 10x – 12y + 40) = 0 .....(i)
(1  5 ) (2  6) 40  4
or (x2 + y2) – 2 x–2 y+ =0
1  1  1 
2 2
r = g  f  c = 4, given
2 2
1  5  
 2  6  
40  4
 16 = 2 2
1    1    1 
16(1 + 2+ ) = 1 + 10+ 25+ 4 + 24 + 36– 40– 40+ 4 + 4
or 16 + 32 + 16 = 21– 2+ 9 or 5– 34– 7 = 0
 (– 7) (5+ 1) = 0  = 7, – 1/5
Putting the values of in (i) the required circles are
2x2 + 2y2 – 18x – 22y + 69 = 0 and x2 + y2 – 2y – 15 = 0

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
25. Find the equations of circles which touche 2x – y + 3 = 0 and pass through the points of intersection
of the line x + 2y – 1 = 0 and the circle x2 + y2 – 2x + 1= 0.
Sol. The required circle by S +P = 0 is
x2 + y2 – 2x + 1 + (x + 2y – 1) = 0
or x2 + y2 – x(2 –) + 2y + (1 –) = 0
centre (–g, –f) is [(2 – )/2, – ]
r= g2  f 2  c
2 1
= 2   / 4   2  1    
5 2    / 2  5
2
Since the circle touches the line 2x – y + 3 = 0 therefore perpendicular from centre is equal to
radius
2.[(2   ) / 3]  ()  3  
 5 or 5 = ± .5  = ± 2
 5 2 2
Putting the values of in (i) the required circles are
x2 + y2 + 4y – 1 = 0
x2 + y2 – 4x – 4y + 3 = 0.

26. Find the equation of circle passing through the points A(1, 1) & B(2, 2) and whose radius is 1.
Sol. Equation of AB is x – y = 0
 equation of circle is
(x – 1) (x – 2) + (y – 1) (y – 2) + (x – y) = 0
or x2 + y2 + (– 3) x – (+ 3) y + 4 = 0
2 2
   3 
   3 4
radius =
4 4
2 2

But radius = 1 (given) ;     3 

   3 4 1
4 4
or (– 3)2 + (+ 3)2 – 16 = 4.
or 2= 2
or = ± 1
 Equation of circle is
x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y + 4 = 0
& x2 + y2 – 4x – 2y + 4 = 0 Ans.

27. Find the equation of the circle passing through the point (2, 1) and touching the line x + 2y – 1 =
0 at the point (3, – 1).
Sol. Equation of circle is
(x – 3)2 + (y + 1)2 + (x + 2y – 1) = 0
Since it passes through the point (2, 1)
1 + 4 + (2 + 2 – 1) = 0
 = –5/3
 circle is
(x – 3)2 + (y + 1)2 – 5/3 (x + 2y – 1) = 0
 3x2 + 3y2 – 23x – 4y + 35 = 0 Ans.

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
28. Find the equation of circle circumscribing the triangle whose sides are 3x – y – 9 = 0, 5x – 3y – 23
= 0 & x + y – 3 = 0.
A
X

Sol. L1 : 3x – y –9 = 0 L2 : 5x –3y –23 = 0

B C
L3 : x +y –3 = 0

L1L2 + L2L3 + L1L3 = 0

(3x – y – 9) (5x – 3y – 23) + (5x – 3y – 23) (x + y – 3) + (3x – y – 9)(x + y – 3) = 0
(15x2 + 3y2 – 14xy – 114x + 50y + 207) + (5x2 – 3y2 + 2xy – 38x – 14y + 69)
+ (3x2 – y2 + 2xy – 18x – 6y + 27) = 0
2 2
(5+ 3+ 15) x + (3 – 3–)y + xy (2+ 2– 14) – x (114 + 38+ 18)
+ y(50 – 14– 6) + (207 + 69+ 27) = 0 .....(i)
coefficient of x2 = coefficient of y2
 5+ 3+ 15 = 3 – 3– 
++ 12 = 0
2+ + 3 = 0 .....(ii)
coefficient of xy = 0
 2+ 2– 14 = 0
 – 7 = 0 .....(iii)
Solving (ii) and (iii) , we have
= – 10, = 17
Putting these values of & in equation (i) , we get
2x2 + 2y2 – 5x + 11y – 3 = 0

