SOLUTION: In a circle, diameter is extended through B to an external point P. Tangent is drawn to point C on the circle. If the radius of the circle is 15, and BP = 2, find PC

Algebra ->  Circles -> SOLUTION: In a circle, diameter is extended through B to an external point P. Tangent is drawn to point C on the circle. If the radius of the circle is 15, and BP = 2, find PC       Log On


   

Question 1156648: In a circle, diameter is extended through B to an external point P. Tangent is drawn to point C on the
circle. If the radius of the circle is 15, and BP = 2, find PC

Answer by ikleyn(52781) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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The tangent line (the tangent segment) is perpendicular to the radius, drawn to the tangent point.


So, you have rigth angle triangle with the hypotenuse 15+2 = 17 units and one leg of 15 units (the radius).


Then the other leg (which is the tangent segment) is


    sqrt%2817%5E2+-+15%5E2%29 = sqrt%28289-225%29 = sqrt%2864%29 = 8 units.


ANSWER.  The tangent segment PC is 8 units long.

Solved.