Question

If the equation of a circle is \( 4x^2 + 4y^2 - 12x + 8y = 0 \), what is the radius of the circle?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. \( \sqrt{5} \)

Hint:

To find the radius of a circle from its equation, first complete the square for both \( x \) and \( y \) terms to rewrite the equation in standard form.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

First, rewrite the equation of the circle in standard form by completing the square for both \( x \) and \( y \). 

The equation is: \[ 4x^2 + 4y^2 - 12x + 8y = 0. \] Divide through by 4: \[ x^2 + y^2 - 3x + 2y = 0. \] 

Now complete the square for \( x \) and \( y \): \[ x^2 - 3x + \left(\frac{3}{2}\right)^2 + y^2 + 2y + 1 = \left(\frac{3}{2}\right)^2 + 1. \] 

Simplifying: \[ \left(x - \frac{3}{2}\right)^2 + (y + 1)^2 = \frac{9}{4} + 1 = \frac{13}{4}. \] 

Thus, the equation of the circle is: \[ \left(x - \frac{3}{2}\right)^2 + (y + 1)^2 = \frac{13}{4}. \] 

The radius \( r \) is the square root of \( \frac{13}{4} \), which is \( \sqrt{\frac{13}{4}} = \frac{\sqrt{13}}{2} \). Thus, the radius is \( \boxed{2} \).