Prove that the perpendicular at the point of contact to the tangent to a circle passes through the centre.

+1 vote
225 views
asked May 14, 2017 in Mathematics by sforrest072 (157,439 points) 60 409 933
retagged May 14, 2017 by sforrest072

1 Answer

+2 votes
answered May 14, 2017 by vikash (21,277 points) 4 19 70
selected May 14, 2017 by sforrest072
 
Best answer

Solution:

Prove that the perpendicular at the point of contact to the tangent to a circle passes through the centre

Let AB be the tangent to the circle at point P with centre O.

We have to prove that PQ passes through the point O.

Suppose that PQ doesn't passes through point O. Join OP.

Through O, draw a straight line CD parallel to the tangent AB.

PQ intersect CD at R and also intersect AB at P.

AS, CD || AB PQ is the line of intersection,

∠ORP = ∠RPA (Alternate interior angles)

but also,

∠RPA = 90° (PQ ⊥ AB) 

⇒ ∠ORP  = 90°

∠ROP + ∠OPA = 180° (Co-interior angles)

⇒∠ROP + 90° = 180°

⇒∠ROP = 90°

Thus, the ΔORP has 2 right angles i.e. ∠ORP  and ∠ROP which is not possible.

Hence, our supposition is wrong. 

∴ PQ passes through the point O.

Welcome to Sarthaks eConnect: A unique platform where students can interact with teachers/experts/students to get solutions to their queries. Students (upto class 10+2) preparing for All Government Exams, CBSE Board Exam, ICSE Board Exam, State Board Exam, JEE (Mains+Advance) and NEET can ask questions from any subject and get quick answers by subject teachers/ experts/mentors/students.

One Thought Forever

“There is a close connection between getting up in the world and getting up in the morning.“
– Anon
~~~*****~~~

...