Chapter

Radical Axis

This module develops power of a point into a strong olympiad method: the radical axis of two circles, common chord, equal powers, radical center, and collinearity proofs through hidden equal powers.
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Theory

Key Idea

The radical axis of two circles is the set of points having equal powers with respect to these circles. If point \(X\) lies on the radical axis of circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\), then \(\operatorname{Pow}_{\omega_1}(X)=\operatorname{Pow}_{\omega_2}(X)\).

In olympiad problems, the radical axis is most often used to prove collinearity: to prove that several points lie on one line, it is enough to show that each of them has equal powers with respect to two fixed circles.

Basic Facts

If two circles intersect at points \(A\) and \(B\), then their radical axis is line \(AB\). Indeed, for every point \(X\) on \(AB\), the powers with respect to both circles are equal to \(XA\cdot XB\).

If the circles are tangent at point \(A\), then their radical axis is the common tangent at \(A\). For every point \(X\) on this tangent, the power to each circle equals \(XA^2\).

If the circles have centres \(O_1,O_2\) and radii \(r_1,r_2\), then equality of powers is written as \(XO_1^2-r_1^2=XO_2^2-r_2^2\). Therefore the radical axis is perpendicular to line \(O_1O_2\).

For three circles, the radical axes of the pairwise pairs are either parallel or meet at one point. This point is called the radical center.

When to Use This Method

Use the radical axis when a problem has two or three circles, a common chord, equal tangents, equal products of secants, or a request to prove that three points are collinear.

The method is especially useful when angle chasing becomes long but products of segments are already visible: \(XA\cdot XB\), \(XT^2\), equal tangents, or intersections of common chords.

How to Recognise the Method

If two circles intersect, immediately mark their common chord: it is the radical axis. If the circles do not intersect, look for two points with equal powers, for example points from which tangent lengths to the two circles are equal.

If there are three circles, try to find two radical axes. Their intersection automatically lies on the third radical axis.

Typical Mistakes

Do not confuse the radical axis with the line of centres: in fact, the radical axis is perpendicular to the line of centres. Do not say “common chord” if the circles do not intersect; in that case the radical axis still exists, but it must be found through equal powers.

Do not use the radical center without checking: one must show that the point has equal powers with respect to at least two pairs of circles. Also track signs if the point lies inside a circle; in this module the configurations state the needed products explicitly.

Mini-Checklist

1. Which two circles are being compared? 2. Do they have a common chord? 3. Can equal powers be written through secants or tangents? 4. Do we need to prove collinearity? 5. Is there a third circle and a radical center? 6. Where is the line of centres, and is the radical axis perpendicular to it? 7. Is the radical axis hidden in an equality of products?

Examples

Example 1. Common Chord

The first and most important way to see a radical axis is to find the common chord of two circles.

Problem. Circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\) intersect at points \(A\) and \(B\). Prove that line \(AB\) is their radical axis.

Solution.

Take any point \(X\) on line \(AB\). For the first circle, secant \(XAB\) gives power \(XA\cdot XB\). For the second circle, the same secant has the same intersection points \(A\) and \(B\), so the power is also \(XA\cdot XB\). Thus the powers are equal for all points \(X\) on \(AB\), and \(AB\) is the radical axis.

Example 2. Tangent Circles

If circles are tangent, the radical axis does not disappear: it becomes the common tangent.

Problem. Two circles are tangent at point \(A\). Prove that their common tangent at \(A\) is the radical axis.

Solution.

Let \(X\) be a point on the common tangent. With respect to the first circle, \(XA\) is a tangent, so the power equals \(XA^2\). With respect to the second circle, the same line is also tangent at \(A\), so the power is again \(XA^2\). Therefore all points of the common tangent have equal powers.

Example 3. The Radical Axis is Perpendicular to the Line of Centres

This explains the shape of the radical axis even when the circles do not intersect.

Problem. Circles have centres \(O_1,O_2\) and radii \(r_1,r_2\). Prove that their radical axis is perpendicular to \(O_1O_2\).

Solution.

