Graphing a circle is an important skill in geometry. Once you know the basic steps, it’s pretty easy! Let’s go through it step by step.
Before you start, you need to know two things: the center of the circle and its radius.
For example, if the circle’s equation is you can figure out the center and radius:
Next, plot the center of your circle on a graph. For our example, place a point at . This point is very important because it’s where your circle will grow from.
Now, use the radius to find points on the circle. Since , you will move 4 units away from the center in every direction.
Here’s how:
Now you have four important points on the circle: , , , and .
Using a compass or even freehand, draw a smooth circle connecting these four points. Make sure your circle is nice and round, passing through all the plotted points.
After you draw the circle, it’s helpful to label things:
Your final graph should look something like this:
|
4 | (2,1)
3 |
2 |
1 | * (2,-3)
0 |--|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
-1 |
-2 |
-3 |
-4 | * (-2,-3)
-5 |
-6 | * (6,-3)
-7 | (2,-7)
|
By following these simple steps, you can graph any circle correctly! Just remember to start with the center and the radius. Happy graphing!
Graphing a circle is an important skill in geometry. Once you know the basic steps, it’s pretty easy! Let’s go through it step by step.
Before you start, you need to know two things: the center of the circle and its radius.
For example, if the circle’s equation is you can figure out the center and radius:
Next, plot the center of your circle on a graph. For our example, place a point at . This point is very important because it’s where your circle will grow from.
Now, use the radius to find points on the circle. Since , you will move 4 units away from the center in every direction.
Here’s how:
Now you have four important points on the circle: , , , and .
Using a compass or even freehand, draw a smooth circle connecting these four points. Make sure your circle is nice and round, passing through all the plotted points.
After you draw the circle, it’s helpful to label things:
Your final graph should look something like this:
|
4 | (2,1)
3 |
2 |
1 | * (2,-3)
0 |--|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
-1 |
-2 |
-3 |
-4 | * (-2,-3)
-5 |
-6 | * (6,-3)
-7 | (2,-7)
|
By following these simple steps, you can graph any circle correctly! Just remember to start with the center and the radius. Happy graphing!