Tangent

Definition of Tangent

• A tangent to a curve at a point is a straight line that touches the curve at that point.    

 

Examples of Tangent

• The line AB is a tangent to the circle at P.

• A tangent line to a circle contains exactly one point of the circle.
• A tangent to a circle is at right angles to the radius of the circle at its point of contact.

                              

Solved Example on Tangent

Find the number of tangents that can be drawn from a point inside a circle to the circle.

Choices:

A.  1

B.  2

C.  infinite

D.  0

Correct Answer:  D

Solution:

Step 1: No tangent can be drawn from a point inside a circle to it.

            

Related Terms for Tangent

• line
• curve

Additional Links for Tangent

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