19.

1 Rationals & surds

TABLES TO PLOT CIRCLES

Graph paper is provided as an additional Worksheet in the lesson.

TASK 1 Find some symmetry

1 Complete this table for x2 + y2 = 9.

x 2 –2

y  5 2 –2

Working:

When x = 2 When x = –2 When y = 2 When y = –2

22 + y2 = 9 (–2)2 + y2 = 9 x2 + 22 = 9
4 + y2 = 9 4 + y2 = 9
y2 = 9 – 4
=5
y=  5

2 From the table, write the coordinates for points on the circle. You should have eight points in total.

(2, 5 ), (2,  5 ), (–2, ____), (–2, ____), ( ____ ,2), ___________________________________

3 Each of the following points also lie on the circle x2 + y2 = 9. For each point, write seven other
points that will also lie on the circle.

a (1, 8 ), ____________________________________________________________________

b (0.5, 8.75 ), ________________________________________________________________

c (1.5, 6.75 ), _________________________________________________________________

d (2.5, 2.75 ), ________________________________________________________________

4 Find the x- and y-intercepts for the circle.

x-intercepts (let y = 0) y-intercepts (let x = 0)

5 Use all the information above to plot x2 + y2 = 9. You may need to approximate the roots using
your calculator.

© 2017 Cambridge University Press 1/2 AQA Higher - 19 Surds

 19.1 Rationals & surds

TASK 2 How far can you go?

1 The working shows the result of substituting x = 9 into x2 + y2 = 64. x2 + y2 = 64

What does the result tell you? 92 + y2 = 64
____________________________________________________ y2 = 64 – 81
y2 = –17
____________________________________________________

2 What is the largest value of x for which you can find y values in this equation? _______________

3 What are the intercepts for this equation? How do these relate to your answer for question 2?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

4 What is the centre and the length of the radius of the circle x2 + y2 = 64? ____________________

TASK 3 Graphs

Complete your own table of values for x2 + y2 = 20, including as many points as you need to produce
a smooth curve. Use symmetry to plot the graph of the circle.

© 2017 Cambridge University Press 2/2 AQA Higher - 19 Surds