Two circles with centres O and O′ intersect at two points A and B. A line PQ is drawn parallel to OO′ through A(or B) intersecting the circles at P and Q. Find the ratio PQ:OO′.


Answer:

2:1

Step by Step Explanation:
  1. Consider the image below:


    We see that the line drawn at point O perpendicular to OO′ meets the line PQ at a point R.
    A similar line drawn at O′ meets PQ at a point S.
    Now, PA is a chord, and OR is a line perpendicular to it drawn from the centre of the circle.
    We know that a perpendicular drawn from the centre of a circle to a chord bisects the chord. Therefore, OR bisects PA, i.e. PR = RA or PA = 2RA.
  2. Similarly, AQ = 2AS.
    We know, PQ = PA + AQ
    ⇒ PQ = 2RA + 2AS
    ⇒ PQ = 2(RA + AS)
    ⇒ PQ = 2OO′   (RA + AS is the same as OO′)
  3. The ratio of PQ:OO′ is 2:1.

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