A chord of length 16 cm is drawn in a circle of radius 10 cm. Calculate the distance of the chord from the centre of the circle.

Given: Length of the chord AC = 16 cm.

Radius of the circle (r) = 10 cm

Diameter of the circle = 10 x 2 = 20 cm.

Draw OB ⊥ AC, where O is the center of the circle. Join OA.

B is the midpoint of AC, as OB is perpendicular to the chord AC.

AB = $\dfrac{1}{2}$ AC

= $\dfrac{1}{2} \times (16)$

= 8 cm.

In Δ OAB, ∠B = 90°

Using Pythagoras theorem,

∴ OA² = OB² + AB²

⇒ (10)² = OB² + (8)²

⇒ 100 = OB² + 64

⇒ OB² = 100 - 64

⇒ OB² = 36

⇒ OB = $\sqrt{36}$

⇒ OB = 6 cm.

Hence, the distance of the chord from the center of the circle is 6 cm.