In $Fig.$,$XY$ and $X'Y'$ are two parallel tangents to a circle with centre $O$ and another tangent $AB$ with point of contact $C$ intersecting $XY$ at $A$ and $X'Y'$ at $B$. Prove that $\angle AOB = 90^{\circ}$.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Join point $O$ to $C$.
In $\triangle OPA$ and $\triangle OCA$:
$OP = OC$ (Radii of the same circle)
$AP = AC$ (Tangents drawn from an external point $A$ are equal in length)
$AO = AO$ (Common side)
Therefore,$\triangle OPA \cong \triangle OCA$ by $SSS$ congruence criterion.
This implies $\angle POA = \angle COA$ ... $(i)$
Similarly,in $\triangle OQB$ and $\triangle OCB$:
$OQ = OC$ (Radii of the same circle)
$BQ = BC$ (Tangents drawn from an external point $B$ are equal in length)
$OB = OB$ (Common side)
Therefore,$\triangle OQB \cong \triangle OCB$ by $SSS$ congruence criterion.
This implies $\angle QOB = \angle COB$ ... $(ii)$
Since $POQ$ is a diameter of the circle,it is a straight line,so the sum of angles on one side is $180^{\circ}$:
$\angle POA + \angle COA + \angle COB + \angle QOB = 180^{\circ}$
Using equations $(i)$ and $(ii)$:
$2 \angle COA + 2 \angle COB = 180^{\circ}$
$2(\angle COA + \angle COB) = 180^{\circ}$
$\angle COA + \angle COB = 90^{\circ}$
Therefore,$\angle AOB = 90^{\circ}$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Prove that the angle between the two tangents drawn from an external point to a circle is supplementary to the angle subtended by the line segment joining the points of contact at the centre.

Difficult
View Solution

$PQ$ is a chord of length $8 \, cm$ of a circle of radius $5 \, cm$. The tangents at $P$ and $Q$ intersect at a point $T$ (see figure). Find the length $TP$.

Difficult
View Solution

Two tangents $TP$ and $TQ$ are drawn to a circle with centre $O$ from an external point $T$. Prove that $\angle PTQ = 2 \angle OPQ$.

Difficult
View Solution

From a point $Q$,the length of the tangent to a circle is $24 \, cm$ and the distance of $Q$ from the centre is $25 \, cm$. The radius of the circle is (in $cm$)

Difficult
View Solution

Prove that in two concentric circles,the chord of the larger circle,which touches the smaller circle,is bisected at the point of contact.

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