Two chords PQ and RS of a circle intersected at right angles at a point inside the circle. If ∠QPR = 35o,find ∠PQS
Answer Details
Since PQ and RS intersect inside the circle at right angles, then the line joining the point of intersection to the center of the circle will bisect both chords. Let O be the center of the circle, and let T be the point of intersection of the two chords. Then, angle QTR = 90 degrees and the angle subtended by chord PQ at the center O is twice angle QPR. Therefore, angle POQ = 2 * angle QPR = 70 degrees (since angle QPR = 35 degrees). Similarly, angle ROS = 70 degrees. Since PQ and RS are chords of a circle, then angle POQ = angle PTS and angle ROS = angle TQS. Thus, angle PTS + angle TQS = 140 degrees. Also, angle PTS + angle PTQ + angle QTS = 180 degrees (because they form a straight line). Therefore, angle TQS = 180 - 140 - 90 = 50 degrees. Since angle PQT = angle RQT (because they are opposite angles), then angle PQS = angle RQS = (180 - angle QTS)/2 = (180 - 50)/2 = 65 degrees. Therefore, the answer is 55 degrees.