CIRCLES II

Symmetry involving Chords

Every diameter is an axis of symmetry of the circle.

1. A radius that is perpendicular to a chord divides the chord into two equal parts and
vice
versa.

For instance,

2. The perpendicular bisector of any two chords intersect at the centre of a circle.

3. Two chords that are equal in length are equidistant from the centre and vice versa.
For instance,

4. Chords of the same length cut arcs of the same length.

For instance,

Example 1:
In the diagram, O is the centre of the circle PQRS. PTR is a straight line. Given QT = 4
cm, and TS = 19 cm, calculate the length of PR.

Solution:
QS is a diameter. OS and OQ are radii.

Angles in Circles

1. An angle may be subtended by a minor arc at four possible positions as shown.

(a) Angle at the centre : x

(b) Angle at the circumference: y
(c) Angle inside the circle: z.
(d) Angle outside the circle: a

2. Similarly, an angle may be subtended by a major arc at four possible positions as

shown.

(a) Angle at the centre : p

(b) Angle at the circumference : q

(c) Angle inside the circle : r
(d) Angle outside the circle : s

1. Angles that are subtended at the circumference by the same arc are equal.
Example

1. Angles subtended at the circumference by arcs of the same length are equal and vice
versa.

Example

(a)

(b)

2. Angles subtended at the centre of a circle by arc of the same

length are equal and vice
versa.
Example
(a)

GH = IJ = KL. Therefore, a = b = c.

(b)

If p = q = r, then GH = IJ = KL

1. Size of angle at the centre is twice the size of angle at the circumference subtended
by the
same arc.
Angle at centre = 2 x angle at circumference.

2. Size of angle at the centre is twice the size of angle at the circumference
subtended by
arcs of the same length.

If arc PQ = RS, then, p = 2q

Every angle subtended at the circumference in a semicircle is a right angle.

Example 2:
In the diagram, O is the centre of the circle and AOC is a straight line. Find the value of
(a) x

(b) y

(c) z .

Solution:

Cyclic Quadrilaterals

1. A cyclic quadrilateral is a quadrilateral around which a circle can be drawn to pass

through

all its vertices.

2. Every vertex of a cyclic quadrilateral lies on the circumference of the circle.

Example
(a)

(b)

1.The interior opposite angles are interior angles that are opposite to each other. d is the
interior opposite angle of e and vice versa. Likewise f is the interior opposite
angle of g
and vice versa.
Example,

d + e = 180o
f + g = 180o
2. The sum of interior opposite angles of a cyclic quarilateral is equal to 180o
Therefore, in the example shown, d + e = 180o and f + g = 180o
3. Exterior angles are equal to corresponding interior opposite angles.
Example,

q is an exterior angle. Its corresponding interior opposite angle is a. Therefore, q = a.

Example 3:
In the diagram shown, find
(a) x

(b) y

Solution;
(a) Angle subtended by major arc PQM at the centre is 230o and at the circumference
is x.

(b)

Example 4:
Based on the diagram, find the value of p and q.

Solution:

Common Errors