1. Lesson 6.1 – Properties of Tangent Lines to a Circle
HW: Lesson 6.1/1-8

2. Using Properties of Tangents
Radius to a Tangent Conjecture
If a line is tangent to a circle, then it is perpendicular to the radius drawn to the point of tangency. D 
𝐴𝐵 | 𝐵𝐷

3. Is TS tangent to R? Explain
Using Properties of Tangents
Is TS tangent to R? Explain
If the Pythagorean Theorem works then the triangle is a right triangle  TS is tangent ? ?
NO! ∆RST is not a right triangle so SR is not | to ST

4. In the diagram, AB is a radius of  A. Is BC tangent to  A? Explain.
Using Properties of Tangents
In the diagram, AB is a radius of  A.
Is BC tangent to  A? Explain.
If the Pythagorean Theorem works then the triangle is a right triangle  BC is tangent ? ?
NO! ∆ABC is not a right triangle so AB is not | to BC

5. Using Properties of Tangents
In the diagram, S is a point of tangency.
Find the radius of r of circle T.
36+ r

6. In the diagram, is a radius of  P . Is  P tangent to ?
Using Properties of Tangents
In the diagram, is a radius of  P . Is  P tangent to ?
If the Pythagorean Theorem works then the triangle is a right triangle  BC is tangent ? ?
YES! ∆ABC is a right triangle so PT is | to TS

7. Using Properties of Tangents Tangent Segments Conjecture
If two segments from the same exterior point are tangent to the circle, then they are congruent.

8. Using Properties of Tangents
Tangent segments, from a common external point
to their points of tangency, are congruent ● ●

9. Using Properties of Tangents
x2 - 4
is tangent to R at S.
is tangent to R at V.
Find the value of x.
Tangent segments are congruent

10. Using Properties of Tangents
Any two tangent lines of a circle are equal in length.
2x + 10 = 3x + 7
2x + 3 = 3x
3 = x

11. Using Properties of Tangents
In C, DA, is tangent at A and DB is tangent at B.
Find x. ● ●
25= 6x -8
33= 6x
5.5 = x

12. Using Properties of Tangents
PRACTICE
Using Properties of Tangents

13. is tangent to  C at S and is tangent to C at T. Find the value of x
is tangent to  C at S and is tangent to C at T. Find the value of x. is tangent to Q. Find the value of r.
28= 3x + 4
24= 3x
7 = x

14. Using Properties of Tangents
A tangent line is perpendicular to the radius of a circle, therefore use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve for the unknown length.
a2 =
a2 =
a2 = 100
a = 10

15. Using Properties of Tangents
A tangent line is perpendicular to the radius of a circle, therefore use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve for the unknown length. Look for the length x, outside the circle.
Let r be the radius of the circle, and let y = x + r.
y2 =
y2 =
y2 = 400
y = 20 y
Since y = x + r and r = 12
x + 12 = 20
x =
x = 8

16. Using Properties of Tangents
x2 + 2
AB is tangent to C at B.
AD is tangent to C at D.
Find the value of x.
AB = AD
Two tangent segments from the same point are 
11 = x2 + 2
Substitute values
9 = x2
Subtract 2 from each side.
3 = x
Find the square root of 9.

17. Using Properties of Tangents
Find the values of x, y, and z.
All radii are ≅
y = 15
∆UVR is a right triangle
Tangent segments are ≅
z = 36

18. Using Properties of Tangents
In the diagram, B is a point of tangency. Find the radius of  C

19. Using Properties of Tangents
You are standing 14 feet from a water tower (R). The distance from you to a point of tangency (S) on the tower is 28 feet. What is the radius of the water tower? ●
Radius = 21 feet
Tower

20. Is tangent to C ?

21. Using Properties of Tangents
Find the value of x.