A circle has a radius of 5 cm. From a point P, which is 13 cm away from the center of the circle, a tangent is drawn to the circle, touching it at point T. What is the length of the tangent segment PT?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Given:
Radius of the circle = 5 cm
Distance of point P from the center = 13 cm
According to the formula:
Length of the tangent = √(OP² − r²)
PT = √(13² − 5²)
= √(169 − 25)
= √144
= 12 cm