Question

Difficulty: EasyLoci and Geometric Constructions

A point PP moves in a plane such that its distance from a fixed point OO is always 7 cm7\text{ cm}. What is the diameter, in cm\text{cm}, of the geometric locus traced out by point PP?

Answer: 14 cm

Answer

The diameter of the locus traced out by point PP is 14 cm14\text{ cm}.
The locus of a point that maintains a constant distance from a fixed point is a circle. The fixed point OO is the center of the circle, and the constant distance of 7 cm7\text{ cm} is its radius (rr). Since the diameter (DD) of a circle is twice its radius (D=2rD = 2r), the diameter is 2×7=14 cm2 \times 7 = 14\text{ cm}.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the shape of the geometric locus defined by the condition
A circle centered at point OO with radius r=7 cmr = 7\text{ cm}
By definition, the set of all points at a fixed distance from a single point forms a circle.
2
Calculate the diameter using the radius
D=2×7 cm=14 cmD = 2 \times 7\text{ cm} = 14\text{ cm}
The diameter of a circle is equal to twice its radius.

Key Concept

Locus of a point at a constant distance from a fixed point
Estimated Time:45s
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