Prove that the line joining the points of contact of two parallel tangents of a circle passes through its centre

Question:

Prove that the line joining the points of contact of two parallel tangents of a circle passes through its centre

Solution:

Suppose CD and AB are two parallel tangents of a circle with centre O
Construction: Draw a line parallel to CD passing through O i.e, OP
We know that the radius and tangent are perperpendular at their point of contact.
∠OQC = ∠ORA = 90
Now, ∠OQC + ∠POQ = 180       (co-interior angles)
⇒ ∠POQ = 180 − 90 = 90
Similarly, Now, ∠ORA + ∠POR = 180       (co-interior angles)
⇒ ∠POR = 180 − 90 = 90
Now, ∠POR + ∠POQ = 90 + 90 = 180
Since, ∠POR and ∠POQ are linear pair angles whose sum is 180
Hence, QR is a straight line passing through centre O.

 

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