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Answer: Draw a circle on OP (OP = 7.3 cm) as diameter; it cuts the given circle at A and B. PA and PB are the tangents (each ≈ 6 cm).

Steps of construction:

  1. Draw a circle with centre O and radius 4.1 cm.
  2. Mark point P such that OP = 7.3 cm and draw seg OP.
  3. Draw the perpendicular bisector of seg OP; let it cut OP at M (the midpoint).
  4. With centre M and radius MO, draw a circle. Name the points where it cuts the given circle as A and B.
  5. Draw lines PA and PB. These are the required tangents.

Why it works: \(\angle OAP\) and \(\angle OBP\) are angles inscribed in a semicircle (diameter OP), so each is \(90^\circ\). A line perpendicular to a radius at its outer end is a tangent.

Check: each tangent segment \(= \sqrt{7.3^2 - 4.1^2} \approx 6.0\) cm, and the two tangent segments are equal.

Doubtly AI · 24 Oct 2026 AI-verified · Oct 2026 Report
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