Question:
Draw a circle of radius 3 cm. From a point P, 7 cm away from the centre of the circle, draw two tangents to the circle. Also, measure the lengths of the tangents.
Solution:
Steps of Construction
Step 1. Draw a circle with O as centre and radius 3 cm.
Step 2. Mark a point P outside the circle such that OP = 7 cm.
Step 3. Join OP. Draw the perpendicular bisector XY of OP, cutting OP at Q.
Step 4. Draw a circle with Q as centre and radius PQ (or OQ), to intersect the given circle at the points T and T'.
Step 5. Join PT and PT'.
Here, PT and PT' are the required tangents.
PT = PT' = 6.3 cm (Approx)