Previous Year Questions: Circles

Short Answer Type Questions

Q.1. In fig., AB is a chord of length 8 cm of a circle of radius 5 cm. The tangents

to the circle at A and B intersect at P. Find the length of AP. [Delhi 2019, CBSE
2018 (C)]

Ans. Given: PA and PB are tangents to a circle.

Chord AB = 8 cm and radius OA = 5 cm
Construction: Join OP intersecting AB at M.
To find: Length AP
Solution: OP is perpendicular bisector of AB intersecting AB at M.
In ΔOMA
OA2= OM2 +AM2

(5)2= OM2+ (4)2

25 = OM2+ 16
OM2= 9 ⇒ OM - 3 cm
In ΔOAP, ∠OAP = 90°
(radius is perpendicular to tangent)
OP2= OA2+ AP2
AP2= OP2- OA2 ...(i)
In ΔAMP, ∠AMP = 90°
AP2= AM2+ PM2
= AM2+ (OP - OM)2...(ii)
Equating (i) and (ii), we get
OP2- OA2= AM2+ (OP - OM)2
⇒ OP2- (5)2= (4)2+ (OP - 3)2
⇒OP2- 25 = 16 + OP2+ 9 - 6(OP)
⇒ - 6(OP) = - 50

∴ Eq (i) becomes
Q.2. Prove that the lengths of tangents drawn from an external point to a
circle are equal. [Delhi 2018]
Ans. Given: In circle, O is the centre. P is an external point and PA and PB are the
tangents drawn.

To prove: PA = PB
Construction: Join OA, OB and OP.
Proof: Since, PA and PB are the tangents and OA and OB are the radii of a circle.
∴ OA ⊥ PA and OB ⊥ PB
[Tangent to a circle makes angle 90° with the radius at die point of contact]
⇒ ∠OAP = ∠OBP = 90°
Now, in ΔOAP and ΔOBP,
OA = OB (Radii)
OP = OP (Common)
∠OAP = ∠OBP (Each 90°)
ΔOAP ≌ ΔOBP
[By RHS congruence rule]
PA = PB [By CPCT]
Hence, proved.

Q.3. Two tangents TP and TQ are drawn to a circle with centre O from an
external point T. Prove that ∠PTQ = 2∠OPQ. [Delhi 2017]
Ans. Given: A circle with centre O.

An external point T from which TP and TQ are two tangents to the circle.
To prove: ∠PTQ = 2∠OPQ
Proof: Let∠PTQ = θ
Now TP = TQ [Lengths of tangent segments from an external point to a circle are
equal]
∴ ΔTPQ is an isosceles triangle.
⇒ ∠TPQ = ∠TQP [Angles opposite to equal sides of a triangle are equal]
In triangle TPQ
∠PTQ + ∠TPQ + ∠TQP = 180°
[Angle sum property of triangles]
⇒ θ + 2∠TPQ = 180°

Also, ∠OPT = 90° [Angle between tangent and radius through the point of contact]
So, ∠OPQ - ∠ZOPT - ∠TPQ

Q.4. If the angle between two tangents drawn from an external point P to a
circle of radius a and centre O, is 60°, then find the length of OP. [Delhi 2017]
Ans. Given: Radius of circle = a
∠QPR = 60°
In ΔPOQ and ΔPOR,
OQ = OR (radii), ∠Q = ∠R - (Each 90°), PQ = PR
(∵ PR and PQ are tangents from an external point P)

Now, in right triangle OQP,

OQ/OP = sin 30º

Q.5. In the given fig., there are two concentric circles with centre O. PRT and
PQS are tangents to the inner circle from a point P lying on the outer circle. If
PR = 5 cm, find the length of PS [Delhi 2017 (C)]
Ans. PR and PQ are tangents to the external point P.

