Source: Extra Practice

A circle passes through the points (0,0)(0,0) and (0,6)(0,6) and has its center on the line 2x+3y=152x+3y=15. The equation of the tangent to this circle at the point (0,0)(0,0) is:

Options

Option A

3x−2y=03x - 2y = 0

Option B

2x+3y=02x + 3y = 0

Option C is correct

x+y=0x + y = 0

Option D

2x−3y=02x - 3y = 0

Explanation

Let the center of the circle be (h,k)(h,k). Since the circle passes through (0,0)(0,0) and (0,6)(0,6), the perpendicular bisector of the chord connecting these points must pass through the center. The midpoint of the chord is (0,3)(0,3). The chord is vertical, so its perpendicular bisector is the horizontal line y=3y=3. Thus, k=3k=3. Since the center (h,3)(h,3) lies on the line 2x+3y=152x+3y=15, substitute k=3k=3: 2h+3(3)=15⇒2h+9=15⇒2h=6⇒h=32h+3(3)=15 \Rightarrow 2h+9=15 \Rightarrow 2h=6 \Rightarrow h=3. So, the center of the circle is (3,3)(3,3). The radius squared of the circle is r2=(3−0)2+(3−0)2=9+9=18r^2 = (3-0)^2 + (3-0)^2 = 9+9 = 18. The equation of the circle is (x−3)2+(y−3)2=18(x-3)^2+(y-3)^2=18. To find the equation of the tangent at (0,0)(0,0), we can use the formula T=0T=0: (x−h)(x1−h)+(y−k)(y1−k)=r2(x-h)(x_1-h) + (y-k)(y_1-k) = r^2. Substituting (x1,y1)=(0,0)(x_1,y_1)=(0,0), (h,k)=(3,3)(h,k)=(3,3), and r2=18r^2=18: (x−3)(0−3)+(y−3)(0−3)=18⇒−3(x−3)−3(y−3)=18⇒−3x+9−3y+9=18⇒−3x−3y+18=18⇒−3x−3y=0(x-3)(0-3) + (y-3)(0-3) = 18 \Rightarrow -3(x-3) -3(y-3) = 18 \Rightarrow -3x+9-3y+9 = 18 \Rightarrow -3x-3y+18=18 \Rightarrow -3x-3y=0. Dividing by −3-3, we get x+y=0x+y=0. Thus, option C is correct.