For a point \(X\) on the radical axis, \(XO_1^2-r_1^2=XO_2^2-r_2^2\), that is \(XO_1^2-XO_2^2=r_1^2-r_2^2\). The locus of points with a constant difference of squares of distances to two fixed points \(O_1,O_2\) is a line perpendicular to \(O_1O_2\). Hence the radical axis is perpendicular to the line of centres.

Example 4. Radical Center

Three circles do not give three random lines, but one intersection point of radical axes.

Problem. The radical axes of circles \(\omega_1,\omega_2\) and \(\omega_2,\omega_3\) meet at point \(R\). Prove that \(R\) lies on the radical axis of \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_3\).

Solution.

Since \(R\) lies on the radical axis of \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\), we have \(\operatorname{Pow}_{\omega_1}(R)=\operatorname{Pow}_{\omega_2}(R)\). Since \(R\) lies on the radical axis of \(\omega_2\) and \(\omega_3\), we have \(\operatorname{Pow}_{\omega_2}(R)=\operatorname{Pow}_{\omega_3}(R)\). Therefore \(\operatorname{Pow}_{\omega_1}(R)=\operatorname{Pow}_{\omega_3}(R)\), so \(R\) lies on the third radical axis.

Example 5. Collinearity Through Equal Tangents

One of the main applications of the method is to prove that a point lies on a known line.

Problem. Two circles intersect at points \(A\) and \(B\). Point \(P\) lies outside both circles. Tangents \(PT_1\) and \(PT_2\) are drawn from \(P\) to them, and \(PT_1=PT_2\). Prove that \(P,A,B\) are collinear.

Solution.

The power of point \(P\) with respect to the first circle is \(PT_1^2\), and with respect to the second circle is \(PT_2^2\). By the condition these are equal, so \(P\) lies on the radical axis of the two circles. Since the circles intersect at \(A\) and \(B\), their radical axis is line \(AB\). Therefore \(P,A,B\) are collinear.

Example 6. Common Chords of Three Circles

The radical center often appears as the intersection point of common chords.

Problem. Three circles \(\omega_1,\omega_2,\omega_3\) intersect pairwise. The common chord of \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\) meets the common chord of \(\omega_2\) and \(\omega_3\) at point \(R\). Prove that \(R\) lies on the common chord of \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_3\).

Solution.

The common chord of two circles is their radical axis. Therefore \(R\) lies on the radical axis of \(\omega_1,\omega_2\) and on the radical axis of \(\omega_2,\omega_3\). By the radical center theorem, \(R\) also lies on the radical axis of \(\omega_1,\omega_3\). Since these circles intersect, their radical axis is their common chord.

Example 7. A Hidden Radical Axis

Sometimes the radical axis is not given as a common chord; it must be recognised from equal products.

Problem. For two circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\), point \(P\) has secants \(PAB\) to \(\omega_1\) and \(PCD\) to \(\omega_2\). It is known that \(PA\cdot PB=PC\cdot PD\). Prove that \(P\) lies on the radical axis of these circles.

Solution.

The product \(PA\cdot PB\) is the power of point \(P\) with respect to \(\omega_1\), while \(PC\cdot PD\) is the power with respect to \(\omega_2\). These products are equal, so the powers are equal. Therefore \(P\) lies on the radical axis.

Example 8. Orthogonal Circles and the Radical Axis

This is a stronger idea: the centre of a circle orthogonal to two given circles lies on their radical axis.

Problem. Circle \(\gamma\) with centre \(X\) and radius \(\rho\) is orthogonal to circles \(\omega_1(O_1,r_1)\) and \(\omega_2(O_2,r_2)\). Prove that \(X\) lies on the radical axis of \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\).

Solution.

Orthogonality of circles \(\gamma\) and \(\omega_1\) gives \(XO_1^2=\rho^2+r_1^2\), hence \(XO_1^2-r_1^2= ho^2\). Similarly, \(XO_2^2-r_2^2= ho^2\). Therefore the powers of point \(X\) with respect to \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\) are equal, and \(X\) lies on their radical axis.

