SOLUTION: Find the center of the circle passing through the points (-1,0), (1,0), and (3,1). Express your answer in the form "(a,b)."

Algebra ->  Length-and-distance -> SOLUTION: Find the center of the circle passing through the points (-1,0), (1,0), and (3,1). Express your answer in the form "(a,b)."      Log On


   

Question 1086157: Find the center of the circle passing through the points (-1,0), (1,0), and (3,1). Express your answer in the form "(a,b)."
Answer by ikleyn(52781) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
HINT: It is clear from the condition that the center lies on the line x = 0 (y-axis), which bisects the segment from (-1,0) to (1,0).

So, the equation to find the center (0,y) is the equality of distances from (0,y) to (3,1) and (1,0).

It will give you the quadratic / or even linear/ equation for "y".

Solve it and find the center in this way.