A circle that has a radius of 5 centimeters, and there is a chord measuring 8 centimeters in length. What is the distance from the center of the circle to the chord?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. 3 centimeters.
Chord (AB) = 8 cm
Half chord (AP) = 8/2 = 4 cm
Distance from the center of the circle to the chord = OP
Since OP ⊥ AB, ∠OPA = 90°
In ΔOAP, OP = √(OA2 - AP2)
= √(52 - 42)
= √(25 - 16)
= √9
= 3 cm