Table of Contents

Circle

 Theory ............................................................................................................................................... 2

 Solved examples .............................................................................................................................. 7

 Exercise - 1 : Basic Objective Questions ......................................................................................... 25
 Exercise - 2 : Previous Year JEE Mains Questions .......................................................................... 31
 Exercise - 3 : Advanced Objective Questions ................................................................................. 35
 Exercise - 4 : Previous Year JEE Advanced Questions .................................................................... 44
 Answer Key ....................................................................................................................................... 49
 2 CIRCLE

CIRCLE
A circle is a locus of a point whose distance from a fixed
point (called centre) is always constant (called radius). 4. POSITION OF A POINT WITH RESPECT TO A CIRCLE

1. EQUATION OF A CIRCLE IN VARIOUS FORM The point (x1,y1) is inside, on or outside the
circle S x1² + y1² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0.
(a) The circle with centre as origin & radius 'r' has the
equation; x² + y² = r².
(b) The Circle with centre (h, k) & radius 'r' has the equation;
(x – h)² + (y – k)² = r²
(c) The general equation of a circle is
x² + y² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 with centre as (–g, –f) and according as S1  x1² + y1² + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c < = or > 0.

radius = g 2  f 2  c . If :
g2 + f 2 – c > 0  real circle.
g2 2
+f –c=0  point circle
g2 2
+f –c<0  imaginary circle, with real
centre, that is (–g, –f) The greatest & the least distance of a point A from a circle
Note that every second degree equation in x & y, in which with centre C & radius r is AC + r & AC – r respectively.
coefficient of x² is equal to coefficient of y² & the coefficient
of xy is zero, always represents a circle.
5. LINE AND A CIRCLE
(d) The equation of circle with (x1, y1) & (x2, y2) as extremities
of its diameter is :
Let L = 0 be a line & S = 0 be a circle. If r is the radius of
(x – x1) (x – x2) + (y – y1) (y – y2) = 0. the circle & p is the length of the perpendicular from the
Note that this will be the circle of least radius passing centre on the line, then:
through (x1, y1) & (x2, y2).
(i) p>r  the line does not meet the circle i.e. passes
2. INTERCEPTS MADE BY A CIRCLE ON THE AXES outside the circle.

The intercepts made by the circle x² + y² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 (ii) p=r  the line touches the circle.
(It is tangent to the circle)
on the co-ordinate axes are 2 g 2  c and 2 f 2  c
respectively. If : (iii) p < r  the line is a secant of the circle.

g² – c > 0  circle cuts the x axis at two distinct (iv) p = 0  the line is a diameter of the circle.
points. Also, if y = mx + c is line and x² + y² = a² is circle then.
g² – c = 0  circle touches the x–axis
g² – c < 0  circle lies completely above or below the (i) c² < a² (1 + m²)  the line is a secant of the
x–axis. circle.
3. PARAMETRIC EQUATIONS OF A CIRCLE (ii) c² = a²(1 + m²)  the line touches the circle.
(It is tangent to the circle)
The parametric equations of (x – h)² + (y – k)² = r² are :
(iii) c² > a²(1 + m²)  the line does not meet the
x = h + r cos  ; y = k + r sin  ; – < < 
circle i.e. passes out side the
where (h, k) is the centre, r is the radius &  is a parameter. circle.
 CIRCLE 3

6. TANGENT 7. FAMILY OF CIRCLES

(a) Slope form : (a) The equation of the family of circles passing
through the points of intersection of two circles
y = mx + c is always a tangent to the circle x² + y² = a² S1 = 0 and S2 = 0 is : S1 + K S2 = 0
if c² = a² (1 + m²).
(K  –1, provided the co-efficient of x2 & y2 in
2 S1 & S2 are same)
Hence, equation of tangent is y = mx ± a 1  m and the
(b) The equation of the family of circles passing through
 a 2m a 2  the point of intersection of a circle S = 0 & a line
point of contact is   c , c , where c = ± a 1  m .
2
L = 0 is given by S + KL = 0.
 
(c) The equation of a family of circles passing through
(b) Point form : two given points (x1, y1) & (x2, y2) can be written
(i) The equation of the tangent to the circle x² + y² = a² in the form :
at its point (x1, y1) is, x x1 + y y1 = a².
x y 1
(ii) The equation of the tangent to the circle
(x – x1) (x – x2) + (y – y1) (y – y2) + K x 1 y1 1  0
x² + y² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 at its point (x1, y1) is :
x2 y2 1
xx1 + yy1 + g (x + x1) + f(y + y1) + c = 0.
Where S  x² + y² + 2gx + 2fy + c ; where K is a parameter.
S1 = x12 + y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c (d) The equation of a family of circles touching a
fixed line y – y1 = m(x – x 1) at the fixed point
T  xx1 + yy1 + g(x + x1) + f(y + y1) + c
(x 1, y1) is
(x – x1)2 + (y – y1)2 + K[y – y1 – m (x – x1)] = 0
where K is a parameter.

In general the equation of tangent to any second degree

curve at point (x1, y1) on it can be obtained by replacing
x  x1 y  y1
x² by x x1, y² by yy1,x by , y by , xy by  Family of circles circumscribing a triangle whose
2 2
sides are given by L1 = 0; L2 = 0 and L3 = 0 is
x1 y  xy1 given by ; L1L2 +  L2L3 +  L3L1 = 0 provided
and c remains as c.
2 co-efficient of xy = 0 and co-efficient of
x² = co-efficient of y².
(c) Parametric form :  Eq uation o f circle cir cumscrib ing a
The equation of a tangent to circle x² + y² = a² at q uad r ilater al who se sid e in o rd er ar e
(a cos , a sin ) is : x cos+ y sin = a. represented by the lines L1 = 0, L2 = 0, L3 = 0 &
L4 = 0 are  L1L3 + L2L4 = 0 where value of 
and  can be found out by using condition that
co-efficient of x 2 = co-efficient of y 2 and
co-efficient of xy = 0.

The point of intersection of the tangents at the points P() 8. NORMAL

& Q() is : 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 ;
 a cos , a sin 
 2 2 
 cos    , cos     y1  f
  y  y1  x  x1 
 2 2  x1  g
 4 CIRCLE

9. PAIR OF TANGENTS FROM A POINT T1

L R
The equation of a pair of tangents drawn from the point
O
A (x1, y1) to the circle. P
x² + y² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is : SS1 = T² T2

10. LENGTH OF A TANGENT AND POWER OF A POINT (c) Area of the triangle formed by the pair of the tangents

The length of a tangent from an external point (x1, y1) to RL3

the circle : & its chord of contact =
R 2  L2
S  x² + y² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 is given by
(d) Tangent of the angle between the pair of tangents
L x12  y 12  2gx1  2f1y  c  S1  2RL 
from (x1, y1) =  2 2 
Square of length of the tangent from the point P is also L R 
called the power of point w.r.t. a circle. Power of a point (e) Equation of the circle circumscribing the triangle
w.r.t a circle remains constant. PT1 T2 is :
Power of a point P is positive, negative or zero according (x – x1) (x + g) + (y – y1) (y + f) = 0.
as the point 'P' is outside, inside or on the circle respectively.

11. DIRECTOR CIRCLE 13. POLE AND POLAR (NOT IN SYLLABUS)

The locus of the point of intersection of two perpendicular (i) If through a point P in the plane of the circle there be
tangents is called the director circle of the given circle. drawn any straight line to meet the circle in Q and R,
The director circle of a circle is the concentric circle the locus of the point of intersection of the tangents
at Q and R is called the Polar of the point P; also P is
having radius equal to 2 times the original circle. called the Pole of the Polar.
12. CHORD OF CONTACT (ii) The equation of the polar of a point P (x1 y1) w.r.t. the
circle x2 + y2 = a2 is given by xx1 + yy1 = a2 and if the
If two tangents PT1 & PT2 are drawn from the point circle is general then the equation of the polar
P (x1, y1) to the circle becomes xx1 + yy1 + g(x + x1) + f(y + y1) + c = 0 i.e.
S  x² + y² + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, then the equation of the T = 0. Note that if the point (x1 y1) be on the circle
chord of contact T1T2 is : then the tangent & polar will be represented by the
same equation. Similary if the point (x1 y1) be outside
xx1 + yy1 + g(x + x1) + f(y + y1) + c = 0. T = 0
the circle then the chord of contact and polar will be
represented by the same equation.
(iii) Pole of a given line Ax + By + C = 0 w.r.t. circle

 Aa 2 Ba 2 
x2 + y2 = a2 is   , 

 C C 
Here R = radius, L = Length of tangent.
(a) Chord of contact exists only if the point 'P' is not (iv) If the polar of a point P pass through a point Q then
inside. the polar of Q passes through P.
(v) Two lines L1 & L2 are conjugate of each other if Pole
2LR
(b) Length of chord of contact T1T2 = of L1 lies on L2 and vice versa. Similarly two points
R 2  L2 P and Q are said to be conjuagate of each other if the
polar of P passes through Q and vice-versa.
CIRCLE 5

14. EQUATION OF THE CHORD WITH A GIVEN

MIDDLE POINT (ii) 3 common tangents r1 + r2 = c1c2.

The equation of the chord of the circle S  x 2 + y 2

+ 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 in terms of its mid point
(iii) 2 common tangents | r1 – r2 | < c1c2 < r1 + r2
M(x 1 , y 1 ) is xx1 + yy1 + g(x + x1) + f(y + y1) + c = x12
+ y12 + 2gx1 + 2fy1 + c which is designated by T = S1.

(iv) 1 common tangents |r1 – r2| = c1c2.

(v) No common tangent. c1c2 < | r1 – r2|

(i) The shortest chord of a circle passing through a
point 'M' inside the circle is one chord whose
(Here c1c2 is distance between centres of two circles.)
middle point is M.
(ii) The chord passing through a point 'M' inside the
circle and which is at a maximum distance from the
centre is a chord with middle point M.
(i) The direct common tangents meet at a point which
15. EQUATION OF THE CHORD JOINING TWO divides the line joining centre of circles externally
POINTS OF CIRCLE in the ratio of their radii.
Transverse common tangents meet at a point which
The equation of chord PQ of the circle x² + y² = a² joining two
divides the line joining centre of circles internally
points P() and P() on it is given by. The equation of a in the ratio of their radii.
straight line joining two point  and  on the circle x2 + y2
(ii) Length of an external (or direct) common tangent
= a2 is
& internal (or transverse) common tangent to the
αβ αβ αβ
xcos  ysin  acos two circles are given by : L ext .  d 2  (r1  r2 ) 2
2 2 2

16. COMMON TANGENTS TO TWO CIRCLES and L int .  d 2  (r1  r2 ) 2 , where d = distance

between the centres of the two circles and r1, r2 are

CASE NUMBER OF CONDITION the radii of the two circles. Note that length of
TANGENTS internal common tangent is always less than the
length of the external or direct common tangent.

17. ORTHOGONALITY OF TWO CIRCLES

(i) 4 common tangents r1 + r2 < c1c2.

Two circles S1 = 0 & S2 = 0 are said to be orthogonal or

said to intersect orthogonally if the tangents at their point
(2 direct and 2 of intersection include a right angle. The condition for
transverse) two circles to be orthogonal is : 2g1g2 + 2 f1f2 = c1 + c2.
 6 CIRCLE

(a) If two circles intersect, then the radical axis is the

common chord of the two circles.
(a) The centre of a variable circle orthogonal to two
fixed circles lies on the radical axis of two circles. (b) If two circles touch each other then the radical axis
is the common tangent of the two circles at the
(b) If two circles are orthogonal, then the polar of a point
common point of contact.
‘P’ on first circle w.r.t. the second circle passes
through the point Q which is the other end of the (c) Radical axis is always perpendicular to the line
diameter through P. Hence locus of a point which joining the centres of the two circles.
moves such that its polars w.r.t. the circles S1 = 0, (d) Radical axis will pass through the mid point of the
S2 = 0 & S3 = 0 are concurrent is a circle which is line joining the centres of the two circles only if the
orthogonal to all the three circles. (Not in syllabus). two circles have equal radii.
(c) The centre of a circle which is orthogonal to three (e) Radical axis bisects a common tangent between the
given circles is the radical centre provided the two circles.
radical centre lies outside all the three circles. (f) A system of circles, every two of which have the
same radical axis, is called a coaxal system.
18. RADICAL AXIS AND RADICAL CENTRE (g) Pairs of circles which do not have radical axis are
The radical axis of two circles is the locus of points whose concentric.
powers w.r.t. the two circles are equal. The equation of
radical axis of the two circles S1 = 0 & S2 = 0 is given by :
S1 – S2 = 0
i.e. 2(g1 – g2)x + 2(f1 – f2)y + (c1 – c2) = 0
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. Note that the length of tangents from
radical centre to the three circles are equal.
 CIRCLE 7

SOLVED EXAMPLES

Example – 1
 2 x 1 2 1
or x    y 
 2 16  16
In each of the following questions, find the centre and
radius of the circles 2
 1 2 1
or x    y 
(i) (x + 5)2 + (y – 3)2 = 36  4  16
(ii) x2 + y2 – 4x – 8y – 45 = 0
(iii) x2 + y2 – 8x + 10y – 12 = 0 1 
Therefore, the given circle has centre at  ,0  and has
4 
(iv) 2x2 + 2y2 – x = 0
1
Sol. (x + 5)2 + (y – 3)2 = 36 radius .
4
or (x – (–5))2 + (y – 3)2 = 62
Example – 2
h = –5, k = 3 and r = 6
Therefore, the given circle has centre at (–5, 3) and radius 6. Find the equation of the circle passing through the points
(4, 1) and (6, 5) and whose centre is on the line
(ii) The given equation is
4x + y=16
x2 + y2 – 4x – 8y – 45 = 0
or (x2 – 4x) + (y2 – 5y) = 45 Sol. Let the equations of the circle be (x – h)2 + (y – k)2 = r2
Now completing the squares with in the parenthesis, we Since the circle passes through (4, 1) and (6, 5), we have
get (4 – h)2 + (1 – k)2 = r2 ... (i)
2 2
(x – 4x + 4) + (y – 8y + 16) = 4 + 16 + 45 and (6 – h)2 + (5 – k)2 = r2 ... (ii)
or (x–2)2 + (y–4)2 = 65 Also, since the centre lies on the line 4x + y = 16, we have

Therefore, the given circle has centre at (2, 4) and radius 4h + k = 16 ... (iii)
Simplifying the equation (i), we get
65
16 – 8h + h2 + 1 – 2k + k2 = r2
(iii) The given equation is or 17 – 8h + h2 – 2k + k2 = r2
2 2
x + y – 8x + 10y – 12 = 0 from equation (iii), we get
2 2
or (x – 8x) + (y + 10) = 12 36 – 12h + h2 – 25 – 10k + k2 = r2
or (x2–8x + 16) + (y2 + 10y + 25) = 12 + 16 + 25 or 61 – 12h + h2 – 10k + k2 = r2
or (x – 4)2 + (y + 5)2 = 53 Now,

Therefore, the given circle has centre at (4, –5) and radius 17 – 61 – 8h + 12h + h2 –2k + 10k + k2 – k2 = 0
(eliminating square terms)
53 .
or –44 + 4h + 8k = 0
(iv) The given equation is or 4h + 8k = 44 ... (iv)
2 2
2x + 2y – x = 0 Solving equations (iii) and (iv) we get
4h + k = 16
x
or x 2  y2  0 4h + 8k = 44
2
- - -
 2 x 2 ________________
or x   y  0
 2 - 7k = –28 k = 4
 8 CIRCLE

Substituting k = 4 in equation (iii) we get or x2 – 12x + 36 + y2 = 25

4h + 4 = 16 or x2 + y2 – 12x + 11 = 0

or 4h = 12 (b) For h = –2

or h=3 (x – (–2))2 + (y – 0)2 = (5)2

Substituting the value of h = 3, k = 4 in equation or (x + 2)2 + y2 = 25

or x2 + 4x + 4 + y2 = 25
(i) we get
or x2 + y2 + 4x – 21 = 0
(4 – 3)2 + (1 – 4)2 = r2
Example – 4
or 1 + 9 = r2
or 10 = r2 Find the equation of a circle with centre (2, 2) which
passes through the point (4, 5) ?
Hence, the required equation of the circle is
(x – 3)2 + (y – 4)2 = 10 Sol. Since the centre is (2, 2)
2 2
or x – 6x + 9 + y – 8y + 16 = 10 We have (x – 2)2 + (y – 2)2 = r2
or x2 + y2 – 6x – 8y + 15 = 0 This circle passes through the point (4, 5)

Example – 3 (4 – 2)2 + (5 – 2)2 = r2

or 4 + 9 = r2
Find the equation of the circle with radius 5 whose centre
or r2 = 13
lies on x-axis and passes through the point (2, 3).
The required equation of the circle is

Sol. Let the equation of the circle be (x – h)2 + (y – k)2 = r2 (x – 2)2 + (y – 2)2 = 13

Since the circle passes through, (2, 3) and its radius is 5 or x2 – 4x + 4 + y2 – 4y + 4 = 13

(2 – h)2 + (3 – k)2 = 25 or x2 + y2 – 4x – 4y – 5 = 0

or 4 – 4h + h2 + 9 – 6k + k2 = 25 Example – 5

or – 12 –4h + h2 – 6k + k2 = 0 ... (i) A circle has radius equal to 3 units and its centre lies on
Also since the centre lies on the x-axis, we have the line y = x – 1. Find the equation of the circle if it
k=0 ... (ii) passes through (7, 3).

