8

THEOREMS ON TRIANGLES
AND CIRCLES

After learning this chapter you will be able to

* Recognise similiar triangles.
*

Understand the properties of similar triangles.

Know the properties of Right angled triangle.

Solve the problems on similar triangles.

Understand the properties of tangents to the circle.

Understand the properties of touching circles.

Solve the problems on tangents to the circles

1. Concept of Similarity
We see a number of objects around us, such as a twenty-five paise coin and
a fifty paise coin, photograph of an object and its enlarged copy, a marble and a rubber
ball, mini model of a building and the original building etc., all these pairs of objects
have same shape but they differ in size. All these pairs of objects are said to be similar.

(Srinivasa Ramanujam)

(Srinivasa Ramanujam)

Activity : 1
Cut out some geometrical figures like triangles, quadrilaterals etc., from a piece
of card board. Hold these figures, one by one between a point source of light and
188

a wall. Observe the shadow cast by each figure on the wall. The shadows have the
same shape, as the original figures, but are larger in size. The shadows are said to
be similar to the original figures.

Observe the following similar figures, note that they have same shapes, although
they are different in size.

189

Thales, a Greek mathematician (660 B.C.) is said to have introduced

geometry in Greece is believed to have found the heights of the pyramids
in Egypt, using shadows and the principle of similar triangles. The use of
similar triangles has made possible the measurements of heights and
distances.
Activity : 2
Observe the pairs of figures given below. Record your observations with respect
to the angles and sides. Write your conclusion.
Figures

Corresponding
angles
equal/unequal

190

Corresponding
sides
proportional/
not proportional

Similar/
not
similar

From the above observations, it can be concluded that,

Two polygons having the same number of sides are similar, If and only if,
(i) The angles of one triangle are equal to the corresponding angles of the other and
(ii) The sides of one triangle are proportional to the corresponding sides of the other.
Proportionality
If two ratios are equal, then they are said to be in proportion.
If a:b = c:d or

a c
= . Then a, b, c, and d are in proportion.
b d

2. Similarity of Triangles.

Consider the triangles ABC and DEF. The corresponding vertices can be
diagrammatically shown as,
Think!
A B C

D E F

Corresponding angles

When will two right angled

triangles become similar?

Note:

BAC EDF

To prove the similarity of two

triangles, it is important to
identify the corresponding sides
and corresponding angles.

ABC DEF
ACB DFE

191

Corresponding sides are

AB DE
BC EF
Think :
Are Congruent
triangles similar?

AC DF

AB
BC
CA
=
=
DE
EF
FD
ABC is similar to DEF. This can be written symbolically as ABC ||| DEF

Also,

(The symbol ||| means Similar to)

In case of triangles, let us examine whether both the conditions are required for
the triangles to be similar.
In order to prove the conditions for triangles to be similar, you require the
knowledge of the following results.
3. Basic Proportionality theorem. [Thales theorem.]
Activity : 1
Construct ABC with BC = 9 cm, AB = 8 cm and CA = 10cms.
Mark a point X on AB, such that BX = 2cms, as shown on
the adjoining figure. Through X draw XY parallel to BC.
Measure AY and YC. Write the measurements.
Sides
AX =...

BX = ...

Ratios
AY = .... YC = ....

AX
=
BX

AY
=
YC

What is your conclusion?

Activity : 2
Construct ABC, with BC = 5cms. AB = 4cms, and AC = 3cms.
Produce BA to X such that AX = 4cms. (Shown in the figure).
through X draw XY parallel to BC to meet CA. produced at
Y. Measure BX, AY and CY and tabulate as shown.
Sides
AX =...

BX = ...

Ratios
AY = .... CY = ....

What is your conclusion?

192

AX
=
BX

AY
=
CY

Activity : 3
Construct PQR with the measurements given in the
adjoining figure. Produce PQ to S, such that QS = 2cms.
Draw ST parallel to QR to meet PR produced at T.
Measure PT and PR. Write the ratios

PQ
PR
and
QS
RT

T
R

50

40

Also write your conclusion.

From the above activities, you can conclude that,
A straight line drawn parallel to a side of a triangle, divides the other
two sides proportionately.
This is known as Basic proportionality theorem or Thales theorem.
Think!
What is the Converse of Basic proportionality theorem?
4. Corollary of basic proportionality theorem.
Activity
Construct PQR, given PQ = 8cms, QR = 6cms and
PR = 10cms. Mark a point A on QP, Such that QA = 4cms.
Through A draw AB parallel to QR. Measure the sides of the
triangle PAB. Tabulate the measurements as shown.
Sides
PQ =

QR =

PR =

Ratios
PA =

AB =

PB =

PA
=
PQ

AB
=
QR

PB
=
PR

Examine the relation among the ratios. Write your conclusion?

From the above activity, it can been seen that,
PA
=
PQ

AB
PB
=
QR
PR

This relationship can be stated as follows :

If a line is drawn parallel to a side of a triangle, then the sides of the

new triangle formed are proportional to the sides of the given triangle.
This is the Corollary of Basic proportionality theorem.
193

Worked Examples :
1. In ABC, DE is parallel to BC AD = 5.7cms, BD = 9.5cms. EC = 6cms. find
AE.
Solution : DE || BC (given)
AD AE
=
DB EC

(B.P.T)

5.7 AE
=
9 .5
6

(on substitution)

5 .7 x 6
9 .5
AE = 3.6 cms.

