Circle
Tangent Condition
Premium Question
Grade 11

Question:

If the line $3x - 4y - k = 0$ is tangent to the circle $x^2 + y^2 - 4x - 8y + 4 = 0$, then $k$ equals:
(1) $-30$ or $10$
(2) $30$ or $-10$
(3) $-30$ or $-10$
(4) $30$ or $10$

Step-by-Step Solution

Key Concept: Centre $(2, 4)$, radius $4$. Distance from $(2, 4)$ to $3x - 4y - k = 0$: $|6 - 16 - k|/5 = 4 \Rightarrow |k + 10| = 20$, giving $k = 10$ or $k = -30$.
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Correct Answer: (1)

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