Prove that the rectangle circumscribing a circle is a square.


Given – ABCD is a rectangle circumscribed in circle with centre O.


To prove – ABCD is a square.


Property – Lengths of the two tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal.


Answer –


We know that, opposite sides of a rectangle are equal.


AB = CD & AD = BC ………(1)


As lengths of the two tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal.


AP = AS ………(2)


BP = BQ ………(3)


CR = CQ ………(4)


DR = DS ………(5)


Adding (1), (2), (3) & (4),


AP + BP + CR + DR = AS + BQ + CQ + DS


(AP + BP) + (CR + DR) = (AS + DS) + (BQ + CQ)


AB + CD = AD + BC ………from figure


AB + AB = BC + BC ………from (1)


2AB = 2BC


AB = BC


Therefore, adjacent sides of ABCD are equal.


Rectangle with equal adjacent sides is a square.


Hence, ABCD is a square.


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