I s-eem to be

9oil)9 arovl)d
ii) circles-.

Contents
13:01 Circles 13:05 Angle properties of circles (2)
Investigation 13:01 Circles in space GeoGebra activity 13:05 Angle properties (2)
GeoGebra activity 13:01 Terms used in circle Investigation 13:05 Diameter of a circumcircle
geometry 13:06 Tangent properties of circles
13:02 Chord properties of circles ( 1) 13:07 Further circle properties
GeoGebra activity 13:02 Chord properties GeoGebra activity 13:07 Intersecting chords
Investigation 13:02 Locating the epicentre and secants
of earthquakes Fun spot 13:07 How do you make a bus stop?
13:03 Chord properties of circles (2) 13:08 Deductive exercises involving the circle
13:0' Angle properties of circles ( 1) Fun spot 13:08 How many sections?
GeoGebra activity 13:04 Angle properties ( 1) Maths terms, Diagnostic test, Assignments

Syllabus references (See pages x-xv for details.)

Measurement and Geometry
Selections from Circle Geometry [Stage 5.3#]
• Prove and apply angle and chord properties of circles (ACMMG272)
• Prove and apply tangent and secant properties of circles (NSW)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working Mathematically
• Co1nmunicating • Problem Solving • Reasoning • Understanding • Fluency
 •

PREP OUIZ 13:01

For 1 to 9, give the name of that part.
6
8 9 10

The distance around How many

7
the circle. sectors are shown?

0 is the centre.

The Prep quiz above has reviewed the terms associated with circles with
which you should be familiar. In later sections we will investigate some
relationships between angles in circles. Before we can do this we need
to define some new ter1ns.

Secant
A line that intersects a curve in two places.

Angle at the centre

An angle formed by joining the ends of an arc or chord to the
centre of a circle. (We say LAOB is an angle at the centre standing
0
on the arc or chord AB.)

Angle at the circumference

An angle formed by joining the ends of an arc or chord to another
point on the circumference. (We say LACB is an angle at the
circumference standing on the arc or chord AB.)
---- B
--- --
-

Angles in the same segment

A chord divides a circle into two segments. The larger segment is
called the major segment and the smaller is called the minor
segment. In the diagram, LAXB is in the major segment and LAYB
is in the minor segment. Angles AXB and ATB are in the same segment. B

13 Circle geometry
Angles standing on the same arc _..------_ major arc AB
Two points A and B divide a circle into two arcs. The •
ma1or
larger arc is called the major arc and the smaller is segment
called the minor arc. When the ends of an arc or A ------:-------- B
minor
chord are joined to two different points in the same
segment
segment, the angles are said to be standing on the
minor arc AB
same arc.

x y
y
Ls AXB and AYB are Ls AXB and AYB are Ls AXB and AYB are
standing on the minor standing on the major not standing on the
arc AB. arc AB. same arc.

Subtend
If the ends of an interval AB are joined to a point C, the angle formed c
/\
''
(LACB) is the angle subtended at C by the interval AB. In circle geometry, /
/
/

''
/
/
''
we speak about angles subtended at the circuni.ference by the arc (or chord) /
/
/
''
// '' B
AB or angles subtended at the centre by the arc (or chord) AB. A

D Copy the diagram and show on separate drawings:

a the angle at the centre standing on the arc AC
b the angle at the centre subtended by the arc AD
c the angle subtended at D by the arc BC c
d the angle at C standing on the arc AD.

lfl a Name an angle at the circumference that is standing on the arc:

i AX ii BY
b Name two angles at the circumference that are standing on the arc: B

i XY ii AB

EJ a Which two angles are standing on the arc EA?

b Which three angles are standing on the arc AC?
c How many angles does the arc DB subtend at the circumference?
d The chord DA divides the circle into minor and major segni.ents. c
Name the angle in the minor segment.
e Only one angle is subtended at the centre. On which chord A
is it standing?

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

B a Name two angles standing on:
i the minor arc BC
ii the major arc BC.
b The chord BC divides the circle into major and
minor seg1nents. Name two angles in: E
i the minor segment
ii the major segment.

II The diagram shows a number of parallel lines and a circle. The tangent T
is coloured green. T is the point of contact (where the tangent and the
circle n1eet) and 0 is the centre of the circle.
a Use the diagram to complete the following. The angle between 0
a tangent and the radius drawn to the point of contact is ...

b Draw a circle and mark a point, X, outside the circle. Use a ruler -----A
to draw two tangents to the circle through X. Join the points of
contact to the centre and measure the angles between the • x
tangents and the radii. Are they right angles?