Problems

Problems

#3.1
#3.1

Common Chord as Radical Axis

Intersecting Circles Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\) intersect at points \(A\) and \(B\). Prove that their radical axis is line \(AB\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P001
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Intersecting Circles
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#3.2
#3.2

Tangent Circles

Circle Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Two circles are tangent at point \(A\). Prove that their common tangent at \(A\) is the radical axis of these circles.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P002
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Circle
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#3.3
#3.3

Equal Radii

Perpendicular Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Two circles have equal radii and centres \(O_1\) and \(O_2\). Prove that their radical axis is the perpendicular bisector of \(O_1O_2\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P003
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Perpendicular
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#3.4
#3.4

Where the Radical Axis Meets the Line of Centres

Radical Axis Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★☆☆☆

Circles have centres \(O_1,O_2\), with \(O_1O_2=13\), and radii \(5\) and \(8\). The radical axis meets \(O_1O_2\) at point \(H\). Find \(O_1H\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P004
Difficulty: Level 2 of 5
Tag: Radical Axis
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#3.5
#3.5

Equal Tangents and the Common Chord

Tangent Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\) intersect at \(A\) and \(B\). From point \(P\), outside both circles, tangents \(PT_1\) and \(PT_2\) are drawn to these circles. If \(PT_1=PT_2\), prove that \(P,A,B\) are collinear.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P005
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Tangent
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#3.6
#3.6

Equal Products

Radical Axis Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

From point \(P\), secant \(PAB\) is drawn to circle \(\omega_1\), and secant \(PCD\) to circle \(\omega_2\). It is known that \(PA\cdot PB=PC\cdot PD\). Prove that \(P\) lies on the radical axis of \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P006
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Radical Axis
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#3.7
#3.7

Radical Center Theorem

Radical Axis Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

The radical axes of circles \(\omega_1,\omega_2\) and \(\omega_2,\omega_3\) meet at point \(R\). Prove that \(R\) lies on the radical axis of circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_3\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P007
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Radical Axis
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#3.8
#3.8

Three Common Chords

Intersecting Circles Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Three circles intersect pairwise. The common chord of the first and second circles meets the common chord of the second and third at point \(R\). Prove that \(R\) lies on the common chord of the first and third circles.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P008
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Intersecting Circles
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.9
#3.9

Two Points With Equal Tangents

Tangent Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Two circles intersect at \(A\) and \(B\). Points \(P\) and \(Q\) lie outside both circles. From each of the points \(P,Q\), tangent lengths to the two circles are equal. Prove that \(P,Q,A,B\) are collinear.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P009
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Tangent
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#3.10
#3.10

Any Secants From a Point on the Radical Axis

Radical Axis Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

Point \(P\) lies on the radical axis of circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\). Secants \(PAB\) to \(\omega_1\) and \(PCD\) to \(\omega_2\) are drawn through \(P\). Prove that \(PA\cdot PB=PC\cdot PD\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P010
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Radical Axis
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#3.11
#3.11

A Second Radical Axis Computation

Radical Axis Grade 8 Grade 9 ★★★☆☆

The distance between the centres of two circles is \(20\), and their radii are \(13\) and \(7\). The radical axis meets the line of centres at point \(H\). Find the distance from the centre of the first circle to \(H\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P011
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Radical Axis
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9
#3.12
#3.12

Perpendicular to the Line of Centres

Perpendicular Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★☆☆

Prove that the radical axis of two nonconcentric circles is perpendicular to the line joining their centres.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P012
Difficulty: Level 3 of 5
Tag: Perpendicular
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.13
#3.13

The Third Common Chord

Collinearity Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

Circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\) intersect at \(A,B\), and circles \(\omega_2\) and \(\omega_3\) intersect at \(C,D\). Lines \(AB\) and \(CD\) meet at point \(R\). If circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_3\) intersect at \(E,F\), prove that \(R,E,F\) are collinear.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P013
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Collinearity
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.14
#3.14