29. Find the locus of the points of intersection of the tangents to the circle x = r cos  , y = r sin at
points whose parametric angles differ by /3.
Sol. All such points P satisfying the given condition will be equidistant from the origin O (see fig.)
Hence the locus of P will be a circle centred at the origin, having radius equal to
r 2r B
OP =  P
 3
cos  
6
O A
4 2
Therefore, equation of the required locus is x2 + y2 = r .
3

30. If – 3l2 – 6l – 1 + 6m2 = 0, find the equation of the circle for which lx + my + 1 = 0 is a tangent.
Sol. The given expression can be written as
3l  1
6(l 2 + m2) = 9l 2 + 6l + 1 i.e.,  6
l 2  m2
From this expression we can infer that the perpendicular distance of the point (3, 0) from the line
lx + my + 1 = 0 is 6 .
This proves that the given line is a tangent to the circle (x – 3)2 + y2 = 6.

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
31. Prove that x2 + y2 = a2 and (x – 2a)2 + y2 = a2 are two equal circles touching each other. Find the
equation of circle (or circles ) of the same radius touching both the circles.
Sol. Given circles are
x2 + y2 = a2 .....(1)
and 2 2
(x – 2a) + y = a 2 .....(2)
Let A and B be the centres and r1 and r2 the radii of the circles (1) and (2) respectively. Then
A  (0, 0), B  (2a, 0), r1 = a, r2 = a
2
Now AB =  0  2a   02 = 2a = r1 + r2
Hence the two circles touch each other externally.
Let the equation of the circle having same radius 'a' and touching the circles (1) and (2) be
(x – )2 + (y –)2 = a2 .....(3)
Its centre C is () and radius r3 = a
Since circle (3) touches the circle (1)
AC = r1 + r3 = 2a. [Here AC |r1 – r3| as r1 – r3 = a – a = 0]
 AC2 = 4a2
a2 +  = 4
Again since circle (3) touches the circle (2)
BC = r2 + r3 BC2 = (r2)
 (2a –)2 + = (a + a)2 – 4a 
 4a2 – 4a = 0 [from (4)]
 = a and from (4), = 0 (4), we have = ± 3 a.
Hence, the required circles are (x – a)2 + (y  a 3 )2 = a2
or x2 + y2 – 2ax 2 3 ay + 3a2 = 0

32. If the curves ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 and Ax2 + 2Hxy + By2 + 2Gx + 2Fy + C = 0
 a  b    A  B
intersect at four concyclic points, prove that .
h H
Sol. Equation of a curve passing through the intersection points of the given curves can be written as
(ax2 + 2hxy + by2 + 2gx + 2fy + c) + (Ax2 + 2Hxy + By2 + 2Gx + 2Fy + C) = 0 .....(1)
If this curve must be a circle, then coeff. of x2 = coeff. of y2
ba
i.e., (a + A) = (b + B) gives = .....(2)
A B
and coeff. of = 0
h
i.e., 2(h + H) = 0 given = – .....(3)
H
Equating the two values of , we get the desired result.

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
33. Let S  x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 be a given circle. Find the locus of the foot of the perpendicular
drawn from the origin upon any chord of S which subtends right angle at the origin.

A
P(h,k)
B


AB is a variable chord such that = AOB = .
2
Let P(h, k) be the foot of the perpendicular drawn from origin upon AB. Equation of the chord AB
is
h
y–k= (x – h)
k
i.e., hx + ky = h2 + k2 .....(1)
Equation of the pair of straight lines passing through the origin and the intersection point of the
given circle
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 .....(2)
and the variable chord AB is
2
 hx  ky   hx  ky 
x2 y2
+ + 2(gx + fy)  2 2 
 c 2 2 
0 .....(3)
 h k   h k 
If equation (3) must represent a pair of perpendicular lines, then we have coeff. of x2 + coeff. of y2
=0
   
2gh ch 2   1  2fk  ck 2
i.e.,  1  2  0
 h  k 2  h 2  k 2  2   h 2  k 2  h 2  k 2 2 
   
Putting (x, y) in place of (h, k) gives the equation of the required locus as
c
x2 + y2 + gx + fy + = 0.
2
34. The line Ax + By + C = 0 cuts the circle x2 + y2 + gx + fy + c = 0 at P and Q.
The line A'x + B'y + C' = 0 cuts the circle x2 + y2 + g'x + f'y + c' = 0 at R and S.
g  g ' f  f ' c  c'
If P, Q, S are concyclic, show that A B C 0
A' B' C'
Sol. Equation of a circle through P and Q is x2 + y2 + gx + fy + c + (Ax + By + C) = 0
i.e., x2 + y2 + (g + A) x + (f + B)y + (c + C) = 0 .....(1)
and equation of a circle through R and S is x2 + y2 + g'x + f 'y + c' +  (A'x + B'y + C') = 0
x2 + y2 + (g' + A') y + (f ' + B') + (c' + C') = 0 .....(2)
If P, Q, R and S are concyclic points, then equations (1) and (2) must represent the same circle.
g  A f  B c  C
Equating the ratio of the coefficients, we have 1 =  
g ' A ' f ' B' c' C'
i.e A – ' + g – g' = 0 .....(3)
B – B' + f – f' = 0 .....(4)

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
and C – C' + c – c' = 0 .....(5)
A A ' g  g '
Eliminating and from equation (3), (4) and (5), we have B B' f  f ' = 0
C C ' c  c'

g  g ' f  f ' c  c'

or A B C  0 [Interchanging rows by columns and then interchanging the second
A' B' C'
and the third row]
Aliter : Let the given circles be S1  x2 + y2 + gx + fy + c = 0 .....(1)
2 2
and S2 x +y + g'x + f 'y + c' = 0 .....(2)
If S be the required circle, then according to the given condition
Ax + By + C = 0 is the radical axis of S1, S
and A'x + B'y + C' = 0 is the radical axis of S2, S
while (g – g')x + (f – f ')y + (c – c') = 0 is the radical axis of S1,S2.
Since the radical axes of three circles taken in pairs are concurrent, therefore, we have
g  g ' f  f ' c  c'
A B C  0 which is the desired result.
A' B' C'
35. Circles are drawn passing through the origin O to intersect the coordinate axes at point P and Q
such that m  OP + n. OQ is a constant. Show that the circles pass through a fixed point.
Sol. Equation of a circle passing through the origin and having X and Y intercepts equal to a and b
respectively is x2 + y2 – ax – by = 0 .....(1)
According to the given condition, we have
ma + nb = k (constant)
k  ma
i.e., b  .....(2)
n
 k  ma 
Putting the above value of b in equation (1) , we have x2 + y2 – ax –   y=0
 n 
i.e., {n(x2 + y2) – ky} – a (nx – my) = 0
Which represents the equation of a family of circles passing through the intersection points of the
circle
n (x2 + y2) – ky = 0 .....(3)
and the line
nx – my = 0 .....(4)
 mk nk 
Solving equation (3) and (4), gives the coordinates of the fixed point as  2 2
, 2 2 
.
m n m n 

p q
36. P(p, q) is a point on a circle passing through the origin and centred at C  ,  . If two distinct
2 2
chords can be drawn from P such that these chords are bisected by the X-axis, then show that
p2 > 8q2.

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
p q
Sol. It can be seen that the given points P(p, q), C  ,  and the origin are collinear which implies
2 2
that line OP where O is the origin is a diameter of the given circle. Therefore, equation of the
given circle is
x(x – p) + y(y – q) = 0 Y
i.e x2 + y2 – px – qy = 0 .....(1)
Let M(a, 0) be the mid-point of a chord AP (see fig.) Then, we have P(p,q)
CM  AP / 2)C
,q
(p/2
q
q O 0)
X
i.e., slope of CM × slope of AP = –1 2   1 M
(a ,
p
a pa A
2
i.e., q2 + (p – 2a) (p – a) = 0 i.e., 2a2 – 3pa + p2 + q2 = 0 .....(2)
Equation (2) which is a quadratic equation in a shows that there will be two real and distinct
values of a if the discriminant is > 0
i.e., if (3p)2 – 4 × 2(p2 + q2) > 0
i.e., if p2 > 8q2
which is the desired result.

