[Math] Angle between tangents and angle subtended by radii are supplementary

circlesgeometry

Using the result that the length of the tangents draw from an external point to a circle are equal, prove that the angle between the two tangents drawn from an external point to a circle is supplementary to the angle subtended by the line segment joining the points of contact at the center.

Figure for question

I can easily prove this by the following:

$\angle OQP = \angle ORP = 90^{\circ}$

So in quadrilateral $OQPR$ $ \angle QPR + \angle QOR = 180^{\circ}$ and therefore these angles are supplementary.

But I have not used what is said in the question. How should I do it?

Best Answer

Hint: Try to use congruence. If you can prove that the two triangles are congruent then it is a kite. Now, you can prove it easily.

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