Q.

A circle is given by x2+(y-1)2=1, another circle C touches it externally and also the x-axis, then the locus of its centre is                    [2005]

1 {(x,y):x2=4y}∪{(x,y):y≤0}  
2 {(x,y):x2+(y-1)2=4}∪{(x,y):y≤0}  
3 {(x,y):x2=y}∪{(0,y):y≤0}  
4 {(x,y):x2=4y}∪{(0,y):y≤0}  

Ans.

(4)

Let the centre of circle C be (h,k). This circle touches x-axis.

∴  radius =|k|

Also it touches the given circle x2+(y-1)2=1, with centre (0, 1) and radius 1, externally.

∴   Distance between centres = sum of radii

⇒(h-0)2+(k-1)2=1+|k|

⇒h2+k2-2k+1=1+2|k|+k2

⇒h2=2k+2|k|

∴ Locus of (h,k) is x2=2y+2|y|

Now if y>0, it becomes x2=4y

and if y≤0, it becomes x=0

∴ Combining the two, the required locus is {(x,y):x2=4y}∪{(0,y):y≤0}