In figure 3.100, two circles intersect each other at points S and R. Their common tangent PQ touches the circle at points P, Q.

Prove that, PRQ + PSQ = 180°



We join R to S,



As PQ is the tangent at P, we have


RPQ = PSR …………..(1)


As PQ is tangent at Q, we have


RQP = RSQ …………………(2)


In ΔRPQ, we have


RPQ + RQP + PRQ = 180° (Sum of all angles of a triangle)


PSR + RSQ + PRQ = 180° (From (1) and (2))


PSQ + PRQ = 180° (PSR + RSQ = PSQ)


Hence Proved.


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