Three Points of Equal Powers

Radical Axis Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

For two fixed circles, points \(X,Y,Z\) have equal powers with respect to these circles. Prove that \(X,Y,Z\) lie on one line.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P014
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Radical Axis
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.15
#3.15

Centre of an Orthogonal Circle

Orthogonal Circles Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

Circle \(\gamma\) with centre \(X\) and radius \(\rho\) is orthogonal to two circles \(\omega_1(O_1,r_1)\) and \(\omega_2(O_2,r_2)\). Prove that \(X\) lies on the radical axis of \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P015
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Orthogonal Circles
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.16
#3.16

Two Orthogonal Circles

Orthogonal Circles Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

Two distinct circles \(\gamma_1\) and \(\gamma_2\) are orthogonal to both circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\). Prove that the centres of \(\gamma_1\) and \(\gamma_2\) lie on the radical axis of \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P016
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Orthogonal Circles
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.17
#3.17

A Point on the Radical Axis and Tangents

Tangent Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

Point \(P\) lies on the radical axis of two circles and is outside both circles. Tangents \(PT_1\) and \(PT_2\) are drawn from \(P\) to them. Prove that \(PT_1=PT_2\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P017
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Tangent
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.18
#3.18

Construct the Radical Axis From Two Points

Perpendicular Grade 8 Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

Two disjoint circles have centres \(O_1,O_2\). Points \(P\) and \(Q\) are such that from each of them the tangent lengths to the two circles are equal. Prove that \(PQ\) is the radical axis of these circles and \(PQ\perp O_1O_2\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P018
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Perpendicular
Grade: Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.19
#3.19

Radical Center From Products

Power Of Point Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

Through point \(R\), secants are drawn to three circles \(\omega_1,\omega_2,\omega_3\). They give products \(RA_1\cdot RB_1\), \(RA_2\cdot RB_2\), \(RA_3\cdot RB_3\). If these three products are equal, prove that all three radical axes of the pairwise pairs of circles pass through \(R\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P019
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Power Of Point
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.20
#3.20

Two Tangents of a Radical Center

Tangent Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★☆

Circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\) are tangent at point \(A\), and \(\omega_2\) and \(\omega_3\) are tangent at point \(B\). The common tangents at \(A\) and \(B\) meet at point \(R\). Prove that \(R\) lies on the radical axis of circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_3\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P020
Difficulty: Level 4 of 5
Tag: Tangent
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.21
#3.21

Products Through the Radical Center

Power Of Point Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★★

Three circles have radical center \(R\). Arbitrary secants through \(R\) are drawn to the circles: they meet \(\omega_1\) at \(A_1,B_1\), \(\omega_2\) at \(A_2,B_2\), and \(\omega_3\) at \(A_3,B_3\). Prove that \(RA_1\cdot RB_1=RA_2\cdot RB_2=RA_3\cdot RB_3\).

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P021
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Power Of Point
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.22
#3.22

Converse Problem About an Orthogonal Circle

Orthogonal Circles Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★★

Point \(X\) lies on the radical axis of circles \(\omega_1(O_1,r_1)\) and \(\omega_2(O_2,r_2)\). The common power of point \(X\) with respect to these circles is positive and equals \(\rho^2\). Prove that the circle with centre \(X\) and radius \(\rho\) is orthogonal to both given circles.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P022
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Orthogonal Circles
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.23
#3.23

Centres of All Orthogonal Circles

Orthogonal Circles Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★★

Several circles are orthogonal to two fixed circles \(\omega_1\) and \(\omega_2\). Prove that the centres of all these circles lie on one line.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P023
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Orthogonal Circles
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10
#3.24
#3.24

An Orthogonal Circle and the Radical Center

Orthogonal Circles Grade 9 Grade 10 ★★★★★

Circle \(\gamma\) with centre \(X\) is orthogonal to three circles \(\omega_1,\omega_2,\omega_3\). Prove that \(X\) is the radical center of these three circles.

Details
Problem: GEO-B2-M03-P024
Difficulty: Level 5 of 5
Tag: Orthogonal Circles
Grade: Grade 9, Grade 10

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