Putting k = 0 in equation (i) we have

Sol. Let the centre of the circle be (, ). It lies on the line
– 12 – 4h + h2 = 0 y=x–1
or h2 – 4h – 12 = 0   =  – 1. Hence the centre is (,  – 1).
or h2 – 6h + 2h – 12 = 0  Then equation of the circle is (x – )2 + (y –+ 1)2 = 9.

or h (h – 6) + 2(h – 6) = 0 It passes through (7, 3)

or (h – 6) (h + 2) = 0  (7 – )2 + (4 – )2 = 9

or h = 6 or h = –2  2 – 11 + 28 = 0
 ( – 4) ( – 7) = 0   = 4, 7.
Hence, the required equations of the circle are
Hence the required equations are
(a) For h = 6
x2 + y2 – 8x – 6y + 16 = 0 and
(x – 6)2 + (y – 0)2 = (5)2
x2 + y2 – 14x – 12y + 76 = 0.
 CIRCLE 9

Example – 6 Example – 8

Find the equation of the circle that passes through the

x y
points (1, 0), (–1, 0) and (0, 1). The straight line   1 cuts the coordinate axes at
a b
A and B. Find the equation of the circle passing through
Sol. Let the required circle be x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ... (i)
O (0, 0), A and B
It passes through (1, 0), (–1, 0) and (0, 1). Therefore, on
substituting the coordinates of three points successively in
equation (i), we get x y
Sol. The straight line   1 cuts the coordinate axes at A
a b
1 + 2g + c = 0 ... (ii),
(a, 0) and B (0, b).
1 – 2g + c = 0 ... (iii),
Let x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2gy + c = 0 be the circle passing through
1 + 2f + c = 0 ... (iv)
O, A and B. Then, ... (i)
Subtracting (iii) from (ii), we get
0+0+c=0 ... (ii)
4g = 0 g = 0 2
a + 2ga + c = 0 ... (iii)
Putting g = 0 in (ii), we obtain c = –1 2
b + 2fb + c = 0 ... (iv)
Now putting c = –1 in (iv), we get f = 0
Solving (ii), (iii) and (iv), we obtain
Substituting the values of g, f and c in (i), we obtain the
equation of the required circle as x2 + y2 = 1 a b
g   ,f   and c  0
2 2
Example – 7
Substituting these values in (i), we obtain the equation of
Find the equation of the circle which passes through the the required circle as
points (5, –8), (2, –9) and (2, 1). Find also the coordinates x2 + y2 – ax – by = 0
of its centre and radius.
Example – 9
Sol. Let the required circle be
Find the equation of the circle passing through (1, 0)
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ... (i) and (0, 1) and having the smallest possible radius.
It passes through(5, –8), (2, –9) and (2, 1). Therefore,
 89 + 10g – 16f + c = 0 ... (ii) Sol. Let the equation of the required circle be
85 + 4g – 18f + c = 0 ... (iii) x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ... (i)
5 + 4g + 2f + c = 0 ... (iv) This passes through A (1, 0) and B (0, 1).
Subtracting (iii) from (ii), we obtain  1 + 2g + c = 0 and, 1 + 2 f + c = 0
4 + 6g + 2f = 0 2 + 3g + f = 0 ... (v)  c 1  c 1
 g    and,f    
Subtracting (iv) from (iii), we get  2   2 
80 + 0 g – 20f = 0 f = 4
Let r be the radius of circle (i). Then,
Putting f = 4 in (v), we get g = –2
Putting f = 4, g = –2 in (iv), we get r  g2  f 2  c
5 – 8 + 8 + c = 0 c = –5
2 2
Substituting the values of g, f, c in (i), we obtain the  c 1  c 1
 r     c
equation of the required circle as  2   2 
x2 + y2 –4x + 8y – 5 = 0
The coordinates of the centre are (–g, –f) i.e., (2, –4)  c2  1 
 r  
 2 
and, Radius = g 2  f 2  c  4  16  5  5
 10 CIRCLE

1 2 Example – 11
 r2  (c  1)
2 Find the equation of the circle which passes through the
Clearly, r is minimum when c = 0 and the minimum value points (1, –2) and (4, –3) and has its centre on the line
3x+4y=7.
1
of r is .
2 Sol. Let the equation of the required circle be
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ... (i)
For c = 0, we have
It passes through (1, –2) and (4, –3) ... (ii)
1 1  5 + 2g – 4f + c = 0 ... (iii)
g   and f  
2 2
and, 25 + 8g – 6f + c = 0
Substituting the values of g, f and c in (i), we get The centre (–g, –f) of (i) lies on 3x + 4y = 7. Therefore,
x2 + y2 – x – y = 0 –3g – 4f = 7 ... (iv)
as the equation of the required circle. Subtracting (ii) from (iii), we get
20 + 6g – 2f = 0 10 + 3g – f = 0 ... (v)
Example – 10
Solving (iv) and (v) as simultaneous equations, we get
Show that the points (9, 1), (7, 9) (–2, 12) and (6, 10) are
47 3
concyclic. g and f 
15 5

Sol. Let the equation of the circle passing through (9, 1), (7, 9) Substituting the values of g and f in (ii), we get
and (–2, 12) be 94 12 55 11
5   c  0 c  
2 2
x + y + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ... (i) 15 5 15 3
Then, 82 + 18g + 2f + c = 0 ... (ii) Substituting the values of g, f and c in (i) we obtain the required
equation of the circle as
130 + 14g + 18f + c = 0 ... (iii)
148 – 4g + 24f + c = 0 ... (iv) 94 6 11
x2 + y2 – x y 0
15 5 3
Subtracting (ii) from (iii), we get
15 (x2 + y2) – 94x + 18y + 55 = 0
48 – 4g + 16 f = 0 12 – g + 4f = 0 ... (v)
Subtracting (iii) from (iv), we get Example – 12

18 – 18g + 6f = 0 3 – 3g + f = 0 ... (vi) Find the equation of the circle circumscribing the triangle
Solving (v) and (vi) as simultaneous linear equations in g and f, formed by the lines x + y = 6, 2x + y = 4 and x + 2y = 5.
we get
Sol. Let the equations of sides AB, BC and CA of  ABC are
f = –3, g = 0 respectively
Putting f = –3, g = 0 in (ii), we get x+y=6 ... (i) 2x + y = 4 ... (ii)
82 + 0 –6 + c = 0 c = – 76 and x + 2y = 5 ... (iii)
Substituting the values of g, f, c in (i), we get Solving (i) and (iii), (i) and (ii); (ii) and (iii) we get the
2 2
x + y – 6y – 76 = 0 coordinates of A, B and C. The coordinates A, B and C are
(7, –1), (–2, 8) and (1, 2) respectively.
as the equation of the circle passing through (9, 1), (7, 9) and
Let the equation of the circumcircle of ABC be
(–2, 12).
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ... (iv)
Clearly, point (6, 10) satisfies this equation. Hence, the given
It passes through A (7, –1), B (–2, 8) and C (1, 2). Therefore,
points are concyclic.
50 + 14g – 2f + c = 0 ... (v)
 CIRCLE 11

68 – 4g + 16f + c = 0 ... (vi) Example – 14

5 + 2g + 4f + c = 0 ... (vii)
Find the area of an equilateral triangle inscribed in the
Subtracting (v) from (vi), we get
circle x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0.
18 – 18g + 18f = 0 1 – g + f = 0 ... (viii)
Subtracting (v) from (vii), we get – 45 – 12g + 6f = 0... (ix)
Sol. Let ABC be an equilateral triangle inscribed in the circle
Solving (viii) and (ix), we get g = –17/2, f = –19/2.
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ... (i)
Putting the values of g and f in (v), we get c = 50.
Substituting the values of g, f and c in (iv), the equation of the Let O (–g, –f) be the centre of the circle. Then,
required circumcircle is
OA  OB  OC  g 2  f 2  c
x2 + y2 – 17x – 19y + 50 = 0
Example – 13 In OBD, we have

Find the radius of the circle BD

sin 60 
2
(x cos  + y sin – a) + (x sin – y cos – b) = k , 2 2 OB
if varies, the locus of its centre is again a circle. Also,
find its centre and radius. 3
 BD  g2  f 2  c
2
Sol. The given equation is
(x cos  + y sin – a)2 + (x sin – y cos – b)2 = k2  BC = 2 BD

 x2 (cos2 + sin2 ) + y2 (sin2 + cos2 ) – 2 (a cos + b sin

) x –2 (a sin – b cos ) y + a2 + b2 – k2 = 0
 x2 + y2 – 2x (a cos + b sin ) – 2y (a sin – b cos ) + a2
+ b2 – k2 = 0
The coordinates of the centre of this circle are
(a cos + b sin , a sin – b cos )
and, Radius =

(a cos   bsin )2  (a sin   b cos ) 2  (a 2  b 2  k 2 )

 Radius =

a 2 (cos 2   sin 2  )  b 2 (sin 2   cos 2  )  (a 2  b 2  k 2 )

 Radius = a 2  b2  a 2  b2  k 2  k
Let (p, q) be the coordinates of the centre of the given circle.
Then,
 BC  3 g 2  f 2  c
p = a cos  + b sin and q = a sin – b cos 
To find the locus of (p, q) we have to eliminate . Squaring and
adding these two, we get 3
 Area of ABC = (Side)2
p2 + q2 = (a cos + b sin )2 + (a sin – b cos )2 4

 p2 + q2 = a2 (cos2 + sin2 ) + b2 (sin2 + cos2 ) h2 + k2

 p 2 + q 2 = a2 + b 2 3 3 3
 Area of  ABC = × 3 (g2 + f2 – c) sq. units =
Hence, the locus of (p, q) is x2 + y2 = a2 + b2 4 4

This is a circle having centre at (0, 0) and radius equal to (g2+f2–c) sq. units.

a 2  b2 .
 12 CIRCLE

Example – 15 (x + 5)2 + (y – 4)2 = 25,

(x + 5)2 + (y + 4)2 = 25
Find the equation of the circle whose diameter is the line
joining the points (–4, 3) and (12, –1). Find also the and (x – 5)2 + (y + 4)2 = 25
intercept made by it on y-axis. Hence, there are 4 circles which satisfy the given conditions.
They are
Sol. Equation of circle having (–4, 3) and (12, –1) as the ends (x ± 5)2 + (y ± 4)2 = 25
of a diameter is
or x2 + y2 ± 10x ± 8y + 16 = 0
(x + 4) (x – 12) + (y – 3) (y + 1) = 0
Example – 17
 x2 + y2 – 8x – 2y – 51 = 0 ... (1)
Comparing (1) with standard equation of circle A circle of radius 2 lies in the first quadrant and touches
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 both the axes of co-ordinates. Find the equation of the
circle with centre at (6, 5) and touching the above circle
then g = –4, f = –1, c = –51
externally.
 Intercept on y-axis = 2 f 2  c
Sol. Given, AC = 2 units
 2 1  51  4 13 . and A  (2, 2), B  (6, 5)

Example – 16 Y

Find the equation of the circle which touches the axis of

y at a distance of 4 units from the origin and cuts the
intercept of 6 units from the axis of x.

B (6, 5)
Sol.  CM = NO = 4
r
In PCM, (PC)2 = (3)2 + (4)2
2 C
 PC = 5

A
(2, 2)
X’ X
O

Y’

then AB  (2  6) 2  (2  5) 2  16  9  5

radius of circle = 5 Since AC + CB = AB

 NC = 5  2 + CB = 5
centre of circle is (5, 4)  CB = 3
 Equation of circle, if centre in I quadrant Hence equation of required circle with centre at (6, 5) and radius 3 is
2 2
(x – 5) + (y – 4) = 25 (x – 6)2 + (y – 5)2 = 32
If centre in II, III and IV quadrant, then equations are or x2 + y2 – 12x – 10y + 52 = 0
 CIRCLE 13

Example – 18
(x2 + y2 + 13x – 3y) +   x 2  y 2  2x  7 y  25   0 ...(3)
Find the shortest and largest distance from the point  2 2 
(2, –7) to the circle Its passes through (1, 1) then
x2 + y2 – 14x – 10y – 151 = 0
 7 25 
(1 + 1 + 13 – 3) +  1  1  2     0
2 2
Sol. Let S  x + y – 14x – 10y – 151 = 0  2 2 

 S1 = (2)2 + (–7)2 – 14 (2) – 10 (–7) – 151  12 + (–12) = 0

= – 56 < 0  = 1
Substituting the value of in (3), the required equation is

7 25
x2 + y2 + 13x – 3y + x2 + y2 + 2x  y  0
2 2

13 25
 2x2 + 2y2 + 15x  y 0
2 2
 4x2 + 4y2 + 30x – 13y – 25 = 0

Example – 20

Find the equation of the circle passing through the point

 P (2, –7) inside the circle of intersection of the circles x2 + y2 – 6x + 2y + 4 = 0,
x2 + y2 + 2x – 4y – 6 = 0 and with its centre on the line
radius of the circle, r  ( 7) 2  ( 5) 2  151  15 y=x

 Centre of circle C  (7, 5)

Sol. Equation of any circle through the points of intersection of
given circles is
 CP  (7  2) 2  (5  7) 2  13
(x2 + y2 – 6x + 2y + 4) + (x2 + y2 + 2x – 4y – 6) = 0
 Shortest distance = PA = r – CP = 15 – 13 = 2
 x2 (1 + ) + y2 (1 + ) – 2x (3 – ) + 2y (1 – 2) + (4–6)=0
and Largest distance = PB = r + CP = 15 + 13 = 28
2x(3   ) 2y(1  2 ) (4  6 )
Example – 19 or x 2  y2     0 ... (1)
(1   ) (1   ) (1   )

Find the equation of the circle passing through (1, 1)

and the points of inter-section of the circles  3   2  1 
Its centre  ,  lies on the line y = x
1   1   
x2 + y2 + 13x – 3y = 0 and 2x2 + 2y2 + 4x – 7y – 25 = 0

2  1 3  
Sol. The given circles are then 
1  1 
x2 + y2 + 13x – 3y = 0 ... (1)
 –1
2 2
and 2x + 2y + 4x – 7y – 25 = 0
 2– 1 = 3 – 
7 25 or 3= 4
or x2 + y2 + 2x – y 0 ... (2)
2 2
 = 4/3
Equation of any circle passing through the point of  Substituting the value of = 4/3 in (1), we get the required
intersection of the circles (1) and (2) is equation is
7x2 + 7y2 – 10x – 10y – 12 = 0
 14 CIRCLE

Example – 21 2 8
  + 3 = 0  2 – 8 + 3 + 3 = 0   = 1.
1  1 
Find the equation of the circle through points of
intersection of the circle x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y + 4 = 0 and the Hence the required circle is x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y + 1 = 0.
line x + 2y =4 which touches the line x + 2y = 0.
Example – 24

Sol. Equation of any circle through points of intersection of the Find all the common tangents to the circles
given circle and the line is
x2 + y2 – 2x – 6y + 9 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 6x – 2y + 1 = 0.
2 2
(x + y – 2x – 4y + 4) + (x + 2y – 4) = 0
or x2 + y2 + (– 2)x + (2– 4) y + 4 (1 – ) = 0 ... (1) Sol. The centres and the radii of the circles are
It will touch the line x + 2y = 0 if solution of equation (1)
C 1 (1, 3) and r1 = 1  9  9 = 1, C2(–3, 1) and
and x = –2y be unique. Hence the roots of the equation
(–2y)2 + y2 + (– 2) (–2y) + (2– 4) y + 4 (1 – ) = 0 r2 = 9  1  1 = 3, C1C2 = 20 , r1 + r2 = 4 = 16 and
or 5y2 + 4 (1 – ) = 0 C1C2 > r1 + r2.
must be equal. Since the circles are non–intersecting. Thus there will
Then 0 – 4.5.4 (1 – ) = 0 or 1 – = 0 or = 1 be four common tangents.

