Circle Equation from Diameter Endpoints

Calculate circle equations in standard, general, and parametric forms

Enter Diameter Endpoints

First Endpoint (x₁, y₁)

Second Endpoint (x₂, y₂)

Step-by-step Solution

Enter the diameter endpoints to see the step-by-step solution.

Quick Examples

Key Formulas

Midpoint Formula

(h, k) = ((x₁+x₂)/2, (y₁+y₂)/2)

Distance Formula

d = √[(x₂-x₁)² + (y₂-y₁)²]

Standard Form

(x-h)² + (y-k)² = r²

General Form

x² + y² + Dx + Ey + F = 0

Circle Properties

Center is the midpoint of diameter

Radius is half the diameter length

Area = πr²

Circumference = 2πr

All points on circle are equidistant from center

Understanding Circle Equations from Diameter Endpoints

What is a Circle?

A circle is a 2-D closed geometrical shape where all boundary points are equidistant from a fixed center point. When you know the endpoints of a diameter, you can determine the complete equation of the circle.

Three Forms of Circle Equations

  • Standard Form: (x-h)² + (y-k)² = r² - Most intuitive
  • General Form: x² + y² + Dx + Ey + F = 0 - Expanded
  • Parametric: x = h + r·cos(α), y = k + r·sin(α) - For plotting

Solution Process

1. Find Center

Use midpoint formula to find the center coordinates

2. Calculate Radius

Use distance formula to find diameter, then divide by 2

3. Write Equations

Substitute center and radius into different equation forms

Key Insight: The diameter endpoints give you everything needed to completely define the circle - center location and size.