Question

Find the length of tangent from a Point M which is at a distance of 17 CM from the centre 0 of the circle of radius 8 CM.

Answer 1

Consider the figure in Attachment.

Since, MN is the tangent of the circle,
∠MNO = 90⁰

⟹ MO² = MN² + ON²
⟹ 17² = MN² + 8²
⟹ 289 = MN² + 64
⟹ 289 – 64 = MN²
⟹ MN² = 225
⟹ MN = 15

Thus the length of the tangent is 15 cm.

Answer 2

⟹ MO² = MN² + ON²

⟹ 17² = MN² + 8²

⟹ 289 = MN² + 64

⟹ 289 – 64 = MN²

⟹ MN² = 225

⟹ MN = 15