STEM111 – Pre-Calculus

READING MATERIAL
Topic 2
1st Semester, SY 2025-2026

2| CONIC SECTION: CIRCLE

LEARNING COMPETENCIES:
The learners are able to:
a. define a circle;
b. determine the standard form of equation of a circle;
c. graph a circle is a rectangular coordinate system; and
d. solve problems involving circles.

In your elementary and junior high school years, you were already introduced to the concept of a circle. You learned the
parts of a circle, and how to compute its circumference and area.

Here, we will look at a circle in a different perspective; that is through the lens of Analytic Geometry, as a conic section.
Recall, from the previous material, that a circle is generated when the plane is perpendicular to the axis of the cone. This
is also classified as a special type of ellipse.

Circle refers to the set of all points in a plane equidistant from a fixed point called center. The constant equal distance
is called the radius of the circle.

(𝑥, 𝑦)is a point

on the circle.

The center
is (ℎ, 𝑘)

Figure 1: Circle with Center at (ℎ, 𝑘)

When graphing a circle in the rectangular coordinate system (also known as the Cartesian Plane), always start with
locating the center. If the radius of the circle is given, count the number of units horizontally or vertically and locate one
of its points on the circle. Then, use a compass, or any similar tool, to complete the circle. On the other hand, if a point
on the circle is already provided, then just locate the center and the point. Then, use a compass to complete the circle.

Example 1:
Graph the circle whose center is at (0, 2) and has a radius of 6 units.

Solution:
To graph:
(a) Locate the center (0,2).

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STEM111 – Pre-Calculus
READING MATERIAL
Topic 2
1st Semester, SY 2025-2026

(b) Locate any point on the circle, moving 6 units horizontally or vertically from the center (any variation of
the pictures below).

6 units to the right 6 units to the left 6 units upward

6 units downward 6 units horizontally and vertically from the

center

or locate all four

(c) Completely draw the circle.

In Figure 1, we can say that the point (𝑥, 𝑦) is on the circle if and only if its distance from the center (ℎ, 𝑘) is equal
to the radius, 𝑟. Using the distance formula,
𝑟 = √(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 .

Take note that the radius must always be greater than zero, 𝑟 > 0.

Squaring each side of the equation will give us the standard form of the equation of a circle (also known as the Center-
Radius Form),
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 𝑟 2 .

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STEM111 – Pre-Calculus
READING MATERIAL
Topic 2
1st Semester, SY 2025-2026

Solving for the general form of the equation of a circle.

Given: (𝑥 − ℎ)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 𝑟 2
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 𝑟 2
(𝑥 2 − 2ℎ𝑥 + ℎ2 ) + (𝑦 2 − 2𝑘𝑦 + 𝑘 2 ) = 𝑟 2
𝑥 2 − 2ℎ𝑥 + ℎ2 + 𝑦 2 − 2𝑘𝑦 + 𝑘 2 − 𝑟 2 = 0
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + (−2ℎ)𝑥 + (−2𝑘)𝑦 + (ℎ2 + 𝑘 2 − 𝑟 2 ) = 0

Let 𝐷 = −2ℎ, 𝐸 = −2𝑘, 𝐹 = ℎ2 + 𝑘 2 − 𝑟 2.

Therefore, the equation in general form is, 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐹 = 0.

Hence, the general form of the equation of a circle,

𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 𝐷𝑥 + 𝐸𝑦 + 𝐹 = 0
2 2 2
where 𝐷 = −2ℎ, 𝐸 = −2𝑘, 𝐹 = ℎ + 𝑘 − 𝑟 .

Note that if the center of the circle is at the origin, (0,0), the equation in standard form becomes
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑟 2.
While the equation in general form will become,
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 𝑟 2 = 0.

The key in rewriting an equation of a circle from one form to another is algebra. When rewriting equations from
standard form to general form, one must know how to expand square of a binomial, (𝑎 ± 𝑏)2 . On the other hand, to
rewrite equations from general form to standard form, one must know how to properly complete the square. However,
you may also use the idea that 𝐷 = −2ℎ, 𝐸 = −2𝑘, 𝐹 = ℎ2 + 𝑘 2 − 𝑟 2 .

Example 2:
Rewrite in general form the equation (𝑥 + 2)2 + (𝑦 − 4)2 = 9.

Solution:
Method A: Expanding the square of a binomial, then simplifying.
(𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4) + (𝑦 2 − 8𝑦 + 16) = 9
𝑥 2 + 4𝑥 + 4 + 𝑦 2 − 8𝑦 + 16 − 9 = 0
𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑥 − 8𝑦 + 11 = 0

Method B: Using 𝐷 = −2ℎ, 𝐸 = −2𝑘, 𝐹 = ℎ2 + 𝑘 2 − 𝑟 2

Note that in the given equation, ℎ = −2, 𝑘 = 4, and 𝑟 2 = 9.
𝐷 = −2ℎ 𝐸 = −2𝑘 𝐹 = ℎ2 + 𝑘 2 − 𝑟 2
𝐷 = −2(−2) 𝐸 = −2(4) 𝐹 = (−2)2 + (4)2 − 9
𝐷=4 𝐸 = −8 𝐹 = 4 + 16 − 9
𝐹 = 11
Therefore, we will have 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑥 − 8𝑦 + 11 = 0 as the general form.

Answer: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑥 − 8𝑦 + 11 = 0

Example 3:
Rewrite in standard form the equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 5𝑥 − 7𝑦 − 18 = 0

Solution:
Method A: Using completing the square.
Begin with regrouping the terms according to the variables, and transpose the constant on the other side.
(𝑥 2 + 5𝑥) + (𝑦 2 − 7𝑦) = 18
2
5 7 2 5 2 7 2
[𝑥 2 + 5𝑥 + ( ) ] + [𝑦 2 − 7𝑦 + (− ) ] = 18 + ( ) + (− )
2 2 2 2
5 2 7 2 73
(𝑥 + ) + (𝑦 − ) =
2 2 2

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STEM111 – Pre-Calculus
READING MATERIAL
Topic 2
1st Semester, SY 2025-2026

Method B: Using 𝐷 = −2ℎ, 𝐸 = −2𝑘, 𝐹 = ℎ2 + 𝑘 2 − 𝑟 2

We know that 𝐷 = 5, 𝐸 = −7, and 𝐹 = −18

5 = −2ℎ −7 = −2𝑘 5 2 7 2
−7 −2𝑘 −18 = (− ) + ( ) − 𝑟 2
5 −2ℎ = 2 2
= −2 (−2) 5 2
7 2
−2 −2 𝑟 2 = 18 + (− ) + ( )
5 7
𝑘= 2 2
ℎ=− 2 73
2 2
𝑟 =
2

5 2 7 2 73
Therefore, we will have (𝑥 + 2) + (𝑦 − 2) = as the standard form.
2

5 2 7 2 73
Answer: (𝑥 + 2) + (𝑦 − 2) = 2

Please be reminded that you are not going to show both methods. Choose which method suits you best. Also, always
remember that the radius of any circle can never be zero (0) nor negative. If 𝒓 = 𝟎, the equation represents a point.
If 𝑟 < 0, or negative, the equation has no graph.

Activity 2.1:
Transform the following equations from general form to standard form (or vice versa). Also, illustrate
the graph of each circle showing the coordinates of the center and its radius using any graphing tool.
1. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 4𝑥 − 8𝑦 − 5 = 0
2. (𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 − 6)2 = 17
3. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 𝑥 = 0
3 2
4. 𝑥 2 + (𝑦 + 2) = 4
26
5. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 − 3𝑦 + =0
4

In finding the equation of a circle, there are only two important things to consider:
(1) the radius of the circle, 𝑟; and
(2) the center of the circle, (ℎ, 𝑘).

Example 4:
Solve for the equation of a circle, in standard form, having a center at (3, −2) and a radius of 2 units.

