Episode 18 — Analytical Geometry

Equation of a Tangent to a Circle

Learners will be able to:

• Determine the equation of a tangent to a circle given its point of contact and the equation of the circle. • Calculate the gradient of a radius from two points on the circle. • Find the equation of a tangent using the gradient of the tangent and the point of contact. • Identify the relationship between the gradients of a tangent and a radius, specifically that they are negative reciprocals. • Complete the square to find the center and radius of a circle given its equation.