From (1), the required circle is x2 + y2 – x – 2y = 0 Transverse common tangents are tangents drawn from
the point P which divides C1C2 intemally in the ratio of
Example – 22 radii 1 : 3.
Direct common tangents are tangents drawn from the
Find the co–ordinates of the point from which tang-ents
poin Q which divides C1 C2 internally in the ratio of
are drawn to the circle x2 + y2 – 6x – 4y + 3 = 0 such that the
radii 1 : 3.
mid point of its chord of contact is (1, 1).
Coordinates of P are
Sol. Let the required point be P(x1, y1). The equation of the
 1 3  3.1 1.1  3.3   5
chord of contact of P with respect to the given circle is  ,  i.e.  0, 
 1 3 1 3   2
xx1 + yy1 – 3(x + x1) – 2(y + y1) + 3 = 0. ...(1)
Then equation of the chord with mid–point (1, 1) is and coordinates of Q are (3, 4).

x + y – 3(x + 1) – 2(y + 1) + 3 = 1 + 1 – 6 – 4 + 3  5
Transverse tangents are tangents through the point  0,  .
 2x + y = 3.  2
Equating the ratios of the coefficients of x, y and the constant
terms and solving for x1, y1 we get x1 = – 1, y1 = 0  5
Any line through  0,  is
 2
Example – 23
5
Find the equation of the circle described on the common chord y = mx ...(1)
of the circles x2 + y2 – 4x – 5 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 8y + 7 = 0 as 2
diameter.
5
 mx – y + =0
2
Sol. Equation of the common chord is S1 – S2 = 0
Applying the usual condition of tangency to any of the
 x + 2y + 3 = 0.
circle, we get
Equation of the circle through the two circles is S1 + S2 = 0
5
4 8y 7  5 m.1  3  2
 x2 + y2 – x   0. 2 1  1
1  1  1    m   m2 + 1
 m2  1   2
 2 4 
Its centre  ,  lies on x + 2y + 3 = 0
 1  1  
 CIRCLE 15

3 3 Squaring and adding, we get : x12  y12  a2 + b2

 –m– = 0 or 0.m2 – m – =0
4 4
 the locus of P is x2 + y2 = a2 + b2 which is concentric
3 with the given circles.
 m=– and  as coefficient of m2 is zero.
4
Therefore from (1),

5
y
2  m =  and – 3
x 4

 x = 0 is a tangent and
3x + 4y – 10 = 0 is another tangent.
Direct tangents are tangents drawn from the point Q(3, 4).
Now proceeding as for transverse tangents their equations
are y = 4, 4x – 3y = 0.
Example – 26
Example – 25
Show that the common tangents to the circles
A tangent i s drawn to each of t he circles
x2 + y2 = a 2 ; x2 + y2 = b2. Show that if the two tangents x2 + y2 – 6x = 0 and x2 + y2 + 2x = 0 form are equilateral
are perpendicular to each other, the locus of their point triangle.
of intersection is a circle concentric with the given circles.
Sol. For the circle x2 + y2 – 6x = 0 centre C1  (3, 0) and r1 = 3
Sol. Let P  (x1, y1) be the point of intersection of the tangents
And for the circle x2 + y2 + 2x = 0 centre C2 (–1, 0) and r2 = 1
PA and PB where A, B are points of contact with the two
circles respectively.
As PA perpendicular to PB. the corresponding radii OA
and OB are also perpendicular.
Let AOX = 
 BOX =  + 90°
Using the parametric form of the circles we can take :
A  (a cos, a sin )
B  [b cos ( + 90°), b sin ( + 90°)]
B  (–b sin , b cos )
The equation of PA is : x (a cos ) + y (a sin ) = a2
 x cos + y sin = a
The equation of PB is :
Now C1C2 = [3  (1)]2  0  4 and r1 + r2 = 4
x (–b sin ) + y (b cos ) = b2
 y cos – x sin = b  C1 C2 = r1 + r2
 p  (x1 , y1) lies on PA and PB both. Hence the two circles touch each other externally,
 x1 cos+ y1 sin = a therefore, there will be three common tangents.
and y1 cos – x1 sin = b Equation of the common tangent at the point of contact
As is changing quantity (different for different positions is S1 – S2 = 0
of P), we will eliminate.
16 CIRCLE

 (x2 + y2 – 6x) – (x2 + y2 + 2x) = 0 Example – 27

 – 8x = 0
Find equation of all the common tangents to the circles
 x=0 x2 + y2 – 2x – 6y + 9 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 6x – 2y + 1 = 0
Let the point of intersection of direct common tangent
be Q (h, k). Then Q divides C1 C2 externally in the ratio Sol. For the circle x2 + y2 – 2x– 6y + 9 = 0 centre C1  (1, 3)
of 1 : 3. and r1 = 1 and for the circle x2 + y2 + 6x – 2y + 1 = 0
centre C2  (–3, 1) and r2 = 3
1.3  3. 1
 h = –3 and k = 0
1 3

 Q  (–3, 0)
Let the equation of direct common tangent be :
y – 0 = m (x + 3) or mx – y + 3m = 0 ...(i)
Apply condition of tangency with second circle to get :

|  m  0  3m | Now C1 C2 = 16  4 = 2 5 and r1 + r2 = 4

 2
=1  4m2 = m2 + 1
m 1  C1 C2 > r1 + r2
Hence the circles do not intersect to each other.
1 So there will be four common tangents between them.
 3m2 = 1  m=±
3 Applying the working rule given in previous section, we
get :
From(i), direct common tangents are : Step 1 : The direct common tangents meet AB produced at D,
then point D will divide. C2 C1 in the ratio 3 : 1 (externally).
x x
y  3 and y    3 And the point C divide C2 C1 in the ratio 3 : 1 (internally)
3 3
 31  1 3 33  11 
 Co–ordinates of D are  , 
Hence all common tangents are  3 1 3 1 
x=0 ...(ii) or (3, 4)

x  31  1 3 33  11 

y  3 ...(iii) and co–ordinates of C are  , 
3  3 1 3 1 

or (0, 5/2)
x Step 2 : (Equation of transverse common tangent)
and y  3 ....(iv)
3 Equation of line through C (0, 5/2) is y – 5/2 = mx

Let P, Q, R be the point of intersection of these lines. or mx – y + 5/2 = 0 ...(i)

Setp (i) Apply the usual condition of tangency using first
On solving, we get :
circle to get :
P  (0, 3 ) ; Q  (–3, 0) and R  (0, – 3) m 1  3  5 / 2
  1
m2  1
Now PQ = QR = RP = 2 3

Hence PQR is an equilateral triangle. Thus common 1

 m2 + – m = m2 + 1
4
tangents form an equilateral triangle.
 CIRCLE 17

Example – 28
3
 0. m2 – m – = 0.
4 The chord of contact of tangents drawn from a point
on the circle x 2 + y2 = a 2 to the circle x2 + y2 = b2
 m =  and m = – 3/4
touches the circle x2 + y2 = c2. Show that a, b, c are in
Step (ii) Hence equations of transverse tangents are G.P.
x – 0 and 3x + 4y – 10 = 0.
Sol. Let P (a cos , a sin ) be a point on the circle x2 + y2 = a2.
Step 3 : (Equation of direct common tangent)
Then equation of chord of contact of tangents drawn from
Equation of any line through (3, 4) is y – 4 = m (x – 3)
P (a cos , a sin ) to the circle x2 + y2 = b2 is
 m x – y + 4 – 3m = 0
Step (iii) Apply the usual condition of tangency using
first circle to get :

m  3  4  3m
=±1
m2  1

 (– 2m + 1)2 = m2 + 1
 3m2 – 4m = 0
 m = 0, m = 4/3
Step (iv) Equations of Direct common tangents are
ax cos  + ay sin  = b2 ...(i)
y = 4 and 4x – 3y = 0.
This touches the circle x2 + y2 = c2 ...(ii)
 Length of perpendicular from (0, 0) to (i) = radius of (ii)

|0  0  b2 |
 =c
(a 2 cos2   a 2 sin2 )

 b2 = ac  a, b, c are in G.P.
When two S1 and S2 are of same radii then
Example – 29
(i) For Indirect tangents the approach is same as given above.
(ii) For Direct tangent we can use following approach. Find the condition that chord of contact of any external
point (h, k) to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 should subtend right
angle at the centre of the circle.
m
Sol. Equation of chord of contact AB is
C1 C2
hx + ky = a2 ...(i)
S (C2 C2) = m m
Now we will find equation of pair of lines OA and OB by
homogenising x2 + y2 = a2 with equation of chord of
Let the slope of direct common tangent be m from figure contact AB. Homogenising means making degree of every
we have slope of C1C2 = m then equation of direct term same.
common tangent be y = mx + c, where ‘c’ is the unknown From (i) hx + ky = a2 . 1
variable parameter. Apply condition tangency to find the
hx  ky
value of c.  1 ...(ii)
a2
To homogenise circle x2 + y2 = a2 with equation of chord
 18 CIRCLE

of contact AB, we can write circle as x2 + y2 = a2 . 12 and

replace value of (i) from (ii).

2
 hx  ky 
 x2 + y2 = a2  
 a2 

 a2 (x2 + y2) = (hx + ky)2

 x2 (a2 – h2) – 2hkxy + y2 (a2 – k2) = 0
The equation represents pair of straight lines.
It is given that AB substends angle /2 at O. It implies
 CPQ = CPR = (let)

AOB   PC  (4  0) 2  (3  0) 2  5 units
2

 angle between pair of lines OA and OB is /2. 3

 In PQC, tan   ,
Angle between pair of lines is 90° if 4
coefficient of x2 + coefficient of y2 = 0
3
 a2 – h2 + a2 – k2 = 0  sin  
5
 h2 + k2 = 2a2
4
and cos  
5

PM 4
In  PMQ, cos   
4 5

16
 PM 
5

QM 3
and sin   
4 5
Example – 30
12
 QM 
Show that the area of the triangle formed by tangents 5
from the point (4, 3) to the circle x2 + y2 = 9 and the line
1
17  Area of  PQR  .QR.PM
segment joining their points of contact is 7 square 2
25
units in length. 1
 (2QM).PM = (QM) (PM)
2

Sol. Since PQ = PR = 4 2  32  9  4 units

 12  16  192
    
 5  5  25

17
7 sq.units
25
 CIRCLE 19

Example – 31 For touch, |C1 C2| = |r1 ± r2|

Through a fixed point (h, k), secants are drawn to the or (a 2  b 2 ) | (a 2  c 2 )  (b 2  c 2 ) |

circle x2 + y2 = r2. Show that the locus of mid point of the
portions of secants intercepted by the circle is On squaring a2 + b2 = a2 – c2 + b2 – c2 ± 2 (a 2  c 2 ) (b 2  c 2 )
x2 + y2 = hx + ky.
or c 2   a 2 b 2  c 2 (a 2  b 2 )  c 4
Sol. Let P (x1, y1) be the middle point of any chord AB, which
passes through the point C (h, k). Again squaring, c4 = a2b2 – c2 (a2 + b2) + c4
or c2 (a2 + b2) = a2b2

1 1 1
or 2
 2 2
a b c

Example – 33

Find the equation of the circle which cuts the circle

x2 + y2 + 5x + 7y – 4 = 0 orthogonally, has its centre on
the line x = 2 and passes through the point (4, –1).

Sol. Let the required circle be

Equation of chord AB is T = S1
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 ... (1)
2 2 2 2
 xx1 + yy1 – r = x1 + y1 – r
Since (4, –1) lie on (1) then
2 2
or x  y  xx1  yy1
1 1 17 + 8g – 2f + c = 0 ... (2)
But since AB passes through C (h, k) then Centre of (1) is (–g, –f)

x12  y12  hx1  ky1 Since centre lie on x = 2

then –g = 2
 Locus of P (x1, y1) is x2 + y2 = hx + ky
 g = –2 ... (3)
Example – 32
From (2), 1 – 2f + c = 0 ... (4)
Prove that the circles x 2 + y 2 + 2ax + c 2 = 0 and and given circle is x2 + y2 + 5x + 7y – 4 = 0 ... (5)

1 1 1 Given the circles (1) and (5) cut each other orthogonally,
x2 + y2 + 2by + c2 = 0 touch each other, if 2
 2 2
a b c
5 7
 2g   2f   c  4
2 2
Sol. Given circles are
or 5g + 7f = c – 4
x2 + y2 + 2ax + c2 = 0 ... (1)
– 10 + 7f = c – 4 (from (3))
and x2 + y2 + 2by + c2 = 0 ... (2)
or –6 + 7f – c = 0 ... (6)
Let C1 and C 2 be the centres of circles (1) and (2),
respectively and r1 and r2 be their radii, then Solving (4) and (6), we get
f = 1 and c = 1
C1 = (–a, 0), C2 = (0, –b), r1  a 2  c 2 , r2  b 2  c 2
Substituting the values of g, f, c in (1), we get
Here we do not find the two circles touch each other x2 + y2 – 4x + 2y + 1 = 0
internally or externally.
 20 CIRCLE

Example – 34 internally or externally.

For touch, |C1 C2 | = |r1 ± r2|
If two tangents are drawn from a point on the circle
x2 + y2 = 50 to the circle x2 + y2 = 25 then find the angle or (a 2  b 2 )  | (a 2  c 2 )  (b 2  c 2 ) |
between the tangents.
On squaring a2 + b2 = a2 – c2 + b2 – c2 ± 2 (a 2  c 2 ) (b 2  c 2 )
Sol.  x2 + y2 = 50 is the director circle of x2 + y2 = 25
Hence angle between tangents = 90° or c 2   a 2 b 2  c 2 (a 2  b 2 )  c 4
Example – 35 Again squaring, c4 = a2 b2 – c2 (a2 + b2) + c4
or c2 (a2 + b2) = a2b2
Examine if the two circles x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y = 0 and
x2 + y2 – 8y – 4 = 0 touch each other externally or 1 1 1
internally. or  
a 2 b2 c2

Sol. Given circles are Example – 37

2 2
x + y – 2x – 4y = 0 ... (1)
2 2
Find the equation of the circle passing through the point
and x + y – 8y – 4 = 0 ... (2)
of intersection of the circles x2 + y2 – 6x + 2y + 4 = 0,
Let centres and radii of circles (1) and (2) are represented
x2 + y2 + 2x – 4y – 6 = 0 and with its centre on the line
by C1, r1 and C2, r2 respectively.
y = x.
 C1  (1, 2), r1  1  4
Sol. Equation of any circle through the points of intersection of
or r1  5 given circles is

and C2  (0, 4), r2  0  16  4 (x2 + y2 – 6x + 2y + 4) + (x2 + y2 + 2x – 4y – 6) = 0

 x2 (1 + ) + y2 (1 + ) – 2x (3 – ) + 2y (1 – 2) + (4 –6)
or r2  2 5 =0

Now C1 C 2  (1  0) 2  (2  4)2 2x(3  ) 2y (1  2) (4  6)

or x 2  y2    0 ... (1)
(1  ) (1  ) (1  )
C1C2  5  r2  r1
Hence the two circles touch each other internally.
 3   2  1 
Its centre  ,  lies on the line y = x
Example – 36 1   1   

Prove that the circles x 2 + y 2 + 2ax + c 2 = 0 and

2  1 3  
then 
1 1 1 1  1 
x2 + y2 + 2by + c2 = 0 touch each other, if 2  2  2 .
a b c
 –1
Sol. Given circles are  2– 1 = 3 – 
x2 + y2 + 2ax + c2 = 0 ... (1) or 3= 4
2 2 2
and x + y + 2by + c = 0 ... (2)  = 4/3
Let C 1 and C 2 be the centres of circles (1) and (2),
 Substituting the value of = 4/3 in (1), we get the required
respectively and r1 and r2 be their radii, then
equation is
2 2 2 2
C1 = (–a, 0), C2 = (0, –b), r1  a  c , r2  b  c 7x2 + 7y2 – 10x – 10y – 12 = 0
Here we do not find the two circles touch each other
 CIRCLE 21

Example – 38 Example – 40

Find the equations of the tangents to the circle If the length of tangent from (f, g) to the circle x2 + y2 = 6
x2 + y2 = 16 drawn from the point (1, 4). be twice the length of the tangent from (f, g) to circle
x2 + y2 + 3x + 3y = 0 then will f2 + g2 + 4f + 4g + 2 = 0 ?
Sol. Given circle is
x2 + y2 = 16 ... (1) Sol. According to the question