AE =

2. In the adjoining figure XY || BC. AX = p 3, BX = 2p 2, and

Solution : XY || BC

(given)

AX AY
=
BX CY

(B.P.T.)

P 3 1
=
2p 2 4

(on substitution)

4(p 3)
4p 12
2p
p

=
=
=
=

AY 1
= find p.
CY 4

1(2p 2)
2p 2
10
5

3) In the adjoining figure EF || CA and FG || AB. Prove

Solution : In DAC, EF || CA (given)

DE DF
=
........ (i)
(B.P.T.)
EC FA
Similarly in DAB, FG || AB.
DF DG
=
...... (ii)
FA GB

From (i) and (ii),

(B.P.T.)

DE DG
=
EC GB
194

DE DG
=
EC GB

4) In the figure XY || BC Prove, (i)

Solution: XY || BC

AX AY
AB AC
=
=
(ii)
.
AB AC
BX CY

(given)

AX AY
=
BX CY

(B.P.T)

BX CY
=
AX AY
BX
CY
+1 =
+1
AX
AY

(adding 1 to both sides)

BX + AX CY + AY
=
AX
AY
AB AC
=
AX AY

(ii)

(From the figure)

AX
AY
=
AB
AC

AX AY
=
AB AC
1

(Proved)

AX
AY
= 1
AB
AC

AB AX
AB

(Subtracting 1 from both sides)

AC AY
AC

BX CY
=
AB AC

(From the figure)

AB AC
=
BX CY

195

5) In the figure XY || BC, show that

Solution:

AX AY XY
=
=
AB AC BC

Drawn XZ || AC

XY || BC

given

AX AY
=
...... (i) cor. B.P.T.
AB AC
XZ || AC
(Construction)
AX CZ
=
AB BC
But CZ = XY

Cor. B.P.T.

( Opp. sides of parallelogram XZCY)

AX XY
=
.......... (ii)
AB BC

From (i) and (ii),

AX AY XY
=
=
AB AC BC

Exercise : 8.1
1. Study the adjoining figure. Write the ratios in
relation to basic proportionality theorem and its
corollary, in terms of a, b, c and d.

2. In the adjoining figure, DE || AB,

AD = 7, CD = 5 and BC = 18 cms.
Find (i) BE (ii) CE
3. A 6 mts Pole casts a shadow of 8 mts. at a certain time of the day. Find the
length of the shadow cast by a 4.5 mts. tower at the same time.
4. Which of the following sets of data make FG || BC?
(i) AB = 14, AF = 6, AC = 7, AG = 3.
(ii) AB = 12, FB = 3, AC = 8, AG = 6.
(iii) AF = 6, FB = 5, AG = 9, GC = 8.
196

5. In the adjoining figure ABCD is a

parallelogram. P is a point on BC,
DP and AB are produced to meet at L.
Prove that DP : PL = DC : BL

6. Show that in a trapezium the line joining the midpoints of non-parallel sides is parallel
to the parallel sides.
5. Theorems on similar triangles.
Activity : 1
Construct PQR having QR = 4cms, Q = 400 and R = 500 Construct
another XYZ, with YZ = 8 cms, Y = 400, and Z = 500.
Measure the sides and remaining angles of both triangles Tabulate the measurements
as shown below.
Triangle

Angle

Sides

Ratios

PQR

P =.....

PQ =...

QR =...

RP =...

XYZ

X =....

XY =...

YZ =...

ZX =...

QR
PQ
RP
= ..
= ..
= ..
YZ
XY
ZX

Observe the relationship between the angles and the ratio of sides of the triangles
PQR and XYZ.
What is your conclusion?
C

Activity : 2

Measure the sides and the angles of ABC and

DEC. Tabulate the measurements as shown below.
Triangle

Sides

DE =... EC =...

A = .. B = ..C = ..AB

CD =... D = ... E = .. C = ..DE

197

cm

Angles

ABC AB =... BC =... CA =...

DEC

10

2 cm

Construct ABC in which AB = 8cms, BC = 10

cms, and AC = 6 cms. Mark a point D on AC,
Such that AD = 2cms, as shown in the figure.
Through D draw DE || AB.

8 cm

Ratios
AC
BC
= ..
= ..
EC
DC

= ..

Observe the relation between the angles and ratio of Corresponding sides of both
triangles.
You find that (i) the angles of ABC are equal to Corresponding angles of DEC.
and (ii)

AB BC CA
=
=
DE EC CD

Theorem.1
If two triangles are equiangular, then their corresponding sides are
proportional.

Data : In triangles ABC and DEF

BAC = EDF
ABC = DEF

and ACB = DFE

To prove :

AB
BC
AC
=
=
DE
EF
DF

Construction :

Mark X on AB and Y on AC, such that AX = DE and AY = DF.

Join XY.

Proof :
Statement

Reasons

In AXY and DEF, A = D

AX = DE, AY = DF

Data

AXY DEF
XY = EF and AXY = DEF

SAS Postulate
Congruent triangle property

AXY = DEF = ABC

Data

Construction

198

i.e, AXY = ABC

XY || BC ... (i)

AXY and ABC are corresponding angles.

AB
AC
BC
=
=
AX
AY
XY

Basic proportionality theorem and corollary.

i.e

BC
AB
AC
=
=
DE
DF
EF

From Construction and (i)

Converse of Theorem 1
Activity :
Construct ABC in which AB = 2 cms, BC = 4 cms. and CA = 3 cms. Construct
another triangle PQR with PQ = 4 cms, QR = 4 cms, and PR = 6 cms. Measure
the angles of the triangles. Tabulate the angles measured and the ratios as shown.
ABC
PQR

A = ..
P = ..

