011-40705070  or
Select Board & Class
• Select Board
• Select Class
, asked a question
Subject: Math , asked on 23/2/11

# From a point P, 2 tangents PA & PB are drawn to a circle with centre O.If OP=diameter of the circle show that triangle APB is equilateral.

## EXPERT ANSWER

, Meritnation Expert added an answer, on 24/2/11

Here are the answers to your question.

The given information can be represented using a figure as

⇒ ∠OPA = 30°
Similarly, it can be proved that ∠OPB = 30°.
Now, ∠APB = ∠OPA + ∠OPB = 30° + 30° = 60°
In ∆PAB,
PA = PB  [lengths of tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal]
⇒∠PAB = ∠PBA     ...(1)   [Equal sides have equal angles opposite to them]
∠PAB + ∠PBA + ∠APB = 180°    [Angle sum property]
⇒∠PAB + ∠PAB = 180° – 60° = 120°  [Using (1)]
⇒2∠PAB = 120°
⇒∠PAB = 60°      ...(2)
From (1) and (2)
∠PAB = ∠PBA = ∠APB = 60°
∴ ∆PAB is an equilateral triangle.

Hope! This will help you.
Cheers!

This conversation is already closed by Expert

• Was this answer helpful?
• 61
97% users found this answer helpful.
View More
, added an answer, on 26/2/11
6 helpful votes in Math

Sir, you are wonderful.

• Was this answer helpful?
• 5
100% users found this answer helpful.
, added an answer, on 10/3/11
68 helpful votes in Math

u too r ryt !!

• Was this answer helpful?
• 2
100% users found this answer helpful.
, added an answer, on 10/3/11
68 helpful votes in Math

no ...............m sorry ....................itz not always at 60 degrees ! it can vary  !!

• Was this answer helpful?
• 1
100% users found this answer helpful.
, added an answer, on 10/3/11
2 helpful votes in Math

sir is it necessary to use trigo in this??? i mean the tangents ARE ALWAYS inclined wid each othe at 60degreees rite? so can't v write dis simply???????

• Was this answer helpful?
• 0
50% users found this answer helpful.