A circle with center O has a radius of 5 cm. A point P is outside the circle, and a tangent from P to the circle is 12 cm long. What is the length of the shortest distance from P to the circle?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Given:
Radius of the circle = 5 cm
Tangent PT = 12 cm
By the formula:
OP² = PT² + r²
OP² = 12² + 5²
OP² = 14° + 25°
OP² = 16°
OP = 13°
Shortest distance = OP − r = 13 − 5 = 8
Shortest distance from P to the circle = 8 cm