Any tangent of (1) in terms of slope is (g 2  f 2  6)  2 (f 2  g 2  3f  3g)

y  mx  4 (1  m 2 ) ... (2) On squaring g2 + f2 – 6 = 4f2 + 4g2 + 12f + 12g

which passes through (1, 4) or 3f2 + 3g2 +12f + 12g + 6 = 0

or f2 + g2 + 4f + 4g + 2 = 0
2
then 4  m  4 (1  m )
which is true yes.
2 2
 (4–m) = 16 (1 + m )
Example – 41
8
 15m2 + 8m = 0 m = 0, – Find the power of point (2, 4) with respect to the circle
15
x2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 8 = 0
From (2), equations of tangents drawn from (1, 4) are
Sol. The power of the point (2, 4) with respect to the circle
8 64
y = 4 and y   x  4 1 
15 225 x2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 8 = 0 is ( S1 )2 or S1
or 8x + 15y = 68 respectively. where S = x2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 8
Example – 39  S1 = (2)2 + (4)2 – 6 × 2 + 4 × 4 – 8
= 4 + 16 – 12 + 16 – 8 = 16
Find the length of tangents drawn from the point (3, –4)
[Hence (2, 4) is outside from the circle x2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 8 = 0]
to the circle 2x2 + 2y2 – 7x – 9y – 13 = 0.
Example – 42
Sol. The equation of the given circle is
Find the condition that chord of contact of any external
2x2 + 2y2 – 7x – 9y – 13 = 0
point (h, k) to the circle x2 + y2 = a2 should subtend right
Re-writing the given equation of the circle in standard form angle at the centre of the circle.
7 9 13
i.e., x 2  y 2  x  y   0 Sol. Equation of chord of contact AB is
2 2 2
hx + ky = a2 ... (1)
7 9 13 For equation of pair of tangents of OA and OB, make
Let S  x 2  y2  x  y 
2 2 2 homogeneous x2 + y2 = a2 with the help of hx + ky = a2 or

7 9 13 hx  ky
 S1  (3) 2  (4) 2   3   (4)  1
2 2 2 a2

21 13
 25   18 
2 2
= 43 – 17 = 26

 Length of tangent  S1  26
 22 CIRCLE

2
 hx  ky  | 0  0  b2 |
then x 2  y 2  a 2  2   c
 a  (a 2 cos 2   a 2 sin 2 )
or a2 (x2 + y2) = (hx + ky)2
or b2 = ac a, b, c are in G.P.
or x2 (a2 – h2) – 2hkxy + y2 (a2 – k2) = 0
Example – 44

but AOB 
2
Find the equation of the chord of x2 + y2 – 6x + 10y –9 =0
 Coefficient of x2 + coefficient of y2 = 0 which is bisected at (–2, 4).
 a2 – h2 + a2 – k2 = 0
Sol. The equation of the required chord is
or h2 + k2 = 2a2
–2x + 4y –3 (x – 2) + 5 (y + 4) – 9 = 4 + 16 + 12 + 40 – 9
Example – 43
 –5x + 9y – 46 = 0
The chord of contact of tangents drawn from a point on
or 5x – 9y + 46 = 0
the circle x2 + y2 = a2 to the circle x2 + y2 = b2 touches the
circle x2 + y2 = c2. Show that a, b, c are in GP. Example – 45

Find the equations of the tangents from the point A(3, 2)

Sol. Let P (a cos , a sin ) be a point on the circle x2 + y2 = a2.
to the circle x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y + 8 = 0.
Then equation of chord of contact of tangents drawn from
P (a cos , a sin ) to the circle x2 + y2 = b2 is Sol. Combined equation of the pair of tangents drawn from
A(3, 2) to the given circle x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y + 8 = 0 can be
written in the usual notation.

T2 = SS1 namely

 [3x + 2y + 2(x + 3) + 3 (y + 2) + 8]2

= [x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y + 8] [9 + 4 + 12 + 12 + 8]

 (5x + 5y + 20)2 = 45 (x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y + 8)

 5 (x + y + 4)2 = 9 (x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y + 8)

 5 (x2 + y2 + 2xy + 8x + 8y + 16) = 9 (x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y +8)

 4x2 + 4y2 – 10xy – 4x + 14y – 8 = 0

or 2x2 + 2y2 – 5xy – 2x + 7y – 4 = 0

ax cos  + ay sin = b2 ... (1)
or (2x – y – 4) (x – 2y + 1) = 0
2 2 2
This touches the circle x + y = c ... (2)
Hence the required tangents to the circle from A (3, 2) are
 Length of perpendicular from (0, 0) to (1) = radius of (2)
2x – y – 4 = 0 and x – 2y + 1 = 0
 CIRCLE 23

Example – 46 respectively,

Find the length of the intercept on the straight line 3

Now slope of (1)    m1 (say)
2 2
4x – 3y – 10 = 0 by the circle x + y – 2x + 4y – 20 = 0. 4

Sol. Centre and radius of the circle x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y – 20 = 0 are 4

and slope of (2)   m2 (say)
(1, –2) and 3
1  4  20  5 respectively..

Clearly, m1m2 = –1

Hence (1) and (2) are perpendicular to each other.

Example – 48

Show that the circles x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y + 8 = 0 and

x2 + y2 – 10x – 6y + 14 = 0 touch at (3, –1).

Sol. Equation of tangent at (3, –1) of the circle

x2 + y2 –4x + 6y + 8 = 0 is

3x + (–1) y – 2 (x + 3) + 3 (y – 1) + 8 = 0

Let OM be the perpendicular from O on the line or x + 2y –1 = 0 ... (1)

4x – 3y – 10 = 0 and equation of tangent at (3, –1) of the circle
x2 + y2 – 10x – 6y + 14 = 0 is
| 4  1  3  (2)  10 |
then OM  0 3 . x + (–1) . y – 5 (x + 3) – 3 (y – 1) + 14 = 0
42  (3) 2
or –2x – 4y + 2 = 0
Hence line 4x – 3y – 10 = 0 passes through the centre of or x + 2y – 1 = 0 ... (2)
the circle.
which is the same as (1).
hence intercepted length = drameter of the circle
Hence the given circles touch at (3, –1).
= 2 × 5 = 10
Example – 49
Example – 47
Find the equations of the tangents to the circle x2 + y2 =9,
Prove that the tangents to the circle x2 + y2 = 25 at (3, 4) which
and (4, –3) are perpendicular to each other. (i) are parallel to the line 3x + 4y – 5 = 0

(ii) are perpendicular to the line 2x + 3y + 7 = 0

2 2
Sol. The equations of tangents to x + y = 25 at (3, 4) and (iii) make an angle of 60° with the x-axis
(4,–3) are

3x + 4y = 25 ... (1)
3
Sol. (i) Slope of 3x + 4y – 5 = 0 is 
and 4x – 3y = 25 ... (2) 4
 24 CIRCLE

Example – 50
3
Let m  
4
Show that the line 3x – 4y = 1 touches the circle

and equation of circle is x2 + y2 = 9 x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y + 1 = 0. Find the co-ordinates of the

point of contact.
 Equations of tangents

Sol. The centre and radius of the circle x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y + 1 =0

2
3   3 
y x3 1     
4   4  are (1, –2) and (1)  (2)2  1  2 respectively..
 

Since length of perpendicular from centre (1, –2) on

 4y = –3x ± 15
3x – 4y = 1 is
or 3x + 4y ± 15 = 0
| 3  1  4  (2)  1| 10

2 (3)2  (4) 2 5
(ii) slope of 2x + 3y + 7 = 0 is 
3

= 2 = radius of the circle

3
 Slope of perpendicular to 2x + 3y + 7 = 0 is  m (say) Hence 3x – 4y = 1 touches the circle
2
x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y + 1 = 0
and given circle is x2 + y2 = 9
Second part : Let point of contact is (x1, y1) then tangent at
 Equations of tangents perpendicular to 2x + 3y + 7 = 0 is (x1, y1) on x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y + 1 = 0 is

xx1 + yy1 – (x + x1) + 2 (y + y1) + 1 = 0

2
3 3
y  x  3 1    x(x1 – 1) + y (y1 + 2) – x1 + 2y1 + 1 = 0 ... (1)
2 2
and given line 3x – 4y – 1 = 0 ... (2)

Since (1) and (2) are identical, then comaring (1) and (2),
 2y  3x  3 13
we get

or 3x  2y  3 13  0
x1  1 y1  2  x1  2y 1  1
 
(iii) Since tangent make an angle 60° with the x-axis 3 4 1

 m  tan 60  3 1 2
or x1   and y1  
5 5
and given circle x2 + y2 = 9

 Equation of tangents y  3x  3 1  ( 3) 2  1 2
 Point of contact is   ,   .
 5 5
or 3x  y  6  0
 CIRCLE 25

EXERCISE - 1 : BASIC OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

Basic 7. The value of k, such that the equation

1. Centre of the circle x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y + 1 = 0 is – 2x2 + 2y2 – 6x + 8y + k = 0 represents a point circle, is
(a) (–1, 2) (b) (1, –2) (a) 0 (b) 25
(c) (1, 2) (d) (–1, –2)
25 25
2. If (6, –3) is the one extremity of diameter to the circle (c) (d) 
2 2
x2 + y 2 – 3x + 8y – 3 = 0 then its other extremity is–
8. The equation ax2 + by2 + 2hxy + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 represents
3 a circle only if
(a)  , – 4  (b) (–3, –5)
2  (a) a = b, h = 0

(c) (3, –5) (d) (3, 5) (b) a = b  0, h = 0

(c) a = b  0, h = 0, g2 + f2 – c > 0
3. If y = 2x + K is a diameter to the circle
2(x2 + y2) + 3x + 4y – 1 = 0, then K equals – (d) a = b  0, h = 0, g2 + f2 – ac > 0

(a) 0 (b) 1 9. The equation 2x2 + 3y2 – 8x – 18y + 35 =  represents

(c) 2 (d) 1/2 (a) a circle for all  (b) an ellipse if < 0

4. The line joining (5, 0) to (10 cos, 10 sin) is divided (c) the empty set if > 0 (d) a-point if = 0
internally in the ratio 2 : 3 at P. If varies then the locus Finding equation of Circle under given condition
of P is : 10. Find the equation of a circle whose centre is (2, –1) and
(a) a pair of straight lines (b) a circle radius is 3

(c) a straight line (d) none of these (a) x2 + y2 + 4x – 2y + 4 = 0

5. The number of circles of a given radius which touch both (b) x2 + y2 – 4x + 2y – 4 = 0

the axes is (c) x2 + y2 + 4x + 2y – 4 = 0

(a) 1 (b) 2 (d) x2 + y2 + 2x – 4y – 4 = 0

(c) 3 (d) 4 11. The equation of the circle touches y axis and having centre
is (–2, –3)–
Condition for General Equation being a Circle
(a) x2 + y2 – 4x – 9y – 4 = 0
 (x  1) 2 (y  2) 2 (b) x2 + y2 + 4x + 9y + 4 = 0
6. If the equation   1 represents a circle
3 4
(c) x2 + y2 + 4x + 6y + 9 = 0
then  = (d) x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y – 9 = 0
12. A circle touches x axis at +3 distance and cuts an intercept
3
(a) 1 (b) of 8 in +ve direction of y axis. Its equation is–
4
(a) x2 + y2 + 6x + 10y – 9 = 0
3 (b) x2 + y2 – 6x – 10y – 9 = 0
(c) 0 (d) 
4 (c) x2 + y2 – 6x – 10y + 9 = 0
(d) x2 + y2 + 6x + 10y + 9 = 0
 26 CIRCLE

13. The equation of circle with centre (1, 2) and tangent 20. The equation of a circle which passes through the
x + y – 5 = 0 is
point (1, –2) and (4, –3) and whose centre lies on the
(a) x2 + y2 + 2x – 4y + 6 = 0
line 3x + 4 y = 7 is
(b) x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y + 3 = 0
(c) x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y + 8 = 0 (a) 15 (x2 + y2) – 94 x + 18 y – 55 = 0
(d) x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y + 8 = 0 (b) 15 (x2 + y2) – 94 x + 18 y + 55 = 0
14. Equation of the circle which passes through the centre of
the circle x2 + y2 + 8x + 10y – 7 = 0 and is concentric with (c) 15 (x2 + y2) + 94 x – 18 y + 55 = 0
the circle 2x2 + 2y2– 8x – 12y – 9 = 0 is
(d) none of these
(a) x2 + y2 – 4x – 8y – 97 = 0
21. The lines 2x –3y = 5 and 3x – 4y = 7 are diameters of a circle
(b) x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y – 87 = 0
(c) x2 + y2 – 2x – 8y – 95 = 0 of area 154 sq. units. Then the equation of the circle is.

(d) None of these (a) x2 + y2 + 2x – 2y = 62 (b) x2 + y2 + 2x – 2y = 47

15. Equation of a circle concentric with the circle
(c) x2 + y2 – 2x + 2y = 47 (d) x2 + y2 – 2x + 2y = 62
2x2 + 2y2 – 6x + 8y + 1 = 0 and of double its area is
(a) 2x2 + 2y2 – 12x + 16y + 1 = 0 22. Two vertices of an equilateral triangle are (–1, 0) and

(b) 4x2 + 4y2 – 3x + 16y + 2 = 0 (1, 0), and its third vertex lies above the x-axis. Then the
(c) 4x2 + 4y2 – 12x + 16y – 21 = 0 equation of the circumcircle of the triangle is :
(d) None of these
(a) x2 + y2 = 1
16. Equation of the circle of radius 5 whose centre lies on
2 2
y-axis in first quadrant and passes through (3, 2) is (b) 3 (x + y ) + 2y – 3 =0
(a) x2 + y2 – 12y + 11 = 0 (b) x2 + y2 – 6y – 1 = 0
2 2
(c) x2 + y2 – 8y + 3 = 0 (d) None of these (c) 3 (x + y ) – 2y – 3 =0
17. The equation of the circle which touches the axis of y at (d) none of these
the origin and passes through (3, 4) is-
Equation of circle passing through 3 point
(a) 4 (x2 + y2) – 25x = 0
(b) 3 (x2 + y2) – 25x = 0 23. The equation of a circle which passes through the three
(c) 2 (x2 + y2) – 3x = 0 points (3, 0), (1, –6), (4, –1) is-
(d) 4 (x2 + y2) – 25x + 10 = 0
(a) 2x2 + 2y2 + 5x – 11y + 3 = 0
18. If (4, –2) is a point on the circle
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0, which is concentric to (b) x2 + y2 – 5x + 11y – 3 = 0
x2 + y2 –2x + 4y + 20 = 0, then value of c is-
(c) x2 + y2 + 5x – 11y + 3 = 0
(a) –4 (b) 0
(c) 4 (d) 1 (d) 2x2 + 2y2 – 5x + 11y – 3 = 0

19. The equation of the image of the circle 24. The radius of the circle passing through the points
(x – 3)2 + (y – 2)2=1 by the line mirror x + y = 19 is
(1, 2), (5, 2) & (5, –2) is :
(a) (x – 14)2 + (y – 13)2 = 1
(b) (x – 15)2 + (y – 14)2 = 1 (a) 5 2 (b) 2 5
2 2
(c) (x – 16) + (y – 15) = 1
(d) (x – 17)2 + (y – 16)2 = 1 (c) 3 2 (d) 2 2
CIRCLE 27

Diametric forms 32. The length of the chord of the circle

25. The equation of the incircle of the triangle formed by the (x – 3)2 + (y – 5)2 = 80 cut off by the line 3x – 4y – 9 = 0 is
axes and the line 4x + 3y = 6 is (a) 16 (b) 8
2 2
(a) x + y – 6x – 6y + 9 = 0 (c) (d) 2 96
96
2 2
(b) 4(x + y – x – y) + 1 = 0
Parametric Forms
(c) 4(x2 + y2 + x + y) + 1 = 0
33. The Cartesian equation of the curve x = 7 + 4 cos ,
(d) none of these
y = –3 + 4 sin is
26. The abscissae and ordinates of the points A and B are the
(a) x2 + y2 – 14x + 6y + 42 = 0
roots of the equations x 2 + 2ax + b = 0 and
x2 + 2cx + d = 0 respectively, then the equation of circle (b) x2 + y2 – 6x + 14y + 21 = 0
with AB as diameter is (c) x2 + y2 – 10x + 12y + 28 = 0
(a) x2 + y2 + 2ax + 2cy + b + d = 0 (d) None of these
(b) x2 + y2 – 2ax – 2cy – b – d = 0 34.    are the parametric angles of three point
2 2
(c) x + y – 2ax – 2cy + b + d = 0 P, Q and R respectively on the circle x2 + y2 = 1 and A is
(d) x2 + y2 + 2ax + 2cy – b – d = 0 the point (–1, 0). If ,,and the lengths of the
27. The equation to a circle passing through the origin and  
chords AP, AQ and AR are in G.P., then cos , cos and
cutting of intercepts each equal to + 5 of the axes is- 2 2
(a) x2 + y2 + 5x – 5y = 0 (b) x2 + y2 – 5x + 5y = 0

