Math Problem Statement

Diagram also

Construct according to the following instructions: 1. Draw a circle O with a radius of 3 cm. 2. Draw a diameter AB and another diameter CD such that AB ⊥ CD. 3. Draw tangents to the circle at points A, B, C, and D. 4. Let these tangents intersect each other at points P, Q, R, S. What quadrilateral is formed?

Solution

To solve and construct according to the given instructions, follow these steps:

  1. Draw a circle OO with radius 3 cm:

    • Use a compass to draw a circle with a radius of 3 cm, marking its center as OO.
  2. Draw a diameter ABAB and another diameter CDCD such that ABCDAB \perp CD:

    • Draw a straight line passing through OO and mark two points AA and BB on the circumference such that ABAB is a diameter.
    • Next, draw another straight line perpendicular to ABAB through OO, marking two points CC and DD on the circumference. This ensures ABCDAB \perp CD.
  3. Draw tangents to the circle at points A,B,C,A, B, C, and DD:

    • For each point (A,B,C,DA, B, C, D), construct tangents using the fact that a tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius at the point of tangency.
  4. Let these tangents intersect at points P,Q,R,P, Q, R, and SS:

    • Extend the tangents drawn from AA and BB until they meet, marking the intersection as PP.
    • Extend the tangents drawn from BB and CC, marking their intersection as QQ.
    • Similarly, find the intersections for C,DC, D (RR) and D,AD, A (SS).
  5. Determine the quadrilateral PQRSPQRS:

    • Since the tangents are constructed symmetrically at A,B,C,A, B, C, and DD, and ABCDAB \perp CD, the resulting quadrilateral PQRSPQRS will be a rectangle.

Answer:

The quadrilateral formed is a rectangle.


Do you want a step-by-step geometric explanation or visual representation of the construction?


Here are some related questions to expand your understanding:

  1. How do you mathematically verify that PQRSPQRS is a rectangle?
  2. What properties of tangents and diameters ensure symmetry in this construction?
  3. How can you calculate the area of PQRSPQRS using the radius of the circle?
  4. What happens to PQRSPQRS if ABAB and CDCD are not perpendicular?
  5. How can the construction change if the circle's radius is altered?

Tip: Always double-check the perpendicularity and tangent properties during construction to ensure accuracy.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Circle geometry
Tangents
Perpendicularity
Properties of quadrilaterals

Formulas

Length of tangent from an external point: √(d^2 - r^2)
Properties of a rectangle: Opposite sides are equal, and diagonals bisect each other.

Theorems

A tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius at the point of tangency.
The angle between two perpendicular diameters creates symmetric tangent lines.

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10