What is Tangent and Secant?
Tangent and Secant are line segments or lines related to a curve, which help us understand its behaviour and characteristics at specific points and between multiple points along the curve. In simple words, any line that touches the curve at only one point is called a tangent, while a line that intersects the curve at two points is called a secant.
What is Tangent to a Circle?
Tangent to a circle is a straight line that touches the circle at exactly one point without intersecting it. This point of contact is called Point of Tangency.
Tangent line to a circle is always perpendicular to the radius of the circle at the point of tangency i.e., the radius and the tangent line form a right angle at the point where they meet. In the above figure AB is the tangent of the circle.
What is Secant to a Circle?
Secant to a circle is also a straight line similar to tangent, however this line intersects the circle at exactly two distinct points. In simple words, secant is a line which cuts through the circle and pass through it’s interior. In the above figure ACD is the secant of the circle.
Read more about Circle.
Tangent Secant Theorem
Tangent Secant Theorem is the fundamental theorem in geometry. Tangent and secant are the important parts of the circle. The tangent secant theorem is used in various fields of mathematics, construction, and many more. Tangents and secants are the lines that intersect the circle at some points.
In this article, we will learn about the Tangent Secant theorem in detail along with its statement and proof. It also covers the applications and limitations of the tangent secant theorem and some solved examples of the Tangent Secant Theorem. Let’s start our learning on the topic Tangent Secant theorem.
Table of Content
- What is Tangent and Secant?
- What is Tangent Secant Theorem?
- Proof of Tangent Secant Theorem
- Limitation and Applications of Tangent Secant Theorem
- Solved Problems
- FAQs
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