The theorem is illustrated below.

Proof: Construct the triangles
and
by drawing radii as below.

since both are radii of the circle and
is common to both. Further, angle
since these are between a tangent and a radius. From Pythagoras theorem,
so![]()
The theorem is illustrated below.

Proof: Construct the triangles
and
by drawing radii as below.

since both are radii of the circle and
is common to both. Further, angle
since these are between a tangent and a radius. From Pythagoras theorem,
so![]()