Circle of a sphere Circle of a sphere A circle of a sphere is a circle that lies on a sphere. Such a circle can be formed as the intersection of a sphere and a plane, or of two spheres. A circle on a sphere whose plane passes through the center of the sphere is called a great circle; otherwise it is a small circle. Circles of a sphere have radius less than or equal to the sphere radius, with equality when the circle is a great circle. In the geographic coordinate system on a globe, the parallels of latitude are such circles, with
Distance from a point to a line The line through these two points is perpendicular to the original line, so Thus, formula_7 and by squaring this equation we obtain: Now consider, using the above squared equation. But we also have, since ("m", "n") is on "ax" + "by" + "c" = 0. Thus, and we obtain the length of the line segment determined by these two points, This proof is valid only if the line is not horizontal or vertical. Drop a perpendicular from the point "P" with coordinates ("x", "y") to the line with equation "Ax" + "By" + "C" = 0. Label the foot of