Find the Proof: Tangent Lines & a Circle w/ Square Root of 3 Radius

In summary, the conversation was about finding the proof of the theorem that the distance between two tangent lines on a circle is square root of 3 times the radius of the circle. The picture provided was incorrect as tangent lines only touch the circle at a single point. The conversation ended with the speaker planning to email their teacher for clarification.
  • #1
Miike012
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Homework Statement


Our teacher was talking about something regarding two tangent lines on a circle who distance between the tangent lines is square root of 3 times the radius of the circle...
She wanted us to find the proof of this but I am stumped on where to even look...
Does anyone know what she is talking about?

I added a picture..

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 

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  • #2
Hi Miike012! :smile:
Miike012 said:
Our teacher was talking about something regarding two tangent lines on a circle who distance between the tangent lines is square root of 3 times the radius of the circle...
She wanted us to find the proof of this but I am stumped on where to even look...
Does anyone know what she is talking about?

But they aren't tangent lines. :confused:

Can you give us a clue as to roughly what the theorem was about? :redface:
 
  • #3
Well, first, your picture must be incorrect. A tangent line will touch the circle at a single point only. Are you sure that's all the information you have?
 
  • #4
Thats what I was thinking... I am going to email her right now and ask her..
 

1. What is the equation for a tangent line to a circle with a radius of √3?

The equation for a tangent line to a circle with a radius of √3 is y = ±√3x + c, where c is the y-intercept of the tangent line.

2. How do you find the point of tangency on a circle with a radius of √3?

The point of tangency on a circle with a radius of √3 can be found by setting the equation of the tangent line equal to the equation of the circle and solving for the x-coordinate. The y-coordinate can then be found by plugging the x-coordinate into the equation of the circle.

3. Can a circle with a radius of √3 have more than one tangent line?

Yes, a circle with a radius of √3 can have two tangent lines, one with a positive slope and one with a negative slope. This is because the tangent line must be perpendicular to the radius of the circle at the point of tangency, and the radius can be drawn in two different directions from the center of the circle.

4. How does the radius of a circle affect the number of tangent lines it can have?

The radius of a circle does not affect the number of tangent lines it can have. Any circle, regardless of its radius, can have a maximum of two tangent lines.

5. Can a tangent line to a circle with a radius of √3 be horizontal or vertical?

Yes, a tangent line to a circle with a radius of √3 can be horizontal or vertical. This occurs when the tangent line is parallel to the x-axis or y-axis, respectively, and passes through the point (0, √3) on the circle.

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