Question

from a point P the length of the tangent to a circle is 24 cm and the radius is 7 cm find the distance of P from the centre​

Answer 1

22.96 cm

Explanation:

Let the point of contact of the tangent with the circle be R.

Let the centre of the circle be O.

We are told that from Point P, the length of the tangent is 24 cm.

Thus, PR = 24 cm

Now, the radius will be perpendicular to the tangent at the point of contact with the circle.

Thus, ORP will form a right angle triangle where ∠R = 90°

Since radius = 7 cm, we can use pythagoras theorem to find OP which is the distance of P from the centre.

Thus;

OP = √(24² - 7²)

OP = √527

OP = 22.96 cm