5 Questions around this concept.
Which of the following circle has (5,0) on it:
Which of the following points lies outside the circle ?
If we have given equation of circle, let say S : x2 + y2 + 2gx +2fy + c = 0 and any point P(x1, y1) in same plane, then we can tell weather this point P lies inside, outside or on the circle.
How?
Let's consider the figure

Point P (x1, y1) lies outside, on or inside the circle, S accordingly as CP is greater than, equal to or less than the radius, respectively.
Distance between the point C(-g,-f) and P(x1, y1) is and radius of circle, S is
.
So,
(a) Point P lies outside the circle if S1 > 0.
(b) Point P lies on the circle (on the circumference) if S1 = 0
(c) Point P lies inside the circle if S1 < 0
Also, If we have given an equation of circle and and any point in a same plane then, we can tell, how many tangent(s) can be drawn from the given point to the circle.
(a) Point P lies outside the circle, so S1 > 0, hence two tangent can be drawn.
(b) Point P lies on the circle (on the circumference), so S1 = 0, hence one tangent is possible
(c) Point P lies inside the circle, so S1 < 0, hence no tangent is possible.
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