silemus.

21Equal tangent lengths

From an external point P, two tangents touch a circle at A and B. PA = 3x + 2 and PB = 5x − 8. Find x and the length PA.

Since tangents from the same external point P are equal, PA = PB gives 3x+2 = 5x−8, so x = 5, and PA = 3(5)+2 = 17. Check: PB = 5(5)−8 = 17 ✓, matching PA.

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