The geometric definition of tangents to a circle provides the basic knowledge needed to study line interaction with curved shapes. The present exercise analyzes how tangents connect with circles at a single point while establishing their connection to radii together with chords and secants. The comprehension enables us to establish important properties through logical reasoning together with construction processes. Each question provides scenarios that require students to use triangle congruence and perpendicular lines together with the measured distance from a fixed point.
This Story also Contains
Students benefit from the Exercise 10.1 NCERT Solutions from Class 10 Maths since these solutions help them effectively solve geometric problems. Core geometry abilities which form a foundation for advanced geometric methods become stronger through study of these fundamental characteristics in this field. The NCERT Books based exercise teaches students to identify the unique number of circle tangents together with the unique tangents from external points and their radius-tangent perpendicularity.
Q1 How many tangents can a circle have?
Answer:
Tangents are the lines that cross the circle precisely at a single point. There can be an endless number of tangents in a circle. This can be shown by the figures below:
(a) One
In a single point, a circle's tangent crosses the circle precisely.
(b) Secant
It is a line that intersects the circle at two points.
(c) Two,
There can be only two parallel tangents to a circle.
(d) Point of contact
The common point of a tangent and a circle.
(A) 12 cm
(B) 13 cm
(C) 8.5 cm
(D) $\sqrt { 119}$ cm.
It is given that the radius of the circle is 5 cm. OQ = 12 cm

According to the question,
We know that $\angle QPO=90^0$
So, triangle OPQ is a right-angle triangle. By using Pythagoras' theorem,
$PQ =\sqrt{OQ^2-OP^2}=\sqrt{144-25}$
$=\sqrt{119}$ cm
Therefore, the correct option is (d) = $\sqrt { 119}$ cm
Also Read-
1. Concept and definition of a tangent to a circle: A straight line which touches a circle only at a single point without entering it makes up a tangent. At the point where a circle and the tangent line interact, there forms the point of contact while the tangent line remains at right angles to the radius drawn from this point.
2. Number of tangents a circle can have: A circle allows an infinite number of tangents to exist because one can create a tangent from every location on its circumference. A given point outside the circle permits only two possible tangents to touch it.
3. The condition of tangency (line touches the circle at only one point): A tangent maintains its extraordinary feature by never entering inside the circle while touching the circle exclusively at one point. Gas makes it unique from both secant and chord connections.
4. Use of Pythagoras' theorem in radius-tangent situations: A right triangle appears when drawing a tangent from outside the circle as the radius meets the line extending from the external point to the center. The tangent length becomes possible to calculate through the application of the Pythagoras theorem.
5. The length equality applies to tangents created when using any external point: Any two tangents originating from a common outside circle point share the identical length. The fundamental property proves useful throughout multiple geometric constructions along with multiple proofs.
6. Difference between secants and tangents: A secant connects two points on a circle and enters the interior while touching the circle only at one unique point. Identifying this distinction proves vital when resolving multiple geometric tasks related to circles.
Also see-
Students must check the NCERT solutions for class 10 of the Mathematics and Science Subjects.
Students must check the NCERT Exemplar solutions for class 10 of the Mathematics and Science Subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Concepts covered in Class 9 such as radius, centre, chord, segment and sector are prerequisite for NCERT solutions for Class 10 Maths chapter 10 exercise 10.1
A tangent is a line that intersects the circle at only one point
Outside circle line does not touch any point, on circle line touches one point and in the circle, line touches two points
Only one theorem is covered till NCERT solutions for Class 10 Maths 10 exercise 10.1
The tangent is perpendicular to the radius via the point of contact at any point on a circle.
Two activities are covered till NCERT solutions for Class 10 Maths 10 exercise 10.1
Ncert activities help us to visualize the concepts of tangent and circle by applying them in real life
There are 4 questions in Class 10 Maths chapter exercise 10.1. Question 2 consists of four fill in the blank Question 3 consists of 4 subparts.
On Question asked by student community
Dear Student,
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) sets the syllabus of Class 8 subjects with the latest chapters and topics. The syllabus is the key to academic success.
Download CBSE Class 8 Syllabus for 2025-26
Dear Student,
Please check CM Shri School Admission Test Question Paper 2026–27 PDF (Class 6, 9, 11)
Dear Student,
Please check CBSE Class 10 Social Science Question Paper 2026 - Exam Pattern, Analysis
Dear Student,
Check your CBSE 9th Class Result 2026 Here
Hello Student,
you can click on the article link. We have mentioned in detail on how to locate the centre.
Link - CBSE Board Exam Centre List 2026: Class 10, 12 Center Locator/Finder
Hope this helps!
As per latest syllabus. Physics formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters
As per latest syllabus. Chemistry formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters
As per latest 2024 syllabus. Study 40% syllabus and score upto 100% marks in JEE
As per latest syllabus. Maths formulas, equations, & theorems of class 11 & 12th chapters