Answer:
x = 15
Step-by-step explanation:
Since PQ is a tangent then ∠ OPQ is a right angle, that is the angle between a tangent and the radius at the point of contact.
Thus Δ OPQ is right with hypotenuse = 9 + 8 = 17
Using Pythagoras' identity in the right triangle, then
x² + 8² = 17²
x² + 64 = 289 ( subtract 64 from both sides )
x² = 225 ( take the square root of both sides )
x = [tex]\sqrt{225}[/tex] = 15
