Test your knowledge with free interactive questions on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

Circle Theorems

Lengths of tangents

Lengths of tangents

  • Two tangents to the same circle from the same point (C) will be the same length.
    • Here AC = BC
Proof

Proof

  • Add radii from the points, A and B, where the tangents touch and draw a line from the centre of the circle, O to where the tangents meet, C.
Proof continued

Proof continued

  • These are congruent triangles (by using the 'RHS' rule).
  • They share a common side (length x) and another side which is a radius.
  • Therefore the remaining side, the tangent, is the same length for both.
Jump to other topics
1

Number

1.1

Using Numbers

1.2

Fractions, Decimals & Percentages

1.3

Powers & Roots

1.4

Accuracy

2

Algebra

2.1

Introduction to Algebra

2.2

Manipulating Algebra

2.3

Proofs & Functions

2.4

Straight Line Graphs

2.5

Common Graphs

2.6

Transformations & Tangents

2.7

Properties of Graphs

2.8

Solving Equations

2.9

Inequalities

2.10

Sequences

3

Ratio

4

Geometry

4.1

Introduction to Geometry

4.2

Triangles & Quadrilaterals

4.3

Transformations

4.4

Circle Basics

4.5

Circle Theorems

4.6

Measurements & Units

4.7

Calculating Area

4.8

Triangle Formulae

4.9

3D Shapes

4.10

Vectors

5

Probability

6

Statistics

Practice questions on Tangent Lengths

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
Answer all questions on Tangent Lengths

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium