CHAPTER 11: Constructions

Topics to be covered-
➢ Division of a line in a given ratio(internally)
➢ Tangents to a circle from a point outside it.

Key Points and Concepts:

● To divide a line segment in a given ratio internally we use the following steps:
● Consider a line segment AB which we want to divide in the ratio m:n(here we take
m=3 and n=2).
● Draw any ray AX making an acute angle with AB.
● Draw a ray BY parallel to AX by making ∠ ABY equal to ∠ BAX.
● Locate the points A1 , A2 , A3 (m = 3) on AX and B1 , B2 (n = 2) on BY such that AA1 =
A1A2 = A2A3 = BB1 = B1B2 .
● Join A3B2 . Let it intersect AB at a point C.
● Then AC : CB = 3 : 2.

● Scale factor means the ratio of the sides of the triangle to be constructed with the
corresponding sides of the given triangle.
★ Draw a line segment of length 6 cm. Using compasses and ruler, find a point P on it
which divides it in the ratio 3:4. [Delhi 2011]
★ Draw a line segment AB of length 6.5 cm. Find a point P on it such that AP:AB = 3:5.
[Foreign 2011]
★ Geometrically divide a line segment of length 8.4 cm in the ratio 5 : 2. [CBSE 2015]
★ Draw a line segment of length 7.6 cm and divide it in the ratio 3 : 2. [Foreign 2011]
● If a point lies inside a circle, there cannot be a tangent to the circle through this
point.
● If a point lies on the circle, then there is only one tangent to the circle at this point
and it is perpendicular to the radius through this point.
● To construct the tangents to a circle from a point outside it we use the following
steps:
● We consider a circle with center O and a point P outside it.
● Join PO and bisect it. Let M be the midpoint of PO.
● Taking M as center and MO as radius, draw a circle. Let it intersect the given circle at
the points Q and R.
● Join PQ and PR. Then PQ and PR are the required two tangents.
● If the center of the circle is not given, you may locate its center first by taking any
two non-parallel chords and then finding the point of intersection of their
perpendicular bisectors.

★ Draw a circle of radius 3 cm. From a point 6 cm away from its center, construct the
pair of tangents to the circle and measure their lengths. [CBSE 2014]
★ Draw a pair of tangents to a circle of radius 4 cm, which are inclined to each other at
an angle of 60° [CBSE 2016, AI 2013]
★ Draw a circle of radius 3.5 cm. Take a point P outside the circle at a distance of 7 cm
from the center of the circle and construct a pair of tangents to the circle from that
point. [CBSE Standard 2020]
★ DABC is a right-angled triangle, in which AB = 3 cm, BC = 4 cm and ∠B = 90°. BD is
perpendicular from B on AC. The circle through B, C and D is drawn. Construct the
tangents from A to the given circle. [CBSE 2015]
➔ Some Important formula based previous year questions are as follows :
★ Scale factor is the ratio of the sides of the triangle to be constructed
with the corresponding sides of the given triangle.

*** 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.