Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.

4)
H. Lam
First compiled April 2008
Updated May 5, 2011

Terminology
4
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Arcs
14
Equal arcs/chords & . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Angles
at circumference & centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
in a semicircle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
in the same segment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17
18
22
24

Chords
26
from centre to chord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Equal chords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Intersecting chords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Cyclic Quadrilaterals
33
Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Exterior of cyclic quad.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Non collinear points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Tangents & Secants
Tangent & Radius Thm . . . . . .
Touching circles . . . . . . . . . . .
Angles in the alternate segment
Intercepts of secants . . . . . . . .
Tangent-Secant Corollary . . . . .
Tangent from an ext. pt. . . . . .

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39
40
41
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46
48

Circle Geometry
Daunting!

Proofs!!

How can I remember all these definitions/theorems/corollaries?

Learn by:
1. Attending class.
2. Paying attention to what teacher has to say...
3. Do the work.
Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 2 / 49

Circle Geometry
When using the Theorems/Corollaries as results, state the contents of the theorem/corollary, not the
reference.
These slides available from http://web1.northsydbo-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/ navigate to
Year 10 Mathematics

Topic 04 Circle Geometry

handout.pdf
Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 3 / 49

Terminology

4 / 49

Definitions
Definition 1 (Circle)
A circle is a set of points in a plane that are the equidistant from a fixed
point in that plane.

Definition 2 (Semicircle)
A semicircle is a half circle bounded by a diameter & half of the
circumference of the circle.
Definition 3 (Chord)
A chord (AB) is a segment joining two points on a circle. A chord that
passes through the centre is a diameter.

O
A

B
O

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 5 / 49

Definitions (continued)
Definition 4 (Radius)
The radius (OA) is a line joining the centre of a circle to a point on the
circle.

Definition 5 (Secant)
A secant (AB) is a straight line that cuts the circle in two points.
Note that a line in Euclidean geometry continues forever, while a segment commences at one point and continues to another,
implying it is finite in length.

B
O

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 6 / 49

Definitions (continued)
Definition 6 (Arc)
An arc (AB) a part of the circumference of a circle. Denoted arc AB.
O
A

Definition 7 (Sector)
A sector is a part of the plane bounded by two radii & an arc.
Major sector

Minor sector
A

Definition 8 (Collinear points)

Collinear points are a set of points that form one straight line.

C
A

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 7 / 49

Definitions (continued)
Definition 9 (Segment)
A segment is part of the plane bounded by a chord & an arc.
Minor segment

A
B
O

Major segment

Definition 10 (Concentric circles)

Concentric circles are circles that have the same centre but different
radii.

r1

O
r2

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 8 / 49

Definitions (continued)
Definition 11 (Tangent)
A tangent is a line that touches the circle at one point only.
O
A

Definition 12 (Perpendicular bisector)

A perpendicular bisector to a line AB bisects the line AB and is
perpendicular to the line AB.

Definition 13 (Subtend)
To extend under, be opposite to.
Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 9 / 49

Definitions (continued)
Definition 14 (Standing on)
An angle stands on an arc/interval if it subtends that arc/interval.
Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 10 / 49

Definitions (continued)
Example
The arc/chord AB extends below AOB. Hence (arc/chord) AB subtends AOB.
The angle at the centre AOB is [subtended by]/[standing on] arc/chord AB.

B
A
Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 11 / 49

Definitions (continued)
C

Example
ABC is subtended by AC
BAC is subtended by BC

Chord BC subtends BAC

Chord AB subtends ACB

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 12 / 49

In the same segment

P

Result When a pair of different angles are subtended by the same

arc, they are also in the same segment

AP B is in the same segment as AQB (standing on the arc

AB)

B
PA
Q

Definition 15 (Cyclic quadrilateral)

A cyclic quadrilateral (P QBA) is a quadrilateral whose vertices lie
on the circumference of the same circle.

B
A

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 13 / 49

Arcs

14 / 49

Equal arcs/chords & angles

Theorem 1
Equal arcs subtend equal angles at the centre of the circle.

