$AB$ and $CD$ are common tangents to two circles. If the radii of the two circles are equal,prove that $AB = CD$.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Given: $AB$ and $CD$ are common tangents to two circles with centers $O$ and $O^{\prime}$ and equal radii $r$.
To prove: $AB = CD$.
Construction: Join $OA, OC, O^{\prime}B$ and $O^{\prime}D$.
Proof:
$1$. Since $AB$ is a tangent to the circle at $A$,the radius $OA$ is perpendicular to $AB$. Thus,$\angle OAB = 90^{\circ}$.
$2$. Similarly,since $CD$ is a tangent to the circle at $C$,the radius $OC$ is perpendicular to $CD$. Thus,$\angle OCD = 90^{\circ}$.
$3$. Since $AB$ and $CD$ are parallel tangents (as they are perpendicular to the line joining the centers if the radii are equal),$AC$ is a diameter or a line segment perpendicular to the tangents.
$4$. In the quadrilateral $ABDC$,we have $\angle A = 90^{\circ}$,$\angle B = 90^{\circ}$,$\angle C = 90^{\circ}$,and $\angle D = 90^{\circ}$.
$5$. Since the radii are equal,the distance between the parallel tangents $AB$ and $CD$ is constant,making $AC = BD = 2r$.
$6$. $A$ quadrilateral with all angles equal to $90^{\circ}$ and opposite sides equal is a rectangle.
$7$. Therefore,$ABDC$ is a rectangle.
$8$. Hence,the opposite sides are equal,which implies $AB = CD$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

If an isosceles triangle $ABC$, in which $AB = AC = 6\, cm$, is inscribed in a circle of radius $9\, cm$, find the area of the triangle in $cm^{2}$.

Difficult
View Solution

In $\Delta ABC$,$\angle B$ is a right angle. If $AB = 24$ and $BC = 7$,then the radius of the circle touching all three sides of $\Delta ABC$ is $\ldots \ldots \ldots \ldots$.

Difficult
View Solution

Out of two concentric circles,the radius of the outer circle is $5 \, cm$ and the chord $AC$ of length $8 \, cm$ is a tangent to the inner circle. Find the radius of the inner circle (in $cm$).

The incircle of $\Delta ABC$ touches the sides $\overline{AB}$, $\overline{BC}$ and $\overline{CA}$ at points $P$, $Q$ and $R$ respectively. If $AB = 14$, $BC = 11$ and $CA = 7$, find the lengths of $AP$, $BQ$ and $RC$.

Difficult
View Solution

If a hexagon $ABCDEF$ circumscribes a circle,prove that $AB + CD + EF = BC + DE + FA$.

Difficult
View Solution

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo