In the diagram below, PS is a tangent to circle O at point S, POR is a secant, PS =x, PQ = 3, and PR =x+18. X. R. S. (Not drawn to scale) What is the length of PS?

Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
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ISBN:9781337614085
Author:Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
Publisher:Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
ChapterP: Preliminary Concepts
SectionP.CT: Test
Problem 1CT
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**Extra Credit**

In the diagram below, \( \overline{PS} \) is a tangent to circle \( O \) at point \( S \). \( \overline{PQR} \) is a secant. \( PS = x \), \( PQ = 3 \), and \( PR = x + 18 \).

\[
\begin{align*}
&\hspace{5mm} \quad P \\
&\hspace{15mm}/ \quad \backslash \\
&\hspace{10mm} / \quad \quad \backslash \\
&\hspace{5mm} / \quad \quad \quad \backslash \\
&O \quad \quad \quad \quad \backslash \\
& \overline{\ ENS} \quad \quad \\
& \overline{\ ENS} \quad \quad \\
&R \quad (Not\ drawn\ to\ scale) \\
&S \\
\end{align*}
\]

*What is the length of \( \overline{PS} \)?*

**Explanation of the diagram:**

- The circle is labeled \( O \) and has a point \( P \) outside the circle.
- \( S \) is the point on the circle where the tangent \( \overline{PS} \) touches.
- A secant line, \( \overline{PQR} \), intersects the circle at points \( Q \) and \( R \).
- The lengths given are:
  - \( PS = x \)
  - \( PQ = 3 \)
  - \( PR = x + 18 \)

**Objective:**
To find the length of \( \overline{PS} \).

**Important Concepts**:
1. The Tangent-Secant Theorem: For a circle, if a tangent from an external point and a secant from the same external point is drawn, then the square of the length of the tangent is equal to the product of the lengths of the entire secant and its external segment.

\[ \overline{PS}^2 = \overline{PQ} \cdot \overline{PR} \]

2. Using the given values:
\[ x^2 = 3 \cdot (x + 18) \]

Solve for \( x \):
\[
x^2 = 3x + 54 \\
x
Transcribed Image Text:**Extra Credit** In the diagram below, \( \overline{PS} \) is a tangent to circle \( O \) at point \( S \). \( \overline{PQR} \) is a secant. \( PS = x \), \( PQ = 3 \), and \( PR = x + 18 \). \[ \begin{align*} &\hspace{5mm} \quad P \\ &\hspace{15mm}/ \quad \backslash \\ &\hspace{10mm} / \quad \quad \backslash \\ &\hspace{5mm} / \quad \quad \quad \backslash \\ &O \quad \quad \quad \quad \backslash \\ & \overline{\ ENS} \quad \quad \\ & \overline{\ ENS} \quad \quad \\ &R \quad (Not\ drawn\ to\ scale) \\ &S \\ \end{align*} \] *What is the length of \( \overline{PS} \)?* **Explanation of the diagram:** - The circle is labeled \( O \) and has a point \( P \) outside the circle. - \( S \) is the point on the circle where the tangent \( \overline{PS} \) touches. - A secant line, \( \overline{PQR} \), intersects the circle at points \( Q \) and \( R \). - The lengths given are: - \( PS = x \) - \( PQ = 3 \) - \( PR = x + 18 \) **Objective:** To find the length of \( \overline{PS} \). **Important Concepts**: 1. The Tangent-Secant Theorem: For a circle, if a tangent from an external point and a secant from the same external point is drawn, then the square of the length of the tangent is equal to the product of the lengths of the entire secant and its external segment. \[ \overline{PS}^2 = \overline{PQ} \cdot \overline{PR} \] 2. Using the given values: \[ x^2 = 3 \cdot (x + 18) \] Solve for \( x \): \[ x^2 = 3x + 54 \\ x
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