In a circle with centre O, AB is a chord of length 10 cm. Tangents at points A and B intersect outside the circle at P. If OP = 2 OA, then find the length (in cm) of AP.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2

Let the radius of the circle be R cm.
So, OA = OB = R
then, OP = 2 x OA = 2R
Tangent segments AP, BP and radii OA, OB from a kite
So, OP bisects the chord AB.
Thn, AQ = BQ = 5 cm
Now, \(\Delta \)OAP & \(\Delta \)OBP are two right angled triangles.
From \(\Delta \)OAP,
cos \(\angle\)AOP = \(\frac{OA}{OP}\)
= cos \(\angle\)AOP = \(\frac{R}{2R}\)
= cos \(\angle\)AOP = \(\frac{1}{2}\)
= \(\angle\)AOP = cos 60
So, \(\angle\)OPA = 180 - (90 + 60) = 30
Also, \(\Delta \)AQO & \(\Delta \)BQO are two right-angled triangles.
So, \(\angle\)OAQ = 180 - 90 - 60 = 30
From \(\Delta \)AQO,
cos \(\angle\)QAO = \(\frac{AQ}{OA}\)
= cos 30 = \(\frac{5}{OA}\)
= \(\sqrt {3 }\)/2 = \(\frac{5}{OA}\)
= OA = 10\(\sqrt {3 }\)
So, AP = (10\(\sqrt {3 }\)) x \(\sqrt {3 }\) = 10 cm
Therefore, AP is 10 cm.