Question:medium

The circle passing through the point (1, -2) and touching the x-axis at (3,0) also passes through the point

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By symmetry, if a circle has its center at \(x = 3\) and passes through \((1, -2)\), it must also pass through the point reflected across the vertical axis of the center. Since \(1\) is \(2\) units left of \(3\), the point \(2\) units right of \(3\) (which is \(5\)) with the same y-coordinate \((-2)\) will also lie on the circle.
Updated On: Apr 20, 2026
  • (2, -5)
  • (-5, -2)
  • (-2, 5)
  • (-5, 2)
  • (5, -2)
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The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
We are tasked with finding an unknown point that lies on a specific circle.
To do this, we first need to determine the full equation of the circle using the geometric constraints provided: a point it passes through and a point where it is tangent to an axis.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The standard equation of a circle is \((x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2\), where \((h, k)\) is the center and \(r\) is the radius.
If a circle is tangent to the x-axis at a point \((x_1, 0)\), its center lies directly above or below this point, so \(h = x_1\).
Furthermore, the distance from the center to the tangent x-axis is the radius, meaning \(r = |k|\), or \(r^2 = k^2\).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The problem states the circle touches the x-axis at the point \((3, 0)\).
This geometric fact gives us two pieces of information:
1. The x-coordinate of the center \((h, k)\) must be \(h = 3\).
2. The radius \(r\) is the perpendicular distance to the x-axis, so \(r = |k|\), which implies \(r^2 = k^2\).
Incorporating these into the standard circle equation, we get a simplified form:
\[ (x - 3)^2 + (y - k)^2 = k^2 \]
We are also given that the circle passes through the point \((1, -2)\). This point must satisfy the circle's equation.
Substitute \(x = 1\) and \(y = -2\) into our simplified equation:
\[ (1 - 3)^2 + (-2 - k)^2 = k^2 \]
Simplify the terms inside the parentheses:
\[ (-2)^2 + (-(2 + k))^2 = k^2 \]
Since \((-(2+k))^2\) is equivalent to \((2+k)^2\), we expand the squares:
\[ 4 + (4 + 4k + k^2) = k^2 \]
Combine the constant terms:
\[ 8 + 4k + k^2 = k^2 \]
Subtract \(k^2\) from both sides of the equation to solve for \(k\):
\[ 8 + 4k = 0 \]
\[ 4k = -8 \]
\[ k = -2 \]
Now we know the center is \((3, -2)\) and the radius squared is \(r^2 = (-2)^2 = 4\).
The complete equation of the circle is therefore:
\[ (x - 3)^2 + (y + 2)^2 = 4 \]
Finally, we must check which of the given options satisfies this equation.
Testing Option (A) \((2, -5)\): \((2 - 3)^2 + (-5 + 2)^2 = (-1)^2 + (-3)^2 = 1 + 9 = 10 \neq 4\).
Testing Option (B) \((-5, -2)\): \((-5 - 3)^2 + (-2 + 2)^2 = (-8)^2 + 0^2 = 64 \neq 4\).
Testing Option (C) \((-2, 5)\): \((-2 - 3)^2 + (5 + 2)^2 = (-5)^2 + 7^2 = 25 + 49 = 74 \neq 4\).
Testing Option (D) \((-5, 2)\): \((-5 - 3)^2 + (2 + 2)^2 = (-8)^2 + 4^2 = 64 + 16 = 80 \neq 4\).
Testing Option (E) \((5, -2)\): \((5 - 3)^2 + (-2 + 2)^2 = (2)^2 + (0)^2 = 4 + 0 = 4\).
Since \(4 = 4\), the point \((5, -2)\) perfectly satisfies the equation of the circle.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The circle also passes through the point \((5, -2)\).
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