Q.If two chords of a circle intersect each other, prove that the product of the segments of one chord is equal to the product of the segments of the other chord.

Let the chords PQ and RS of a circle intersect at point X. We need to prove that the product of the segments of one chord equals the product of the segments of the other chord, i.e., \[ PX \cdot XQ = RX \cdot XS \] Proof: In triangles ∆PXS and ∆RXQ: ∠SPQ = ∠SRQ  [They subtend the same arc of the circle] ⇒ ∠SPX = ∠XRQ Also, ∠PSR = ∠PQR  [They subtend the same arc] ⇒ ∠PSX = ∠RQX And ∠PXS = vertically opposite ∠RXQ ∴ ∆PXS and ∆RXQ are similar triangles. So, \[ \frac{PX}{RX} = \frac{XS}{XQ} = \frac{PS}{RQ} \] That implies, \[ \frac{PX}{RX} = \frac{XS}{XQ} \] Or, \[ PX \cdot XQ = RX \cdot XS \quad \text{(Proved)} \]
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