Question

I need help with this geometry question

Answer 1

Answer:

radius ≈ 15.5

Step-by-step explanation:

the radius is RS

the angle between a tangent and the radius at the point of contact is 90°

then Δ RST is a right triangle

using Pythagoras' identity in the right triangle.

the square on the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares on the other 2 sides , then

RS² + ST² = RT² ( substitute values )

RS² + 7² = 17²

RS² + 49 = 289 ( subtract 49 from both sides )

RS² = 240 ( take square root of both sides )

RS = $\sqrt{240}$ ≈ 15.5 ( to 1 dec. place )