A circle in the -plane is defined by the equation . The line intersects the circle at the origin and at a second point . What is the -coordinate of point ?
- A
- B
- Answer
- D
Answer
The y-coordinate of point P is .
Substituting the linear relationship into the circle equation yields a quadratic equation in terms of . Solving this equation gives the -coordinates of the intersection points as and . Since point is not the origin, its -coordinate is . Substituting this back into gives the -coordinate of point as .
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Solving nonlinear systems of equations involving a circle and a line by substitution.