Circles and Geometric Shapes | Exercise 5.4

Question 3

Solve the previous question using the Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem.

Question diagram 1
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Solution

We need to prove that chords AB and GF are equal in length.

Step 1 — Chord bisection

Let's look at the given information. We have a circle with center C. Line segment CE is perpendicular to chord AB. This means E is the midpoint of AB. So, AE is half of AB.

AE=AB2AE = \frac{AB}{2}

Similarly, CH is perpendicular to chord GF. This means H is the midpoint of GF. So, GH is half of GF.

GH=GF2GH = \frac{GF}{2}

Diagram 1

Step 2 — Apply Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem

Now, let's consider the right-angled triangles formed. Triangle CEA is a right-angled triangle at E. Using the Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem:

CA2=CE2+AE2CA^2 = CE^2 + AE^2

Triangle CHG is a right-angled triangle at H. Using the Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem:

CG2=CH2+GH2CG^2 = CH^2 + GH^2

Step 3 — Compare the triangles

We know that CA and CG are radii of the same circle. Therefore, their lengths are equal.

CA=CGCA = CG

Squaring both sides, we get:

CA2=CG2CA^2 = CG^2

Now, let's substitute the expressions from Step 2:

CE2+AE2=CH2+GH2CE^2 + AE^2 = CH^2 + GH^2

We are given that CE = CH. So, their squares are also equal:

CE2=CH2CE^2 = CH^2

Subtracting CE² from both sides of the equation:

AE2=GH2AE^2 = GH^2

Since AE and GH are lengths, they must be positive. Taking the square root of both sides:

AE=GHAE = GH

Step 4 — Conclude the proof

From Step 1, we established that AE = AB/2 and GH = GF/2. Since AE = GH, we can substitute these values:

AB2=GF2\frac{AB}{2} = \frac{GF}{2}

Multiplying both sides by 2:

AB=GFAB = GF

Answer

We have proved that AB = GF.

More questions in Exercise 5.4

Q1

Use the Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem to show why Theorem 6 must be true.

Q2

Consider Fig. 5.15. If CE is perpendicular to AB, CH is perpendicular to GH, and CE = CH, show that AB = GF.

Q3

Solve the previous question using the Baudhāyana–Pythagoras theorem.

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