Math Problem Statement

In the given figure, O is the center of the circle, and QT is a tangent. If the measure of ∠AQT = 45° and AQ = 20 cm, then find the area of the ΔQDR.

Solution

To solve for the area of QDR\triangle QDR, let's analyze the given information:

  1. Circle Properties and Tangent:

    • OO is the center of the circle, and QTQT is a tangent to the circle at point QQ.
    • Since QTQT is tangent at QQ, OQT=90\angle OQT = 90^\circ.
  2. Given Information:

    • AQT=45\angle AQT = 45^\circ, so OQR=45\angle OQR = 45^\circ because AQTAQT and OQROQR share the same arc in the circle.
    • AQ=20cmAQ = 20 \, \text{cm}.
  3. Right Triangle OQA\triangle OQA:

    • Since OQOQ is perpendicular to the tangent QTQT at point QQ, OQA\triangle OQA is a right triangle with QOA=45\angle QOA = 45^\circ.
    • Since OQA\triangle OQA is a right triangle and QOA=45\angle QOA = 45^\circ, OAQ=45\angle OAQ = 45^\circ as well, making OQA\triangle OQA an isosceles right triangle.
    • Thus, OQ=AQ/2=20/2=102OQ = AQ / \sqrt{2} = 20 / \sqrt{2} = 10\sqrt{2} cm.
  4. Finding Area of QDR\triangle QDR:

    • Since OQ=OROQ = OR, QDR\triangle QDR is an isosceles right triangle (with OQR=45\angle OQR = 45^\circ).
    • The area of QDR\triangle QDR can be calculated using the base OQ=102OQ = 10\sqrt{2} cm and height QR=102QR = 10\sqrt{2} cm.

    Area of QDR=12×OQ×QR=12×102×102=12×200=100cm2\text{Area of } \triangle QDR = \frac{1}{2} \times OQ \times QR = \frac{1}{2} \times 10\sqrt{2} \times 10\sqrt{2} = \frac{1}{2} \times 200 = 100 \, \text{cm}^2

Final Answer:

The area of QDR\triangle QDR is 100cm2100 \, \text{cm}^2.

Would you like further details or have any questions about this solution?

Here are some related questions to expand on this concept:

  1. What is the significance of the tangent property in circle geometry?
  2. How can you determine the length of other segments in a similar circle problem with tangents?
  3. How does the concept of isosceles right triangles apply to circle geometry?
  4. What other properties of circles and tangents could be useful in solving related problems?
  5. How would the solution change if AQT\angle AQT was different?

Tip: In geometry problems involving circles, identifying tangents and radii relationships is key, as tangents are always perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Circle Geometry
Right Triangles
Tangent Properties
Trigonometry

Formulas

Area of a triangle: (1/2) × base × height
Length of sides in an isosceles right triangle: Hypotenuse = Side × √2

Theorems

Tangent-Radius Theorem: A tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius at the point of tangency
Isosceles Right Triangle Properties

Suitable Grade Level

Grade 10-12