SOLUTION: Let B, C, and D be points on a circle. Let BC and the tangent to the circle at D intersect at A. If AB = 4, AD = 8, and AC is perpendicular to AD, then find CD. https://latex.ar

Algebra ->  Circles -> SOLUTION: Let B, C, and D be points on a circle. Let BC and the tangent to the circle at D intersect at A. If AB = 4, AD = 8, and AC is perpendicular to AD, then find CD. https://latex.ar      Log On


   



Question 1074109: Let B, C, and D be points on a circle. Let BC and the tangent to the circle at D intersect at A. If AB = 4, AD = 8, and AC is perpendicular to AD, then find CD.
https://latex.artofproblemsolving.com/5/4/7/547ab841560cd28dd3d03fb5510dd297b29e8a42.png

Answer by ikleyn(52754) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
The key to the solution of the problem is this theorem


     Theorem

     If a tangent and a secant lines are released from a point outside a circle, 
     then the product of the measures of the secant and its external part is equal to the square of the tangent segment.


For the proof, see the lesson

    - Metric relations for a tangent and a secant lines released from a point outside a circle

in this site.


Using the theorem, you can find the length of the secant AC:  |AC| = %28abs%28AD%29%5E2%29%2Fabs%28AB%29 = 8%5E2%2F4 = 64%2F4 = 16 units.


Then |CD| = sqrt%2816%5E2+%2B+8%5E2%29 = sqrt%28320%29 = 8%2Asqrt%285%29.

Solved.


Also,  you have this free of charge online textbook on Geometry
    GEOMETRY - YOUR ONLINE TEXTBOOK
in this site.

The referred lessons are the part if this textbook under the topic
"Properties of circles, inscribed angles, chords, secants and tangents".