ICSE Class 10 • 2023 • 4 Marks

Circles: Intersecting Chords and Tangent-Secant Theorem

Official examination question with verified M1/A1 mark scheme and step-by-step mathematical reasoning.

Problem Statement

In the given circle, chords $AB$ and $CD$ intersect internally at $P$. If $AP = 8\text{ cm}, PB = 3\text{ cm}$ and $CP = 4\text{ cm}$, find $PD$. If $PT$ is a tangent drawn from an external point $P'$ on secant $P'AB$ such that $P'A = 4\text{ cm}$ and $AB = 5\text{ cm}$, find the length of tangent $P'T$.

Verified Solution & Marking Scheme

Intersecting Chords Theorem for PD
When two chords intersect internally at $P$: $AP \times PB = CP \times PD$ $8 \times 3 = 4 \times PD \implies 24 = 4 PD \implies PD = 6\text{ cm}$
Tangent-Secant Theorem for Tangent P'T
For external point $P'$ on secant $P'AB$: $P'T^2 = P'A \times P'B$ Here $P'A = 4\text{ cm}$ and $P'B = P'A + AB = 4 + 5 = 9\text{ cm}$.
Calculate Length of Tangent P'T
$P'T^2 = 4 \times 9 = 36 \implies P'T = \sqrt{36} = 6\text{ cm}$
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