Q17 of 47 Page 10

If PAB is a secant to a circle intersecting it at A and B, and PT is a tangent, then PA. PB = PT2.
(Prove using alternate segment theorem)

Given: A secant PAB to circle with centre O intersecting it at A and B and a tangent PT to the circle.

To prove: PA. PB = PT2
Construction: Join TA and TB.
Proof:
In Δ PBT and Δ PTA
∠ BPT = ∠ APT (Common)
∠ PBT = ∠ PTA (Alternative segment theorem)
∴ Δ PBT ∼ Δ PTA (AA similarity)

PA.PB = PT2
Hence proved.

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