B = .. C = .. AB
=.
Q = .. R = .. PQ

BC
AC
=.
= ..
QR
PR

Observe the table and write your Conclusion.

If the Corresponding sides of two triangles are proportional, then the
triangles are equiangular.
Worked Examples :
1) In the figure PQR ||| NMR. Identify the
corresponding vertices, corresponding sides and
their ratios.
Solution :
PQR || NMR.
PQ NM
P N

Ratios

Q M

QR MR

R R

PR NR

PQ
QR
PR
=
=
NM MR
NR
199

2) In ABC, D and E are the midpoints on AB and AC such that DE || BC,

AB
BC
AC
=
=
AD
DE
AE

show that
Solution :

In ABC, DE || BC
ADE = ABC

AED = ACB (corresponding angles)

BAC = DAC (common angle)
ABC and ADE are equiangular.

Hence

AB
BC
AC
=
=
AD
DE
AE

3) In the adjoining figure AD = 5.6cms

AB = 8.4 cms, AE = 3.8 cms. and
AC = 5.7 cms. Show that DE || BC.
Solution :
AD = 5.6 cms

(given)

BD = 8.4 - 5.6 = 2.8 cms

AE = 3.8 cms

(From figure)

(given)

EC = 5.7 3.8 = 1.9 cms

AD
5 .6
2
=
=
BD
2 .8
1
AE
3 .8
2
=
=
EC
1 .9
1

Hence

AD
AE
=
BD
EC

DE || BC.

(B.P.T.)

200

(from figure)

4) In the parallelogram ABRQ, the diagonals QB and segment AF intersect at H, as

shown in the figure. Prove that, AH.HB = HQ.FH.
Solution :
In the parallelogram ABRQ,
AQ || BR and AB || QR.
Now in AHQ and FHB.
AQH = HBF

( AQ || BF)

QAH = HFB

(Alternate angles)

AHQ = FBH

(Vertically opposite angles)

AHQ and FBH are equiangular

AH
HQ
=
FH
HB

i.e., AH : HB = HQ. FH

5) If one of the diagonals of a trapezium divides the other in the ratio 2:1. Prove
that one of the parallel sides is twice the other.
Solution :
Let ABCD be a trapezium in which AB || CD and AE = 2 CE.
In ABE and CDE, you have
CDE = EBA

DCE = EAB

} alternate angles

DEC = BEA (vertically opposite angles)

ABE and CDE are equiangular.

Hence

AB
AE
=
CD
CE

AB
2CE
=
CE
CD

( AE = 2CE)

AB
1
=
CD
2

Hence AB = 2CD

201

6) A man whose height is 1.5mts standing 8mts. from a lamp post, observes that his
shadow cast by the light is 2m. in length. How high is the lamp above the ground?
Solution :
Let the lamp post be LM. and the height of the man = OP and length of the
shadow = ON.
In LMN and PON
LMN = PON = 90 0
PLM = NPO (corresponding angles)
LNM = PNO (common angle)
LMN and PON are equiangular

Hence

LM
MN
=
PO
ON
LM
10
=
1 .5
2

LM =

10 x1.5
2

LM = 7.5 mts

The lamp is 7.5 mtrs from the ground

Exercise : 8.2
1) Construct triangle ABC in which AB = 3 cms, BC = 3.5 cms and CA = 5 cms.
Construct DEF similar to ABC, having 10cms as its longest side.
2) Select the sets of numbers in the following, which can form similar triangles.
(i) 3, 4, 6, (ii) 9, 12, 18 (iii) 8, 6, 12 (iv) 3, 4, 9 (v) 2, 41/2, 4.
3) Study the following figures and find out in each case whether the triangles are similar.
Give reason.
1)

2)

Fig 1

Fig 2
202

3)

4)

Fig 3
Fig 4

4) In the figure, Write the

(i) Corresponding vertices and
(ii) Corresponding sides of the APQ
and ABC. Hence show that AP.AB = AQ.AC.

5)

ABC is right angled at B and D is any point

on AB. DE is perpendicular to AC. If AD = 4cms
AB = 16 cms, AC = 24 cms find AE.

6) In the trapezium ABCD, AD || BC and the diagonals

intersect at O. Prove that

OB
OD
=
OC
OA

7) A vertical pole of 10 mts. casts a shadow of 8mts. at certain time of the day.
What will be the length of the shadow cast by a tower standing next to the pole,
if its height is 110 mts?
8) Prove that two Isosceles triangles having an angle of one equal to the corresponding
angle of the other are similar.
9) Construct two similar triangles, taking the measurements of your choice. Compare
the perimeters of these two triangles and write your conclusion.
10) Triangle ABC has sides of length 5, 6 and 7 units, while triangle PQR has a perimeter
of 360 units when will ABC similar to PQR? and hence find the sides of the
triangle PQR.
203

6. Areas of similar triangles.

Activity : 1
Construct ABC in which AB = 2 cms, BC = 4 cms and CA = 3 cms. Draw
AD BC, find the area of the ABC.
Construct a similar triangle PQR in which PQ = 4 cms, QR = 8 cms and
RP = 6 cms. Draw PS QR, find the area of PQR.
Tabulate the measurements as shown below:
Triangles

Area in
Sq. units

Square of
corresponding side

PQR

= sq. units QR2 =

ABC

= sq. units BC2 =

Ratio
PQR
=
ABC

QR 2
=
BC 2

Activity : 2
Construct two similar triangles taking the measurements of your choice. Tabulate
the measurements as shown above.
What relation do you find between the areas of the triangles and the squares of
the corresponding sides?
Theorem 2
The areas of similar triangles are proportional to the squares of the corresponding
sides.

