If tangents PA and PB from a point P to a circle with center O are drawn so that APB = 80° then POA = ?

In AOP and BOP


AP = BP


[Tangents drawn from an external point are equal]


OP = OP [Common]


OA = OB


[Radii of same circle]


AOP BOP


[By Side - Side - Side criterion]


APO = BPO


[Corresponding parts of congruent triangles are congruent]


APB = APO + BPO


80 = APO + APO


2APO = 80


APO = 40°


In AOP


APO + AOP + OAP = 180°


[By angle sum property]


40° + AOP + 90° = 180°


[ OAP = 90° as OA AP because Tangents drawn at a point on circle is perpendicular to the radius through point of contact]


AOP = 50°

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