Closest point on circle from point

[markraz]

Hi, so I have a circle and a point near the circle (PointA). I need to find the closest point on the circle to A.
If I draw a line from the center of the circle to the PointA, is this intersection (pointB) the closest point on the circle from point A ??
thanks

 

[Harry_the_cat]

Yes it is. That's because the tangent to the circle at that point is perpendicular to the line from the centre.

 

[markraz]

Yes it is. That's because the tangent to the circle at that point is perpendicular to the line from the centre.

thanks appreciate it. So no matter what angle that line/pointa are from center, the intersection will always be the the closest point on the circle?

Thanks

 

[Steven G]

Think about what happens if you use a compass. Put the needle of the compass on point x and picture (or actually try!) what happens when you change the opening of the compass.

 

[Harry_the_cat]

thanks appreciate it. So no matter what angle that line/pointa are from center, the intersection will always be the the closest point on the circle?

Thanks

Yes

 

[markraz]

Think about what happens if you use a compass. Put the needle of the compass on point x and picture (or actually try!) what happens when you change the opening of the compass.

Thanks