Data :

Let ABC, DEF be similar triangles, in which BC and EF are

corresponding sides.
204

To prove :

Area of ABC BC 2
=
Area of DEF EF2

Construction :

Draw AL BC and DM EF.

Proof :
Statement

Reason

1
BC.AL
Area of ABC 2
=
Area of DEF 1 EF.DM
2
=

Area of triangle is

1
base x height
2

BC
AL
x
....(i)
EF
DM

In ALM and DME

ABL = DEM
ALB = DME
BAL = EDM

Data
Construction

ALB ||| DME

Triangles are equiangular.

AL
AB
=
DM
DE

Corresponding sides of similar triangles

AL
AB
BC
=
=
DM
DE
EF

i.e.

From the similar ABC and DEF.

AL
BC
=
........
DM
EF

(ii)

Area of ABC BC BC
=
.
Area of DEF EF
EF
Area of ABC BC
=

Area of DEF EF 2

Substituting (ii) in (i)

205

Activity :
Draw similar triangles ABC and PQR. Draw BX AC and Draw QY PR. Prove
Area of ABC AC
=
that,
Area of PQR PR 2

Worked Examples :
BC
2.5
=
If the area of ABC = 120 sq.cms. find the area
5
EF

1) ABC ||| DEF.

of DEF.
Solution :

ABC
BC 2
=
DEF
EF 2

(theorem)

ABC
( 2.5) 2
=
DEF
52
120
6.25
=
DEF
25
DEF =

2)

120 x 25
6.25

Area of DEF = 480 sq. cms

ABC ||| PQR. Area of ABC is 36 cm2 and area of PQR is 25 cm2.
If QR = 6 cms, find the length of the side of ABC corresponding to QR.
Solution : Side corresponding to QR in ABC is BC.
Area of ABC
BC
=
Area of PQR QR 2

(Theorem 2)

36
BC 2
=
25
62
36 x 6
BC =
25

BC =

36 x 36
25

6x 6
36
=
;
5
5

BC = 7.2 cms
206

3) A trapezium ABCD has its sides AB || CD and its diagonals intersect at O. If

side AB is twice CD, find the ratio of the triangle AOB to the triangle COD.
Solution : Let ABCD be a trapezium, in which AB || CD and AB = 2CD.
In AOB and COD
AOB = COD vertically opposite angles

alternate
OAB = OCD (AB || CD
angles)

alternate angles)
OBA = ODC (AB || CD
Triangles are equiangular and hence AOB ||| COD.

AOB
AB2
=
COD
CD 2

(theorem)

AOB
(2CD)
=
COD
CD 2

AOB
4
=
COD
1

4CD 2
CD 2

AOB : COD = 4 : 1

4) ABC is a right angled triangle with A = 900. AD BC. Show that

Solution :

In ABC, BAC = 900(data)

ADC = ADB = 90 0

C
X

ABC = 90 0 ACD

i.e ABD = 90 0 ACD ............ (i)

ABC and ABD are one and the same

In ACD, ADC = 90
CAD = 900 ACD ........... (ii)
In ABD and ACD
ADB = ADC = 90 0 (data)

ABD
AB2
=
ACD
AC 2

ABD = CAD [From (i) and (ii)]

ABD and ACD are equiangular and hence similar
ABD
AB2
=
(Theorm - 2)

ACD
AC 2
207

5) If the areas of two similar triangles are equal, prove that they are congruent.
Solution:
Let ABC ||| PQR
Area of ABC = Area of PQR
ABC ||| PQR (data)

Area of ABC AB2 BC2 AC2

Area of PQR = PQ 2 = QR 2 = PR 2 ........... (i)

Area of ABC
=1
Area of PQR
AB2 BC2 AC2
=
=
=1
PQ 2 QR 2 PR 2

(Area of ABC = Area of PQR)

From (i)

i.e. AB2 = PQ2, BC2 = QR2 and AC2 = PR2

AB = PQ, BC = QR and AC = PR
[SSS congruence]
ABC PQR
Exercise : 8.3
1) Two corresponding sides of similar triangles are 3.6cms, and 2.4cms, respectively.
If the area of the bigger triangle is 45 sq. cms. Find the area of the smaller triangle.
2) In ABC, D and E are the mid points of AB and AC, If the area of
ABC = 60 sq.cms. Show that the area of ADE = 15 sq.cms.
3) Two similar triangles have areas 392.sq.cm and 200 sq.cms., respectively; find the
ratio of any pair of corresponding sides.
4) The area of the triangle ABC is 25.6 sq.cms XY is drawn parallel to BC and
it divides AB in the ratio 5:3. Find the area of the triangle AXY.
5) In ABC, DE AC and CF AB. BE and CF intersect at O. Show that
BOF
BF2
=
COE
CE 2

6) In the figure BC || DE, area of ABC = 25

sq.cms, area of trapezium BCED = 24 sq.cms
and DE = 14cms. Calculate the length of BC.
208

7) XY is drawn parallel to BC, the base of ABC. If AXY : Trapezium

XBCY = 4:5. Show that, AX : XB = 2:1.
8) Prove that the areas of similar triangles have the same ratio as the squares of
corresponding altitudes.
9) Prove that the areas of similar triangles have the same ratio as the squares of
corresponding medians.
10) Prove that the areas of similar triangles have the same ratio as the squares of the
radii of their circum circles.