Converse: If angles at the centre of the circle are equal,

then they are subtended by equal arcs.

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 15 / 49

Equal arcs/chords & angles

Corollary 1.1
Equal chords subtend equal angles at the centre of the circle.

Converse:
If angles at the centre of the circle are equal,
then they are subtended by equal chords

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 16 / 49

Angles

17 / 49

Angles at circumference & centre

Theorem 2
The angle at the centre of the circle is twice the angle at the circumference subtended by the same arc.
Converse: The angle at the circumference of the circle is half of the angle at the centre of the circle
subtended by the same arc.
P

O
2
R
Q

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 18 / 49

Angles at circumference & centre

Case 1

Case 3

O
2

2
R

Case 2

Case 4

R
O
O
2

P
2

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 19 / 49

Angles at circumference & centre

Proof: (of cases 1 & 2)

Draw the line from P to a new point X that passes

through O.

P OQ and P OR are then isosceles triangles.

2
X

Split QP R into QP X = and RP X = . Since

base of isosceles are equal, then

OP Q = OQP =

OP R = ORP =

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 20 / 49

Angles at circumference & centre

Proof: (of cases 1 & 2)

By the exterior angle of a triangle,

OP Q + OQP = OQX

OQX = 2
OP R + ORP = ROX

2
X

ROX = 2
R

QOR = 2 + 2

= 2QP R
Cases 3 & 4 can be proven by using the above with
Theorem 3.
Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 21 / 49

Angle in a semicircle
Corollary 2.1 (Angle in a semicircle)
The angle at the circumference in a semicircle is a right angle.
X
P

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 22 / 49

10

Angle in a semicircle
Proof:

X
P

The angle at the centre is P OQ = 180 .

By Theorem 2, the angle at the centre of the circle
is twice the angle at the circumference subtended
by the same arc P Q. Hence

O
P OQ = 2P XQ
P XQ = 90
Q

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 23 / 49

Angles in the same segment

R

Theorem 3
Angles at the circumference standing on the same/equal arcs
are equal.
Alternatively, angles at the circumference in the same
segment are equal.

Q
R

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 24 / 49

11

Angles in the same segment

R

Corollary 3.1
If an interval subtends equal angles at two points on the
same side, then the end points of the interval & those two
other points are concyclic. This is the converse of Theorem 3.

S
Q

Cases 3 & 4 of Theorem 2 can be proven in similar steps

by drawing an angle in the same segment that resembles
Case 1.

P
R
S

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 25 / 49

Chords

26 / 49

Perpendicular from the centre to a chord

Theorem 4
A perpendicular line from the centre of a circle to a chord bisects the chord.

Q
M

P
Note: its converse is also true.

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 27 / 49

12

Perpendicular from the centre to a chord

Proof In OP M and OQM ,
OM is common
OP = OQ (radius of circle)

OM P = OM Q (given)
OP M OQM (RHS)
Q

P M = QM (corresponding sides of congruent triangles)

M
P

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 28 / 49

Equal chords
Theorem 5
Equal chords are equidistant from the centre of the circle.
P
M
Q

Q
M
P
Prove via congruent triangles, similar to Theorem 4
Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 29 / 49

13

Intersecting chords
Theorem 6
The product of intercepts of intersecting chords are equal, i.e.
AX XB = CX XD
A
C
X

D
B
Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 30 / 49

Intersecting chords
A

Proof Join AD and CB. In AXD and CXB:

AXD = CXB
(vertically opposite )

C
X

DAX = BCX
(angles subtended by the same arca )

ADX = CBX
(angles subtended by the same arc)

a Theorem

CXB (AAA).

AXB
3

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 31 / 49

14

Intersecting chords
A

Proof (continued) Since ADB CDB, the

corresponding sides of both triangles are in the same ratio,
i.e.

