Using ruler and compass only, draw tangents to a circle of radius 3cmfrom a point 5cmfrom the center. What is the length of each of them?
Using ruler and compass only, draw tangents to a circle of radius 3cmfrom a point 5cmfrom the center. What is the length of each of them?

In old style math, a span of a circle or circle is any of the line fragments from its middle to its edge, and in more current utilization, it is additionally their length.

In math, the circumference is the edge of a circle or oval.

A digression (tangent) to a circle is a straight line which contacts the circle at just one point.

A perpendicular bisector of a line section is a line fragment opposite to and going through the midpoint of (left figure).

Steps for constructions:

Given radius of 3cm

1. Draw a circle of radius 3cmwith center O using a ruler.

2. Now join the center S to the point P which is 5cmaway from S.

3. Then, draw a perpendicular bisector of SP. Let us consider ‘O’ be the mid-point of SP.

4. Consider O as center and OS as radius; draw a circle cutting the first circle at Q and R.

5. Now join PQ and PR.

6. Therefore, PQ and PB are the required tangents. 7. Then the measure of PQ and PB are equal to4cm.