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Question:

In Figure, XY and X'Y' are two parallel tangents to a circle with centre O and another tangent AB with point of contact C intersecting XY at A and X'Y' at B. Prove that ∠AOB = 90°.

Solution:

Join O and C.
In △OPA and △OCA

  1. OP = OC [Radius of the circle]
  2. AP = AC [Tangents from point A]
  3. AO = AO [Common side]
    △OPA ≅ △COA [SSS congruence criterior]
    ∠POA = ∠COA [By CPCT]
    Similarly, △OQB ≅ △OCB [SSS congruence criterior]
    ∠QOB = ∠OQB [By CPCT]
    POQ is a diameter of the circle.
    ∠POA + ∠COA + ∠QOB = 180°
    2∠COA + 2∠COB = 180°
    → ∠COA + ∠COB = 90°
    ∠AOB = 90°