∴ PR = PQ
∴ PQ = 5 c m (∵ PR = 5 cm)
PS = 2PQ (∵ OQ ⊥ PS)
=2x5
= 10 cm

Q.6. In the given Fig., O is the centre of the circle, PQ is a chord and PT is
tangent to the circle at P. If ∠POQ = 70°, find ∠TPQ. [AI 2017 (C)]

Ans. Given: O is centre of the circle, PQ is chord and PT is tangent at P.

To find: ∠TPQ
Solution: In ΔOPQ
∠POQ + ∠OPQ + ∠OQP - 180°
⇒ 70° + ∠OPQ + ∠OPQ = 180°
(∵ OP = OQ, radii of the circle)
⇒ 70° + 2∠OPQ = 180°
⇒ 2∠OPQ = 110°
⇒ ∠OPQ = 55°
OP is perpendicular to the tangent at P.
∠OPT = 90°
⇒ ∠OPQ + ∠TPQ - 90°
⇒ 55° + ∠TPQ =90°
⇒ ∠TPQ = 90° - 55°
∠TPQ = 35°

Q.7. In the figure, AB and CD are common tangents to two circles of unequal
radii. Prove that AB = CD. [Delhi 2017]

Ans. Construction: Join AD and BC

Proof:We know that the lengths of tangents from an external point to a circle are
equal.
So, if A is an external point for circle having centre O', then
AB = AD ...(i)
If ‘C’ is an external point for circle with centre O', then
CB = CD ...(ii)
Also, B is an external point for circle with centre O,
∴ BC = AB ...(iii)
D is an external point for circle with centre O.
So DA = DC ...(iv)
So, from (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), we get
AB = BC = CD
⇒ AB = CD Hence proved

Q.8. Prove that the tangents drawn at the end points of a chord of a circle
make equal angles with the chord. [AI 2017]
Sol.Let AB be the chord of the circle with centre O.
Let PQ and RS respectively be the tangents at the end points A and B of the chord.

Join OA and OB.

ΔOAB is an isosceles as OA = OB = r
[radii of the same circle]
∴ ∠OAB = ∠OBA ...(i)
[Angles opposite to equal sides of a triangle are equal]
Now ∠OAP = ∠OBR ... (ii)
[90° each angle between tangents and radius at the point of contact]
Adding equation (i) and equation (ii), we get
∠OAB + ∠OAP = ∠OBA + ∠OBR
⇒ ∠BAP = ∠ABR
Also, ∠OAQ = ∠OBS [90° each] ...(iii)
Subtracting equation (i) from equation (iii), wc got
∠OAQ - ∠OAB = ∠OBS - ∠OBA
∠BAQ = ∠ABS
Hence proved.

Q.9. In the given fig., PQ is a tangent from an external point P to a circle with
centre O and OP cuts the circle at T and QOR is a diameter. If ∠POR = 130° and
S is a point on the circle, find ∠1 + ∠2. [Delhi 2017 (C)]

Ans. To find: ∠1 + ∠2
OQ is perpendicular to the tangent PQ. (radius is perpendicular to the tangent at the
point of contact).
In ΔOPQ
∠POR = ∠1 + ∠RQP
(exterior angle is equal to the .......... sum of interior opposite angles)
130° = ∠1 + 90°
∠1 = 130° - 90° = 40° ...(i)
∠ROT is the angle subtended by arc RT at centre and ∠RST is the angle subtended
by arc RT at point S on circumference.
∴

Adding (i) and (ii), we get

∠1 + ∠2 = 40° + 65° = 105°

Q.10. In Fig., O is the centre of the circle and LN is a diameter. If PQ is a tangent

to the circle at K and ∠KLN = 30°, find ∠PKL. [AI 2017 (C)]

Ans. Given: O is centre of circle and LN is the diameter, PQ is tangent at K, ∠KLN =

30°
To find: ∠PKL
Solution In ΔOKL, OL = OK (radii of a circle)
∴ ∠OLK = ∠OKL = 30°
(angle opposite to equal sides are equal)
OK is perpendicular to the tangent PQ at K.
∴ ∠OKP = 90°
⇒ ∠OKL + ∠LKP = 90°
⇒ 30° + ∠PKL = 90°
∴ ∠PKL = 60°
Q.11. In Fig. 3, the radius of in circle of ΔABC of area 84 cm2is 4 cm and the
lengths of the segments AP and BP into which side AB is divided by the point
of contact P are 6 cm and 8 cm. Find the length of the sides AC and BC. [AI
2017 (C)]

Ans.

