In the given diagram O is the centre of the circle. Chord SR produced meets the tangent XTP at P.
(a) Prove that ΔPTR ~ ΔPST
(b) Prove that PT2 = PR × PS
(c) If PR = 4 cm and PS = 16 cm, find the length of the tangent PT.
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(a) We know that,
The angle between a tangent and a chord through the point of contact is equal to the angle in the alternate segment of the circle.
∴ ∠PTR = ∠PST
⇒ ∠RPT = ∠TPS [Common angles]
Therefore, by AA similarity, ΔPTR ~ ΔPST.
Hence, proved that ΔPTR ~ ΔPST.
(b) Since, corresponding sides of similar triangles are proportional we have :
⇒ $\frac{PT}{PS} = \frac{PR}{PT}$
⇒ PT2 = PR × PS.
Hence, proved that PT2 = PR × PS.
(c) Given,
PR = 4 cm and PS = 16 cm.
$$\begin{aligned}\Rightarrow PT^2 = PR \times PS \\[1em] \Rightarrow PT = \sqrt{PR \times PS} \\[1em] \Rightarrow PT = \sqrt{4 \times 16} \\[1em] \Rightarrow PT = \sqrt{64} \\[1em] \Rightarrow PT = 8 \text{ cm}.\end{aligned}$$
Hence, PT = 8 cm.