Intersection of a Circle and a Line

This tutorial shows how to find the points of intersection of a circle and a line given by their equations[cite: 1]. Each solution is hidden inside a collapsible dropdown so you can practice independently before reviewing the step-by-step algebraic breakdown.

Example and Solution

Example

Find the points of intersection of the circle and line:

\[ (x-2)^2 + (y+3)^2 = 4 \] \[ 2x + 2y = -1 \]
View Solution
  • Solve the linear equation for \( y \): \[ 2x + 2y = -1 \Rightarrow y = -x - \frac{1}{2} \]
  • Substitute into the circle equation: \[ (x-2)^2 + \left(-x-\frac{1}{2} +3\right)^2 = 4 \]
  • Expand and simplify: \[ 2x^2 - 9x + \frac{25}{4} = 0 \]
  • Solve the quadratic equation: \[ x = \frac{9 \pm \sqrt{31}}{4} \]
  • Substitute each value of \(x\) into \(y = -x - \frac{1}{2}\): \[ y = \frac{-11 \mp \sqrt{31}}{4} \]
  • Therefore, the two points of intersection are: \[ \left(\frac{9+\sqrt{31}}{4},\frac{-11-\sqrt{31}}{4}\right), \qquad \left(\frac{9-\sqrt{31}}{4},\frac{-11+\sqrt{31}}{4}\right) \]
  • Approximate values: \[ (3.64,-4.14), \qquad (0.86,-1.36) \]

Shown below is the graph of the circle, the line, and their intersection points.

Points of intersection of a circle and a line

Figure 1. Intersection of a circle and a line.

More References and Links


Home Page[cite: 1]