In Fig. 10.77, PA and PB are tangents to the circle with centre O such that ∠APB = 50°. Write the measure of ∠OAB
Given:
∠APB = 50°
Property 1: If two tangents are drawn to a circle from one external point, then their tangent segments (lines joining the external point and the points of tangency on circle) are equal.
Property 2: The tangent at a point on a circle is at right angles to the radius obtained by joining center and the point of tangency.
Property 3: Sum of all angles of a triangle = 180°.
By property 1,
AP = BP (tangent from P)
Therefore, ∠PAB = ∠PBA
Now,
By property 3 in ∆PAB,
∠PAB + ∠PBA + ∠APB = 180°
⇒ ∠PAB + ∠PBA = 180° – ∠APB
⇒ ∠PAB + ∠PBA = 180° – 50°
⇒ ∠PAB + ∠PBA = 130°
By property 2,
∠PAO = 90°
Now,
∠PAO = ∠PAB + ∠OAB
⇒ ∠OAB = ∠PAO – ∠PAB
⇒ ∠OAB = 90° – 65° = 25°
Hence, ∠OAB = 25°