Question

The diameter of a circle is 19 inches. If the diameter is extended 5 inches beyond the circle to point C, how long is the tangent segment from point C to the circle? Use the figure below to help guide your response. Explain your answer and show all work.

Answer 1

The tangent segment from point C is 5 inches from the circle

Answer 2

Answer:

Exact Length = 2*sqrt(30)

Approximate Length = 10.95445

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Work Shown:

(tangent)^2 = (external secant)*(whole secant)

(CD)^2 = (CB)*(CA)

(CD)^2 = (CB)*(CB+BA)

x^2 = 5*(5+19)

x^2 = 120

x = sqrt(120)

x = sqrt(4*30)

x = sqrt(4)*sqrt(30)

x = 2*sqrt(30)  .......... exact length

x = 10.95445 ............. approximate length