In the given figure, PT is a tangent to the circle with center O. If OT = 6 cm and OP = 10 cm, then the length of tangent PT is

We have given, PT is a tangent drawn at point T on the circle.


OT TP


[Tangents drawn at a point on circle is perpendicular to the radius through point of contact]


So, In OTP we have,


By Pythagoras Theorem,


[i.e. (Hypotenuse)2 = (Base)2 + (Perpendicular)2]


(OP)2 = (OT)2 + (PT)2


(10)2 = (6)2 + (PT)2


(PT)2 = 100 - 36


(PT)2 = 64


PT = 8 cm

6