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CIRCLE

  • Sum based on Theorem – The lengths

of two tangents drawn from

an external point to a circle are equal.

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Q. PA and PB are tangents from an external point P to a circle

with circle O. LN touches the circle at M.

prove that PL + LM = PN + MN.

A

O

B

P

L

M

N

To Prove :

PL

+

LM

=

PN

+

MN

Proof :

PA

=

PB

…(i)

LA

=

LM

…(ii)

MN

=

NB

…(iii)

(Length of two tangents

from external point to

circle are equal)

PA

=

PB

[From (i)]

PL

+

LA

=

PN

+

NB

[A-L-P, B-N-P]

PL

+

LM

=

PN

+

MN

[From (ii) and (iii)]

We know, tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal in length.

Consider point P

What can you say about PA and PB?

They are tangents from external point P

Consider point L

LA and LM are tangents from external point L

Consider point N

MN and NB are tangents from external point N