finding the value of X with circles and tangents

[johnrizzo79]

i really need some help-im flunking geometry right now,and i can use some step-by-step help to figure out some problems.

Line segments AB and AD are tangent to circle C. Find the value of X.

i dont know how to draw it out-just tell me how to solve anything that has to do with the subject. give me any problem-ill just how to do it over the th other problems.

 

[Denis]

Re: please help-finding the value of X with circles.

Your question is a bit like:
an apple and a banana cost $1.45 ; how much does a cherry cost?

 

[johnrizzo79]

Re: please help-finding the value of X with circles.

haha im sorry-ill try to clear it up [this is gonna be hard to explain,so bear with me.] the question reads "AB and AD are tangent to Circle C. Find the value of x". then theres a picture-which is the problem. its shows a circle,the center is C-then attached to the circle,theres a tringle on its side-it looks kinda like this- O>. THEN,B is on TOP of the circle,and D is on the bottom. On the top of the TRIANGLE,there like an equation-x2-1 (the 2 means squared). then on the BOTTOM,theres the number 24. THEN,on the tip of the triangle,theres the letter A. i guess you kinda have to draw it out-what im asking is how exactly do you find the x-vaule with the given information? im really sorry-but thats the best i can explain it with

 

[Denis]

Re: please help-finding the value of X with circles.

Not bad John!

Did you know that 2 tangent lines from one point outside a circle to the circle are EQUAL in length?
So with yours, AB = AD.
Since AB = x^2 - 1 and AD = 24, then x^2 - 1 = 24 : can you solve that for x ?
If not, you need help from your teacher; we can't TEACH here.