(c) x2 + y2 – 5x – 5y = 0 (d) x2 + y2 + 5x + 5y = 0 cos are in
2
Intercept made by Circle
(a) A.P. (b) G.P.
28. The length of intercept on y-axis, by a circle whose (c) H.P. (d) none of these
diameter is the line joining the points (–4, 3) & (12, –1) is-
Position of point w.r.t circle
(a) 2 13 (b) 13 35. The greatest distance of the point P (10, 7) from the circle
x2 + y2 – 4x –2y – 20 = 0 is-
(c) 4 13 (d) None of these (a) 5 (b) 15
29. For the circle x2 + y2 +4x –7y +12 =0 the following (c) 10 (d) None of these
statement is true- 36. The co-ordinate of the point on the circle
(a) the length of tangent from (1, 2) is 7 x2 + y2 – 12x – 4y + 30 = 0, which is farthest from the
(b) Intercept on y-axis is 2 origin are:
(a) (9, 3) (b) (8, 5)
(c) intercept on x-axis is 2– 2
(c) (12, 4) (d) none of these
(d) None of these
37. The point (sin , cos ),  being any real number, lie
30. The circle x2 + y2 + 4x – 7y + 12 = 0 cuts an intercept on inside the circle x2 + y2 – 2x – 2y +  = 0, if
y-axis is equal to
(a)  1  2 2 (b)   2 2 1
(a) 7 (b) 4
(c) 3 (d) 1 (c)   –1– 2 2 (d)  1  2 2
31. The circle x2 + y2 – 3x – 4y + 2 = 0 cuts x-axis at
38. The range of values of     for which
(a) (2, 0), (–3, 0) (b) (3, 0), (4, 0)
(1 + cos , sin ) is on interior points of the circle
(c) (1, 0), (–1, 0) (d) (1, 0), (2, 0) x2 + y2 = 1, is
(a)  (b) 
(c)  (d) 
 28 CIRCLE

45. If the equation of the tangent to the circle

   
39. If the point   5  , 3   is an interior point x2 + y2 – 2x + 6y – 6 = 0 parallel to 3x – 4y + 7 = 0 is
 2 2 3x – 4y + k = 0, then the values of k are
of the larger segement of the circles x2 + y2 = 16 cut off by (a) 5, – 35 (b) –5, 35
the line x + y = 2, then
(c) 7, –32 (d) –7, 32

(a)   ,5 2  46. The equation of a tangent to the circle x2 + y2 = 25 passing

through (–2, 11) is
(a) 4x + 3y = 25 (b) 7x – 24y = 320

(b)   4 2  14, 5 2 
(c) 3x + 4y = 38 (d) 24x + 7y + 125 = 0


(c)   4 2  14, 4 2  14  47. If the straight line ax + by = 2, b  0, touches the circle
x2 + y2 – 2x = 3 and is normal to the circle x2 + y2 – 4y = 6,
(d) none of these then the values of a and b can be
Positon of line w.r.t circle and equation of tangents (a) a = 1, b = 2 (b) a = 1, b = –1
40. The line 3x – 2y = k meets the circle x2 + y2 = 4r2 at only (c) a = –4/3, b = 1 (d) None of these
one point, if k2 is Family of Circles
2 2
(a) 20r (b) 52r 48. The equation of tangent drawn from the origin to the circle
x2 +y2 –2rx –2hy + h2 =0 is-
52 2 20 2
(c) r (d) r (a) y = 0 (b) x – y =0
9 9
(c) (h2 – r2) x – 2rhy =0 (d) None of these
41. If the straight line y = mx is outside the circle
49. The equation of the circle passing through (1, –3) & the
x2 + y2 –20y + 90 = 0, then
points common to the two circle,
(a) m < 3 (b) |m| < 3 2 2 2 2
x + y – 6x + 8y – 16 = 0, x + y + 4x – 2y – 8 = 0 is.
(c) m > 3 (d) |m| > 3 (a) x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y + 24 = 0
42. The value of c, for which the line y = 2x + c is a tangent (b) 2x2 + 2y2 + 3x + y – 20 = 0
to the circle x2 + y2 = 16, is
(c) 3x2 + 3y2 – 5x + 7y – 19 = 20
(a) 16 5 (b) 4 5 (d) none of these
50. The circle x2 + y2 – 2x – 3ky – 2 = 0 passes through two
(c) 16 5 (d) 20 fixed points :
43. The equation of the tangents to the circle x2 + y2 = 4, which
are parallel to x + 2y + 3 = 0, are

(a) 1 3 ,0  
(b)  1 3 ,0 
(a) x – 2y = 2 (b) x  2y   2 3 (c)  3  1,0  (d) 1 3 ,0 
51. The radius of the circle passing through the points (1, 2),
(c) x  2y   2 5 (d) x  2y   2 5
(5, 2) & (5, –2) is :
44. The equations of the tangents to the circle
(a) 5 2 (b) 2 5
x2 + y2 – 6x + 4y – 12 = 0 which are parallel to the line
4x + 3y + 5 = 0, are (c) 3 2 (d) 2 2
(a) 4x + 3y + 11 = 0 and 4x + 3y + 8 = 0 52. If y = 2x is a chord of the circle x2 + y2 = 10x, then the
(b) 4x + 3y – 9 = 0 and 4x + 3y + 7 = 0 equation of the circle whose diameter is this chord is
(c) 4x + 3y + 19 = 0 and 4x + 3y – 31 = 0 (a) x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y = 0 (b) x2 + y2 + 2x – 4y = 0
(d) 4x + 3y – 10 = 0 and 4x + 3y + 12 = 0 (c) x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y = 0 (d) None of these
CIRCLE 29

Position of two circles and number of Common tangents Orthogonal Circles & Geometry related to Circles

53. The circles x2 + y2 + 6x + 6y = 0 and x2 + y2 – 12x – 12y =0 59. The value of , for which the circle

(a) touch each other internally x2 + y2 + 2x + 6y + 1 = 0 inersects the circle

x2 + y2 + 4x + 2y = 0 orthogonally, is
(b) touch each other externally
(a) 11/8 (b) –1
(c) intersect in two points
(c) –5/4 (d) 5/2
(d) cut orthogonally
60. The value of k for which the circles
54. The number of common tangents that can be drawn to two
2 2 2 2
x + y + 5x + 3y + 7 = 0 and x + y – 8x + 6y + k = 0
circles x2 + y2 = 6x and x2 + y2 + 6x + 2y + 1 = 0 is
intersects orthogonally.
(a) 4 (b) 5
(a) – 18 (b) 18
(c) 2 (d) 1
(c) 9 (d) – 9
55. The number of common tangents to the circles
61. The locus of the centre of the circle passing through (1,1)
x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y + 1 = 0 and intersecting the circle x2 + y2 = 9 orthogonally is
and x2 + y2 – 12x – 16y + 91 = 0 is (a) x + y – 10 = 0 (b) x + y – 5 = 0
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 2x + 2y – 5 = 0 (d) None of these

(c) 3 (d) 4 62. The square of the length of the tangent from (3, –4) to the

56. The two circles x2 + y2 – 2x + 6y + 6 = 0 and circle x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y + 3 = 0 is

x2 + y2 –5x + 6y + 15 = 0 (a) 20 (b) 30

(a) intersect (b) are concentric (c) 40 (d) 50

63. The area of the triangle formed by the tangents from the
(c) touch internally (d) touch externally
point (4, 3) to the circle x² + y² = 9 and the line joining
57. Which of the following statements is true regarding the
their point of contact is :
following two circles ?

x2 + y2 – 4x – 8y = 0 and x2 + y2 – 8x – 6y + 20 = 0 192
(a) (b) 192
25
(a) These circles do not touch each other

(b) These circles touch each other internally (c) 25 (d) 250

64. Let A be the centre of the circle x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 20 = 0,

(c) These circles touch each other externally
and B (1,7) and D (4, –2) are points on the circle then, if
(d) None of these
tangents be drawn at B and D, which meet at C, then area
58. The circles x2 + y2 + 2x – 2y + 1 = 0 and of quadrilateral ABCD is-
x2 + y2 – 2x – 2y + 1 = 0 touch each other (a) 150 units (b) 75 units
(a) externally at (0,1) (b) internally at (0,1) (c) 75/2 units (d) None
(c) externally at (1,0) (d) internally at (1,0)
 30 CIRCLE

65. The angle between the tangents from () to the circle 68. If from any point P on the circle
x2 + y2 = a2 is – x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 tangents are drawn to the circle
x2 +y2 +2gx +2fy + csin2  + (g2 + f 2) cos2  = 0,
 a   a  (is acute) then the angle between the tangents is :
(a) tan  
1
(b) 2 tan 1  
 S   S  (a)  (b) 2 
 1   1 

(c) (d) none of these
 S1  2
(c) 2 tan  
1
(d) None of these
 a  69. The angle between the two tangents from the origin to
 
the circle (x – 7)² + (y + 1)² = 25 equals :
Where S1 = – a2
 
66. If the line y =x +3 meets the circle x2 + y2 = a2 at A and B, (a) (b)
4 3
then the equation of the circle having AB as a diameter will
be- 
(c) (d) none of these
(a) x2 + y2 + 3x – 3y – a2 + 9 = 0 2

(b) x2 + y2 + 3x + 3y – a2 + 9 = 0 70. The area of the triangle formed by the tangents from the
(c) x2 + y2 – 3x + 3y – a2 + 9 = 0 point (4, 3) to the circle x² + y² = 9 and the line joining
their point of contact is :
(d) None of these
67. A point (2, 1) is outside the circle 192
(a) (b) 192
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + c = 0 & AP, AQ are tangents to the 25
circle. The equation of the circle circumscribing the
(c) 25 (d) 250
triangle APQ is :
(a) (x + g) (x – 2) + (y + f) (y – 1) = 0
(b) (x + g) (x – 2) – (y + f) (y – 1) = 0
(c) (x – g) (x + 2) + (y – f) (y + 1) = 0
(d) none of these
 CIRCLE 31

EXERCISE - 2 : PREVIOUS YEAR JEE MAINS QUESTIONS

1. Two common tangents to the circle x2 + y2 = 2a2 and (c) x2 + y2 – 2x + 2y = 62

parabola y2 = 8ax are (2002) (d) x2 + y2 + 2x – 2y = 62
(a) x = ± (y + 2a) (b) y = ± (x + 2a) 8. If a circle passes through the point (a, b) and cuts the
(c) x = ± (y + a) (d) y = ± (x + a) circle x2 + y2 = 4 orthogonally, then the locus of its centre
2. If the chord y = mx + 1 of the circle x2 + y2 = 1 subtends an is (2004)
angle of measure 45° at the major segment of the circle (a) 2ax – 2by + (a2 + b2 + 4) = 0
then value of m is (2002) (b) 2ax + 2by – (a2 + b2 + 4) = 0
(a) 2  2 (b)  2  2 (c) 2ax + 2by + (a2 + b2 + 4) = 0
(d) 2ax – 2by – (a2 + b2 + 4) = 0
(c)  1 2 (d) none of these
9. A variable circle passes through the fixed point A(p, q)
3. The centres of a set of circles, each of radius 3, lie on the and touches x–axis. The locus of the other end of the
circle x2 + y2 = 25. The locus of any point in the set is diameter through A is (2004)
(2002)
(a) (y – p)2 = 4qx (b) (x – q)2 = 4py
(a) 4  x2 + y2  64 (b) x2 + y2  25
(c) (x – p)2 = 4qy (d) (y – q)2 = 4px
(c) x2 + y2  25 (d) 3  x2 + y2  9
10. If the lines 2x + 3y + 1 = 0 and 3x – y – 4 = 0 lie along
4. The centre of the circle passing through (0, 0) and (1, 0) diameters of a circle of circumference 10, then the equation
and touching the circle x2 + y2 = 9 is (2002) of the circle is (2004)
(a) x2 + y2 + 2x + 2y – 23 = 0
1 1 1 
(a)  ,  (b)  , 2  (b) x2 + y2 – 2x – 2y – 23 = 0
2 2  2 
(c) x2 + y2 – 2x + 2y – 23 = 0
3 1 1 3 (d) x2 + y2 + 2x – 2y – 23 = 0
(c)  ,  (d)  , 
2 2 2 2 11. The intercept on the line y = x by the circle x2 + y2 – 2x = 0 is
5. The equation of a circle with origin as a centre and passing AB. Equation of the circle on AB as a diameter is
through equilateral triangle whose median is of length 3a (2004)
is (2002) (a) x2 + y2 + x + y = 0 (b) x2 + y2 – x + y = 0
(a) x2 + y2 = 9a2 (b) x2 + y2 = 16a2 (c) x2 + y2 – x – y = 0 (d) x2 + y2 + x – y = 0
(c) x2 + y2 = 4a2 (d) x2 + y2 = a2 12. If the circles x2 + y2 + 2ax + cy + a = 0 and
6. If the two circles (x – 1)2 + (y – 3)2 = r2 and x2 + y2 – 3ax + dy – 1 = 0 intersect in two distinct points P
x2 + y2 – 8x + 2y + 8 = 0 intersect in two distinct points, and Q then the line 5x + by – a = 0 passes through
then (2003) P and Q for (2005)
(a) r < 2 (b) r = 2 (a) no value of a (b) exactly one value of a
(c) r > 2 (d) 2 < r < 8 (c) exactly two value of a (d) infinitely many values of a
7. The lines 2x – 3y = 5 and 3x – 4y = 7 are diameters of a circle 13. A circle touches the x–axis and also touches the circle
having area as 154 sq. units. Then the equation of the with centre at (0, 3) and radius 2. The locus of the centre of
circle is (2003) the circle is (2005)
(a) x2 + y2 + 2x – 2y = 47 (a) a circle (b) an ellipse
(b) x2 + y2 – 2x + 2y = 47 (c) a parabola (d) a hyperbola
 32 CIRCLE

14. If a circle passes through the point (a, b) and cuts the 19. The point diametrically opposite to the point P(1, 0) on the
circle x2 + y2 = p2 orthogonally, then the equation of the circle x2 + y2 + 2ax + 4y – 3 = 0 is (2008)
locus of its centre is (2005) (a) (3, 4) (b) (3, –4)
(a) 2ax + 2by – (a2 – b2 + p2) = 0 (c) (–3, 4) (d) (–3, –4)
(b) x2 + y2 – 3ax – 4by + (a2 + b2 – p2) = 0 20. If P and Q are the points of intersection of the circles
(c) 2ax + 2by – (a2 + b2 + p2) = 0 x2 + y2 + 3x + 7y + 2p – 5 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 2x + 2y – p2 = 0, then
(d) x2 + y2 – 2ax – 3by + (a2 – b2 – p2) = 0 there is a circle passing through P, Q and (1, 1) and
(2009)
15. If the pair of lines ax2 + 2(a + b)xy + by2 = 0 lie along
diameters of a circle and divide the circle into four sectors (a) all values of p (b) all except one value of p
such that the area of one of the sectors is thrice the area of (c) all except two values of p (d) exactly one value of p
another sector then (2005) 21. The circle x2 + y2 = 4x + 8y + 5 intersects the line
(a) 3a2 – 2ab + 3b2 = 0 3x – 4y = m at two distinct points, if (2010)
(b) 3a2 – 10ab + 3b2 = 0 (a) – 85 < m < –35 (b) –35 < m < 15
(c) 3a2 + 2ab + 3b2 = 0 (c) 15 < m < 65 (d) 35 < m < 85
(d) 3a2 + 10ab + 3b2 = 0 22. The equation of the circle passing through the point
16. If the lines 3x – 4y – 7 = 0 and 2x – 3y – 5 = 0 are two (1, 0) and (0, 1) and having the smallest radius is (2011)
diameters of a circle of area 49 square units, then the (a) x2 + y2 + x + y – 2 = 0 (b) x2 + y2 – 2x – 2y + 1 = 0
equation of the circle is (2006) (c) x2 + y2 – x – y = 0 (d) x2 + y2 + 2x + 2y – 7 = 0
(a) x2 + y2 + 2x – 2y – 47 = 0 23. The two circles x2 + y2 = ax and x2 + y2 = c2 (c > 0) touch
(b) x2 + y2 + 2x – 2y – 62 = 0 each other if (2011)
(c) x2 + y2 – 2x + 2y – 62 = 0 (a) |a| = c (b) a = 2c
(d) x2 + y2 – 2x + 2y – 47 = 0 (c) |a| = 2c (d) 2|a| = c
17. Let C be the circle with centre (0, 0) and radius 3 units. The 24. The length of the diameter of the circle which touches the
equation of the locus of the mid points of chord of the x-axis at the point (1, 0) and passes through the point (2, 3)
circle C that subtend an angle of 2/3 at its centre is is (2012)
(2006) 3
10
(a) (b)
3 3 5
(a) x2 + y2 = (b) x2 + y2 = 1
2
6 5
(c) (d)
5 3
27 9
(c) x2 + y2 = (d) x2 + y2 =
4 4 25. The circle passing through (1, –2) and touching the axis of
x at (3, 0) also passes through the point (2013)
18. Consider a family of circles which are passing through the
point (–1, 1) and are tangent to x–axis. If (h, k) are the (a) (–5, 2) (b) (2, –5)
coordinate of the centre of the circles, then the set of (c) (5, –2) (d) (–2, 5)
values of k is given by the interval (2007) 26. Let C be the circle with centre at (1, 1) and radius = 1. If T
is the circle centred at (0, y), passing through origin and
1 1 1
(a)  k (b) k  touching the circle C externally, then the radius of T is
2 2 2
equal to : (2014)
1 1
(c) 0  k  (d) k  1 3
2 2 (a) (b)
4 2

