Homework Help: math

Posted by Cynthia on Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 5:11pm.

The equation of a circle with centre O(0,0) is x^2+y^2=40. The points A(-2,6) and B(-6,-2) are endpoints of chord AB. DE right bisects chord AB at F.
a)Verify that the centre of the circle lies on the right bisector of chord AB.
b)Find the distance from the centre of the circle to chord AB, to the nearest tenth.

now, i can do the problem, but i just dont understand where i use x^2+y^2=40.. i mean what's the purpose of it??? PLEASE HELP ME!!

math - Reiny, Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 5:43pm
From the given circle equation you would have to know that its centre is (0,0) and its radius is √40

Notice that both A and B satisfy the equation of the circle, so A and B lie on the circle and AB is indeed a chord.

In a) you are probably expected to illustrate the property that the right-bisector of any chord passes through the centre of the circle.

You claim you did that, ok.

BTW, what did you get for the distance from the centre to chord AB ?

Answer this Question

Related Questions

Maths - AB is a chord with centre O and radius 4 cm. AB is of length 4 cm and ...
Math- Circles - Suppose you have a perpendicular bisector of a chord passing ...
maths - A chord subtends an angle of 68 degree at the centre of a circle of ...
Circle geometry - A chord is 6.0 cm from the centre of a circle of radius 10 cm...
geometry - suppose the diameter of a circle is 20in. long and a chord is 16in. ...
Math - A diameter that is perpendicular to a chord bisects the chord. True or ...
Math - In a circle , the radius is 68 units and a chord of the circle is 120 ...
Math - In a circle , the radius is 68 units and a chord of the circle is 120 ...
math - consider the following statement: if a circle with its center at the ...
math - Chord BC is drawn in a circle with a radius of 3cm. Chord BS is 4cm long...

For Further Reading

First Name:
School Subject:
Answer: