Write the general equation for the circle that passes through the points:
(1, 7)
(8, 6)
(7, -1)
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You can use a matrix:
| x y x^2+y^2 1|
| 1 7 50 1|
| 8 6 100 1| = 0
| 7 -1 50 1|
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I have an Excel sheet that gives the result.
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Here's the "hard way:"
Label the points A(1,7), B(8,6) and C(7,-1)
Find the perpendicular bisectors of AB and BC.
The intersection of those 2 is the center of the circle.
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The distance from the center to any point is the radius.