3 1
(c) (d)
2 2
CIRCLE 33

27. If the point (1, 4) lies inside the circle x2 + y2 - 6x - 10y + p 33. If a circle passing through the point (-1, 0) touches
= 0 and the circle does not touch or intersect the coordinate y-axis at (0, 2) then the length of the chord of the circle
axes, then the set of all possible values of p is the interval: along the x-axis is : (2015/Online Set–2)
(2014/Online Set–1)
3
(a) (0, 25) (b) (25, 39) (a) (b) 3
2
(c) (9, 25) (d) (25, 29)
28. The set of all real values of  for which exactly two common 5
(c) (d) 5
tangents can be drawn to the circles 2

x2 + y2 - 4x - 4y + 6 = 0 and x2 + y2 - 10x - 10y +  = 0 is the 34. If one of the diameters of the circle, given by the equation,
interval: (2014/Online Set–2) x2 + y2 – 4x + 6y – 12 = 0 is a chord of a circle S, whose centre
is at (–3, 2), then the radius of S is : (2016)
(a) (12, 32) (b) (18, 42)
(c) (12, 24) (d) (18, 48) (a) 5 3 (b) 5

29. For the two circles x2 + y2 = 16 and x2 + y2 - 2y = 0, there is/ (c) 10 (d) 5 2
are: (2014/Online Set–3)
35. A circle passes through (–2, 4) and touches the y-axis at
(a) one pair of common tangents
(0, 2). Which one of the following equations can represent
(b) two pairs of common tangents a diameter of this circle ? (2016/Online Set–1)
(c) three common tangents (a) 4x + 5y – 6 = 0 (b) 2x “ 3y + 10 = 0
(d) no nommon tangent (c) 3x + 4y – 3 = 0 (d) 5x + 2y + 4 = 0
30. The equation of the circle described on the chord 36. Equation of the tangent to the circle, at the point (1, –1),
3x + y + 5 = 0 of the circle x2 + y2 + = 16 as diameter is whose centre is the point of intersection of the straight lines
(2014/Online Set–4) x – y = 1 and 2x + y = 3 is : (2016/Online Set–2)
(a) x2 + y2 + 3x + y - 11 = 0 (a) 4x + y – 3 = 0 (b) x + 4y + 3 = 0
2 2
(b) x + y + 3x + y +1 = 0 (c) 3x – y – 4 = 0 (d) x – 3y – 4 = 0
2 2
(c) x + y + 3x + y - 2 = 0 37. The radius of a circle, having minimum area, which touches
(d) x2 + y2 + 3x + y - 22 = 0 the curve y = 4 – x2 and the lines, y = |x| is: (2017)

31. The number of common tangents to the circles

x2 + y2 –4x – 6y –12 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 6x + 18y + 26 = 0, is:
(a) 2  
2 1 (b) 2  2 1
(2015)
(a) 3 (b) 4
(c) 4  
2 1 (d) 4  2 1 
(c) 1 (d) 2 38. A line drawn through the point P (4, 7) cuts the circle
x2 + y2 = 9 at the points A and B. Then PA.PB is equal to :
32. Let the tangents drawn to the circle, x2 + y2 = 16 from the
point P(0, h) meet the x-axis at points A and B. If the area (2017/Online Set–1)
of APB is minimum, then h is equal to : (a) 53 (b) 56
(2015/Online Set–1) (c) 74 (d) 65

(a) 4 2 (b) 4 3

(c) 3 2 (d) 3 3
 34 CIRCLE

39. If a point P has co-ordinates (0, –2) and Q is any point on the 41. Let the orthocentre and centroid of a triangle be
circle, x2 + y2 – 5x-y + 5 = 0, then the maximum value of (PQ)2 A (–3,5) and B (3, 3) respectively. If C is the circumcentre
is : (2017/Online Set–1) of this triangle, then the radius of the circle having line
segment AC as diameter, is : (2018)
25  6
(a) (b) 14  5 3
2 3 5
(a) (b) 10
2
47  10 6
(c) (d) 8  5 3
2 5
(c) 2 10 (d) 3
2
40. If two parallel chords of a circle, having diameter 4 units,
lie on the opposite sides of the centre and subtend angles 42. A circle passes through the points (2, 3) and (4, 5). If its
centre lies on the line, y – 4 x + 3 = 0, then its radius is
1
cos 1   and sec–1(7) at the centre respectively, then equal to : (2018/Online Set–1)
7
the distance between these chords, is : (a) 2 (b) 5
(2017/Online Set–1)
(c) 2 (d) 1
4 8 43. The tangent to the circle C1 :
(a) (b)
7 7 x2 + y2 – 2x – 1 = 0 at the point (2, 1) cuts off a chord of
length 4 from a circle C2, whose centre is (3, -2). The radius
8 16 of C2 is : (2018/Online Set–2)
(c) (d)
7 7
(a) 2 (b) 2

(c) 3 (d) 6
44. If a circle C, whose radius is 3, touches externally the
circle, x2+y2+2x-4y-4=0 at the point (2, 2), then the length
of the intercept cut by this circle C, on the x-axis is equal
to : (2018/Online Set–3)

(a) 2 5 (b) 3 2

(c) 5 (d) 2 3
 CIRCLE 35

EXERCISE - 3 : ADVANCED OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. A variable circle having fixed radius ‘a’ passes through 6. From the point A(0, 3) on the circle x² + 4x + (y – 3)² = 0 a
origin and meets the coordinate axes in point A and B. chord AB is drawn & extended to a point M such that
Locus of centroid of triangle OAB, ‘O’ being the origin, is AM = 2AB. The equation of the locus of M is :

(a) 9(x2 + y2) = 4a2 (b) 9(x2 + y2) = a2 (a) x² + 8x + y² = 0 (b) x² + 8x + (y – 3)² = 0

(c) 9(x2 + y2) = 2a2 (d) 9(x2 + y2) = 8a2 (c) (x – 3)² + 8x + y² = 0 (d) x² + 8x + 8y² = 0

2. A circle and a square have the same perimeter. Then 7. The circle described on the line joining the points (0, 1),
(a, b) as diameter cuts the x-axis in points whose abscissae
(a) their areas are equal
are roots of the equation :
(b) the area of the circle is large (a) x2 + ax + b = 0 (b) x2 – ax + b = 0
(c) the area of the square is larger (c) x2 + ax – b = 0 (d) x2 – ax – b = 0
(d) the area of the circle is  times the area of the square 8. The abscissa of two points A and B are the roots of the
3. The equation of a circle which touches x-axis and the equation x2 + 2ax – b2 = 0 and their ordinates are the
line 4x –3y +4 =0, its centre lying in the third quadrant roots of the equation y2 + 2 py – q2 = 0. The radius of the
circle with AB as a diameter will be-
and lies on the line x –y –1 =0, is-
(a) 9 (x2 +y2) + 6x + 24y + 1 =0 (a) a 2  b2  p2  q 2 (b) b2  q2
(b) 9 (x2 +y2) – 6x – 24y + 1 =0
(c) 9 (x2 +y2) – 6x + 2y + 1 =0 (c) a 2  b2  p2  q2 (d) a 2  p2

(d) None of these 9. If the squares of the lengths of the tangents from a point
4. The equation of the circle whose radius is 3 and which P to the circles x2 + y2 = a2, x2 + y2 = b2 and x2 + y2 = c2
touches the circle x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y – 12 = 0 internally at are in A.P., then
the point (–1, –1) is- (a) a, b, c are in GP (b) a, b, c are in AP
(c) a2, b2, c2 are in AP (d) a2, b2, c2 are in GP
2 2
 4  7 2 10. If a chord of the circle x2 + y2 = 8 makes equal intercepts
(a)  x     y    3
 5  5 of length a on the coordinate axes, then-

(a) |a| < 8 (b) |a| < 4 2

2 2
 4  7 2
(b)  x     y    3 (c) |a| < 4 (d) |a| > 4
 5   5 
11. The angle of intersection of the two circles
(c) (x–8)2 + (y–1)2 = 32 x2 + y2 – 2x – 2y = 0 and x2 + y2 = 4, is–
(d) None of these (a) 30° (b) 60°
5. The equation of the circle which is touched by y = x, has (c) 90° (d) 45°
its centre on the positive x-axis & cuts off a chord of length 12. The value of 'c' for which the set,
{ (x, y) | x²+y² +2x < 1}{(x, y)| x–y + c > 0} contains
2 units along the line 3 y – x = 0 is-
only one point in common is :
(a) x2 + y2 – 4x + 2 = 0 (b) x2 + y2 – 8x + 8 = 0 (a) (–, –1)  [3, ) (b) {–1, 3}
(c) x2 + y2 – 4x + 1 = 0 (d) x2 + y2 – 4y + 2 = 0 (c) {–3} (d) {–1}
 36 CIRCLE

13. The circle x² + y² – 6x – 10y + c = 0 does not intersect or 19. The circumference of the circle x2 + y2 – 2x + 8y – q = 0 is
touch either axis & the point (1, 4) is inside the circle. bisected by the circle x2 + y2 + 4x + 12y + p = 0, then
Then the range of possible values of c is given by : p + q is equal to :

(a) c > 9 (b) c > 25 (a) 25 (b) 100

(c) c > 29 (d) 25 < c < 29 (c) 10 (d) 48

20. The distance from the centre of the circle x² + y² = 2x to
14. Let x and y be the real numbers satisfying the equation
the straight line passing through the points of intersection
x² – 4x +y² +3 =0. If the maximum and minimum values
of the two circle ;
of x² + y² are M & m respectively, then the numerical
x² + y² + 5x – 8y + 1 = 0, x² + y² – 3x + 7y – 25 = 0 is
value of M – m is :
(a) 1 (b) 2
(a) 2 (b) 8
(c) 3 (d) none of these
(c) 15 (d) none of these
21. The value of 'a' for which the common chord of the circles
15. The length of the tangent drawn from any point on the
c1 : x2 + y2 = 8 and c2 : (x – a)2 + y2 = 8 subtends a right
circle x² + y² + 2gx + 2fy + p = 0 to the circle
angle at the origin are :
x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2fy + q = 0 is :
(a) ± 2 (b) ± 2
(a) qp (b) pq
(c) ± 4 (d) none of these
22. If the two circles, x2 + y2 + 2g1x + 2f1y = 0 and
(c) qp (d) none of these
x2 + y2 + 2g2x + 2f2y = 0 touch each other then
16. The centre of the smallest circle touching the circles
x2 + y2 – 2y – 3 = 0 and x2 + y2 – 8x – 18y + 93 = 0 is : f1 f 2
(a) f1g1 = f2g2 (b) 
g1 g 2
(a) (3, 2) (b) (4, 4)
(c) (2, 7) (d) (2, 5) (c) f1f2 = g1g2 (d) none of these

17. A rhombus is inscribed in the region common to the two 23. If r1 be the radius of smallest circle which passes through
(5, 6) and touches the circle (x – 2)2 + y2 = 4, then r1 is
circles x2 + y2 – 4x – 12 = 0 and x2 + y2 + 4x – 12 = 0
with two of its vertices on the line joining the centres of
3 5 2 3 5 2
the circles. The area of the rhombus is : (a) (b)
2 2

(a) 8 3 sq. units (b) 4 3 sq. units

3 54 41
(c) (d)
2 6
(c) 16 3 sq. units (d) none of these
24. A line meets the co-ordinate axes in A & B. A circle is
18. If the circle C1 : x2 + y2 = 16 intersects another circle C2 circumscribed about the triangle OAB. If d1 and d2 are
of radius 5 in such a manner that the common chord is of the distances of the tangent to the circle at the origin O
maximum length and has a slope equal to 3/4, then the from the points A and B respectively, the diameter of the
co-ordinates of the centre of C2 are : circle is :

 9 12   9 12  2d1  d 2 d1  2d 2
(a)   ,  (b)   ,  (a)
2
(b)
2
 5 5  5 5

d1d 2
 12 9   12 9  (c) d1 + d2 (d) d  d
(c)   ,  (d)   ,  1 2
 5 5  5 5
CIRCLE 37

25. If a circle passes through the point (1, 2) and cuts the circle 31. Two thin rods AB & CD of lengths 2a & 2b move along OX
x2 + y2 = 4 orthogonally, then the locus of its centre is- & OY respectively, when 'O' is the origin. The equation of
(a) x2 + y2 – 2x – 6y – 7 = 0 the locus of the centre of the circle passing through the
extremities of the two rods is :
(b) x2 + y2 – 3x – 8y + 1 = 0
(c) 2x + 4y – 9 = 0 (a) x2 + y2 = a2 + b2 (b) x2 – y2 = a2 – b2

(d) 2x + 4y – 1 = 0 (c) x2 + y2 = a2 – b2 (d) x2 – y2 = a2 + b2

26. The length of the common chord of the circles 32. If tangent at (1, 2) to the circle c1 : x2 + y2 = 5 intersects the
circle c 2 : x 2 + y2 = 9 at A and B and tangents at
(x – a)2 + y2 = c2 and x2 + (y – b)2 = c2 is-
A and B to the second circle meet at point C, then the
(a) 2
c a b2 2 (b) 2 2
4c  a  b 2 co-ordinates of C are :

 9 18 
(c) 4c 2  a 2  b 2 (d) c2  a 2  b2 (a) (4, 5) (b)  , 
 15 5 
27. Two circles whose radii are equal to 4 and 8 intersect at
right angles. The length of their common chord is :  9 18 
(c) (4, – 5) (d)  , 
5 5 
16
(a) (b) 8
5
 7 
33. A circle passes through the point  3, and touches
 2 

8 5
(c) 4 6 (d)
5 the line pair x2 – y2 – 2x + 1 = 0. The co-ordinates of the
28. A circle touches a straight line lx + my + n = 0 & cuts the centre of the circle are :
circle x2 + y2 = 9 orthogonally. The locus of centres of (a) (4, 0) (b) (5, 0)
such circle is :
(c) (6, 0) (d) (0, 4)
(a) (lx + my + n)2 = (l 2 + m2) (x2 + y2 – 9)
(b) (lx + my – n)2 = (l 2 + m2) (x2 + y2 – 9) 34. If C1 : x2 + y2 = (3 + 2 2 )2 be a circle and PA and PB

(c) (lx + my + n)2 = (l 2 + m2) (x2 + y2 + 9) are pair of tangents on C1 where P is any point on the
director circle of C1, then the radius of smallest circle
(d) none of these
which touch C1 externally and also the two tangents PA
29. If a circle passes through the point (a, b) & cuts the circle
and PB is
x2 + y2 = K2 orthogonally, then the equation of the locus
of its centre is : (a) 2 2 –3 (b) 2 2 –1
(a) 2ax + 2by – (a2 + b2 + K2) = 0
(c) 2 2 +1 (d) 1
(b) 2ax + 2by – (a2 – b2 + K2) = 0
(c) x2 + y2 – 3ax – 4by + (a2 + b2 – K2) = 0 35. From a point R(5, 8) two tangents RP and RQ are drawn
to a given circle S = 0 whose radius is 5. If circumcentre
(d) x2 + y2 – 2ax – 3by + (a2 – b2 – K2) = 0
of the triangle PQR is (2, 3), then the equation of circle
30. Minimum radius of circle which is orthogonal with both S = 0 is
the circle x2 + y2 –12x + 35 =0 and x2 + y2 + 4x +3 =0 is
(a) x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y – 20 = 0
(a) 4 (b) 3
(b) x2 + y2 + x + 2y – 10 = 0
(c) 15 (d) 1 (c) x2 + y2 – x – 2y – 20 = 0
(d) x2 + y2 – 4x – 6y – 12 = 0
 38 CIRCLE

36. On the line segment joining (1, 0) and (3, 0) an equilateral (a) a2 – 6ab + b2 = 0 (b) a2 + 2ab – b2 = 0
triangle is drawn having its vertex in the fourth quadrant, (c) a2 – 4ab + b2 = 0 (d) a2 – 8ab + b2 = 0
then radical centre of the circle described on its sides as
Multiple Type Questions
diameter is
42. Consider the circle x2 + y2 – 10x – 6y + 30 = 0. Let O be the
 1  centre of the circle and tangent at A(7, 3) and B(5, 1) meet
(a)  3,


3

(b) 3, 3  at C. Let S = 0 represents family of circles passing through
A and B, then
 1  (a) area of quadrilateral OACB = 4
(c)  2,