Aliter. Equation of the given circle is

x2 + y2 – px – qy = 0 .....(1)
Equation of any line through P(p, q) can be written as
y – q = m (x – p) (where m is a variable)
y   mp  q 
i.e., x .....(2)
m
putting the value of x from equation (2) in equation (1) will give the ordinate of the intersection
2
 y   mp  q   2  y   mp  q  
points of the line and the given circle as    y  p   qy  0
 m   m 
i.e., 2 2 2
{y + (mp – q)} + m y – mp{y + (mp – q)} – m qy = 0 2

i.e., (1 + m2)y2 + {2(mp – q) – mp – m2q}y + (mp – q)2 – mp(mp – q) = 0

i.e., (1 + m2)y2 + (pm – 2q – qm2)y – q(mp – q) = 0 .....(3)
The above equation gives the Y coordinates of the intersection points of the chord and the given
circle. According to the given condition, the mid-point of this intercept lies on the X-axis, therefore
we have sum of the roots of equation (3) = 0
i.e., pm – 2q – qm2 = 0
i.e., qm2 – pm + 2q =0 .....(4)
The above equation shows that there will be two real and distinct values of m if p2 > 8q2 which is
the desired result.

37. Prove that the square of the tangent that can be drawn from any point on one circle to another
circle is equal to twice the product of perpendicular distance of the point from the radical axis of
two circles and distances between their centres.
Sol. Let us choose the circles, as S1 x2 + y2 – a2 = 0 .....(1)
and S2  (x – b)2 + y2 – c2 = 0 .....(2)
Let P (a cos, a sin) be any point on circle S1. The length of the tangent from P to circle S2, is
given by PT2 = S2(a cos , a sin ) = (acos – b)2 + (a sin )2 – c2 = a2 + b2 – c2 – 2ab cos
The distance between the centres of S1 and S2 is

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
C1C2 = b
The radical axis of S1 and S2, is 2bx – a2 – b2 + c2 = 0
[equation (1) – equation (2)]
The perpendicular distance of P from the radical axis, is
| 2b  a cos    a 2  b 2  c 2 |
PM =
2b
Now, we have
| 2ab cos   a 2  b 2  c 2 |
2.PM. C1C2 = 2b. = |a2 + b2 – c2 – 2ab cos| = PT2 which proves the
2b
desired result.
38. 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.
Show that the common chords of each member of the family and the circle x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y + 5
= 0 are concurrent. Find the point of concurrency.
Sol. The given lines 3 (y – 1) = x – 1 .....(1)
y – 1 = 3 (x – 1) .....(2)
intersect at the point (1, 1)
Rewriting the equation of the given lines such that their constant terms are both positive, we have
x– 3y+ 3 –1=0 .....(3)
and – 3x+y+ 3 –1=0 .....(4)
Here, we have
(product of coeff's of x) + (product of coeff's of y) = – 3 – 3 = – ve quantity which implies that
the acute angle between the given lines contains the origin.
Therefore, equation of the acute angle bisector of the given lines is
x  3y  3  1  3x  y  3  1

2 2
i.e., y=x
Any point on the above bisector can be chose as () and equation of any circle passing through
(1, 1) and having centre at (, ) is
(x –)2 + (y –)2 = (1 –)2 + (1 – )2 .....(6)
i.e., 2 2
x + y – 2x – 2y + 4– 2 = 0
The common chord of the given circle
x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y + 5 = 0 .....(7)
and the circle represented by equation (6) is
(4 + 2) x + (2– 6)y + (7 – 4) = 0
i.e., (4x – 6y + 7) + 2(x + y – 2) = 0 .....(8)
Which represents a family of straight lines passing through the intersection point of the lines
4x – 6y + 7 = 0 .....(9)
and x+y–2=0 .....(10)
1 3
Solving equation (9), (10) gives the coordinates of the fixed point as  ,  .
2 2

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
39. Find the range of value of  for which the variable line 3x + 4y – = 0 lies between the circles
x2 + y2 – 2x – 2y + 1 = 0 and x2 + y2 – 18x – 2y + 78 = 0 without intercepting a chord on either
circle.
Sol. The given circle
S1 x2 + y2 – 2x – 2y + 1 = 0 .....(1)
Y
has centre C1 (1, 1) and radius r1 = 1
The other given circle M1
S2 x2 + y2 – 18x – 2y + 78 = 0 .....(2)
has centre C2 (9, 1) and radius r2 = 2.
According to the required condition, we have C1 C2
C1M1 r1 X
O
|3 4| M2
i.e., 1
2 2
3 4
i.e., ( – 7) 5 [C1 lies below the line  (7 – ) is a –ve quantity]
i.e., 12 i.e.,
| 27  4  |
2
32  42
i.e., (31– )  10 [ C1 lies below the line]
 (31 –) is a + ve quantity]
i.e., 21
Hence, the permissible values of are 12  21.