Yov'll need tJie5e B

D Use a ruler and compass to perform _ _,,,,
for tJ, i5 qve5tio n.
the fallowing constructions
involving tangents.

a Construct a tangent to a circle at a given point on the circle.

•0 +
0 0 0 0

b Construct the tangent to a given circle from an external point.

p p p p
•

0
• 0 0 0 0

c Construct a circle given its centre and a tangent .

• •0 • 0
0 0 0

13 Circle geometry
 INVESTIGATION 13:01 CIRCLES IN SPACE
The properties of circles have been used to discover
measurements related to the Earth and the Moon. Measured to be
•Eratosthenes, in 200 BCE, noticed that the Sun was directly a full circle

overhead at a certain time in Syene in Egypt. At exactly the

same time in Alexandria, which was due north of Syene, the Rays
from sun
Sun was about of a circle south of the zenith (i.e. of a c
1
full circle away from being directly overhead). He reasoned 50 of the
circumference
therefore that the distance between the cities must be about
1 of the Earth's circumference.
50
• Aristarchus devised an ingenious n1ethod for determining the ratio between the distance to
the Moon and the radius of the Earth using the average duration of a lunar eclipse and the
length of the month. A simple property of circles was used in his derivation, namely that the
arc of a circle subtended by an angle at its centre is proportional to the radius of the circle.
That is, if you double the radius, you double the arc length.
• Aristarchus' method, involving simple triangle and circle geometry, resulted in an estimate
for the Moon's distance from Earth of 80 Earth radii. The actual distance is in fact about
60 Earth radii.

Modern measurements of astronomical distances

Measure Measurement (km)

Radius of the Sun 695 OOO

Radius of the Earth 6378

Radius of the Moon 1738

Earth to the Sun (centre to centre, average distance) 149 594000

Earth to the Moon (centre to centre, average distance) 384393

II GEOGEBRA ACTIVITY 13:01 TERMS USED IN CIRCLE GEOMETRY

Click and drag points to learn about J
1najor and minor arcs and segments as
well as angles standing on arcs or angles
at the centre. Then choose the exercise
to test your knowledge of angles at the
centre standing on various arcs.

An·g les can stan·d on ·e ither a major arc or .a minor arc.

1

Ang le s .arie s.ai d to su btien·d·ed by an arc.,

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

 •

A perpendicular drawn to a chord from the centre of a circle bisects the chord,
and the perpendicular bisector of a chord passes through the centre.
Perpendicular lineS'
We can use congruent triangles to prove this result. form ri9Jit an9leS"...

Prove that AM = MB if 0 is the centre and

OM is perpendicular to the chord AB.

Construction: Draw in OA and OB.

Proof: In OAM and OEM:

B
1 LAMO = LBMO = 90° (OM l_ AB)

1- means 'is 2 AO= BO (radii of the circle)

perpendicular to'. 3 OM is common .
.·. (RHS)
:. AM= MB (matching sides of congruent
.·. The perpendicular bisects the chord. QED
There is only one perpendicular bisector of a chord, so it must be the
one that passes through the centre.

The line from the centre of a circle to the midpoint of the chord meets the chord at right angles.

We can use congruent triangles to prove this result. WJien vS'in9 con9rvent
Data: 0 is the centre of the circle and M trian9leS", don't be fooled
is the midpoint of the chord AB. by tJieir orientationS'.
Aim: To prove that OM is perpendicular to AB.

B
Construction: Draw OA and OB.

Proof: In OAM and OEM:

1 AM= MB (Mis the 1nidpoint of AB)

2 AO= BO (radii of the circle)

3 OM is con1ffion.
:. fiOAM = fiOBM (SSS)
:. LOMA= LOMB (matching angles of congruent !is)
Note: Unless But LOMA+ LOMB= 180° (adjacent angles on a straight line)
otherwise stated, :. LOMA= 90°
0 will be the centre OED: quad erat demonstrandum
: . OM l_ AB QED
of the circle. 'which was to be demonstrated'

13 Circle geometry
WORKED EXAMPLES
1 2 3
Q M

Mr---____ A B
0 0

A
p
AB=15cm Give reasons why PQ AO= 26cm, OM= 10cm
Find the length of MB, must pass through the Find the length of AB,
• • • •
giving reasons. centre of the circle. giving reasons.

