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Now let's learn how to draw a tangent to a circle using a straight edge and a compass.

You can draw your own tangent line to a circle using a straight edge and a compass. Work through the following set of slides to learn how. Then, you will get an opportunity to practice your skills.

Step 1

Constructing a Tangent to a Circle

Start with a circle with center O and a point P on the circle.

Step 2

Constructing a Tangent to a Circle

Using a straight edge draw a line starting at the center O and going through P.

Step 3

Constructing a Tangent to a Circle

Put your compass on point P and draw two points, Q and R on the line OP. These points should be the same length from point P.

Step 4

Constructing a Tangent to a Circle

Measure out the length QR as shown above.

Step 5

Constructing a Tangent to a Circle

Draw the point S by creating two arcs from points Q and R. Where the arcs intersect will be the point S. Use the same length as step 4.

Step 6

Constructing a Tangent to a Circle

Now, draw the line PS. This is your tangent line to circle O.