RIGHTANGLED TRIANGLE
Contribution of Indian mathematicians.
The Geometry of the Vedic period in India originated with the construction of
various kinds of altars and fire places (Homa Kundas) for performing Vedic rites. The
necessary measurements for constructing altars were done with the help of a rope called
sulba. The sulbasutras composed during the period 800 BC-500 B.C, contain a wealth
of information regarding the knowledge of Vedic seers.
The Baudhayana Sulbasutras, contain a clear statement about a right angled triangle,
which states that, The diagonal of the rectangle produces both areas which its length
and breadth produce separately. It is called Baudhayana theorem.
It is worthwhile mentioning the names of Apastamba and Katyayana, who gave
the above theorem in identical terms. In Taittiriya Samhita (2000 B.C), an instance
of the kind 392 = 362 + 152 is mentioned.
Bhaskaracharya I (1114 A.D) has given a dissection proof using similar triangles.
Pythagoras introduced formal definitions into geometry, stated the above theorem
as,
In a right angled triangle, the square on the hypotenuse in equal
to the sum of the squares on the remaining sides
This is universally accepted as Pythagoras theorem.
1. Pythagoras Theorem :
Activity : 1
* Construct a right angled triangle ABC, right
angled at C on a card board as shown in the
figure.
209

Draw Squares on AC, BC and on the hypotenuse AB as shown below.

3

5
G
C
D

1
2

4
E

*
*
*
*
*
*

Mark the middle point of the square, drawn on the longest side containing the right
angle (ie., BC) as P (Middle point of the square on BC can be obtained by joining
the diagonals).
Through P Draw DE || AB.
and through P Draw FG AB
Mark the quadrilaterals formed as 1,2,3, and 4 as shown in the square on BC.
Check out whether they are congruent).
Mark the square on AC as 5.
Cut the quadrilaterals 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 separately.
Arrange these quadrilaterals on the square drawn on the hypotenuse AB. (Shown
as shaded part).
What is your conclusion about the sides of the right angled triangle?

Activity : 2
Construct a right angle PQR, in which, PQ = 3cms, QR = 4cms, and Q = 900.
Measure side PR. Tabulate the squares of the lengths of the sides as shown below.
PQ2.......

QR2.......

PR2.......

PQ2 + QR2 = .......

Observe the table and write your conclusion?

The above activities point out that, the square on the hypotenuse is equal to the
sum of the squares on the other two sides.
210

Theorem : 3 (Pythagoras theorem)

In a right angled triangle, the Square on the hypotenuse is equal to the
sum of the squares on the other two sides.
Data :
In ABC, BAC = 900
To prove :
BC2 = AB2 + AC2
Construction : Draw AD BC.
Proof :
Statement

Reason

In ABC and DBA

BAC = BDA = 90 0

Data and construction.

ABC = ABD

Common

ABC ||| DBA

AB
BC
=
DB
BA

triangles are equiangular

Ratio of corresponding sides of similar triangles.

i.e., BC.DB = AB2 ...... (i)

In ABC and DAC
BAC = ADC = 90 0

data and construction.

ACB = ACD

Common

ABC ||| DAC

triangles are equiangular.

BC
AC
=
AC
DC

Ratio of corresponding sides of similar triangles.

i.e., BC.DC = AC2 ...... (ii)

BC.DB + BC.DC = AB2 + AC2

adding (i) and (ii)

BC (BD + DC) = AB2 + AC2

BC . BC = AB2 + AC2

From fig BD + DC = BC

ie., BC2 = AB2 + AC2.

211

Converse of Pythagoras theorem

Activity:
Construct ABC, given AB = 2.5cms, BC = 6cms and AC = 6.5 cms.
Measure the angles of ABC. Square the length of the sides. Tabulate the
measurements as shown below.
A = .... B = ....

C = ..... AB2 = ......

BC2 = ..... AC2 = ..... AB2 + BC2

Observe the measurement you have recorded. What is your conclusion?

Activity:
Repeat the above activity by constructing another triangle PQR, in which PQ =
6 cms, QR = 8cms, and RP = 10cms
From the activities and your conclusion, can you write the converse of pythagoras
theorem?
Converse of Pythagoras theorem.
If the square on one side of a triangle is equal to the sum of the squares
on the other two sides, then those two sides contain a right angle.
2. Pythagorean triplets
Consider the triplet of natural numbers 3, 4, 5. The triangle whose sides are 3,
4, and 5 units is a right angled triangle, since 52 = 42 + 32. Another such triplet is 5,
12, and 13, since 132 = 122 + 52. Such triplets of natural numbers are called Pythagorean
triplets. Write some more examples for Pythagorean triplets.
The sides of a right angled triangle have a special relationship among
them. This relation is widely used in many branches of mathematics,
such as mensuration and trigonometry.
Worked Examples :
1) In ABC, B = 900, AB = 5cms
BC = 12cms find AC
Solution : AC2 = AB2 + BC2
= 52 + 122
= 25 + 144
= 169 Sq.cms
AC =

169 =13 cms

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2) In a right angled ABC, B = 900, AC = 17cm, AB = 8cms find BC.

