Q. The equations of the tangents to the circle $x^{2} + y^{2} - 6x + 4y - 12 = 0$ which are parallel to the line $4x + 3y + 5 = 0$, are

A) $4x + 3y + 11 = 0$ and $4x + 3y + 8 = 0$
B) $4x + 3y - 9 = 0$ and $4x + 3y + 7 = 0$
C) $4x + 3y + 19 = 0$ and $4x + 3y - 31 = 0$
D) $4x + 3y - 10 = 0$ and $4x + 3y + 12 = 0$
Explanation

(c)
The given equation of circle is
$x^{2} + y^{2} - 6x + 4y - 12 = 0$
The centre and radius of circle are $(3,\ - 2)$ and 5 respectively
$\therefore$ Length of perpendicular from $(3,\ - 2)$ to $4x + 3y + \lambda = 0$ is equal to radius 5
$\therefore\ \ \left| \frac{12 - 6 + \lambda}{\sqrt{16 + 9}} \right| = 5$
$\Rightarrow 6 + \lambda = \pm 25$
$\Rightarrow \ \lambda = 19,\ - 31$
Then, equations of tangents are $4x + 3y + 19 = 0$ and $4x + 3y - 31 = 0$

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.

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