84 = 2(AB + AC + BC)
42 = AB + AC + BC
⇒ AC + BC = 28 cm ...(i) [∵ AB = 14 cm]
Now, AP = AR ; BP = BQ
and CQ = CR = x (say)
(Length tangents from common exterior point)
So, AR = 6 cm, BQ = 8 cm, CQ = x
From eq (z) we have
AR + CR + CQ + BQ = 28
6 + x + x + 8 = 28
2x + 14 = 28
2x = 14
⇒x=7
∴ AC = AR + RC
= 6 + 7 = 13 cm
BC = BQ + QC
= 8 + 7 = 15 cm
Q.12. In Fig. 8.33, PA and PB are tangents to the circle from an external point P.
CD is another tangent touching the circle at Q. If PA =12 cm, QC = QD = 3 cm,
then find PC + PD. [CBSE Delhi 2017]
Ans. PA = PC + CA = PC + CQ (∵ CA = CQ (tangents drawn from external point are
equal)

⇒ 12 = PC + 3 ⇒ PC = 9 cm
∵ PA =PB ⇒ PA - AC = PB - BD ⇒ PC = PD
∴ PD = 9 cm
Hence, PC + PD = 18 cm

Q.13. The incircle of an isosceles triangle ABC, in which AB = AC, touches the
sides BC, CA and AB at D, E and F respectively. Prove that BD = DC. [CBSE (AI)
20 14]
OR
In Fig.8.32, if AB =AC, prove that BE = EC. [CBSE (E) 2017]
[Note: D, E, F replace by F, D, E]

Ans. Given, AB = AC (In Fig 8.37)

We have, BE + AF = AE + CE ......(i)
AB, BC and CA are tangents to the circle at. F, D and E respectively.
∴ BF = BD, AE = AF and CE = CD ....(ii)
From (i) and (ii)
BD + AE = AE + CD (∵ AF = AE)
⇒ BD = CD

Q.14. A quadrilateral ABCD is drawn to circumscribe a circle (Fig. 8.55). Prove

that AB + CD = AD + BC. [NCERT, CBSE (AI) 2016]

OR
A circle touches all the four sides o f a quadrilateral ABCD. Prove that AB + CD
= BC + DA [CBSE (AI) 2017, Delhi 2017 (C)]
Ans. Since lengths of two tangents drawn from an external point of circle are equal,
Therefore, AP = AS, BP = BQ, DR = DS and CR = CQ
(where P, Q, R and S are the points of contact)
Adding all these, we have
(AP + BP) + (CR + RD) = (BQ + CQ) + (DS + AS)
⇒ AB + CD = BC + DA

Q.15. The difference between the radii of the smaller circle and the larger circle
is 7 cm and the difference between the areas of the two circles is 1078 sq. cm.
Find the radius of the smaller circle. [CBSE Delhi 2017 (C)]

Ans. Given: r2 - r1 = 7 (r2 > r1) ...(i)

 (From equation (i))

..... (ii)

Adding (i) and (ii), we get

2r2 = 56

⇒ r2 = 28 cm

Also, r1 = 21 cm (From equation (i))

∴ Radius of simaller circle = 21 cm.

Q.16. If from an external point P of a circle with centre 0, two tangents PQ and
PR are drawn such that QPR = 120°, prove that 2PQ = PO. [CBSE Delhi 2014,
(F) 2016]

Ans. Given, ∠QPR = 120°

Radius is perpendicular to the tangent at the point of contact.

∠OQP = 90° ⇒ ∠QPO = 60°

(Tangents drawn to a circle from an external point are equally inclined to the
segment, joining the centre to that point.)