In ABC, B = 900
AC2 = AB2 + BC2
172 = 82 + BC2
BC2 = 172 82
= 289 64
= 225 sq.cms
BC =

225 =15 cms

3) The sides of a triangle are 7, 24 and 25 units. Prove that it is a right angled triangle.
Name the right angle.
P
Solution :
Let PQR be a triangle
25
7
and PQ = 7 units, QR = 24 units and
RP = 25 units.
Now PQ2 = 72 = 49 Sq. units
R
Q
24
QR2 = 242 = 576 Sq. units
RP2 = 252 = 625 Sq. units
(on squaring)
2
2
PQ + QR = 49 + 576
= 625 Sq. units
2
2
PQ + QR = RP2. units
Triangle is a right angled triangle
(Converse of Py. Theorem. )

( RP is the longest side.)

Q is a right angle
4) A ladder whose foot is 6 mts. from the wall in front of a building, reached a
windowsill 8 m above the ground. What is the length of the ladder?
Solution :
Let the height of the window sill be AB = 8 mts. Distance
between the house and the foot of the ladder = BC = 6 mts.
Let AC be the ladder.
Then ABC = 900
AC2 = AB2 + BC2
Pythagoras theorem
= 82 + 6 2
= 64 + 36
2
AC = 100
AC = 100
AC = 10.

The length of the ladder is 10 mts

213

5) An insect 8m away from the foot of a lamp post which is 6m tall, crawls towards
it. After moving through a distance, its distance from the top of the lamp post is
equal to the distance it has moved. How far is the insect away from the foot of
the Lamp post? [Bhaskaracharyas Leelavathi]
Solution :
Distance between the insect and the foot of the
Lamp post = BD = 8mts. The height of the
Lamp post = AB = 6mts.
After moving a distance. Let the insect be at C,
Let AC = CD = x mts.
BC = (8 x) mts.

In ABC, B = 900.

Pythagoras theorem

AC2 = AB2 + BC2

x2 = 62 + (8 x)2
x2 = 36 + 64 16x + x2

(Transposing)

16x = 100
x =

100
= 6.25
16

(Simplifying)

BC = 8 x
BC = (8 6.25)
= 1.75 mts.

The insect is 1.75 mts. away from the foot of the lamp post.

Exercise : 8.4
1) The sides of a right angled triangle are 5 cms and 12cms, find the hypotenuse.
2) Find the length of the diagonal of a square of side 12 mts.
3) The length of the diagonal of a rectangular playground is 125 mts and the length
of one side is 75 mts. Find the length of other side.
4) Given below are the sides of a triangle. In which cases are the triangles right angled?
(i) 8, 15, 17

(ii) 9, 10, 14,

(iii) 7, 24, 25.

214

5) A ladder 5m. long rests against a wall at a height of 4.8m. from the ground. Calculate
the distance of the foot of the ladder from the wall.
6) Two poles of height 6m and 11m stand vertically on the ground such that the distance
between them is 12m. find the distance between their tops.
7) A man walks 8 km due North, then 5 km to East and 4 km to North. How far
is he from the starting point?
8) A tree 32 m tall broke due to a gale and its top fell at a distance of 16m. from
its foot. At what height above the ground did the tree break?
9) In an equilateral triangle ABC, AN BC. Prove that AN2 = 3BN2.
10) In ABC, AB = AC and BD AC prove that BD2 + CD2 = 2AC.CD
11) AD is the altitude through A in the ABC and DB : CD = 3:1 Prove that
BC2 = 2 (AB2 AC2).
12) A lotus is 20cms above the water surface in a pond and its stem is partly below
the water surface. As the wind blew, the stem is pushed aside so that the lotus
touched the water at 40cms away from the original position of the stem. Originally
how much of the stem was below the water surface? (From Leelavathi of
Bhaskaracharya).

TOUCHING CIRCLES
You are already familiar with circles and their properties. Do the following activities
and find out more properties.
Activity : 1
1) Draw two congruent circles. Join their centres.
2) Draw two intersecting circles with radii 4.5 cms and 3cms. Join their centres.
3) Draw two circles with radii 5.4cms and 3.2cms such that,
(i) They touch each other externally
(ii) They touch each other internally
Mark the point, where the circles touch each other. Join the centres of these circles,
and the point of contact.

215

Write your observations.

(i) regarding the line joining the centres of the circle.
(ii) regarding the line joining the centres and the point of contact.
Theorem 4.
If two circles touch each other, the point of contact and the centres of
the circles are collinear.
R

Data :
To prove :
Construction :

Fig (ii)

Fig (i)

Two circles with centres A and B touch each other at the point
P, externally (in fig 1) and internally (in fig 2) respectively.
A, B, and P are collinear.
Draw the common tangent RPQ at P. Join AP and BP.

Proof :
Statement

Reason

fig (1)
APQ = 900 ........... (i)

Radius through the point of contact is

perpendicular to the tangent.

BPQ = 90 0 ........... (ii)

Same as above

APQ + BPQ = 1800

Adding (i) and (ii)

APB is a straight line

APQ and BPQ is a linear pair.

A, B and P are collinear

fig (2)
AP PQ ............... (iii)

Radius through the point of contact is

perpendicular to the tangent.
216

BP PQ ............. (iv)

(Same as above)

AP and BP are both perpendicular

to the same line PQ

From (iii) and (iv)

AP and BP lie on the same line.

ABP is a line.
A, B and P are collinear.

