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Circle Theorems

Angles in the same segment are equal

Angles in the same segment are equal

  • All triangles drawn from a chord in the same segment will have the same angle at the circumference.
Proof

Proof

  • Draw in radii from the ends of the chord.
  • Label the angle at the centre.
Proof continued

Proof continued

  • Using ‘angle at centre twice that at the circumference’ we see that
    z = 2x, z = 2y and so x = y.

Circle Theorems

Alternate segment theorem

Alternate segment theorem

  • The angle between a tangent and a chord is always equal to the angle at the circumference of any triangle formed from the chord.
Proof

Proof

  • Draw in a diameter from the point where the tangent touches. Connect it to the other end of the chord.
Proof continued

Proof continued

  • Using ‘radius and tangent meet at a right angle’ we get a right angle where the diameter meets the tangent.
  • Using ‘angle in a semicircle is 90°’ we get that the angle at the other end of the chord is a right angle too.
Proof continued

Proof continued

  • We find that the angle at the bottom of the diameter is the same as x.
  • Using ‘angles in same segment’ we get that x = y.

Circle Theorems

Internal intersecting chord theorem

Internal intersecting chord theorem

  • If two chords intersect inside the circle, the following relationship is true:
    • |AS| × |SB| = |CS| × |SD|
External intersecting chord theorem

External intersecting chord theorem

  • If two chords intersect outside of the circle, the following relationship is true:
    • |MN| × |NO| = |OP| × |PQ|
Jump to other topics
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Numbers

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Equations, Formulae & Identities

3

Sequences, Functions & Graphs

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Geometry

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Vectors & Transformation Geometry

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Statistics & Probability

Practice questions on Circle Theorems 3

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  1. 1
    What is angle x?Multiple choice
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    What is angle x?Multiple choice
  3. 3
    What is angle x?Multiple choice
  4. 4
    What is angle x?Multiple choice
  5. 5
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