In Fig. 10.70, tangents PQ and PR are drawn from an external point P to a circle with centre O, such that ∠RPQ = 30o. A chord RS is drawn parallel to the tangent PQ. Find  ∠RQS.


 


As we know that the tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal.


Therefore, PQ = PR


Also, from the figure, PQR is an isosceles triangle, because PQ = PR


Therefore, ∠RQP =∠QRP (Because the corresponding angles of the equal sides of the isosceles triangle are equal)
And, from the angle sum property of a triangle,


∠RQP + ∠QRP + ∠RPQ = 180o


∠RQP + ∠RQP + ∠RPQ = 180o


2∠RQP +∠RPQ = 180o


2∠RQP +30o = 180o


2∠RQP = 180- 30o


2∠RQP = 150o


∠RQP = 150o/2


Therefore, ∠RQP = 75o


SR || QP and QR is a transversal


∵ ∠SRQ = ∠ PQR        …[Alternate interior angle]


∴ ∠SRQ = 75°


⇒ ∠ORP = 90°…[Tangent is Perpendicular to the radius through the point of contact]


∠ORP = ∠ORQ + ∠QRP


⇒ 90° = ∠ORQ + 75°


⇒ ∠ORQ = 15°


Similarly, ∠ RQO = 15°


In Δ QOR,


∠QOR + ∠QRO + ∠OQR = 180°


⇒ ∠QOR + 15° + 15° = 180°


⇒ ∠QOR = 150°


⇒ ∠QSR = ∠QOR/2


⇒ ∠QSR = 150°/2 = 75°


In ΔRSQ,


∠RSQ + ∠QRS + ∠RQS = 180°


⇒ 75° + 75° + ∠RQS = 180°


∠RQS = 30º


 

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