C
X

AX
XD
=
CX
XB
AX XB = CX XD

D
B

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 32 / 49

Cyclic Quadrilaterals

33 / 49

Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral

Theorem 7
The opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral are supplementary, i.e.
+ = 180
+ = 180
B
A

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 34 / 49

15

Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral

Converse: If the opposite angles of a quadrilateral are supplementary, then it is cyclic. Its vertices are
concyclic.
Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 35 / 49

Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral

Proof By Theorem 2, obtuse DOB = 2 and reflex DOB = 2. Thus the revolution about O (being
360 ) can be expressed as
2 + 2 = 360

+ = 180

It is sufficient to show one pair of opposite angles are supplementary. (Why?)

B
A

2
2

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 36 / 49

16

Exterior angle of a cyclic quadrilateral

B

Theorem 8
The exterior angle of a cyclic quadrilateral equals
the interior opposite angle.
Converse:

.....................................

.................................................

.................................................

Proof By Theorem 7, BCD = 180 DAB. Since DE is a straight line,

BCE = 180 BCD
= 180 (180 DAB)
= DAB
Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 37 / 49

Non collinear points

Theorem 9
Any 3 non collinear points lie on a unique circle. Its centre is the intersection of any two perpendicular bisectors
of the intervals joining the points.

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 38 / 49

17

Tangents & Secants

39 / 49

Tangent & Radius Theorem

Theorem 10
The tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius at the
point of contact.
Converse:

..............................................

..........................................................
P

..........................................................

..........................................................
Proof The perpendicular distance from O to the tangent (circumference) is the shortest distance. Any other
distance would not be a radius.
Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 40 / 49

Touching circles
Theorem 11
The line through the centre of touching circles passes through their point of contact. The two centres and the
point of contact are collinear
Note: This applies also to one circle is within another and with their circumference comes into contact at one
point.

O1

Y
O2

Proof Use Theorem 10 and show O1 Y O2 = 180.

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 41 / 49

18

Angles in the alternate segment

Theorem 12
The angle between a tangent and a chord through the point of
contact, is equal to the angle at the circumference in the alternate
(other) segment.

B
C

P
A

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 42 / 49

Angles in the alternate segment

C

Proof
Construct a line from A through the center O, the diameter
AC and join BC .

B
C

Then AC B = ACB = (Theorem 3).

P
A

Also ABC = 90 (Corollary 2.1)

Then BAC = 90 (angle sum of )
Since OA P Q (Theorem 10),
BAQ = 90 BAC =
as required.
Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 43 / 49

19

Intercepts of secants
Theorem 13 (Intercepts of secants)
The product of the intercepts of secants from an
external point are equal, i.e.

M
C

MA MB = MC MD
D

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 44 / 49

Intercepts of secants
Proof In M DA and M BC,

BM C (common angle)
M BC = M DA (angles at the circumference
subtended by the same minor arc AC)

M DA M BC (AAA). Hence all corresponding

sides are in the same ratio, i.e.
MC
MB
=
MA
MD
MA MB = MC MD

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 45 / 49

20

Tangent-Secant Corollary
Corollary 13.1 (The tangent-secant theorem)
The square of the length of the tangent from an
external point is equal to the product of the intercepts
through this point, i.e.

M
B

MB MB = MF MJ
M B2 = M F M J

Note that this is a special case of Theorem 13, when

one of the secants becomes a tangent.
J

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 46 / 49

Tangent-Secant Corollary
Proof In BM J and BM F ,
BM F (common angle)
M

BJM = M BF (angles in the alternate

segment, Theorem 12)

BM J BM F (AAA). Hence all corresponding

sides are in the same ratio, i.e.

MJ
MB
=
MB
MF
M B2 = M F M J

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 47 / 49

21

Tangent to a circle from an external point

Theorem 14
Tangents to a circle from an external point are equal in
length.

M
B

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 48 / 49

Tangent to a circle from an external point

Proof In OAM & OBM :
OAM = OBM = 90 (by Corollary 14)
M

OM (common)
OA = OB (radii of circle)

OAM OBM (RHS),

and AM = BM (corresponding sides of )
O
A

Circle Geometry (S.G.S. 5.3.4), updated May 5, 2011 49 / 49

22