40. Point P having integral coordinates lies on x2 + y2 = 1 and x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y + 1 = 0. A chord

through P meets the two circles at A and B. Find the equation of the chord PAB if PB and
PB subtend equal angles at the centres of the respective circles.
Sol. Equation of the given circles are S1  x2 + y2 – 1 = 0.....(1)
and S2 x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y + 1 = 0 .....(2)
Subtracting equation (2) from equation (1) we have
x = – (2y + 1) .....(3)
2 2
Putting in equation (1), we have (2y + 1) + y = 1
i.e., 5y2 + 4y = 1 gives y = 0, – 4/5
and the corresponding values of x = – 1, 3/5.

Thus the intersection point of circles S1 and S2, having integral coordinates, is P (–1, 0).
From the fig., we can see that if PA and PB subtend equal angles at C1 and C2 respectively, then
PA : PB = C1A : C2B = 1 : 2
Equation of a line through P can be chosen as
y = m (x +1)
Solving equations (1) and (4) for the intersection point () (say) , we have
x2 + m2(x + 1)2 = 1
i.e., (1 + m2) x2 + 2m2x + (m2 – 1) = 0
whose one root is x = –1 since one of the intersection point is P(–1, 0)
m2 1 1  m2
Thus, we have –1.  gives 
1  m2 1  m2
Solving equation (2) and (4) for the intersection point B(, ) (say), we have
x2 + m2(x + 1)2 + 2x + 4m(x + 1) + 1 = 0
i.e., (1 + m2)x2 + (2m2 + 4m + 2)x + (m2 + 4m + 1) = 0
whose one root is x = –1 since one of the intersection point is P(–1, 0).

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
m 2  4m  1  m 2  4m  1 
Thus, we have –1,  = given  =   2 
1  m2  1 m 
Now, using the condition PA : PB = 1 : 2, we have 2 +  = –3
i.e., 2(1 – m2) – (m2 + 4m + 1) = –3(1 + m2)
3
gives m =
4
3
Hence, equation of the required chord is y = (x + 1).
4

41. Curves ax2 + 2hxy + by2 – 2gx – 2fy + c = 0 and a'x2 – 2hxy + (a' + a – b)y2 – 2g'x – 2f 'y + c = 0
 g ' g f '  f 
intersect at four concyclic point A, B, C and D. If P is the point  , A2 +
 prove that PA
 a '  a a '  a 
2 2
PB + PC = 3PD . 2

Sol. Equation of a curve passing through the intersection points of the given curves
ax2 + 2hxy + by2 – 2gx – 2fy + c = 0 .....(1)
and a'x2 – 2hxy + (a' + a – b)y2 – 2g'x – 2f 'y + c = 0 .....(2)
2 2
can be written as {a'x – 2hxy + (a' + a – b)y – 2g'x – 2f'y + c}
+ {ax2 + 2hxy + by2 – 2gx – 2fy + c} = 0
i.e., (a' + a)x + 2h( – 1)xy + (a' + a – b + b)y2
2

–2(g' + g)x – 2(f ' + f)y + (1 + )c = 0 .....(3)

According to the given condition equation (3) must represent a circle, therefore,
we have coeff. of x2 = coeff. of y2
i.e., a' + a = a' + a – b + b
i.e., (a – b) = a – b
gives  = 1 and coeff. of xy = 0
i.e., –1=0
gives  = 1
The identical values prove that the curve is a circle.
Putting the above value of  in equation (3) gives the equation of the circle passing through the
intersection points of the curves represented by equation (1) and (2) as
(a' + a)(x2 + y2) – 2 (g' + g)x – 2(f' + f)y + 2c = 0
 g ' g f '  f 
which has its centre at the point  , .
 a ' a a '  a 
We can see that the conditions of the given point P is the same as the centre of the circle passing
through the points A, B, C and D. Therefore, we have PA2 = PB2 = PC2 = PD2 = radius of the
circle which gives the desired result PA2 + PB2 + PC2 = 3PD2.

