In the given figure, if PA and PB are tangents to the circle with centre O such that ∠APB = 54°, then ∠OBA = ____.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
It is given that tangents PA and PB are drawn from an external point P to a circle with centre O.
Therefore, PA = PB (Lengths of tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal)
In \(\Delta \)PAB,
PA + PB
Therefore, \(\angle\)PBA = \(\angle\)PAB (in a triangle, equal sides have equal angles opposite to them)
Now,
\(\angle\)PAB + \(\angle\)PBA + \(\angle\)APB = \({180}^\circ\) (Angle sum property)
⇒ 2\(\angle\)PAB + \({54}^\circ\) = \({180}^\circ\)
⇒ 2\(\angle\)PAB = \({180}^\circ\) - \({54}^\circ\) = \({126}^\circ\)
⇒ \(\angle\)PAB = \({63}^\circ\) ..(1)
Now, PA is the tangent and OA is the radius through the point of contact A.
Therefore, \(\angle\)OAP = \({90}^\circ\) (Tangent at any point of a circle is perpendicular to the radius through the point of contact)
Now,
\(\angle\)OAB = \(\angle\)OAP - \(\angle\)PAB = \({90}^\circ\) - \({63}^\circ\) = \({27}^\circ\) (using (1))
Therefore, \(\angle\)OAB is \({27}^\circ\).