Solutions
2 2 2
1 MB=! of AB 2 PQ passes through the 3 OA =AM + OM
(the perpendicular from centre because it is the (Pythagoras' theorem)
2 2 2
0 bisects chord AB) perpendicular bisector 26 = AM + 10
2
:. MB= 7·5cm of chord AB. :. AM = 576
:. AM= 576
= 24cm
Now AB=2 xAM
(OM is the perpendicular
bisector of AB)
:. AB = 48cm

a M
b c
G
0 0 F 0

E H
CD= 35cm EM= 27cm GM= 18cm
Find the length of MD, Find the length of MF, Find the length of CH,
• • • • • •

giving reasons. giving reasons. giving reasons.

d e f T

K M
1-----1--- 0 0-""---iM
0

s
JM=9cm MS=MR TU=18·6cm
Find the length Find the size of L.RMO. Find the length of
of MKandJK. TM and MU.

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

fl a i Give reasons why MP passes through the centre of the circle.
A
ii Give reasons why NP passes through the centre of the circle.
iii Which point is the centre here? Why? D
M

b Draw any circle. Use the method in 2a to find the centre of your
circle.
c The same method can be used to draw a circle that passes through
any three non-collinear points. Choose any three non-collinear
points, and by constructing two perpendicular bisectors, locate the
centre and then draw the circle that passes through these points.

IJ Draw any triangle and then construct the perpendicular

bisectors of each side. These lines should be concurrent.
The point of intersection is called the circumcentre.
A circle (the circumcircle) can be drawn, with this point
as its centre, that will pass through the three vertices of
the triangle.

Use Pythagoras' theorem in each of the following. Answer correct to one decimal place.
a A M b c
E
c 0
0

D F

OM l_ AB,AO = Scm, OM l_ CD, MO= 6m, OM l_ EF, OM= 12mm,

OM=4cm OD=8m OF= 13mm
Find the length Find the length Find the length
of AMandAB. of MD and CD. of FM and FE.
d G e f

0
0
H
L M
J
OM l_ GH,MH= 8cm, OM l_JK, KJ= 14cm, OM l_ LP, OL = 10m,
OM=6cm OM=3m LP= 18m
Find the length Find the length Find the length
of OH and CH. of KMand OK. of LMand OM.

13 Circle geometry
 g A chord of length 12 cm is drawn on a circle of radius 8 cm. How far is this chord from the
centre of the circle?
h A chord of length 10 cm has a perpendicular distance of 4 cm from the centre of the circle.
What is the radius of the circle?

El a Use trigonometry to find x in each diagran1-, correct to one decin1-al place.

• •• • ••
I II P Ill

0 0
0

LMOB= 50° LPOQ == 140° LMON= 126°

AB == 10cm PQ = 12·6cm OM= 7·3cm
b Find the radius of a circle in which a chord of length 14cm subtends an angle of70° at the
centre. Give the answer correct to one decimal place.
c A chord subtends an angle of 110° at the centre of a circle of radius 5·6 cm. Find the length
of the chord correct to one decimal place.

II These two circles have as their centres points 0 and C.

PQ is the common chord joining the points of
intersection of the two circles. N is the point where ... ... ... \
\

... ... \

PQ intersects the line OC, which joins the centres. 0 ,.. N

\
\
\
''
a Prove that the triangles POC and QOC are congruent. '' ;
;
c
'' ;

b Hence, show that LPOC = L QOC.

c Now, prove that the triangles PON and QON are
congruent.
d Hence, show that N bisects PQ and that PQ l_ OC.

When two circles intersect, the line joining their centres

bisects their common chord at right angles.

II GEOGEBRA ACTIVITY 13:02 CHORD PROPERTIES

Five different chord properties are investigated
in this activity. By moving points and changing
the length of chords you can investigate clifferent
chord properties.
0
You can also see how the chord properties can
be used to draw a circle through any three
_M · 12
non-collinear points.

The Ii ne fm m the of .a ci rcl e t 0 the m i·d point

1 1

of a cho r·d is perpendicular to the cho r·d.

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

INVESTIGATION 13:02 LOCATING THE EPICENTRE OF EARTHQUAKES
The epicentre of an earthquake can be located
using three intersecting circles.
• At seismograph stations, the distance to the epicentre
epicentre of earthquakes is calculated by •

examining the graphs of waves detected.

