Q: The centre of a circle passing through the points (0, 0), (1, 0) and touching the circle x2 + y2 = 9 is
(A) (3/2 , 1/2)
(B) (1/2 , 3/2)
(C) (1/2 ,1/2)
(D) (1/2 , -√2)
Ans: (D)
Sol: Let the circle be given as x2 + y2 + 2gx + 2 fy + c = 0
This passes through (0,0) and (1,0). Therefore
c = 0 and 1 + 2g = 0
⇒ g = -1/2
It is given that the above circle touches x2 + y2 = 9. The centre of this circle, (0, 0) lies on the above given circle. From this it follows that the given circle touches internally the circle x2 + y2 = 9. Thus, the diameter of the required circle must be equal to the radius of the circle x2+y2 = 9.
Hence, we have
$2 \sqrt{g^2 + f^2} = 3$
f = ±√2
Hence, centres of the required circle are (1/2 , ±√2)
Hence (D) is the correct answer.