Question

What is the distance between two parallel tangents of a circle of radius 4 cm?

Answer 1

Given: Radius r = 4 cm.

Step-wise calculation:

1. A tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact, so the perpendicular distance from the centre to each tangent equals r.

2. For two parallel tangents on opposite sides of the circle, the distance between the tangents equals the sum of those perpendicular distances = r + r = 2r.

3. Substitute r = 4 cm:

2r = 2 × 4

= 8 cm

The distance between the two parallel tangents is 8 cm.