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Prove that the perpendicular at the point of contact to the tangent to a circle passes through the centre.


Answer :




Let AB be the tangent drawn at the point P on the circle with O.

If possible, let PQ be perpendicular to AB, not passing through O. Join OP.

\(\therefore \) Tangent at a point to a circle is perpendicular to the radius through the point,

\(\therefore \) \( AB \ ⊥ \ OP \)
\(\Rightarrow ∠ \ OPB \ = \ 90° \)

\( ∠ \ QPB \ = \ 90° \) (Construction)

\( \therefore ∠ \ QPB \ = \ ∠ \ OPB \) , which is not possible.

\( \therefore \) It contradicts our supposition.

Hence, the perpendicular at the point of contact to the tangent to a circle passes through the centre.

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