To find the measurement with two secants, which expression is correct?

Study for the Geometry Regents Exam. Enhance your skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions, including hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your test!

To determine the correct expression for the measurement involving two secants, it is essential to understand the secant-secant product theorem. This theorem states that if two secants are drawn from an external point to a circle, then the products of the lengths of the entire secant and its external segment are equal.

In this case, let's define x as the length of the external segment of one secant, n as the length of the part of the secant that intersects the circle, y as the length of the external segment of the other secant, and m as the length of the part of that secant which intersects the circle. According to the theorem, the relationship can be modeled as:

(x)(x+n) = (y)(y+m)

This reflects that the product of the lengths of the entire secant (which is x + n) and its external part (x) equals the product of the lengths of the entire second secant (y + m) and its external segment (y). Therefore, the equation correctly represents the relationship between the two secants.

The other options do not accurately convey the necessary relationship dictated by the secant-secant theorem. For instance, the option that shows them as mere sums or equal ratios

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