Circle And System Of Circles Question 48

Question: Equation of the tangent to the circle $ x^{2}+y^{2}=a^{2} $ which is perpendicular to the straight line $ y=mx+c $ is

Options:

A) 1

B) -1

C) $ \frac{3}{2} $

D) $ \frac{1}{2} $

Show Answer

Answer:

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The equation of tangent at point $ (-2,\ -3) $ to the circle $ x^{2}+y^{2}+2x+4y+3=0 $ is, $ -2x-3y+1(x-2)+2(y-3)+3=0 $

$ \Rightarrow -2x-3y+x-2+2y-6+3=0 $

$ \Rightarrow -x-y-5=0\Rightarrow x+y+5=0 $ or $ y=-x-5 $ ; so, $ m=-1 $

Hence, gradient of normal $ =\frac{-1}{-1}=1 $ .