Problems generally fall into a few basic groups: viz; Problems with No tangent Problems with One tangent Problems with Two tangents
Problems with One Tangent If the circle has one tangent, then look for any opportunity to use the theorem which says that the angle between tangent and chord is equal to angle in the alternate segment.
Once you understand what to do with the information above, then you should see the solution in less than 1 minute, and be able to complete the problem in less than 5 minutes. Examples: Parallel lines - alternate angles, (Z angles) Notice that angle between Tangent FG and Chord HI is o 20 , so the angle in the Alternate segment x = 20. Similarly y = 35
Alternate angles are equal ( angle x at the elbows of the Z are the same)
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90
In all other cases, tangent or no tangent, look out for the following
90
60
0 0
angle
All other angles are derived from the above: Terms you need to know:
Angles at center (100) = twice angle at circumference (y=50) Isosceles triangles, are formed whenever one point of a triangle is at the center of the circle and the other two points touch the circumference ( Triangle OJR). This means that the two base angles (x) are equal.
Perpendicular at right angles Bisect divide into two equal parts Perpendicular bisector a line which is at right angles to another line and which passes through its mid point.
Example: Explain how you would construct the following angles using ruler and compass only.
45
0
; 1350 ;
30
165
; 1200 ,
157.5
Solution:
Angles in the same segment (JR) are equal <RKJ = <RAJ = x ( if the chord is not given on the diagram, use your pencil and create it in dotted lines as shown.
1) 2) 3) 4) 5)
is found by first constructing a 900 then bisecting ( divide equally) the 900 .
45
and
135 30
0
= = = =
90
0 0
+
0 0
45
Angle in a semicircle <PQN = 90 o This topic is simply about remembering a set of rules, so even if you struggle with math, this topic is where you can Pick up marks quite easily during the CXC exam. Here are a few tips to solve the majority of these problems.
60 135
(construct
60
165 120
0 0
+ -
30 60
180
10