Answer:
x = 15 cm.
Explanation:
Given :Point O is the center of the circle.
To find : What is the value of x?
Solution : We have given that a circle of radius 8 cm .
The tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius at the point of tangency.
By applying the Pythagorean theorem
OQ² = OP² + PQ²
Plugging the values OQ = 9 +8 , OP = 8 , PQ = x
(17)² = (8)² + (x)².
289 = 64 + (x)².
On subtracting 64 from both sides
289 -64 = (x)²
225 = (x)²
On taking square root both side
x = 15
Therefore, x = 15 cm.