Step 1: Evaluating Assertion (A):
The assertion posits that a quadrilateral \( OAPB \) formed by tangents \( PA \) and \( PB \) from an external point \( P \) to a circle with center \( O \) is cyclic.
Key geometric properties dictate that tangents from an external point to a circle are equal in length and perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact.
Consequently, \( \angle OAP = \angle OBP = 90^\circ \).
In quadrilateral \( OAPB \), the sum of these opposite angles is:\[\angle OAP + \angle OBP = 90^\circ + 90^\circ = 180^\circ\]This fulfills the condition for a cyclic quadrilateral:
a quadrilateral is cyclic if a pair of its opposite angles sum to \(180^\circ\).
Thus,
Assertion (A) is substantiated.
Step 2: Evaluating Reason (R):
The reason states: "In a cyclic quadrilateral, opposite angles are equal."
This statement is
inaccurate. The correct geometric principle is:
in a cyclic quadrilateral, opposite angles are supplementary (their sum is \(180^\circ\)), not necessarily equal.
Therefore,
Reason (R) is invalidated.
Step 3: Final Assessment:
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Assertion (A) is verified as true: Quadrilateral \( OAPB \) is indeed cyclic due to the \(180^\circ\) sum of angles at \( A \) and \( B \).
-
Reason (R) is determined to be false: Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral are supplementary, not necessarily equal.
Correct Analysis: Assertion (A) is true, while Reason (R) is false.