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Geometry and Trigonometry Difficulty: Hard

Circle A has equation x - 7 2 + y + 3 2 = 1 . In the x y -plane, circle B is obtained by translating circle A to the right 4 units. Which equation represents circle B?

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Explanation

Choice C is correct. The equation of a circle in the xy-plane can be written as (x-h)2+(y-k)2=r2, where the center of the circle is (h,k) and the radius of the circle is r units. It’s given that circle A has the equation (x-7)2+(y+3)2=1, which can be written as (x-7)2+(y-(-3))2=12. It follows that h=7, k=-3, and r=1. Therefore, the center of circle A is (7,-3) and its radius is 1 unit. If circle A is translated 4 units to the right, the x-coordinate of the center will increase by 4, while the y-coordinate and the radius of the circle will remain unchanged. Translating the center of circle A to the right 4 units yields (7+4,-3), or (11,-3). Therefore, the center of circle B is (11,-3). Substituting 11 for h, -3 for k, and 1 for r into the equation (x-h)2+(y-k)2=r2 yields (x-11)2+(y-(-3))2=1, or (x-11)2+(y+3)2=1. Therefore, the equation (x-11)2+(y+3)2=1 represents circle B.

Choice A is incorrect. This equation represents a circle obtained by shifting circle A down, rather than right, 4 units.

Choice B is incorrect. This equation represents a circle obtained by shifting circle A left, rather than right, 4 units.

Choice D is incorrect. This equation represents a circle obtained by shifting circle A up, rather than right, 4 units.