Circles Tangents Problems

From Karnataka Open Educational Resources

Problem 1

Tangents AP and AQ are drawn to circle with centre O, from an external point A. Prove that ∠PAQ=2.∠ OPQ
 

Interpretation of the problem

  1. O is the centre of the circle and tangents AP and AQ are drawn from an external point A. #OP and OQ are the radii. #The students have to prove thne angle PAQ=twise the angle OPQ.

Geogebra file

Concepts used

  1. The radii of a circle are equal.
  2. In any circle the radius drawn at the point of contact is perpendicular to the tangent.
  3. The tangent drawn from an external point to a circle a] are equal b] subtend equal angle at the centre c] are equally inclined to the line joining the centre and extrnal point.
  4. Properties of isoscles triangle.
  5. Properties of quadrillateral ( sum of all angles) is 360 degrees
  6. Sum of three angles of triangle is 180 degrees.

Algorithm

OP=OQ ---- radii of the same circle OA is joined.
In quadrillateral APOQ ,
∠APO=∠AQO=  [radius drawn at the point of contact is perpendicular to the tangent]
∠PAQ+∠POQ= 
Or, ∠PAQ+∠POQ= 
∠PAQ =  -∠POQ ----------1
Triangle POQ is isoscles. Therefore ∠OPQ=∠OQP
∠POQ+∠OPQ+∠OQP= 
Or ∠POQ+2∠OPQ= 
2∠OPQ= - ∠POQ ------2
From 1 and 2
∠PAQ=2∠OPQ