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?
Correct Answer :
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 , , and of triangle at the points , , and 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 :
1. From vertex , the tangents are and . Therefore:
2. From vertex , the tangents are and . Therefore:
3. From vertex , the tangents are and . Therefore:
Step 3: Utilize the Isosceles Triangle Property
We are given that is an isosceles triangle where:
The side can be written as the sum of its segments , and the side can be written as the sum of its segments . Thus:
Step 4: Solve for the relationship between BP and PC
Since we know from Step 2 that , we can subtract this equal length from both sides of the equation:
Now, substituting the tangent relationships and into this equation gives:
Or equivalently:
Thus, the point of contact bisects the side , proving that is true.
Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.
Create, conduct, and manage professional online assessments with Mindyard. Perfect for teachers and institutes.
Copyright © 2026 Mindyard. All Rights Reserved.