42. A is one of the points of intersection of two given circles. A variable line through A meets the two
circles again at point P and Q. Show that the locus of the mid-point of P and Q is also a circle
passing through A.
Sol. Let us choose the intersection point A as the origin and the radical axis of the circles, as the Y-axis
(see fig.). Then the equation of the circles can be chosen as
S1  x2 + y2 – 2g1x – 2fy = 0 .....(1)
and S2  x2 + y2 – 2g2x – 2fy = 0 .....(2)
Equation of a variable line through A can be written as y = mx.
Putting in equation (1), we have

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
x2(1 + m2) – 2(g1 + mf)x = 0
2(g1  mf )
gives x = 0,
1  m2
Putting in equation (2), we have x2(1 + m2) – 2(g2 + mf)x = 0
2(g 2  mf )
gives x = 0,
1  m2
2(g1  mf ) 2(g 2  mf )
Thus, we have P  (x1, mx1) where x1 = 2 and Q  (x2, mx2) where x2 =
1 m 1  m2
If M(h, k) be the mid-point of PQ, then 2h = x1 + x2
i.e., h(1 + m2) = g1 + g2 + 2mf .....(3)
and 2k = m(x1 + x2)
i.e., k(1 + m2) = m(g1 + g2 + 2mf) .....(4)
k
Dividing equation (4) by equation (3), we have m =
h
Putting the above value of m in equation (3), we have
 k2  2kf
h 1  2  = g1 + g2 + i.e., h2 + k2 = (g1 + g2)h + 2fk
 h  h
Putting (x, y) in place of (h, k) gives the equation of the required locus, as
x2 + y2 – (g1 + g2)x – 2fy = 0
which is a circle passing through A(0, 0).

43. Q is a fixed point and S is a fixed circle. A variable chord through Q meets the circle S at point A
and B. Find the locus of a point P on this chord such that QA, QP, QB are in
(a) arithmetic progression
(b) geometric progression
(c) harmonic progression
Sol. Let us choose the line joining Q and the centre of the circle S as the X-axis and the centre of the
circle as the origin (see fig).

Let the coordinates of the fixed point Q be (, 0) and the equation of the fixed circle S be
x2 + y2 = a2 .....(1)
Let  be the inclination of a variable line through Q. The coordinates of any point on this line can
be chosen as ( + r cos , r sin ). If this point also lies on the circle S, then putting the above
coordinates in equation (1),
we have
( + r cos )2 + (r sin )2 = a2
i.e., r2 + (2 cos )r + 2 – a2 = 0 .....(2)
The roots of the above equation, say r1, r2 are the distance QA and QB. Thus, we have
QA + QB = r1 + r2 = – 2 cos 
QA  QB = r1r2 = 2 – a2

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
Let P(h, k) be the point whose locus is to be found. If the distance QP is denoted by r, then we
have
h =  + r cos , k = r sin 
r1  r2
(a) If QP is the A.M. of QA and QB, then r = –  cos  [from equation (2)]
2
Thus, we have h =  –  cos2  =  sin2  .....(3)
k = –  cos  sin  .....(4)
k2
Now, we have =  cos2  .....(5)
h
Adding equations (3) and (4), we have h2 + k2 = h
Hence, the required locus is x2 + y2 – x = 0 which is a circle.
(b) If QP is the G.M. of QA and QB. then

r= r1r2  2  a 2 [from equation (2)]

Thus, we have h =  –  2  a 2 cos , k =  2  a 2 sin 

Eliminating , we have (h – )2 + k2 = 2 – a2
i.e., h2 + k2 – 2h + 2 = 0
Hence, the required locus is x2 + y2 – 2x = 0 which is a circle.
2r1r2 2  a 2
(c) If QP is the H.M. of QA and QB, then r = 
r1  r2  cos 

2  a 2  2  a 2 
Thus, we have h =  – , k =   cos   sin 
  
From the first equation above , is eliminated. h = a2
Hence, the required locus is x = a2.

