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smc

algebra senior

Problem

The circle having and as the endpoints of a diameter intersects the -axis at a second point. What is the -coordinate of this point?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
Solution
Because the two points are on a diameter, the center must be halfway between them at the point . The distance from to is 5 so the circle has radius 5. Thus, the equation of the circle is . To find the x-intercept, y must be 0, so , so , , .
Final answer
D