In the given figure (drawn not to scale) chords AD and BC intersect at P, where AB = 9 cm, PB = 3 cm and PD = 2 cm.
(a) Prove that △ APB ~ △ CPD
(b) Find the length of CD
(c) Find area △ APB : area △ CPD.

Show SolutionHide Solution↓
(a) In △ APB and △ CPD,
⇒ ∠APB = ∠CPD (Vertically opposite angles are equal)
⇒ ∠BAP = ∠DCP (Angles in same segment are equal)
∴ △ APB ~ △ CPD (By A.A. axiom)
Hence, proved that △ APB ~ △ CPD.
(b) We know that,
Corresponding sides of similar triangles are proportional.
$$\begin{aligned}\therefore \frac{CD}{AB} = \frac{PD}{PB} \\[1em] \Rightarrow \frac{CD}{9} = \frac{2}{3} \\[1em] \Rightarrow CD = 9 \times \frac{2}{3} \\[1em] \Rightarrow CD = 6\text{ cm}.\end{aligned}$$
Hence, CD = 6 cm.
(c) We know that,
Ratio of area of similar triangles is equal to the ratio of square of the corresponding sides.
$$\begin{aligned}\therefore \frac{\text{Area of △APB}}{\text{Area of △CPD}} = \frac{PB^2}{PD^2} \\[1em] = \frac{3^2}{2^2} \\[1em] = \frac{9}{4} \\[1em] = 9 : 4.\end{aligned}$$
Hence, area △ APB : area △ CPD = 9 : 4.