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The formula for a circle expresses the relationship between the coordinates of points on the circle and its center and radius. The standard equation of a circle centered at point (h, k) with radius r is given by (x - h)² + (y - k)² = r². This equation indicates that for any point (x, y) on the circle, the squared distance from the point to the center (h, k) is equal to the square of the radius r.

In this context, the correct choice clearly represents this essential relationship by placing the parameters in the correct format. The expression (x - h)² + (y - k)² captures the distance calculation from the center to any point on the circle and sets it equal to the square of the radius, r².

The other options do not conform to the standard formula for a circle. While some of them hint at similar concepts (like squared terms and relationships), they either misrepresent the components of a circle or do not align correctly with the standard mathematical format.