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Circle Theorems

Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral

Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral

  • Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°.
    • Here x + y = 180°
Proof

Proof

  • Label the opposite angles, then draw two radii from the other corners.
  • Use ‘angle at centre twice that at the circumference’ to get the angles at the centre as 2x, 2y.
Proof continued

Proof continued

  • Since angles at a point add up to 360°:
    • 2x + 2y = 360° and so x + y = 180°.

Circle Theorems

Lengths of tangents

Lengths of tangents

  • Two tangents to the same circle from the same point (C) will be the same length.
    • Here AC = BC
Proof

Proof

  • Add radii from the points, A and B, where the tangents touch and draw a line from the centre of the circle, O to where the tangents meet, C.
Proof continued

Proof continued

  • These are congruent triangles (by using the 'RHS' rule).
  • They share a common side (length x) and another side which is a radius.
  • Therefore the remaining side, the tangent, is the same length for both.
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