Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
To find the maximum distance between a point on a circle and an external point (the vertex), we find the distance between the external point and the centre of the circle, then add the radius.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
1. Circle \( S \): Centre \( C \), Radius \( r \).
2. Vertex \( V \) of the parabola.
3. Max Distance = \( \text{dist}(V, C) + r \).
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
1. For circle \( x^2 + y^2 - 6x - 8y + 21 = 0 \):
Centre \( C = (3, 4) \).
Radius \( r = \sqrt{3^2 + 4^2 - 21} = \sqrt{25 - 21} = 2 \).
2. For parabola \( y^2 + 6y + x + 13 = 0 \):
Complete the square for \( y \): \( (y+3)^2 - 9 + x + 13 = 0 \implies (y+3)^2 = -(x + 4) \).
Vertex \( V = (-4, -3) \).
3. Distance between \( V(-4, -3) \) and \( C(3, 4) \):
\[ d = \sqrt{(3 - (-4))^2 + (4 - (-3))^2} = \sqrt{7^2 + 7^2} = 7\sqrt{2} \]
4. Maximum distance = \( d + r = 7\sqrt{2} + 2 \).
Step 4: Final Answer:
The maximum distance is \( 2 + 7\sqrt{2} \).