Question:

A circle passes through the points \( (0, 0) \) and \( (0, 1) \) and also touches the circle \( x^2 + y^2 = 16 \). The radius of the circle is:

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When a circle is defined by points on an axis, use the symmetry of the perpendicular bisector to reduce the number of variables immediately.
Updated On: May 6, 2026
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: A circle passing through \( (0,0) \) and \( (0,1) \) must have its center on the perpendicular bisector of the segment joining these points, which is the line \( y = 1/2 \). Let the center be \( (h, 1/2) \). The radius \( r \) will be the distance from the center to \( (0,0) \).

Step 1:
Define the radius squared.
\[ r^2 = h^2 + (1/2)^2 = h^2 + 1/4 \]

Step 2:
Use the condition of touching circles.
The circle touches \( x^2 + y^2 = 4^2 \) (radius 4, center (0,0)).
If they touch internally, the distance between centers is
\( |4 - r| \). Distance between \( (0,0) \) and \( (h, 1/2) \) is \( \sqrt{h^2 + 1/4} \),
which is just \( r \).
So, \( r = |4 - r| \).
Case 1: \( r = 4 - r \Rightarrow 2r = 4 \Rightarrow r = 2 \).
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