2016 · Q59
If two tangents inclined at an angle 60° are drawn to a circle of radius 3 cm, then what is the length of each tangent?
Elementary MathematicsCircles
- A33 cm
- B3 cm
- C6 cm
- D22 cm
Explanation
The angle between the two tangents is 60°, so each tangent makes 30° with the line from the external point to the centre. In the resulting right triangle, tangent length = r/tan30° = 3/(1/√3) = 3√3 cm. That is option A (rendered '33 cm').