SOLUTION: The equation of a circle is (x - 3)2 + (y + 2)2 = 25. The point (8, -2) is on the circle. What is the equation of the line that is tangent to the circle at (8, -2)?

Algebra ->  Points-lines-and-rays -> SOLUTION: The equation of a circle is (x - 3)2 + (y + 2)2 = 25. The point (8, -2) is on the circle. What is the equation of the line that is tangent to the circle at (8, -2)?       Log On


   

Question 445924: The equation of a circle is (x - 3)2 + (y + 2)2 = 25. The point (8, -2) is on the circle.
What is the equation of the line that is tangent to the circle at (8, -2)?

Answer by Gogonati(855) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First we find the slope of the line which passes through the (8, -2) and
center of the circle (3,-2). This line contains the radius and is perpendicular to the tangent line at (8, -2).
The slope is:m=%28-2%2B2%29%2F%288-3%29=0, since its slope is zero the line is parallel
to the x-axis, and its equation is: y=-2. The equation of the tangent line at
(8, -2) will be: x=8.
Answer:The equation of the line is x=8.