Solution:
Since the center is at (3, −2), then ℎ = 3 and 𝑘 = −2. Also, 𝑟 = 2. So,
(𝑥 − ℎ)2 + (𝑦 − 𝑘)2 = 𝑟 2 ⟺ (𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = 22
(𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = 4

Answer: (𝑥 − 3)2 + (𝑦 + 2)2 = 4

Example 5:
Solve for the general form of the equation of a circle passing through the point (−12, 5) and whose center is at
(0,0).

Solution:
Since the center is at(0,0), we will use 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 𝑟 2 . Since it passes through the point (−12, 5), 𝑥 = −12 and
𝑦 = 5. So, to find the value of 𝑟 2 , we have
(−12)2 + (5)2 = 𝑟 2
𝑟 2 = 169
Hence, the equation in standard form is 𝑥 + 𝑦 = 169. Therefore, the equation in general form is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 −
2 2

169 = 0.

Answer: 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 169 = 0

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STEM111 – Pre-Calculus
READING MATERIAL
Topic 2
1st Semester, SY 2025-2026

Example 6:
Find the standard form of the equation of the circle which passes through points 𝐴(1, 8), 𝐵(−6, 1), and
𝐶(−2, −1).

Solution:
Let the equation be 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 2ℎ𝑥 − 2𝑘𝑦 + 𝑐 = 0, where (ℎ, 𝑘) is the center, 𝑟 is the radius, and 𝑐 = ℎ2 + 𝑘 2 −
𝑟 2.

Since 𝐴(1, 8) lies on the circle, we have

(12 ) + (82 ) − 2(1)ℎ − 2(8)𝑘 + 𝑐 = 0
1 + 64 − 2ℎ − 16𝑘 + 𝑐 = 0
Similarly, for 𝐵(−6, 1) we have
36 + 1 + 12ℎ − 2𝑘 + 𝑐 = 0
and for 𝐶(−2, −1), we have
4 + 1 + 4ℎ + 2𝑘 + 𝑐 = 0
Simplifying the equations, we get
−2ℎ − 16𝑘 + 𝑐 = −65 (𝐸𝑞. 1)
12ℎ − 2𝑘 + 𝑐 = −37 (𝐸𝑞. 2)
4ℎ + 2𝑘 + 𝑐 = −5 (𝐸𝑞. 3)

14ℎ + 14𝑘 = 28 Subtract Eq. 1 from Eq. 2

ℎ + 𝑘 = 2 (𝐸𝑞. 4)
8ℎ − 4𝑘 = −32 Subtract Eq. 2 from Eq. 3
2ℎ − 𝑘 = −8 (𝐸𝑞. 5)
3ℎ = −6
Add Eq. 4 and Eq. 5
ℎ = −2
𝑘=4
𝑐 = −5
From Eq. 4 .
Hence, 𝑟 2 = √ℎ2 + 𝑘 2 − 𝑐 = √25 = 5, 𝑠𝑜, 𝑟 = 5. From Eq. 3 .

Answer: Thus, the circle has the equation (𝑥 + 2)2 + (𝑦 − 4)2 = 25

Activity 2.2:
Find the equations (standard and general form) of the following circles.
1. A circle with center at (2, 3), passing through point (4, 4).
2. A circle passing through points (0, 2), (3, 1), and (2, 3).
3. A circle with center at (2, −3) and radius 4 units.
4. A circle passing through points (2, 4) and (5, −5), and has its center on the line 𝑥 + 2𝑦 = 0.
5. A circle passing through (1, 1) and (2, −1) and has a diameter on the line 𝑦 = 3𝑥 − 7.

Example 6:
A Ferris Wheel is elevated 2m above ground. When a car reaches the highest point on the Ferris Wheel, its
altitude from ground level is 34m. How far away from the line containing the center, horizontally, is the car when
it is at an altitude of 22m?
Given:
Note: We will consider the x-axis as the ground for easy illustration, and the
center to be located along the y-axis.
● The Ferris Wheel is elevated 2m above the ground, then the lowest
part will be at (0,2).
● Since the highest part is 34m above the ground, then it will be at
(0,34).

Required:
Horizontal distance of the car from the line containing the center when it is
22m above the ground.