• The position of the epicentre can be
Tcmnsville •
determined by drawing circles with radii
equal to the distances to the epicentre
from three different stations. Perth
•
• The point of intersection of the three
circles is the epicentre.

-
eA
eH

Be
eF

ce
D

0 1 OOO 2000 km

• Use the scale of the map and the distances from stations given below, to find the point that
is the epicentre of each earthquake.
1 The epicentre is 1770km from A, 1140km from C and 3140km from E.
2 The epicentre is 1450 km from D, 1020 km from F and 1410 km from A.
3 The epicentre is 1750km from A, 4070km from C and 2160km from E.
4 The epicentre is 2640 kin from D, 2290 km from C and 2770 km from F.

• What is the Richter scale? Find out what you can about the scale and its use.

13 Circle geometry
 •

Equal chords of a circle are the same distance from the centre and subtend
equal angles at the centre.

Once again we use congruent triangles to prove these properties.

Data: AB and CD are equal chords of the same circle.
Aim: To prove that equal chords subtend equal angles at the
,, ,,
,,
....
.... .... ,, ,, ,, ,, centre of the circle and that these chords are the same
0 distance from the centre.
(LAOB = LCOD and OM= ON)
Proof In ABO and CDO:
1 AB= CD (given)
2 OA= OC (radii of the circle)
The altitude (height)
3 OB= OD (radii of the circle)
of a triangle is
perpendicular to the
:. (SSS)
base. Each triangle :. LAOB = LCOD (matching angles of congruent
has three possible :. Equal chords subtend equal angles at the centre. QED
altitudes. Now, ABO and CDO are congruent (the same shape
and size) so the height of each triangle (dotted line on the
figure) must be the same.
:. OM = ON
.·. The chords are the same distance from the centre. QED

WORKED EXAMPLES
1 2 E 3 K

F
0
0
R
G
N H
s
AB =CD, OM= 6cm OM= ON, BF= 13m ]K = RS, L]OK = 70°
Find the length of ON, Find the length of CH, Find the size of LROS,
• • • • • •
giving reasons. giving reasons. giving reasons.

Solutions
1 ON= 6 cm, as equal chords of a circle are the same distance from the centre.
2 CH= 13 m, as chords that are equidistant from the centre are equal in length.
3 LROS = 70°, as equal chords subtend equal angles at the centre of the circle.

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

 To construct regular figures within a circle, construct the required number
of equal sides by measuring equal angles at the centre of the circle.

The regular pentagon ABCDB has been drawn

The term 'subtended by'
within the circle.
means 'standing on'.
As the angles at the centre are subtended by
E c equal chords, the five angles are equal.
A regular figure has
:. 5 x angle size= 360° (angles at point)
sides of equal length.
D : . angle size = 72°

Steps for constructing regular figures within a circle

• Divide 360° by the number of sides in the regular Drawing a pentagon:
figure to find the size of the angle subtended at the 360° + 5 = 72°
centre by each side.
• Use a protractor to draw the angles at the centre and
extend the arms until they meet the circle.
•Join these points on the circle to form the regular figure.

A compass can be used when

one chord length is known.

Da b c Q

E
0

G N H

BF= CH, ON= 8m Find the value of x, PQ= QR= 15cm

• •
Find the length of OM, giving reasons. OM= 3·5cm
• •
giving reasons. Find the length of ON,
• •
giving reasons.
d N
e E f

Ml--'"--..0 H L
0
0

N
D
OM= ON,AB = 11·5m OM= ON= 12m OM= ON, HJ= 13·8m
'
Find the length of CD, BF= 20m Find the length of KL,
• • • •
giving reasons. Find the length of FG, giving reasons.
• •
giving reasons.

13 Circle geometry
ID a c b c

E I
AB = CD LAOB = 55° LGOH=LFOE) I]= ]K, LIO]= 51°
'
Find the size of LCOD, CH= 81n Find the size of L]OK,
• • • •

giving reasons . Find the length of FE, giving reasons.

• •
giving reasons.
d f
M

z
0

p A
y
WM= 6m, YZ= 12m, OM= ON, AC= BD LAOC= 125°
'
OM= Sm QR= 14m Find the size of LBOD,
• •
Find the length of ON, Find the length of QM, giving reasons.
• • • •
giving reasons. giving reasons.

