Power of a point P intersects the circle at A and B, the endpoints of the diameter. Their respective products of distances are equal to each other and to the power of point P in that circle This equality is sometimes known as the ""secant-tangent theorem"", ""intersecting chords theorem"", or the ""power-of-a-point theorem"". The power of a point is used in many geometrical definitions and proofs. For example, the radical axis of two given circles is the straight line consisting of points that have equal power to both circles. For each point on this line, there is a unique circle centered on that point
Distance from a point to a line The line through these two points is perpendicular to the original line, so Thus, formula_7 and by squaring this equation we obtain: Now consider, using the above squared equation. But we also have, since ("m", "n") is on "ax" + "by" + "c" = 0. Thus, and we obtain the length of the line segment determined by these two points, This proof is valid only if the line is not horizontal or vertical. Drop a perpendicular from the point "P" with coordinates ("x", "y") to the line with equation "Ax" + "By" + "C" = 0. Label the foot of