Prove that the centre of a circle touching two intersecting lines lies on the angle bisector of the lines.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Given: Two tangents $PR$ and $PQ$ are drawn from an external point $P$ to a circle with centre $O$.
To prove: The centre $O$ of the circle lies on the angle bisector of the angle formed by the two intersecting lines $PR$ and $PQ$.
Construction: Join $OR$ and $OQ$.
Proof:
In $\triangle PRO$ and $\triangle PQO$:
$1$. $\angle PRO = \angle PQO = 90^{\circ}$ (The tangent at any point of a circle is perpendicular to the radius through the point of contact).
$2$. $OR = OQ$ (Radii of the same circle).
$3$. $OP = OP$ (Common side).
By $R.H.S.$ congruence criterion,$\triangle PRO \cong \triangle PQO$.
Therefore,$\angle RPO = \angle QPO$ (by $CPCT$).
Since $\angle RPO = \angle QPO$,the line $OP$ bisects $\angle RPQ$. Thus,the centre $O$ lies on the angle bisector of the lines $PR$ and $PQ$. Hence proved.

Explore More

Similar Questions

State whether the following statement is 'True' or 'False' and provide reasons for your answer: The length of a tangent from an external point to a circle is always greater than the radius of the circle.

$\overline{AB}$ is a chord of a circle with centre $O$. Line $l$ touches the circle at $B$. The foot of the perpendicular from $A$ to $l$ is $D$. Prove that $\angle BAO \cong \angle BAD$.

Difficult
View Solution

In the figure,the common tangents $AB$ and $CD$ to two circles with centers $O$ and $O^{\prime}$ intersect at $E$. Prove that the points $O, E, O^{\prime}$ are collinear.

Difficult
View Solution

$A$ circle touches all four sides of $\square ABCD$. If $AB = 5, BC = 8$ and $CD = 6$,then $AD = .......$

Difficult
View Solution

$\overline{PA}$ is a tangent to $\odot(O, 8)$ drawn from a point $P$ outside the circle. If $m\angle AOP = 45^\circ$,then $AP = \ldots$

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo