What is Tangent Secant Theorem?

The tangent secant theorem as the name suggests states the geometric relationship between the lengths of tangent and secant of any circle. Tangent-Secant Theorem is also known as the Secant-Tangent Theorem. We will discuss the statement of tangent secant theorem below.

Tangent Secant Theorem Statement

The tangent secant theorem states

When a tangent and secant drawn from the point outside the circle then, the square of length of the tangent is equal to the total length of secant multiplied by the outer length of the secant.

In the above figure O is the center of the circle, AB be the tangent of the circle from the external point A and ACD be the secant of the circle where C and D are the points on the circle.

According to the Tangent Secant Theorem

AB2 = AD × AC

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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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 Secant Theorem?

The tangent secant theorem as the name suggests states the geometric relationship between the lengths of tangent and secant of any circle. Tangent-Secant Theorem is also known as the Secant-Tangent Theorem. We will discuss the statement of tangent secant theorem below....

Proof of Tangent Secant Theorem

Consider the figure below, where O is the center of the circle ACD is secant of the circle and AB be the tangent on the circle. A line OP is drawn perpendicular to CD. Join OC, OA and OB....

Limitation and Applications of Tangent Secant Theorem

The tangent secant theorem has both applications and limitations. Below we will discuss the limitations and applications of the tangent secant theorem in detail....

Solved Problems on Tangent Secant Theorem

Example 1: Find the value of x....

Practice Problems on Tangent Secant Theorem

Problem 1: In a circle with a radius of 5 cm, point P is located 13 cm away from the center O. A tangent is drawn from point P to the circle, and it touches the circle at point T. Calculate the length of PT....

Tangent Secant Theorem – FAQs

What is Tangent?...

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