The circle shown below has ab and bc as its tangents. If the measure of arc ac is 120°, what is the measure of angle abc?

To find the measure of angle ABC, we can use the fact that the measure of an angle formed by two tangents drawn from a point outside the circle is equal to half the difference of the measures of the intercepted arcs.

In this case, the intercepted arc is arc AC, which measures 120°. The measure of the entire circle is 360°, so the measure of arc AOC (the arc opposite to AC) is:

  • 360° – 120° = 240°

Now, we can apply the formula for the angle formed by the tangents:

  • Angle ABC = ½ (measure of arc AOC – measure of arc AC)
  • Angle ABC = ½ (240° – 120°)
  • Angle ABC = ½ (120°)
  • Angle ABC = 60°

Therefore, the measure of angle ABC is 60°.

More Related Questions