In the figure,from an external point $P$,a tangent $PT$ and a line segment $PAB$ are drawn to a circle with centre $O$. $ON$ is perpendicular to the chord $AB$. Prove that:
$(i) \quad PA \cdot PB = PN^2 - AN^2$
$(ii) \quad PN^2 - AN^2 = OP^2 - OT^2$
$(iii) \quad PA \cdot PB = PT^2$

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) $(i)$ We know that the perpendicular from the center of a circle to a chord bisects the chord. Since $ON \perp AB$,we have $AN = BN$.
Now,$PA \cdot PB = (PN - AN)(PN + BN)$.
Since $AN = BN$,we can write:
$PA \cdot PB = (PN - AN)(PN + AN) = PN^2 - AN^2$.
$(ii)$ In the right-angled triangle $\triangle ONP$,by the Pythagorean theorem:
$OP^2 = ON^2 + PN^2 \implies PN^2 = OP^2 - ON^2$.
Substituting this into the expression $PN^2 - AN^2$:
$PN^2 - AN^2 = (OP^2 - ON^2) - AN^2 = OP^2 - (ON^2 + AN^2)$.
In the right-angled triangle $\triangle ONA$,by the Pythagorean theorem,$ON^2 + AN^2 = OA^2$.
So,$PN^2 - AN^2 = OP^2 - OA^2$.
Since $OA$ and $OT$ are both radii of the same circle,$OA = OT$.
Therefore,$PN^2 - AN^2 = OP^2 - OT^2$.
$(iii)$ From $(i)$ and $(ii)$,we have $PA \cdot PB = OP^2 - OT^2$.
In the right-angled triangle $\triangle OTP$ (where $\angle OTP = 90^{\circ}$ because the tangent is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact),by the Pythagorean theorem:
$OP^2 = OT^2 + PT^2 \implies OP^2 - OT^2 = PT^2$.
Thus,$PA \cdot PB = PT^2$.

Explore More

Similar Questions

If $\odot(O, 5)$ touches all the sides of a square,then the perimeter of the square is .... .

Let $P$ be the centre of a circle and $AB$ be a line in the same plane. If $Q$ is the foot of the perpendicular drawn from $P$ to the line $AB$,and $Q$ lies in the interior of the circle,then the line $AB$ ..... .

Prove that the tangents drawn at the ends of a chord of a circle make equal angles with the chord.

$A$ circle touches all the sides of $\square ABCD$. If the largest side of $\square ABCD$ is $\overline{AB}$,then the smallest side is:

Two tangents $PQ$ and $PR$ are drawn from an external point $P$ to a circle with centre $O$. Prove that $QORP$ is a cyclic quadrilateral.

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