Question

How many intersection points can a line have with a circle depending on its position?

• A. 0 or 1
• B. 1
• C. 2
• D. 0, 1 or 2

Answer 1

The correct option is D

0, 1 or 2

The diagram below shows all the different positions of line with respect to the circle.

The 3 possible orientations of the line with respect to the circle are:-
1) The line intersecting the circle at 1 point.
2) The line intersecting the circle at 2 points.
3) The line intersecting the circle at no point. It lies completely outside the circle.
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Hence, a line can have 0, 1 or 2 intersection points with circle depending on its position.