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CHAPTER 10 : CIRCLES

Topics to be covered-
➢ Tangents to a circle at point of contact
➢ The tangent at any point of a circle is perpendicular to the
radius through the point of contact
➢ The lengths of tangents drawn from an external point to a
circle are equal

Key Points and Concepts:

➔ A tangent to a circle is a line that intersects the circle at only one point.
➔ Theorem 1 : The tangent at any point of a circle is perpendicular to the radius
through the point of contact.
Given : A circle (O, r) and a tangent AB to the circle at the point P
To prove: OP ⟂ AB
Proof: Take a point ‘Q’ (say) other than P on AB. Join OQ. Suppose OQ intersects the
circle at R.

OP = OR ...(i) (Radii of the same circle)


OQ = OR + RQ
OQ > OR
OQ > OP [Using (i)]
OP < OQ
Thus, OP is shorter than any other line segments joining O to any point of AB, other
than P. Therefore, OP is the shortest distance between the point O and the line AB.
We know that the shortest distance between a point and line is the perpendicular
distance. ∴ OP ⟂ AB
➔ The number of tangents that can be drawn to a circle from a point depends upon the
position of the point with respect to the circle.
➔ The length of the segment of the tangent from an external point and the point of
contact with the circle is called the length of the tangent.
➔ Theorem 2 : The lengths of tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are
equal.
Given: A circle with center O. R is an external point. Two tangents RP and RQ are
drawn from point R to the circle.
To prove: RQ = RP
Proof: Consider ∆RQO and ∆RPO.

OQ = OP (Radii of a circle)
OR = OR (Common)
∠OQR = ∠OPR = 90°
(Tangents are perpendiculars to the radius of a circle at the point of contact.)
∆RQO ≅ ∆RPO (RHS congruency)
RQ = RP (CPCT)
➔ Theorem 3 : If two tangents are drawn to a circle from an external point (i) then they
subtend equal angles at the center, (ii) they are equally inclined to the line segment
joining the center to that point.
Given: A circle with center O and a point A outside it.
AP and AQ are tangents drawn to the circle from point A.
To prove: ∠AOP = ∠AOQ and ∠OAP = ∠OAQ
Proof: In △OAP and △OAQ, we have
OP = OQ (Radii of the same circle)
AP = AQ (Tangents from an external point are equal)
OA = OA (Common)
△OAP ⩭ △OAQ (By SSS congruency)
⇒ ∠AOP = ∠AOQ (CPCT)
and ∠OAP = ∠OAQ (CPCT)

➔ Some Important Situation based questions are as follows


★ If two tangents inclined at an angle 60° are drawn to a circle of radius 3cm, then find
the length of each tangent. [CBSE SP 2020-2021]
★ Prove that the line segment joining the points of contact of two parallel tangents of a
circle, passes through its center. [CBSE 2014]
★ Prove that the tangents at the extremities of a chord of a circle make equal angles
with the chord. [AI 2017]
★ A circle is touching the side BC of ∆ABC at X and touching AB and AC produced at P
1
and Q respectively. Prove that AP = AQ = 2
(Perimeter of ∆ABC). Given AP = 10 cm,
find the perimeter of ∆ABC. [CBSE 2001, 2002]
★ Prove that the tangents drawn at the ends of a diameter of a circle are parallel.
[CBSE 2014]

*** Evaluate your level of knowledge by solving this Quiz ***


THE SALIENT FEATURES OF THE NOTES PDF ARE:

1. The note pdf has been prepared chapter-wise, so that a student can prepare the
entire syllabus chronologically according to the new reduced syllabus.
2. Fast track revision- A quick recall of the chapter is gained through this pdf.
3. CBSE Examination questions acquaint the students with the pattern of questions
asked in board exams from each chapter and topic,
4. Link of the Mock test papers according to the latest blueprint specified by CBSE. To
recall your knowledge.
5. TERM II will be subjective, so learn, memorize, understand, definition and theories
from this note pdf.

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