sat suite question viewer
The equation represents circle A. Circle B is obtained by shifting circle A down units in the xy-plane. Which of the following equations represents circle B?
Explanation
Choice D is correct. The graph in the xy-plane of an equation of the form is a circle with center and a radius of length . It's given that circle A is represented by , which can be rewritten as . Therefore, circle A has center and a radius of length . Shifting circle A down two units is a rigid vertical translation of circle A that does not change its size or shape. Since circle B is obtained by shifting circle A down two units, it follows that circle B has the same radius as circle A, and for each point on circle A, the point lies on circle B. Moreover, if is the center of circle A, then is the center of circle B. Therefore, circle B has a radius of and the center of circle B is , or . Thus, circle B can be represented by the equation , or .
Choice A is incorrect. This is the equation of a circle obtained by shifting circle A right units.
Choice B is incorrect. This is the equation of a circle obtained by shifting circle A up units.
Choice C is incorrect. This is the equation of a circle obtained by shifting circle A left units.