3

(d) 2, 3  (b) the radical axis for the family of circles S=0 is x+y=10

37. If the tangents are drawn from any point on the (c) the smallest possible circle of the family S = 0 is
line x + y = 3 to the circle x2 + y2 = 9, then the chord of x2 + y2 – 12x – 4y + 38 = 0
contact passes through the point (d) the coordinates of point C are (7, 1)
(a) (3, 5) (b) (3, 3) 43. Let x, y be real variable satisfying the
(c) (5, 3) (d) none of these x 2 + y 2 + 8x – 10y – 40 = 0. Let a = max
38. The triangle PQR is inscribed in the circle x2 + y2 = 25
such that P lies on the major arc QR. If Q and R have  (x  2 )  (y  3)  and
2 2

coordinates (3, 4) and (–4, 3) respectively, then QPR is

equal to
b = min  (x  2 )  (y  3)  , then
2 2

 
(a) (b)
2 3
(a) a + b = 18 (b) a + b = 4 2

 
(c) (d) (c) a – b = 4 2 (d) a . b = 73
4 6
44. Coordinates of the centre of a circle, whose radius is 2 unit
39. Equation of chord of the circle x2 + y2 – 3x – 4y – 4 = 0
and which touches the line pair x2 – y2 – 2x + 1 = 0, are
which passes through the origin such that origin divides
it in the ratio 4 : 1, is
(a) (4, 0) 
(b) 1 2 2 ,0 
(a) x = 0 (b) 24x + 7y = 0
(c) 7x + 24y = 0 (d) 7x – 24y = 0 (c) (4, 1) 
(d) 1, 2 2 
40. If the radius of the circumcircle of the triangle TPQ, where
PQ is chord of contact corresponding to point T with 45. Point M moved on the circle (x – 4)2 + (y – 8)2 = 20. Then
respect to circle x2 + y2 – 2x + 4y – 11 = 0, is 6 units, it broke away from it and moving along a tangent to the
then minimum distance of T from the director circle of circle, cuts the x–axis at the point (–2, 0). The
the given circle is :
co–ordinates of a point on the circle at which the moving
(a) 6 (b) 12
point broke away is
(c) 6 2 (d) 12  4 2
41. P is a point (a, b) in the first quadrant. If the two circles  3 46   2 44 
(a)   ,  (b)   , 
which pass through P and touch both the co–ordinate  5 5   5 5 
axes cut at right angles, then
(c) (6, 4) (d) (3, 5)
CIRCLE 39

46. If the area of the quadrilateral formed by the tangents from

1 1
theorigin to thecirclex2 + y2 + 6x – 10y + c = 0 and the radii (b)  1 is negative
a b
corresponding to the points of contact is 15, then a value
of c is
1 1
(c)  1
(a) 9 (b) 4 a b

(c) 5 (d) 25
1 1 1 1
(d)  1   
47. Two circles passing through A(1, 2) and B(2, 1) touch the a b a 2 b2
lines 4x + 8y – 7 = 0 at C and D such that ACED is
parallelogram, then 50. A straight line through the vertex P of a triangle PQR,
intersects the side QR at the point S and the circum-circle
(a) mid point of AE must lie on CD.
of the triangle PQR at the point T. If S is not the circumcentre
(b) mid point of AE must lie on AC. of the triangle, then

 13  1 1 2
(c) E must be the point  ,  4  (a)  
 2  PS ST QS  SR

 15 9 1 1 2
(d) E must be the point  ,   (b)  
 2 2  PS ST QS  SR

48. A (3, 0), B (0, 4), and C(0, 0) be the vertices of a triangle. If
r is the radius of incircle and r1, r2, r3 be the exradii then 1 1 4
(c)  
PS ST QR
(a) r = 1 (b) r1 < r2 < r3

(c) r2 < r1 < r3 (d) r1 < r3 < r2 1 1 4

(d)  
PS ST QR
49. If the circle x2 + y2 – 2x – 2y + 1 = 0 is inscribed in a triangle
whose two sides are axes and one side has negative slope
51. The equation of the chords of length 5 and passing through
cutting intercepts a and b on x and y axis, then
the point (3, 4) on the circle 4x2 + 4y2 – 24x – 7y = 0 are

1 1 1 1 (a) 4x + 3y = 0 (b) 4x – 3y = 0
(a)  1   
a b a 2 b2
(c) 4x + 3y – 24 = 0 (d) 4x + 3y – 12 = 0
 40 CIRCLE

Assertion Reason 56. Assertion : for two non–intersecting circles, direct

(A) If ASSERTION is true, REASON is true, REASON is a common tangents subtends a right angle at either of
correct explanation for ASSERTION. point of intersection of circles with line segment joining
(B) If ASSERTION is true, REASON is true, REASON is the centres of circles.
not a correct explanation for ASSERTION.
Reason : If distance between the centres is more than
(C) If ASSERTION is true, REASON is false
sum of radii, then circles are non–intersecting
(D) If ASSERTION is false, REASON is true
(a) A (b) B
52. Assertion : Number of common tangents of
(c) C (d) D
x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 95 =0 and x2 + y2 – 6x – 8y + 16 =0 is
zero. Match the column
Reason : If C1 C2 < |r1 – r2|, then there will be no common 57. Column–I Column–II
tangent. (where C 1 , C 2 are the centre and
(A) If ax + by – 5 = 0 is the equation (p) 6
r1, r2 are radii of circles)
of the chord of the circle
(a) A (b) B
2 2
(c) C (d) D (x – 3) + (y – 4) = 4, which

53. Assertion : Let S1 : x2 + y2 – 10x – 12y – 39 = 0 passes through (2, 3) and at the
S2 : x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y + 1 = 0 greatest distance from the centre
S3 : 2x2 + 2y2 – 20x – 24y + 78 = 0 of the circle, then |a + b| is equal to
The radical centre of these circles taken pairwise is
(B) Let O be the origin and P be a (q) 3
(–2, –3)
variable point on the circle
Reason : Point of intersection of three radical axis of
2 2
three circles taken in pairs is known as radical centre x + y + 2x + 2y = 0. If the
(a) A (b) B locus of mid–point of OP is
(c) C (d) D 2 2
x + y + 2gx + 2fy = 0, then the
54. Assertion : The equations of the straight lines joining
value of (g + f) is equal to
origin to the points of intersection of
x2 + y2 – 4x – 2y = 4 and x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 4 = 0 is (C) The x–coordinates of the centre (r) 2
(y – x)2 = 0 of the smallest circle which cuts
Reason : y + x = 0 is a common chord of 2 2
the circle x + y – 2x – 4y – 4 = 0
x2 + y2 – 4x – 2y = 4 and x2 + y2 – 2x – 4y – 4 = 0
2 2
(a) A (b) B and x + y – 10x + 12y + 52 = 0

(c) C (d) D orthogonally, is

55. Assertion : Two orthogonal circles intersect to generate (D) If  be the angle between two (s) 1
a common chord which subtends complimentary angles
tangents which are drawn to the
at their circumferences.
2 2
Reason : Two orthogonal circles intersect to generate a circle x + y – 6 3 x – 6y + 27 = 0
common chord which subtends supplementary angles
at their centres
from the origin, then 2 3 tan 
(a) A (b) B
equals to
(c) C (d) D
CIRCLE 41

58. Column–I Column–II 59. Match the items of Column I with those of Column II.

(A) The length of the common chord (p) 1 Column I Column II

of two circles of radii 3 and 4 units (A) Equations of the circle (P) x2 + y2 – 9x – 9y +
circumscribing the 36 = 0
which intersect orthogonally is
rectangle whose sides are
k/5, then k equals to
x – 3y – 4 = 0, 3x + y – 22 = 0,
(B) The circumference of the circle (q) 24
2 2
x – 3y – 14 = 0
x + y + 4x + 12y + p = 0 is
and 3x + y – 62 = 0 is
bisected by the circle
2 2
x + y – 2x + 8y – q = 0, (B) Two vertices of an (Q) 3 (x 2  y 2 ) 

then p + q is equal to :
equilateral triangle are 2y  3  0
(C) Number of distinct chords of the (r) 32
(–1, 0) and (1, 0) and its
circle 2x ( x  2 ) + y(2y – 1) = 0;
third vertex lies above the

chords are passing through the x-axis. The equation of its

circumcircle is
 1
point  2 ,  and are bisected (C) The equation of a circle (R) x2 + y2 – 9 = 0
 2

with origin at centre and

on x–axis is
passing through the vertices
(D) one of the diameters of the circle (s) 36
of an equilateral triangle
circumscribing the rectangle AB
whose median is of length
CD is 4y = x + 7. If A and B are
6 units is
the points (–3, 4) and (5, 4) resp-
(D) The vertices of a triangle (S) x2 + y2 – 27x – 3y
ectively, then the area of the re-
are (6, 0), (0, 6) and (7, 7). + 142 = 0
ctangle is.
The equation of the incircle

of the triangle is

(T) x2 + y2 – 16 = 0
 42 CIRCLE

Use the following passage, solve Q. 60 to Q. 62 61. If origin be a limiting point of a coaxial system one of
whose member is x2 + y2 – 2x – 2y + c = 0, then the other
PASSAGE –1
limiting point is

A system of circles is said to be coaxial when every pair of the

 c c   c c 
circles has the same radical axis. It follows from this definition
(a)  2 , 2  (b)  2 , 2 
  
2
   2  2
     
2 
that :

1. The centres of all circles of a coaxial system system lie on

  c   c c 
one straight line, which is perpendicular to the common (c)  2 2
, 2 
2  (d)   2 2
, 2 
2 
           
radical axis.

2. Circles passing through two fixed points form a coaxial 62. The equation of the radical axis of the system of coaxial

system for which the line joining the fixed points is the circles x2 + y2 + 2ax + 2by + c+ 2(ax – by + 1) = 0 is

common radical axis. (a) ax – by + 1 = 0 (b) bx + ay – 1 = 0

3. The equation to a coaxial system, of which two members (c) 2(ax + by) + 1 = 0 (d) 2(bx – ay) + 1 = 0
are S1 = 0 and S2 = 0, is S1 + S2 = 0,  is parameter. If we Use the following passage, solve Q.63 to Q.65
choose the line of centres as x–axis and the common radical
PASSAGE –2
axis as y–axis, then the simplest form of equation of coaxial
circles is x2 + y2 + 2gx + c = 0 ...(1) P is a variable point on the line L = 0. Tangents are drawn to
the circle x2 + y2 = 4 from P to touch it at Q and R. The
where c is fixed and g is arbitrary. parallelogram PQSR is completed

63. If L  2x + y – 6 = 0, then the locus of circumcentre of PQR

If g = ± c , then the radius g 2  c vanishes and the circles
is

become point circles. The points (± c , 0) are called the limiting (a) 2x – y = 4 (b) 2x + y = 3

points of the system of coaxial circles given by (1). (c) x – 2y = 4 (d) x + 2y = 3

64. If P  (6, 8), then the area of QRS is

60. The equation of the circle which belongs to the coaxial
system of circles for which the limiting points are
(a)
63 / 2 sq. units (b)
243 / 2 sq. units
(1, –1), (2, 0) and which passes through the origin is
25 25

(a) x2 + y2 – 4x = 0 (b) x2 + y2 + 4x = 0
48 6 192 6
(c) x2 + y2 – 4y = 0 (d) x2 + y2 + 4y = 0 (c) sq. units (d) sq. units
25 25
CIRCLE 43

65. If P  (3, 4), then coordinate of S is 68. If the minimum radius of the circle which contains the
three circles
 46 63   51 68 
(a)   ,  (b)   ,  x2 + y2 – 4y – 5 = 0 x2 + y2 + 12x + 4y + 31 = 0
 25 25   25 25 

 5 
and x2 + y2 + 6x + 12y + 36 = 0 is  3   , then the
 46 68   68 51   36 
(c)   ,  (d)   , 
 25 25   25 25 
value of  must be

66. Let 2x2 + y2 – 3xy = 0 be the equation of a pair of tangents 69. Circle with radii 3, 4 and 5 touch each other externally. If P
drawn from the origin O to a circle of radius 3 with centre is the point of intersection of tangent to these circles at
in the first quadrant. If A is one of the points of contact. If their point of contact. And the distance of P from point of
contact is d. Then [D] is.
OA =  +  , then the value of 2 +  must be
70. The line Ax + By + C = 0 cuts the circle
67. The circle x2 + y2 – 4x – 4y + 4 = 0 is inscribed in a triangle x 2 + y 2 + ax + by + c = 0 in P and Q. The lines
which has two of its sides along the coordinate axes. The A’x + B’y + C’ = 0 cuts the circle x2 + y2 + a’x + b’y + c’=0 in
locus of the circumcentre of the triangle is R and S. If P, Q, R, S are concyclic, then the value of

x + y – xy + k (x2 + y2)1/2 = 0, then the value of k must be

a  a  b  b  c  c
A B C is
A B C
 44 CIRCLE

EXERCISE - 4 : PREVIOUS YEAR JEE ADVANCED QUESTIONS

Single Answer Questions 7. The locus of the centre of a circle, which touches externally
1. Two circles x2 + y2 = 6 and x2 + y2 – 6x + 8 = 0 are given. the circle x2 +y2 –6x –6y +14 =0 and also touches the
Then the equation of the circle through their points of y-axis is given by the equation : (1993)
intersection and the point (1, 1) is : (1980) (a) x2 – 6x – 10y + 14 = 0 (b) x2 – 10x – 6y + 14 = 0
(a) x2 + y2 – 6x + 4 = 0 (b) x2 + y2 – 3x + 1 = 0 (c) y2 – 6x – 10y + 14 = 0 (d) y2 – 10x – 6y + 14 = 0
(c) x2 + y2 – 4y + 2 = 0 (d) none of these 8. The angle between a pair of tangents drawn from a point P
2. The equation of the circle passing through (1, 1) and to the circle x2 +y2 +4x –6y +9 sin2  + 13 cos2  = 0 is 2.
the points of intersection of x2 + y2 + 13 x – 3y = 0 and The equation of the locus of the point P is : (1996)
2x2 + 2y2 + 4x – 7y – 25 = 0 is : (1983) (a) x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y + 4 = 0 (b) x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y – 9 = 0
(a) 4x2 + 4y2 – 30x – 10 y = 25 (c) x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y – 4 = 0 (d) x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y + 9 = 0
(b) 4x2 + 4y2 + 30x – 13 y – 25 = 0 9. The number of common tangents to the circles x2 +y2= 4
(c) 4x2 + 4y2 – 17x – 10 y + 25 = 0 and x2 + y2 – 6x – 8y = 24 is : (1998)
(d) none of these (a) 0 (b) 1
3. The centre of the circle passing through the point (0,1) (c) 3 (d) 4
and touching the curve y = x2 at (2, 4) is : (1983) 10. If two distinct chords, drawn from the point (p, q) on the
circle x2 + y2 = px + qy (where pq  0) are bisected by the
 16 27   16 53  x-axis, then : (1999)
(a)   ,  (b)   , 
 5 10   7 10  (a) p2 = q2 (b) p2 = 8q2
(c) p2 < 8q2 (d) p2 > 8q2
 16 53 
(c)   ,  (d) none of these 11. The triangle PQR is inscribed in the circle x2 + y2 = 25. If Q
 5 10 
and R have coordinates (3, 4) and (–4, 3) respectively,
4. AB is a diameter of a circle and C is any point on the then QPR is equal to : (2000)
circumference of the circle. Then : (1983)
(a) /2 (b) /3
(a) the area of  ABC is maximum when it is isosceles
(c) /4 (d) /6
(b) the area of  ABC is minimum when it is isosceles
12. If the circle x2 + y2 + 2x + 2ky + 6 = 0 and
(c) the perimeter of ABC is minimum when it is isosceles x2 + y2 + 2ky + k = 0 intersect orthogonally, then k is :
(d) none of these (2000)
5. The locus of the mid-point of a chord of the circle x2+y2 = 4 (a) 2 or –3/2 (b) –2 or –3/2
which subtends a right angle at the origin, is : (1984) (c) 2 or 3/2 (d) –2 or 3/2
(a) x + y = 2 (b) x2 + y2 = 1 13. Let AB be a chord of the circle x2 + y2 = r2 subtending a
(c) x2 + y2 = 2 (d) x + y = 1 right angle at the centre. Then the locus of the centroid of
the triangle PAB as P moves on the circle is : (2001)
6. The centre of a circle passing through the points (0, 0),
(1, 0) and touching the circle x2 + y2 = 9 is : (1992) (a) a parabola (b) a circle
(a) (3/2, 1/2) (b) (1/2, 3/2) (c) an ellipse (d) a pair of straight lines.
14. Let PQ and RS be tangents at the extremities of the diameter
1  PR of a circle of radius r. If PS and RQ intersect at a point
(c) (1/2, 1/2) (d)   2 
2  X on the circumference of the circle, then 2r equals. (2001)
PQ  RS
(a) PQ.RS (b)
2

2PQ  RS PQ 2  RS2
(c) (d)
PQ  RS 2
CIRCLE 45

15. If the tangent at the point P on the circle x2+y2+6x+6y = 2 21. A possible equation of L is (2012)
meets the straight line 5x – 2y + 6 = 0 at a point Q on the
y-axis, then the length of PQ is : (2002) (a) x  3 y 1 (b) x  3 y 1

