SOLUTION: P is a point on the line x = 4 such that the tangent from P to the circle x^2 + y^2 = 4 has length 6 . Find the possible coordinates and illustrate graphically Can you please he

Algebra ->  Circles -> SOLUTION: P is a point on the line x = 4 such that the tangent from P to the circle x^2 + y^2 = 4 has length 6 . Find the possible coordinates and illustrate graphically Can you please he      Log On


   



Question 795664: P is a point on the line x = 4 such that the tangent from P to the circle x^2 + y^2 = 4 has length 6 . Find the possible coordinates and illustrate graphically
Can you please help me out? Thanks so much in advance :)
Can you also show all the work it would really help me understand better:)

Answer by josgarithmetic(39620) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
This seems to be a possible Calculus, derivative problem. I have not completed this question all the way yet, but my strategy seems to be:

The derivative of the upper branch of the circle's function would be y'=%28-x%29%2Fsqrt%284-x%5E2%29. The general point on this circle, for this tangent line, would be (x, %28-x%29%2Fsqrt%284-x%5E2%29).

The line x=4 would have a general point, (4,y).

Next in the process is to use the Distance formula between these two general points and equate distance to 6, and then solve for x.