Draw two concentric circles of radii 3 cm and 5 cm. Taking a point on outer circle construct the pair of tangents to the other. Measure the length of a tangent and verify it by actual calculation.
Solution
Steps of construction
1. Draw two concentric circles with center O and radii 3 cm and 5 cm
2. Taking any point P on outer circle, Join P and O
3. Draw perpendicular bisector of OP let M be the mid point of OP
4. Taking M as centre and OM as radius draw a circle which cuts inner circle at Q and R
5. Join PQ and PR. Thus PQ and PR are required tangents
On measuring PQ and PR we find that PQ = PR = 4 cm
Calculations
[using pythagoras theorem]
Hence the length of both tangents is 4 cm.