How is the Pythagorean Theorem related to the Equation of a Circle My teacher wants me to figure ou

Leonel Contreras

Leonel Contreras

Answered question

2022-06-24

How is the Pythagorean Theorem related to the Equation of a Circle
My teacher wants me to figure out how the Pythagorean Theorem and the Equation of a Circle are related. I can't figure this out because I view them as being two completely different things. I understand what the equation for a circle is, but how does that relate to the Pythagorean Theorem?

Answer & Explanation

Lilliana Burton

Lilliana Burton

Beginner2022-06-25Added 19 answers

Draw a circle with radius r and center at the origin. In polar coordinates, x = r sin θ , y = r cos θ. x 2 + y 2 = 1 is thus true.
The equation for a circle is ( x a ) 2 + ( y b ) 2 = r 2
You can use the following diagram:
Dale Tate

Dale Tate

Beginner2022-06-26Added 5 answers

( x a ) 2 + ( y b ) 2 = r 2
Look at the equation of a circle with center (a,b) and radius r.
Consider the right triangle with sides A=x−a,B=y−b and C=r. You see that the equation of the circle is just the Pythagorean theorem.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in High school geometry

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?