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STEM111 – Pre-Calculus
READING MATERIAL
Topic 2
1st Semester, SY 2025-2026

Solution:
32 0+0 34+2
Diameter: 34𝑚 − 2𝑚 = 32𝑚 Radius: 𝑚 = 16m Center: ( , ) = (0,18)
2 2 2

Equation in standard form: 𝑥 2 + (𝑦 − 18)2 = 162

Since the car is 22m above the ground, 𝑦 = 22. So,

𝑥 2 + (22 − 18)2 = 256
𝑥 2 = 256 − 42
𝑥 2 = 240
𝑥 = ±4√15 ≈ 15.49 m
Answer:
The car is approximately 15.49m away from the line containing the center.

Example 8:
A lighthouse has a circular range of illumination represented by the equation (𝑥 − 5)2 + (𝑦 − 3)2 = 49. A boat is
located at point (9,6). Determine if the boat is within the range of the lighthouse.

Solution:
The equation of the circle is already given as (𝑥 − 5)2 + (𝑦 − 3)2 = 49.
Substitute 𝑥 = 9 and 𝑦 = 6 into the equation:
(9 − 5)2 + (6 − 3)2 = (4)2 + (3)2 = 25

Since 25 < 49, the boat is within the range.

Answer:
Yes, the boat is within the lighthouse’s range.

Activity 2.3:
Solve the following problems.
1. Suppose that the only house in the barrio is exactly located at the center of a circular
field. If a researcher needs to reach the central part of the field, and assuming that the
center of the field is at (0, 0) and his starting point is at (−135, 243):
a) Approximately, how far does the researcher need to travel from his starting point to
the nearest house?
b) What is the equation of the circle in its standard form?
2. The equation 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 4000 represents the circle formed by the inner lane of a circular
running track where all measurements are expressed in foot measure. If an athlete
needs to run around the track’s inner lane thrice, then approximately how many feet
does he cover?
3. A circular driveway is bounded by two circles. The radius of the larger circle is 60 feet
and the radius of the smaller circle is 43 feet. Use the coordinate system to write the
general form of the equation of the a) larger circle and b) smaller circle assuming that
the center is located at (0, 0).

References:

● De la Cruz, P. S., Maderal, L. D., & Valdez, M. C. (2013). Analytic Geometry (Revised ed.). Quezon, Philippines: C&E
Publishing.
● Marcelo, R. and Crisostomo, I. (2018). Senior High School Pre-Calculus. Malaysia: Oxford University Press

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STEM111 – Pre-Calculus
READING MATERIAL
Topic 2
1st Semester, SY 2025-2026

Answers to the Activities:

Activity 2.1
1. (𝑥 + 2)2 + (𝑦 − 4)2 = 25
2. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 6𝑥 − 12𝑦 + 28 = 0
1 2 1
3. (𝑥 − ) + 𝑦 2 =
2 4
7
4. 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 + 3𝑦 − 4 = 0

5 2 3 2
5. (𝑥 − ) + (𝑦 − ) = 2
2 2

Activity 2.2
1. (𝑥 − 2)2 + (𝑦 − 3)2 = 5 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 − 6𝑦 + 8 = 0
3 2 3 2 5
2. (𝑥 − ) + (𝑦 − ) =
2 2 2

3. (𝑥 − 2)2 + (𝑦 + 3)2 = 16 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 + 6𝑦 − 3 = 0
4. (𝑥 − 2)2 + (𝑦 + 1)2 = 25 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 4𝑥 + 2𝑦 − 20 = 0
5 2 1 2 5
5. (𝑥 − ) + (𝑦 − ) = 𝑜𝑟 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 5𝑥 − 𝑦 + 4 = 0
2 2 2

Activity 2.3
1. a) The researcher needs to travel an approximate distance of 368.61 from his starting point to the nearest house.
b) The equation of the circle in standard form is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 77274.
2. The athlete will cover approximately 1,191.63 feet after running around the track thrice.
3. a) The general equation of the larger circle is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 3600 = 0
b) The general equation of the smaller circle is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 − 1849 = 0.

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