1. Distance between the centre of touching circles

Activity :
Draw two circles of radii 3.6 and 2.2 cms touching, (i) Externally (ii) Internally.
Measure the distance between the centres in both cases. What is your observation?
You find that,
(1) If two circles touch each other externally, the distance between their centres is equal
to the sum of their radii. [d = R + r]
(2) If two circles touch each other internally, the distance between their centres is equal
to the difference of their radii [d = R r]
Note : Radii of the circles are denoted as R and r.
Worked Examples :
1. Three circles of radii 3cms, 4 cms, and 5 cms, with centers A, B, and C respectively
touch externally as in the figure. Find the perimeter of the ABC.
Solution :
AB = AP + BP Externally touching circles.
= 3 + 4 = 7 cm
BC = BQ + QC Externally touching circles
= 4 + 5 = 9 cms
CA = CR + RA
= 5 + 3 = 8 cms
The Perimeter of the ABC = AB + BC + CA
= 7 + 9 + 8
= 24 cms
217

2) Three circles with centres A, B, and C, touch each other as shown in the figure.
If the radii of these circles are 8 cm, 3 cm and 2 cms respectively, find the perimeter
of the triangle ABC.
Solution :
In ABC
AB = 8 BP

(Internally touching circles)

= 8 3 = 5 cms.
BC = BQ + QC (Externally touching circles)
= 3 + 2 = 5 cms
CA = 8 CR
= 8 2 = 6 cms
Perimeter of ABC = AB + BC + CA
= 5 + 5 + 6
= 16 cms
3) A straight line drawn through the point of contact of two circles whose centres
are A and B intersects the circles at P and Q, respectively, show that AP and
BQ are parallel.
Solution :
Consider two circles with centres A and B,
touching externally as shown in the figure.
In AMP
AM = AP (radii of the same circle)
APM = AMP (i)

AMP = BMQ (ii) (Vertically opposite angles)

In BMQ,
BM = QM, (Radii of the same circle)
BMQ = BQM (iii)
APM = BQM

AP || BQ

From (i) (ii) and (iii)

( APM and BQM are alternate angles)

218

Exercise : 8.5
1) Draw two circles of radii 3.4 cms and 1.8 cms with their centres 5.2 cms apart.
How do these circles touch each other? and why?
2) If the circles of radii 3.4 cms and 1.8 cms are drawn with their centres 1.6 cms
apart, How do they touch each other? Why?
3) Draw triangle ABC, in which BC = 8cm, AC=7cms and AB = 6cms with A, B,
and C as centres. Draw circles of radii 2.5 cms, 3.5 cms and 4.5 cms respectively
and show that these circles touch in pairs.
4) A red and a blue cardboard discs of radii 4.5 cms and 2 cms are fixed to a straight
string of length 10 cms; as shown in the figure. What is the radius of another disc,
which touches the circular discs at P and Q.

5) Two circles of radii 8 cms and 5

cms with their centers A and B
respectively touch externally as
shown in the figure. Calculate the
length of direct common tangent
PQ.

6) In the given figure AB = 8cms. M is the midpoint of AB.

Semi circles are drawn on AB, AM
and MB as diameters. A circle with
centre O touches all three semi
circles as shown. Prove that the
radius of this circle is 1

1
cms.
3

219

2. Properties of tangents drawn to a circle from an external point.

You have already learnt the construction of tangents to a given circle, from an
external point. Now, do the following activities and know more about the properties
of tangents.
Activity : 1
Study the figure given below. Construct two tangents to a circle of radius 3cms,
from a point 5 cms away from the centre.
*
*

Measure the lengths of the tangents AP and AQ.

Measure the angles between the tangents, and
the line joining the centre (O) and the external
point (A). i.e. PAO and QAO .

Measure the angles between the radius and the

line joining the centre and the external point. i.e.,
POA and QOA .

Tabulate the measurements as shown below:

Length of Tangents Angle between the line joining the centre and external point
and tangents
and radius
PA = .... QA = ..... PAO = ....

QAO =...

POA =...

QOA =...

Activity : 2
Draw a circle of radius 5 cms with centre O. Construct two tangents PA and
PB from an external point P at a distance of 13 cms from O.
* Measure, tangents PA, and PB.
* Measure APO , BPO and AOP and BOP .
* Record the measurement in the table as shown.
tangents
PA = ........................
PB = .......................

Angles

APO = .......
BPO = .......

AOP = .......
BOP = .......

From the activities performed what conclusion would you draw?

You find that, (i) The tangents are equal
(ii) The tangents make equal angles with the line joining the centre and the external
point.
(iii) The angles between the radius and the line joining the centre and the external point
are equal.
220

Theorem : 5
The tangents drawn to a circle from an external point are,
(i) equal
(ii) equally inclined to the line joining the external point and the centre
(iii) subtend equal angles at the centre.
Data:
O is the centre of the circle. PA and PB are the tangents drawn from an external
point P. OA, OB and OP are joined.
To prove.
(i) PA = PB
(ii) APO = BPO
(iii) AOP = BOP
Proof :
Statement

Reason

In AOP and BOP,

OA = OB
OAP = OBP = 90 0

OP = OP
AOP BOP
Hence (i) PA = PB
(ii) APO = BPO
(iii) AOP = BOP

Radii of the same circle.

Radius drawn at the point of contact is
perpendicular to the tangent.
Common
RHS Postulate
Properties of congruent triangles.

