\( \overline{J K} \) and \( \overline{J L} \) are tangent to the circle. Find the length of \( \overline{J L} \).
Answer: \(BL = 6\)
Step 1 :Let \(O\) be the center of the circle, \(\overline{J K} \) and \( \overline{J L} \) are tangent to the circle at points \(A\) and \(B\), respectively.
Step 2 :By the tangent and radius theorem, \(\angle OAJ = \angle OBL = 90^\circ\). Hence, \(OJ\) is the geometric mean of \(JA\) and \(JL\).
Step 3 :Apply the Pythagorean theorem to triangle \(\Delta OAJ\): \(OJ^2 = OA^2 - AJ^2\)
Step 4 :Apply the Pythagorean theorem to triangle \(\Delta OBL\): \(OJ^2 = OB^2 - BL^2\)
Step 5 :Set the two equations equal to each other: \(OA^2 - AJ^2 = OB^2 - BL^2\)
Step 6 :Plug in the given values: \((10)^2 - (8)^2 = (10)^2 - BL^2\)
Step 7 :Solve the equation for \(BL\): \(BL^2 = 36\)
Step 8 :Take the square root to find the length of \(\overline{J L} \): \(BL = \sqrt{36}\)
Step 9 :Answer: \(BL = 6\)