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Let C 1 and C 2 be two circles which do not externally touch and intersect each other and O 1 , and O 2 be the centers of the circles, respectively. Let AB be the common transverse tangent to the circles such that P, Q are the points of tangency respectively to C 1 , C 2 . Let R be the point of intersection of O 1 O 2 and AB. If ∠ PO 1 R = 60°, find ∠ QO 2 R and ∠ QRO 2 , respectively.
45° and 45°
20° and 70°
40° and 50°
60° and 30°
60° and 30°
In the case of common transverse tangents, the triangles formed by centers, tangency points, and the intersection point on the line of centers are similar, thus corresponding angles are equal.
Two circles C1,C2 with centers O1,O2 and common transverse tangent AB touching at P and Q. Transverse tangent AB meets O1O2 at R. Given ∠PO1R=60°.
ΔO1PR∼ΔO2QR
In the case of common transverse tangents, the triangles formed by centers, tangency points, and the intersection point on the line of centers are similar, thus corresponding angles are equal.
Students often assume the triangles are congruent without verifying the ratio of radii, or confuse transverse and direct tangents.
Analyze Tangency Properties
Since AB is a tangent to C1 at P, O1P⊥AB. Similarly, O2Q⊥AB. Thus, ∠O1PR=∠O2QR=90°.
∠O1PR=∠O2QR=90°
Establish Similarity
Triangles ΔO1PR and ΔO2QR share vertically opposite angles at R (∠O1RP=∠O2RQ). Thus, ΔO1PR∼ΔO2QR by AA similarity.
ΔO1PR∼ΔO2QR
Calculate Angles
Given ∠PO1R=60°, in right ΔO1PR, ∠PRO1=180°−90°−60°=30°. Since ΔO1PR∼ΔO2QR, ∠QO2R=∠PO1R=60° and ∠QRO2=∠PRO1=30°.
∠QO2R=60°,∠QRO2=30°
D is correct because the similarity of the two right-angled triangles ensures that corresponding angles match the given 60° and the derived 30°.
This property of transverse tangents forming similar triangles is analogous to properties of common direct tangents and helps in solving complex geometry coordinate problems.