Worked Examples :
1) A is an external point 26cms, away from the centre of the circle and the length
of the tangent drawn from A to the circle is 24 cms. Find the radius of the circle.
Solution :
Distance between the centre and external
point = OA = 26 cms.
length of the tangent drawn from A to the
circle = AP = 24cms.
221

Join OP.
OP AP (radius drawn at the point of contact
to a tangent is perpendicular.
OPA = 900
OP2 = OA2 PA2
= 262 242
= (26 + 24) (26 24)
= 50 x 2
= 100

OP =

100

OP = 10 cms
The radius of the circle is 10 cms
2) AC, CE, and EH are tangents drawn to the circle,
at B, D and F respectively. Prove CB + EF = CE.
CD = CB. Tangents drawn from external point C.
DE = EF

Tangents from the external point E.

CD + DE = CB + EF By adding

CB + EF = CE
( CD + DE = CE)
3) In the figure AP, AX and AY are the tangents drawn to the circles, prove that
AY = AX.
Solution :
AP = AX....... (1) Tangents drawn from
the external point A
to the circle with
centre C.
AP = AY....... (2) Tangents drawn from
the external point A
to the Circle with
centre D.
AY = AX

From (1) and (2)

222

4) Find the length of the tangent drawn to a circle of radius 8 cms., from a point
which is at a distance of 10cms, from the centre of the circle.
Solution :
OA AP

Radius at the point of contact and the tangent are perpendicular.

OAP = 900

OP2 = OA2 + AP2 (Pythagoras theorem)

AP2 = OP2 OA2
= 1002 82
= 100 64
= 36
AP =

36 = 6 cms

The length of the tangent = 6 cms.

5) In the figure APB is a tangent at P to the circle with centre QPB = 600,
find POQ
Solution : APB is a tangent
OPB = 900
QPB = 600
OPQ = 900 600 = 300

In OPQ
OPQ = OQP = 300

( OP = OQ radii of the same circle)

POQ = 1800 (300 + 300)
POQ = 1200

6) O is the centre of the circle. AB, BC and CA touch the circle at L, M and N
respectively. If B = 700, C = 600, Calculate LOM , LON and MON
Solution :

OLB = 900

AB is a tangent and OL is
perpendicular
223

Also OMB = 900 BC is a tangent and OM

is perpendicular
In the quadrilateral OLBM,

LOM = 1800 700

LOM = 1100
Similarly, MON = 1800 600

MON = 1200
LON = 3600 (1100 + 1200)

( sum of angles at O is 3600)

= 3600 2300

LON = 1300
7) Two concentric circles are of radii 13 cms and 5 cms. Find the length of the chord
of the outer circle which touches the inner circle.
Solution :
Let O be the centre of the concentric circles.
Chord AB touches the inner circle at P. OA,
OB and OP are joined.
In OAP

OP AB.

OA2 = AP2 + OP2 (Pythagoras theorem)

i.e. AP2 = OA2 OP2

= 132 52
= 169 25 = 144

AP =

144 = 12 cms

BP =

144 = 12 cms

Similary in OBP
BP2 = OB2 OP2
= 132 52 = 144
Chord AB = AP + BP
= 12 +12 = 24 cms
The length of the chord AB = 24 cms.
224

8) In the figure XY and PC are common tangents to two touching circles. Prove that
XPY = 900
Solution :
CX = CP

(Tangents from C)

PXC = CPY = x0 ......... (i)

CY = CP
Similarly

PYC = CPX = y0 ..... (2)

In PXY,
PXY + PYX + XPY = 180
x0 + y0 + (x0 + y0) = 1800
x0 + y0 + x0 + y0 = 1800
2x0 + 2y0 = 1800

x + y =

180
2

= 900

i.e. XPY = 900

Exercise : 8.6
1)

From the figure, name

(a) Tangents drawn from A to circle C1.
(b)

Tangents drawn from A to circle C2.

(c)

Tangents drawn from B to circles C1

and C2

(d)

Sets of equal tangents.

2) From the figure find the length of the tangent

CD given AP = 3cm, and PC = 8cm.

225

3) In the figure PA and PB are tangents,

AOB = 1400 what is the measure of APB ?

4) In the figure PAO = 400. What measure of

the POA makes AP a tangent?

5) AB is a tangent to a circle with centre O and A is the point of contact. If

OBA = 450. Prove that AB = OA.
6) Tangents PQ and PR are drawn to the circle from an external point P. If
PQ = 9 cms, and PQR = 600. Find the length of the chord QR.
7) In the figure PQ and PR are tangents to the
circle with centre O. If QPR = 900, Show
that PQOR is a square.

8) In two concentric circles of radii 6cms and 10cms with centre O. OP is the
radius of the smaller circle, OP AB which cuts the outer circle at A and B. Find
the length of AB.
9) In the figure AT and BT are the tangents to a
circle with centre O. Another tangent PQ is
drawn such that TP = TQ. Show that
TAB ||| TPQ

226

10) ABC is an Isosceles triangle in which

AB = AC and sides of the triangle touch
the circle at P, Q and R. Prove that Q
is the mid point of the base BC.

11) The sides of a quadrilateral ABCD are tangents to the circle with centre O. If
AB = 8 cms, and CD = 5cms find AD + BC.
12) TP and TQ are tangents drawn to a circle with
centre O. Show that PTQ = 2 OPQ .

Thales
Thales (640-546 B.C), a Greek mathematician,
was the first who initiated and formulated the
Theoretical Study of Geometry to make astronomy
a more exact science.

Pythagoras
Pythagoras (540 B.C.) a Greek mathematician,
was a pupil of Thales. He proved the well-known
and tremendously useful theorem credited after
his name : The Theorem of Pythagoras.

227