Question

In the accompanying diagram of circle O, chords AB and CD intersect at E. If AE = 3, EB = 4, CE = x, and ED = x + 1, find. CE.

Answer 1

CE = 3

Explanation:

Given:

AE = 3

EB = 4

CE = x

ED = x + 1

Required:

CE

Solution:

First we need to determine the value of x by generating am equation as follows:

CE × ED = AE × EB (Interacting Chords Theorem)

Substitute

x × (x + 1) = 3 × 4

x² + x = 12

Subtract 12 from each side

x² + x - 12 = 12 - 12

x² + x - 12 = 0

Factorize to find the value of x

x² + 4x - 3x - 12 = 0

x(x + 4) -3(x + 4) = 0

(x - 3)(x + 4) = 0

x - 3 = 0

x = 3

Or

x + 4 = 0

x = -4

Let's use the positive value of x

CE = x = 3