High School

AB and AC are two chords of a circle. The tangents at B and C meet at P. If ∠BAC = 54°, then the measure of ∠BPC is

A. 54°
B. 108°
C. 72°
D. 36°

Answer :

The measure of ">∠BPC" is 108°, found by using the property of circles that states the angle between a tangent and a chord is equal to the angle in the alternate segment. Therefore, the correct answer is option B.

To solve this, we can use properties of a circle and its tangents. According to the properties, angle formed between a tangent and a chord through the point of contact is equal to the angle subtended by the chord in the alternate segment.

Since ">∠BAC" is 54°, this means ">∠BPC" will be twice as much because it is an exterior angle to triangle ABC formed by extending line AC to point P. Therefore, ">∠BPC" = 2 imes 54° = 108°. Therefore, the correct answer is option B.