Question

In the given figure, XY and X’Y’ are two parallel tangents to a circle with centre O and another tangent AB with point of contact C intersecting XY at A and X’Y’ at B. Prove that ∠AOB=90.

Answer 1

Let us join point O to C.

In ΔOPA and ΔOCA,

OP = OC (Radii of the same circle)

AP = AC (Tangents from point A)

AO = AO (Common side)

ΔOPA ΔOCA (SSS congruence criterion)

Therefore, P ↔ C, A ↔ A, O ↔ O

∠POA = ∠COA … (i)

Similarly, ΔOQB ΔOCB

∠QOB = ∠COB … (ii)

Since POQ is a diameter of the circle, it is a straight line.

Therefore, ∠POA + ∠COA + ∠COB + ∠QOB = 180º

From equations (i) and (ii), it can be observed that

2∠COA + 2 ∠COB = 180º

∠COA + ∠COB = 90º

∠AOB = 90°