Multiple choice

A point P is 26 cm. away from the centre O of a circle and PT is the tangent drawn from P to the circle is 10 cm., then OT is equal to -

  1. 36 cm.

  2. 20 cm.

  3. 18 cm.

  4. 24 cm.

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Since PT is tangent to the circle, OT ⟂ PT. Using the Pythagorean theorem in right triangle OTP: OP² = OT² + PT². Given OP = 26 cm (distance from center) and PT = 10 cm (tangent length), we have OT² = OP² - PT² = 26² - 10² = 676 - 100 = 576. Therefore, OT = √576 = 24 cm.