44. Tangents are drawn to the circle x2 + y2 = 50 from a point 'P' lying on the x-axis. These tangents
meet the y-axis at points 'P1' and 'P2'. Possible coordinates of 'P' so that area of triangle PP1P2 is
minimum, is/are
(a) (10, 0) (B) ( 10 2 , 0) (C) (–10, 0) (D) (– 10 2 , 0)
Sol. OP = 5 2 sec ,
OP1 = 5 2 cosec ,
100
area (PP1P2) = , area (PP1P2)min = 100
sin 2
  = /4  OP = 10
 P = (10, 0), (–10, 0)
Hence, (A), (C) are correct.

45. Two circles with radii 'r1' and 'r2', r1 > r2  2, touch each other externally. If '' be the angle
between the direct common tangents, then
r r  r r 
(A)  = sin–1  1 2  (B)  = 2sin–1  1 2 
 r1  r2   r1  r2 

r r 
(C)  = sin–1  1 2  (D) none of these
 r1  r2 
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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
r1  r2
Sol. sin  =
r1  r2

r r 
  = 2sin–1  1 2 
 r1  r2 
Hence (B) is correct

46. If the curves ax2 + 4xy + 2y2 + x + y + 5 = 0 and ax2 + 6xy + 5y2 + 2x + 3y + 8 = 0 intersect at four
concyclic points then the value of a is
(A) 4 (B) –4 (C) 6 (D) –6
Sol. Any second degree curve passing through the intersection of the given curves is
ax2 + 4xy + 2y2 + x + y + 5 =(ax2 + 6xy + 5y2 + 2x + 3y + 8) = 0
If it is a circle, then coefficient of x2 = coefficient of y2 and coefficient of xy = 0
a(1 + ) = 2 + 5 and 4 + 6 = 0
10
2
2  5 2 3
 a= and =   a= 2 = – 4.
1  3 1
3
Hence (B) is correct answer.

47. The chords of contact of the pair of tangents drawn from each point on the line 2x + y = 4 to the
circle x2 + y2 = 1 pass through a fixed point -
 1 1 1 1
(A) (2, 4) (B)   ,   (C)  ,  (D) (–2, –4)
 2 4 2 4
Sol. The chord of contact of tangents from (, ) is
x + y = 1 .....(1)
1 1
Hence, (1) passes through  , 
2 4
Hence (C) is correct answer.

48. Equation of chord AB of circle x2 + y2 = 2 passing through P(2, 2) such that PB/PA = 3, is given
by -
(A) x = 3y (B) x = y
(C) y – 2 = 3 (x – 2) (D) none of these
y2 x2
Sol. Any line passing through (2, 2) will be of the form  =r
sin  cos 
When this line cuts the circle x2 + y2 = 2, (r cos  + 2)2 + (2 + r sin )2 = 2
 r2 = 4(sin  + cos ) r + 6 = 0
PB r2
  , now if r1 = , r2 = 3,
PA r1
then 4 = –4(sin  + cos ), 32 = 6  sin 2 = 1 = /4
So required chord will be y – 2 = 1(x – 2)  y = x.

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
Alternative solution
PA. PB = PT2 = 22 – 2 = 6 .....(1)
PB
=3 .....(2)
PA
From (1) and (2), we have PA = 2 , PB = 3 2
 AB = 2 2 . Now diameter of the circle is 2 2 (as radius is 2)
Hence line passing through the centre  y = x.
Hence (B) is the correct answer.

49. Equation of a circle S(x, y) = 0, (S, (2, 3) = 16) which touches the line 3x + 4y – 7 = 0 at (1, 1) is
given by
(A) x2 + y2 + x + 2y – 5 = 0 (B) x2 + y2 + 2x + 2y – 6 = 0
(C) x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y = 0 (D) none of these
Sol. Any circle which touches 3x + 4y – 7 = 0 at (1, 1) will be of the form
S(x, y)  (x – 1)2 + (y – 1)2 + (3x + 4y – 7) = 0
Since, S(2, 3) = 16  = 1, so required circle will be
x2 + y2 + x + 2y – 5 = 0
Hence, (A) is the correct answer.

50. If (a, 0) is a point on a diameter of the circle x2 + y2 = 4, then x2 – 4x – a2 = 0 has

(A) exactly one real root in (–1, 0] (B) exactly one real root in [2, 5]
(C) distinct roots greater than –1 (D) distinct roots less than 5
Sol. Since (a, 0) is a point on the diameter of the circle x2 + y2 = 4.
So maximum value of a2 is 4.