Q.17. In Fig. 8.42, AP and BP are tangents to a circle with centre O, such that AP
= 5 cm and ∠APS = 60°. Find the length of chord AB. [CBSE Delhi 2016]

Ans. PA = PB (Tangents from an external point are equal)

and ∠APB = 60°

⇒ ∠PAB = ∠PBA = 60°

∴ ΔPAB is an equilateral triangle.

Hence AB = PA = 5 cm.

Q.18. In Fig. 8.43 from an external point P, two tangents PT and PS are drawn
to a circle with centre O and radius r. If OP = 2r, show that ∠OTS = ∠OST = 30°.
[CBSE (AI) 2016]
Ans. Let ∠TOP = θ

Hence, ∠TOS = 120°

In ∠OTS, OT = OS (Radii of circle)

Q.19. In Fig. 8.44, are two concentric circles of radii 6 cm and 4 cm with centre
O. If AP is a tangent to the larger circle and BP to the smaller circle and length
of AP is 8 cm, find the length of BP. [CBSE (F) 2016]

Ans. OA = 6 cm, OB = 4 cm, AP = 8 cm

OP2 = OA2 + AP2 = 36 + 64 = 100

⇒ OP = 10 cm
BP2 = OP2 - OB2 = 100 - 16 = 84

Q.20. From an external point P, tangents PA and PR are drawn to a circle with
centre O. If ∠PAB = 50°, then find ∠AOB. [CBSE Delhi 2016]

Ans. ∵ PA = PB ⇒ ∠BAP = ∠ABP = 50°

∴ ∠APB = 180° - 50° - 50° = 80°

and ∠AOB = 180° - 80° = 100°

Q.21. In Fig. 8.29, PQ is a tangent at a point C to a circle with centre O. If AB is a

diameter and ∠CAB = 30°, find ∠PCA. [CBSE (AI) 2016]

Ans. ∠ACB = 90° (Angle in the semicircle)

∠CAB = 30° (given)

In ΔABC,
90° + 30° + ∠ABC = 180°

⇒ ΔABC = 60°

Now, ∠PCA = ∠ABC (Angles in the alternate segment)

∴ ∠PCA = 60°

OR

Construction: Jo in 0 to C.

∠PCO = 90° (∵ Line joining centre to point of contact is perpendicular to PQ)

In ΔAOC, OA = OC (Radii of circle)

∴ ∠OAC = ∠OCA = 30° (Equal sides have equal opp. angles)

Now, ∠PCA = ∠PCO - ∠ACO

= 90° - 30° = 60°

Q.22. Two tangents PA and PB are drawn to the circle with centre O, such that
∠APB = 120°. Prove that OP = 2AP. (Foreign 2016)
Ans. Given. A circle C(0, r). PA and PB are tangents to the circle from point P,
outside the circle such that ∠APB = 120°. OP is joined.

To Prove. OP = 2AP.

Construction. Join OA and OB.

Proof. Consider Δs PAO and PBO

PA = PB [Tangents to a circle, from a point outside it, are equal.]

OP = OP [Common]

∠OAP = ∠OBP = 90°

Long Answer Type Questions

Q.1. Prove that the parallelogram circumscribing a circle is a rhombus. [CBSE

Delhi 2014; CBSE 2019 (30/5/1)]

Ans. Let ABCD be a parallelogram such that its sides touch a circle with centre O.

We know that the tangents to a circle from an exterior point are equal in length.

Therefore, we have
AP = AS (Tangents from A) ... (i)

BP = BQ (Tangents from B) ... (ii)

CR = CQ (Tangents from C) ... (iii)

And DR = DS (Tangents from D) ... (iv)

Adding (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), we have

(AP + BP) + (CR + DR) = (AS + DS) + (BQ + CQ)

AB + CD = AD + BC

AB + AB = BC + BC (∵ ABCD is a parallelogram ∴ AB = CD, BC = DA)

2AB = 2BC ⇒ AB = BC

Thus, AB = BC = CD = AD

Hence, ABCD is a rhombus.

Q.2. Prove that the tangent drawn at any point of a circle is perpendicular to
the radius through the point of contact. [AI (C) 2017]
Ans. Given: A line T tangent to the circle at point T and O is the centre of circle.

To prove: OT ⊥ l

Construction: Take point T1,T2 and T3 on line l and join OT1, OT2, OT3

Proof: We observe that points T1, T2, T3 lie outside the circle, whereas point T lies on
the circle.

Hence OT1 > OT

OT2 > OT

OT3 > OT

All distances OT1, OT2, OT3 are greater than OT.

Only OT is the shortest distance.

Also OT = r

Hence r is the shortest distance from tangent l of the circle to the centre as we know
that shortest distance between the point on line is perpendicular distance

So, OT ⊥ l

Q.3. In Fig., PQ is a chord of length 8 cm of a circle of radius 5 cm. The tangents

drawn at P and Q intersect at T. Find the length of TP. [AI (C) 2017, Foreign
2015]
Ans. Given: PQ is a chord of length 8 cm

Radius OP = 5 cm. PT and QT are tangents to the circle.

To find: TP

OT is perpendicular bisector of PQ

∠ORP = 90°

(Line joining the centre of circle to the common point of two tangents drawn to
circle is perpendicular bisector of line joining the point of contact of the tangents.

x2 = 16

⇒x=3
(OR + RT)2 = 25 + PT2

(3 + y)2 = 25 + PT2

9 + y2 + 6y = 25 + PT2 .......(i)

In ΔPRT, TP2 = PR2 + RT2

⇒ PT2 = (4)2 + (y)2 .......(ii)

Put value of PT2 in eq (i)

9 + y2 + 6y = 25 + 16 + y2

6y = 25 + 16 - 9

6y = 32

y = 32/6 = 16/3 cm

Putting y = 16/3 cm in eq (ii), we get

Q.4. Prove that the lengths of two tangents drawn from an external point to a
circle are equal. [CBSE, Delhi 2014, (F) 2014, Delhi 2016, (AI) 2016, (F) 2016,
CBSE Delhi 2017, (AI) 2017, (F) 2017, Delhi 2017 (C)]

Ans. Given: AP and AQ are two tangents from a pointed to a circle C (O, r).

To Prove: AP = AQ

Construction: Join OP, OQ and OA.

Proof: In order to prove that AP = AQ, we shall first prove that ΔOPA ≅ ΔOQA.

Since a tangent at any point of a circle is perpendicular to the radius through the
point of contact.

∴ OP ⊥ AP and OQ ⊥ AQ

⇒ ∠OPA = ∠OQA = 90° ........(i)

Now, in right triangles OPA and OQA, we have

OP = OQ (Radii of a circle)

∠OPA = ∠OQA (Each 90°)

and OA = OA (Common)

So, by RHS-criterion of congruence, we get

Hence, lengths of two tangents from an external point are equal.

Q.5. In Fig. 8.62, two equal circles, with centres O and O', touch each other at
X.OO' produced meets the circle with centre O' at A. AC is tangent to the circle
with centre O, at the point C. O'D is perpendicular to AC. Find the value of

[CBSE (AI) 2016]

Ans. AC is tangent to circle with centre O.

Thus ∠ACO = 90°

In ΔAO'D and ΔAOC

∠ADO' = ∠ACO = 90º

∠A = ∠A (Common)
Q.6. In Fig. 8.63, O is the centre of a circle of radius 5 cm. T is a point such that
OT = 13 cm and OT intersects circle at E. If AB is a tangent to the circle at E,
find the length of AB, where TP and TQ are two tangents to the circle. [CBSE
Delhi 2016]

Ans.

(Tangents from an external point to a circle are equal)

In right ΔAET.

TA2 = TE2 + EA2

⇒ (12 - x)2 = 64 + x2 ⇒ 144 + x2 - 24x = 64 + x2

⇒ x = 80/24 ⇒ x = 3.3 cm

Thus, AB = 6.6 cm