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MathsCBSE Class 10 · Basic · Sample paper, session 2024-25 · 3 marks · Short answer

CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Basic sample paper 2024-25: question 30(B)

From the official CBSE sample question paper for 2024-25, section C, question 30(B), for 3 marks. Try it first; the hints and our step-by-step solution are below.

Q30(B) · 3 marks · Short answerCircles

Prove that the lengths of tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal.

Source: official sample paper from cbseacademic.nic.in (PDF). See it in the full Sample paper 2024-25.

Hints

Open one hint at a time and try again before the next.

Hint 1

Join the centre to the external point and to both points of contact.

Hint 2

The angle between tangent and radius is 90°; look for RHS congruence.

Step-by-step solution

Each step shows the marks it earns, as an examiner would award them. Checked by an independent re-solve from the question paper.

  1. Figure: circle with centre O; from external point P draw tangents PQ and PR touching the circle at Q and R; join OP, OQ, OR.

    1 mark
  2. Given: PQ and PR are tangents from external point P to a circle with centre O. To prove: . Construction: join OP, OQ, OR.

    ½ mark
  3. In and : [radii]; [common]; [tangent ⟂ radius at point of contact]. So [RHS congruence].

    1 mark
  4. Hence [CPCT].

    ½ mark

Answer: PQ = PR (proved)

Where the marks are

  • Correct labelled figure (1 mark)
  • Given, To prove, Construction (½ mark)
  • Proves △OQP ≅ △ORP by RHS with reasons (1 mark)
  • Concludes PQ = PR by CPCT (½ mark)

Revise the chapter

  • Chapter: Circles (notes, formulas, where marks are lost and every past question)

The question is transcribed from the official paper; figures are described in words. The solution, hints and chapter tag are ours. Spotted an error? Write tosupport@questionbuddy.in.