Question -
Answer -
Given : Two tangents are drawn from an external point A to the circle with centre O, Tangent BC is drawn at a point R, radius of circle equals to 5 cm.
To find : Perimeter of ∆ABC.
Proof : ∠OPA = 90°
[Tangent at any point of a circle is perpendicular to the radius through the point of contact]
OA² = OP² + PA² [by Pythagoras Theorem]
(13)² = 5² + PA²
=> PA² = 144 = 12²
=> PA = 12 cm
Now, perimeter of ∆ABC = AB + BC + CA = (AB + BR) + (RC + CA)
= AB + BP + CQ + CA [BR = BP, RC = CQ tangents from internal point to a circle are equal]
= AP + AQ = 2AP = 2 x (12) = 24 cm
[AP = AQ tangent from internal point to a circle are equal]
Hence, the perimeter of ∆ABC = 24 cm.