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ExamsJEE AdvancedMaths

Tangents are drawn to the two concentric circles x² + y² = a² and x² + y² = b² such that the two tangents are perpendicular to each other. The locus of their point of intersection is a third concentric circle. Find its radius.

  1. sqrt(a² + b²)
  2. sqrt(a² - b²)
  3. a + b
  4. (a + b)/2

Correct answer: sqrt(a² + b²)

Solution

The perpendicular distances from the common centre to the two tangents equal the respective radii a and b, and because the tangents meet at right angles these two distances together with OP form a rectangle, giving OP² = a² + b², so the locus is a circle of radius sqrt(a² + b²).

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