Question Details

ABC is an isosceles triangle where AB = AC which is circumscribed about a circle. If P is the point where the circle touches the side BC, then which of the following is true?

Options

A

BP = PC

B

BP > PC

C

BP < PC

D

BP = 1/2 PC

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option A

BP = PC

Solution :

The correct option is BP = PC.

Let us understand the geometric properties of a circle inscribed in a triangle step-by-step.

Step 1: Identify the points of contact
Let the circle touch the sides AB, BC, and AC of triangle ABC at the points Q, P, and R respectively.

Step 2: Apply the Tangent Theorem
According to the properties of circles, the lengths of two tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal. Applying this theorem to the vertices of triangle ABC:
1. From vertex A, the tangents are AQ and AR. Therefore:

AQ=AR

2. From vertex B, the tangents are BQ and BP. Therefore:

BQ=BP

3. From vertex C, the tangents are CR and CP. Therefore:

CR=CP

Step 3: Utilize the Isosceles Triangle Property
We are given that ABC is an isosceles triangle where:

AB=AC

The side AB can be written as the sum of its segments AQ+BQ, and the side AC can be written as the sum of its segments AR+CR. Thus:

AQ+BQ=AR+CR

Step 4: Solve for the relationship between BP and PC
Since we know from Step 2 that AQ=AR, we can subtract this equal length from both sides of the equation:

BQ=CR

Now, substituting the tangent relationships BQ=BP and CR=CP into this equation gives:

BP=CP

Or equivalently:

BP=PC

Thus, the point of contact P bisects the side BC, proving that BP=PC is true.

Unlock Our Free Library

Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.

Discover more resources

You may also like

Mock Tests

View All
  • CTET
  • intermediate
  • No time limit
  • child development and pedagogy, mathematics, social science

  • SSC
  • intermediate
  • 2 hours and 30 mins
  • child development and pedagogy, mathematics, social science

Ask AI Tutor
5 left
Q1 View Question & Options
AI Tutor is solving this question...
Reading question context & options...