Mathematics
Two circles touch each other internally. Prove that the tangents drawn to the two circles from any point on the common tangent are equal in length.
Circles
1 Like
Answer

As tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal in length.
From T, TA and TP are tangents to the circle with centre O.
TA = TP …..(1)
From T, TB and TP are tangents to the circle with centre O'.
TB = TP ……..(2)
From (1) and (2),
TA = TB.
Hence, proved that tangents drawn to two circles from any point on common tangent are equal in length.
Answered By
2 Likes
Related Questions
A and B are centres of circles of radii 9 cm and 2 cm such that AB = 17 cm and C is the centre of the circle of radius r cm which touches the above circles externally. If ∠ACB = 90°, write an equation in r and solve it.

Two circles touch each other externally at a point C and P is a point on the common tangent at C. If PA and PB are tangents to the two circles, prove that PA = PB.

Two circles of radii 18 cm and 8 cm touch externally. Find the length of a direct common tangent to the two circles.
Two circles of radii 8 cm and 3 cm have their centres 13 cm apart. Find the length of a direct common tangent to the two circles.