Number of tangents from a point
The number of tangents from a point depends on whether the point lies inside, on, or outside the circle.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
From a point outside a circle, two tangents can be drawn. From a point on the circle, only one tangent can be drawn. From a point inside the circle, no tangent can be drawn. This result is very useful in figure-based questions.
Example
From an external point P, tangents PA and PB can be drawn to the circle.
Simple analogy
Outside: two, on: one, inside: none.
Common confusion
Students often say two tangents can be drawn from any point. That is not true for points inside the circle.
Exam tip
First check the position of the point relative to the circle. That decides the number of tangents immediately.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of number of tangents from a point in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define number of tangents from a point and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain number of tangents from a point, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
Practice this concept with focused MCQs
Open the concept quiz intro first, review the test details, and then start a focused MCQ set from this concept only. Instant score and answer review are live now.
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