In the given figure, two circles touch each other at a point CC. Prove that the common tangent to the circles at CC bisects the common tangent at the points PP and QQ.
Answer:
- We see that PRPR and CRCR are the tangents drawn from an external point RR on the circle with center AA.
Thus, PR=CR …(i)PR=CR …(i)
Also, QRQR and CRCR are the tangents drawn from an external point RR on the circle with center BB.
Thus, QR=CR …(ii)QR=CR …(ii) - From eq (i)eq (i) and eq (ii)eq (ii), we get
PR=QR [Both are equal to CR]PR=QR [Both are equal to CR]
Therefore, RR is the midpoint of PQPQ. - Thus, we can say that the common tangent to the circles at CC bisects the common tangent at the points PP and QQ.