Tangent Lines from Different Positions

Explore how many tangent lines can be drawn based on point position

Live Status

Point Position
Drag point P
Distance to Center
-
Number of Tangents
-
Current Case
-
Updates as you drag P

Case 1: Inside Circle

  • Point P is inside the circle
  • No tangent lines possible
  • All lines through P intersect circle twice

Case 2: On Circle

  • Point P is on the circle
  • Exactly one tangent line
  • Tangent touches circle at P only

Case 3: Outside Circle

  • Point P is outside the circle
  • Exactly two tangent lines
  • Two points of contact: T₁ and T₂