(a) 4 (b) 2 5 (c) x  3 y   1 (d) x  3 y  5

Use the following passage, solve Q. 22 to 24

(c) 5 (d) 3 5
PASSAGE
16. The centre of circle inscribed in square formed by the lines
Let ABCD be a square of side length 2 unit. C2 is the circle
x2 – 8x + 12 = 0 and y2 – 14y + 45 = 0, is : (2003)
through vertices A, B, C, D and C1 is the circle touching all the
(a) (4, 7) (b) (7, 4) sides of square ABCD. L is the line through A.
(c) (9, 4) (d) (4, 9) 22. If P is a point of C 1 and Q is a point on C 2, then
17. If one of the diameters of the circle x2 + y2 – 2x –6y +6 =0 is
a chord to the circle with centre (2, 1), then the radius of PA 2  PB2  PC 2  PD 2
is equal to (2006)
the circle is : (2004) QA 2  QB2  QC 2  QD2

(a) 3 (b) 2 (a) 0.75 (b) 1.25

(c) 1 (d) 0.5
(c) 3 (d) 2
23. A circle touches the line L and the circle C1 externally such
18. The locus of the centre of circle which touches (y –1)2 +x2 = 1
that both the circles are on the same side of the line, then
externally and also touches x axis is : (2005)
the locus of centre of the circle is (2006)
(a) x2 = 4 y  (0, y), y < 0
(a) ellipse (b) hyperbola
(b) x2 = y
(c) parabola (d) parts of straight line
(c) y = 4x2
24. A line M through A is drawn parallel to BD. Point S moves
(d) y2 = 4 x  (0, y), y  R such that its distances from the line BD and the vertex A
19. The locus of the mid-point of the chord of contact of are equal. If locus of S cuts M at T2 and T3 and AC at T1,
tangents drawn from points lying on the straight line then area of T1 T2 T3 is (2006)
4x – 5y = 20 to the circle x2 + y2 = 9 is (2012)
1 2
(a) 20 (x2 + y2) – 36x + 45 y = 0 (a) sq unit (b) sq unit
2 3
(b) 20 (x2 + y2) + 36x – 45 y = 0
(c) 1 sq unit (d) 2 sq unit
(c) 36 (x2 + y2) – 20x + 45 y = 0
25. Let ABCD be a quadrilateral with area 18, with side AB
(d) 36 (x2 + y2) + 20x – 45 y = 0 parallel to the side CD and AB = 2CD . Let AD be
Use the following passage, solve Q. 20 and 21 perpendicular to AB and CD. If a circle is drawn inside the
PASSAGE quadrilateral ABCD touching all the sides, then its radius
is : (2007)
A tangent PT is drawn to the circle x2 + y2 = 4 at the point
(a) 3 (b) 2
P  
3,1 . A straight line L, perpendicular to PT is a tangent to
3
the circle (x – 3)2 + y2 = 1. (c)
2
(d) 1
20. A common tangent of the two circles is (2012)
(a) x = 4 (b) y = 2

(c) x  3 y  4 (d) x  2 2 y  6
 46 CIRCLE

Use the following passage, solve Q. 26 to Q. 28 PASSAGE 30 and 31

PASSAGE Let F1(x1, 0) and F2(x2, 0), for x1 < 0 and x2 > 0, be the foci of
A circle C of radius 1 is inscribed in an equilateral triangle
PQR. The points of contact of C with the sides PQ, QR, RP x 2 y2
the ellipse   1. Suppose a parabola having
are D, E, F respectively. The line PQ is given by the equation 9 8
3 3 3 vertex at the origin and focus at F2 intersects the ellipse at
3 x + y – 6 = 0 and the point D is  2 , 2 . Further, it is point M in the first quadrant and at point N in the fourth
  quadrant. (2016)
given that the origin and the centre of C are on the same side 30. The orthocentre of the triangle F1MN is
of the line PQ.
26. The equation of circle C is (2008)  9  2 
(a)   ,0  (b)  ,0 
 10  3 
(a) ( x  2 3 ) 2  ( y  1) 2  1
 9   2 
2 (c)  ,0  (d)  , 6 
2  1  10   3 
(b) ( x  2 3 )   y    1
 2 31. If the tangents to the ellipse at M and N meet at R and the
normal to the parabola at M meets the x-axis at Q, then the
(c) ( x  3 ) 2  ( y  1) 2  1 ratio of area of the triangle MQR to area of the quadrilateral
MF1NF2 is
(d) ( x  3 ) 2  ( y  1) 2  1 (a) 3 : 4 (b) 4 : 5
27. Points E and F are given by (2008) (c) 5 : 8 (d) 2 : 3
PASSAGE 32 and 33
 3 3  3 1
(a)  , , ( 3 ,0) (b)  , , ( 3 ,0) Let S be the circle in the xy-plane defined by the equation
 2 2   2 2  x2 + y2 = 4. (2018)
32. Let E1 E2 and F1F2 be the chords of S passing through the
 3 3  3 1 3 3  3 1 point P0 (1, 1) and parallel to the x-axis and the y-axis,
(c)  , ,  , 
  2 2 (d)  , ,  , 
  2 2 respectively. Let G1 G2 be the chord of S passing through
 2 2    2 2  
P 0 and having slope -1. Let the tangents to S at E1 and E2
28. Equations of the sides QR, RP are (2008) meet at E3, the tangents to S at F1 and F2 meet at F3, and
the tangents to S at G1 and G2 meet at G3. Then, the points
2 2 E3, F3, and G3 lie on the curve
(a) y  x  1, y   x 1
3 3 (a) x + y = 4 (b) (x - 4)2 + (y - 4)2 = 16

1 (c) (x - 4)(y - 4) = 4 (d) xy = 4

(b) y  x, y  0
33. Let P be a point on the circle S with both coordinates
3
being positive. Let the tangent to S at P intersect the
coordinate axes at the points M and N. Then, the mid-
3 3
(c) y  x  1, y   x 1 point of the line segment MN must lie on the curve
2 2
2 2 4

(d) y  3x, y  0 (a) (x + y)2 = 3xy (b) x 3  y 3  2 3

29. Tangents drawn from the point P (1, 8) to the circle (c) x2 + y2 = 2xy (d) x2 + y2 = x2y2
x2 + y2 – 6x – 4y – 11 = 0 touch the circle at the points A and
B. The equation of the circumcircle of the triangle PAB is
(2009)
(a) x2 + y2 + 4x – 6y + 19 = 0
(b) x2 + y2 – 4x – 10y + 19 = 0
(c) x2 + y2 – 2x + 6y – 29 = 0
(d) x2 + y2 – 6x – 4y + 19 = 0
CIRCLE 47

Multiple Question Assertion Reason

34. Circle(s) touching x-axis at a distance 3 from the origin and 39. Tangents are drawn from the point (17, 7) to the circle
x2 + y2 = 169.
having an intercept of length 2 7 on y-axis is (are)
Assertion : The tangents are mutually perpendicular.
(2013)
Reason : The locus the points from which a mutually
(a) x2 + y2 – 6x + 8y + 9 = 0 (b) x2 + y2 – 6x + 7y + 9 = 0
perpendicular tangents can be drawn to the
(c) x2 + y2 – 6x – 8y + 9 = 0 (d) x2 + y2 – 6x – 7y + 9 = 0 given circle is x2 + y2 = 338. (2007)
35. A circle S passes through the point (0, 1) and is orthogonal (a) If ASSERTION is true, REASON is true, REASON is a
to the circles (x – 1)2 + y2 = 16 and x2 + y2 = 1. Then correct explanation for ASSERTION.
(2014) (b) If ASSERTION is true, REASON is true, REASON is
(a) radius of S is 8 (b) radius of S is 7 not a correct explanation for ASSERTION.
(c) centre of S is (–7, 1) (d) centre of S is (–8, 1) (c) If ASSERTION is true, REASON is false
36. Let RS be the diameter of the circle x2 + y2 = 1, where S is (d) If ASSERTION is false, REASON is true
the point (1, 0). Let P be a variable point (other than R and 40. Consider
S) on the circle and tangents to the circle at S and P meet
L1 : 2x + 3y + p – 3 = 0
at the point Q. The normal to the circle at P intersects a
line drawn through Q parallel to RS at point E. Then the L2 : 2x + 3y + p + 3 = 0
locus of E passes through the point(s) (2016) where p is a real number and

1 1  1 1 C : x2 + y2 – 6x + 10y + 30 = 0
(a)  ,  (b)  ,  Assertion : If line L1 is a chord of circle C, then line L2 is
3 3 4 2
not always a diameter of circle C. and
1 1  1 1
Reason : If line L1 is a diameter of circle C, then line L2
(c)  3 ,   (d)  4 ,  2 
3
is not a chord of circle C. (2008)
37. The circle C1 : x2 + y2 = 3, with centre at O, intersects the (a) If ASSERTION is true, REASON is true, REASON is a
parabola x2 = 2y at the point P in the first quadrant. Let the correct explanation for ASSERTION.
tangent to the circle C1 at P touches other two circles C2
(b) If ASSERTION is true, REASON is true, REASON is
and C3 at R2 and R3, respectively. Suppose C2 and C3 have
not a correct explanation for ASSERTION.
equal radii 2 3 and centres Q2 and Q3, respectively. If Q2
(c) If ASSERTION is true, REASON is false
and Q3 lie on the y-axis, then. (2016)
(d) If ASSERTION is false, REASON is true
(a) Q2Q3 = 12
41. Consider the two curves
(b) R2R3 = 4 6 C1 : y2 = 4x
(c) area of the triangle OR2R3 is 6 2 C2 : x2 + y2 – 6x + 1 = 0, then (2008)
(a) C1 and C2 touch each other only at one point
(d) area of the triangle PQ2Q3 is 4 2 (b) C1 and C2 touch each other exactly at two points
Match the Column (c) C1 and C2 intersect (but do not touch) at exactly two
38. Match the conditions/expressions in Column I with points
statement in Column II. (2007) (d) C1 and C2 neither intersect nor touch each other
Column I Column II Subjective
(A) Two intersecting circles (p) have a common tangent 42. The centres of two circles C1 and C2 each of unit radius
(B) Two mutually external (q) have a common normal are at a distance of 6 unit from each other. Let P be the mid
point of the line segment joining the centres of C1 and C2
circles.
and C be a circle touching circles C1 and C2 externally. If a
(C) Two circles, one strictly (r) do not have a common common tangents to C1 and C passing through P is also a
inside the other tangent common tangent to C2 and C, then the radius of the circle
(D) Two branches of a (s) do not have a common C is ...... (2009)

hyperbola normal
 48 CIRCLE

43. A circle passes through three points A, B and C with the 47. Let T1, T2 and be two tangents drawn from (–2, 0) onto the
line segment AC as its diameter. A line passing through A circle C : x2 + y2 = 1. Determine the circles touching C and
intersects the chord BC at a point D inside the circle. If having T1, T2 as their pair of tangents. Further, find the
angles DAB and CAB are  and respectively and the equations of all possible common tangents to these circles
distance between the point A and the mid point of the line when taken two at a time. (1999)
segment DC is d, prove that the area of the circle is 48. Consider the family of circles x2 + y2 = r2, 2 < r < 5. If in the
first quadrant, the common tangent to a circle of this family
d 2 cos 2 
2 2 (1996) and the ellipse 4x2 + 25y2 = 100 meets the coordinate axes
cos   cos   2 cos  cos  cos (  ) at A and B, then find the equation of the locus of the mid
44. Consider a curve ax2 + 2hxy + by2 = 1 and a point P not on points of AB. (1999)
the curve. A line drawn from the point P intersect the curve 49. Let 2x2 + y2 – 3xy = 0 be the equation of a pair of tangents
at points Q and R. If the product PQ . PR is independent of drawn from the origin O to a circle of radius 3 with centre
the slope of the line, then show that the curve is a circle. in the first quadrant. If A is one of the points of contact,
(1997) find the length of OA. (2001)
50. Let C1 and C2 be two circles with C2 lying inside C1. A
45. Let C be any circle with centre (0, 2) . Prove that at the
circle C lying inside C1 touches C1 internally and C2
most two rational points can be there on C. externally. Identify the locus of the centre of C. (2001)
(A rational point is a point both of whose coordinates are 51. Find the equation of circle touching the line
rational numbers.) (1997) 2x + 3y + 1 = 0 at the point (1, –1) and is orthogonal to the
46. C1 and C2 are two concentric circles, the radius of C2 being circle which has the line segment having end points
twice that of C1. From a point P on C2, tangents PA and PB (0, –1) and (–2, 3) as the diameter. (2004)
are drawn to C1. Prove that the centroid of the triangle 52. For how many values of p, the circle x2 + y2 + 2x + 4y – p
PAB lies on C1. (1998) = 0 and the coordinate axes have exactly three common
points ? (2017)
True/False
53. No tangent can be drawn from the point (5/2, 1) to the
circumcircle of the triangle with vertices

1, 3  , 1,  3  , 3, 3  (1985)

 49 CIRCLE

ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE - 1 : BASIC OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (d) 6. (b) 7. (c) 8. (d) 9. (d) 10. (b)
11. (c) 12. (c) 13. (b) 14. (b) 15. (c) 16. (a) 17. (b) 18. (a) 19. (d) 20. (b)
21. (c) 22. (c) 23. (d) 24. (d) 25. (b) 26. (a) 27. (c) 28. (c) 29. (d) 30. (d)
31. (d) 32. (a) 33. (a) 34. (b) 35. (b) 36. (a) 37. (c) 38. (d) 39. (b) 40. (b)
41. (b) 42. (b) 43. (c) 44. (c) 45. (a) 46. (a) 47. (c) 48. (c) 49. (b) 50. (a,d)
51. (d) 52. (c) 53. (b) 54. (a) 55. (d) 56. (c) 57. (b) 58. (a) 59. (c) 60. (a)
61. (d) 62. (c) 63. (a) 64. (b) 65. (b) 66. (a) 67. (a) 68. (b) 69. (c) 70. (a)

EXERCISE - 2 : PREVIOUS YEAR JEE MAINS QUESTIONS

1. (b) 2. (d) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (c) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8. (b) 9. (c) 10. (c)
11. (c) 12. (a) 13. (c) 14. (c) 15. (c) 16. (d) 17. (d) 18. (d) 19. (d) 20. (c)
21. (b) 22. (c) 23. (a) 24. (a) 25. (c) 26. (a) 27. (d) 28. (b) 29. (d) 30. (b)
31. (a) 32. (a) 33. (b) 34. (a) 35. (b) 36. (b) 37. (c) 38. (b) 39. (b) 40. (b)
41. (d) 42. (a) 43. (d) 44. (a)

EXERCISE - 3 : ADVANCED OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS

1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (a) 4. (b) 5. (a) 6. (b) 7. (b) 8. (a) 9. (c) 10. (c)
11. (d) 12. (d) 13. (d) 14. (b) 15. (a) 16. (d) 17. (a) 18. (b) 19. (c) 20. (b)
21. (c) 22. (b) 23. (b) 24. (c) 25. (c) 26. (c) 27. (a) 28. (a) 29. (a) 30. (c)
31. (b) 32. (d) 33. (a,c) 34. (d) 35. (a) 36. (c) 37. (b) 38. (c) 39. (b) 40. (d)
41. (c) 42. (a,c,d) 43. (a,c,d) 44. (b,d) 45. (b,c) 46. (a,d) 47. (a, d) 48. (a, c) 49. (a, b) 50. (b,d)
51. (b,c) 52. (a) 53. (d) 54. (c) 55. (a) 56. (d) 57. (A–r; B–s; C–q; D–p)
58. (A–q; B–s; C–p; D–r) 59. A–S; B–Q; C–T; D–P
60. (d) 61. (b) 62. (a) 63. (b) 64. (d) 65. (b) 66. (0171) 67. (0001) 68. (0949)
69. 2 70. 0

EXERCISE - 4 : PREVIOUS YEAR JEE ADVANCED QUESTIONS

1. (b) 2. (b) 3. (c) 4. (a) 5. (c) 6. (d) 7. (d) 8. (d) 9. (b) 10. (d)
11. (c) 12. (a) 13. (b) 14. (a) 15. (c) 16. (a) 17. (c) 18. (a) 19. (a) 20. (d)
21. (a) 22. (a) 23. (c) 24. (c) 25. (b) 26. (d) 27. (a) 28. (d) 29. (b) 30. (a)
31. (c) 32. (a) 33. (d) 34. (a,c) 35. (b,c) 36. (a,c) 37. (a,b,c) 38. (A–p,q; B–p,q; C–q,r; D–q,r)

2 2
4 1
39. (a) 40. (c) 41. (b) 42. (8) 47.  x    y2    and  x  42  y2  (3)2 48. 4x2 + 25y2 = 4x2y2
 3 3


49. 3 3  10  50. Ellipse 51. 2x2 + 2y2 – 10x – 5y + 1 = 0 52. (2) 53. True

Dream on !!
