Question
Prove that the lengths of tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal.
Solution
Proof: We know that a tangent to the circle is perpendicular to the radius through the point of contact.
∴ ∠OPT = ∠OQT = 90°
In ΔOPT and ΔOQT,
OT = OT (Common)
OP = OQ (Radius of the circle)
∠OPT = ∠OQT (90°)
∴ ΔOPT ≅ ΔOQT (RHS congruence criterion)
⇒ TP = TQ (CPCT)
Hence, the lengths of the tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal.
