Problem: Find the equation of a circle, in the form (x−h)2+(y−k)2=r2, inscribed in a triangle whose vertex are located at the points (−2,1), (2,5), (5,2).
Solution
Solution: Let the vertices of the triangle be A(−2,1), B(2,5), C(5,2).
Let the equation of the inscribed circle be (x−h)2+(y−k)2=r2.
The center (h,k) of the incircle is the intersection point of the angle bisectors, i.e., the incenter.
Let a, b, c be the lengths of the sides opposite A, B, C respectively.
First, compute the side lengths:
a=BC=(2−5)2+(5−2)2=9+9=18=32
b=AC=(−2−5)2+(1−2)2=49+1=50=52
c=AB=(−2−2)2+(1−5)2=16+16=32=42
The incenter (h,k) is given by:
h=a+b+caxA+bxB+cxC k=a+b+cayA+byB+cyC
Plug in the values:
a=32, b=52, c=42
a+b+c=(3+5+4)2=122
xA=−2, xB=2, xC=5
h=12232×(−2)+52×2+42×5
=122−62+102+202
=122242=2
yA=1, yB=5, yC=2
k=12232×1+52×5+42×2
=12232+252+82
=122362=3
So, the incenter is (2,3).
Now, the radius r is given by:
r=sArea where s=2a+b+c=2122=62
Compute the area of the triangle using the determinant formula:
Area=21∣x1(y2−y3)+x2(y3−y1)+x3(y1−y2)∣
Plug in the values:
x1=−2, y1=1
x2=2, y2=5
x3=5, y3=2
=21∣−2(5−2)+2(2−1)+5(1−5)∣
=21∣−2×3+2×1+5×(−4)∣
=21∣−6+2−20∣
=21∣−24∣=12
So, Area=12
Therefore,
r=6212=22=2
Thus, the equation of the inscribed circle is:
(x−2)2+(y−3)2=2
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