Solution
Related Formula
Length of a chord with perpendicular distance d from the center of a circle of radius r is:
Length = 2√(r² - d²)Core Logic
Points A(4,2) and B(0,2) have the same y-coordinate, meaning chord AB is horizontal. The perpendicular bisector of a horizontal chord is vertical.
Midpoint of AB is M(2,2). Thus, the vertical line passing through the center is x = 2.
Step 1: Identify Center and Radius
Since the center lies on the line 3x + 2y + 2 = 0, substitute x = 2 to find the y-coordinate:
3(2) + 2y + 2 = 0 2y = -8 y = -4So, Center O = (2, -4).
Calculate radius r using point B(0,2):
r = OB = √((2 - 0)² + (-4 - 2)²) = √(4 + 36) = √(40)Step 2: Find Target Chord Length
The targeted chord has a given midpoint N(1,2). Distance from center O(2,-4) to N(1,2):
d = ON = √((2 - 1)² + (-4 - 2)²) = √(1 + 36) = √(37) Length of chord = 2√(r² - d²) = 2√(40 - 37) = 2√(3)Pattern Recognition
Points sharing a coordinate define standard vertical or horizontal perpendicular configurations immediately. Always exploit geometrical configurations before jumping into standard circle equations.
Chapter Mix
Class 11 Mathematics: Circles