How to Construct the Tangent Line to a Circle

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Setup of the problem.

   Construct a line, tangent to the circle, passing through point P{\displaystyle P}. , You must first find the centre of the circle if it has not been given to you. , The bisector intersects OP{\displaystyle OP} in A{\displaystyle A}. , This circle intersects the original circle at points B{\displaystyle B} and C{\displaystyle C}. , Both PB{\displaystyle PB} an PC{\displaystyle PC} are tangent to the circle. ,
2. 2

   Step 2: Connect the point P{\displaystyle P} with the centre of the circle.

3. 3

   Step 3: Bisect OP{\displaystyle OP}.

4. 4

   Step 4: Construct a circle with radius AP{\displaystyle AP}

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   Step 5: centred at A{\displaystyle A}.

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   Step 6: Connect P{\displaystyle P} with B{\displaystyle B} or C{\displaystyle C}.

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   Step 7: Erase any construction lines

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   Step 8: if needed.

Detailed Guide

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