Lesson Plan

Writing the Equation for a Circle

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Circles aren't functions, so how is it possible to write the equation for a circle? Pupils first develop the equation of a circle through application of the Pythagorean Theorem. The lesson then provides an exercise set for learners to practice writing the equation of a circle.

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CCSS: Designed
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Use floor tiles as a coordinate plane and have learners stand five units from the center to model the circle in Example One
Classroom Considerations
  • The class should already be familiar with the Pythagorean Theorem and/or the distance formula
  • Learners should also know how translations affect coordinate points
  • The 18th installment of a 23-part module
Pros
  • Teacher resource provides question prompts to help guide class membersto the equation of a circle
  • Scaffolding tips give teachers ideas on how to help those struggling with the concept
Cons
  • Resource only gives one example of writing an equation of a circle centered at the origin before quickly moving on to circles not centered at the origin
Common Core