Let f(x) = x2 – 4x – a2
Clearlyf(–1) = 5 – a2 is 4 f(2) = – (a2 + 4) < 0
f(0) = – a2 < 0 and f(5) = 5 – a2 > 0
So graph of f(x) will be as shown
Hence (A), (B), (C), (D) are the correct answer.

51. If a circle S(x, y) = 0 touches at the point (2, 3) of the line x + y = 5 and S(1, 2) = 0, then radius of
such circle
1 1
(A) 2 units (B) 4 units (C) units (D) units
2 2
Sol. Desired equation of the circle is
(x – 2)2 + (y – 3)2 + (x + y – 5) = 0
1 + 1 + (1 + 2 – 5) = 0  = 1
x2 – 4x + 4 + y2 – 6y + 9 + x + y – 5 = 0  x2 + y2 – 3x – 5y + 8 = 0
2 2
 2 3  5 25 9 2 1
 x     y   = – 8x +   
 2  2 4 4 4 2
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

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Maths IIT-JEE ‘Best Approach’ (MC SIR) Circle
52. If P(2, 8) is an interior point of a circle x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y – p = 0 which neither touches nor
intersects the axes, then set for p is -
(A) p < –1 (B) P < –4 (C) p > 96 (D) 
Sol. For internal point p(2, 8), 4 + 64 – 4 + 32 – p < 0  p > 96 and x intercept = 2 1  p therefore
1+p<0
 p < –1 and y intercept 2 4  p  p < – 4
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

53. If two circles (x –1 )2 + (y – 3)2 = r2 and x2 + y2 – 8x + 2y + 8 = 0 intersect in two distinct point then
(A) 2 < r < 8 (B) r < 2 (C) r = 2 (D) r > 2
Sol. Let d be the distance between the centres of two circles of radii r1 and r2.
These circle intersect at two distinct points if |r1 – r2| < d < r1 < r2
Here, the radii of the two circles are r and 3 and distance between the centres is 5.
Thus, |r – 3| < 5 r + 3  –2 < r < 8 and r > 2  2 < r < 8
Hence (A) is the correct answer.

54. The common chord of x2 + y2 – 4x – 4y = 0 and x2 + y2 = 16 subtends at the origin an angle equal
to
(A) /6 (B) /4 (C) /3 (D) /2
Sol. The equation of the common chord of the circles x + y – 4x – 4y = 0 and x2 + y2 = 16 is x + y =
2 2

4 which meets the circle x2 + y2 = 16 at points A(4, 0) and B(0, 4). Obviously OA  OB.
Hence the common chord AB makes a right angle at the centre of the circle x2 + y2 = 16.
Hence (D) is the correct answer.

55. The number of common tangents that can be drawn to the circle x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y – 3 = 0 and x2
+ y2 + 2x + 2y + 1 = 0 is
(A) 1 (B) 2 (C) 3 (D) 4
Sol. The two circles are
x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y – 3 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 2x + 2y + 1 = 0
Centre : C1  (2, 3), C2  (–1, –1) radii : r1 = 4, r2 = 1
We have C1C2 = 5 = r1 + r2, therefore there are 3 common tangents to the given circles.
Hence (C) is the correct answer.

56. The tangents drawn from the origin to the circle x2 + y2 – 2rx – 2hy + h2 = 0 are perpendicular if
(A) h = r (B) h = –r (C) r2 + h2 = 1 (D) r2 = h2
Sol. The combined equation of the tangents drawn from (0, 0) to
x2 + y2 – 2rx – 2hy + h2 = 0 is
(x2 + y2 – 2rx – 2hy + h2)h2 = (–rx – hy + h2)2
This equation represents a pair of perpendicular straight lines if coeff. of x2 + coeff. of y2 = 0
i.e., 2h2 – r2 – h2 = 0
 r2 = h2 or r = ± h. Hence (A), (B) and (D) are correct answers.

57. The equation(s) of the tangent at the point (0, 0) to the circle, making intercepts of length 2a and
2b units on the coordinate axes, is(are) -
(A) ax + by = 0 (B) ax – by = 0 (C) x = y (D) none of these
Sol. Equation of circle passing through origin and cutting off intercepts 2a and 2b units on the coordinate
axes is x2 + y2 ± 2ax ± 2by = 0
Hence, (A), (B) are correct answers.

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