IJ Find the size of the angle subtended at the centre by one side of each of these regular figures.
a b c

d e f

B In circles of radius 3 cm, construct:

a an equilateral triangle You always- draw
b a square
tJ,.,e al)9les- at tJ,.,e -
ce"tre fi rs-t
c a regular hexagon
d a regular octagon.

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

II Use a ruler and compass to copy the constructions of the following regular figures.
AB is a diameter in b and d.
a b A

B WJ,,y are t"1e s-ide

c len9t"1s- of t"1e "1exa9on
t"1e fame as- t"1e radivs-?

The method of constructing a regular pentagon with a ruler

and compass is very complicated, and the construction
of a regular heptagon (?sides) and a regular nonagon
( 9 sides) with a ruler and compass is impossible.

An arc illuminated
on the circumference
of the Earth.

13 Circle geometry
 •

'. 0)
... PREP OUIZ 13:04
..:-::---

1 2 3 4 d0
50°/f'
7m
bo 60° 30°
a == ... b = ... c == ... d = ...

5 6 7 8
go

0
0 mo

e == ... f = ... g = ... m == ...

9 250 10 Into how many

25° segments does a
chord divide a circle?
0

n == ...

The angle subtended by an arc (or chord) at the centre of a circle is

double the angle subtended by the arc (or chord) at the circumference.

TJ.,e an9le attJ.,e centre B B

iS' twice aS' bi9.
106°
0
A O
186° c

c
More than one proof will be required in order to cover all possibilities in establishing the above
result. (Refer to the fallowing Figures 1, 2 and 3 on the fallowing page.)

Data: A, B, C and Pare points on the circumference of a circle with centre 0.

LAOC is subtended at centre 0 by arc APC, LABC is subtended at the
by arc APC. In Figure 2, A, 0 and B are collinear.
Aim: To prove that LAOC = 2 x LABC. Collinear points lie in a straight line.

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

Construction: In Figures 1 and 3,join BO and produce to D.

p
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3

Proof:
In Figure 1: In Figure 3:
Let LOBA be equal to a and LOBC Let LOBC be equal to a and LOBA be equal
be equal to (3. to (3.

Now, MOB is isosceles Now, MOB is isosceles

(OA = OB, radii of circle) ( 0 B = OC, radii of circle)
.·. L OAB = a (base angles of isosceles .·. L OCB = a (base angles of
:. LAOD =a+ a (exterior angle of MOB) :. LDOC = 2a (exterior angle
= 20'.
Similarly,
Similarly, LDOA = 2(3
LCOD = 2(3 .·. LAOC = LDOC - LDOA
:. LAOC = 2a + 2(3 = 20'. - 2(3
= 2(0'. + (3) = 2(0'. - (3)
LABC = LOBC - LOBA
and LABC = a + (3
= ()'.- (3
:. LAOC = 2 x LABC
:. LAOC = 2 x LABC

In Figure 2:

Let LABC be equal to (3.

Now, is isosceles (OB = OC, radii of circle)

:. LOCB = (3 (base angle of isosceles
:. LAOC= 2(3 (exterior angle of
:. LAOC = 2 x LABC
:. The angle subtended at the centre is twice the angle subtended at the circumference. QED

Angles subtended at the circumference by the same or equal arcs (or chords) are equal.

The angle subtended at the centre is twice the angle subtended

at the circumference:

If LABC= e
then LAOC = 28 (angle at centre)
and LADC= e (angle at circumference)
:. LABC= LADC
.·. Angles subtended at the circumference by the same or equal
arcs (or chords) are equal.

13 Circle geometry
WORKED EXAMPLES
Find the value of the pronumerals, giving reasons.
1 2 3

800 0

Solutions
1 a= 40° 2 /3 = 47° 3 () = 138°
(Angle at the (Angles subtended at the (Angle at the centre is
circumference is half the circumference by the same twice the angle at the
angle at the centre.) arc are equal.) circumference.)

Find the value of the pronumerals in each part.

a b c

0 68°
0

d e f

78°
0
0

•
g h I

ho
0 59°
75°

Find the value of each pronumeral.

a b c

66°

124°

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

 d f
·o
t

•
g h I

0
180°

El a Using the figures to the right, find the size of:

LBAO
i
LAOC
ii
LDEO
iii
ivLEOF
v LABO+ LODE
E
vi LAOC + LEOF
b Using the figure to the right, find the size of
D
i LDAO 30°
35°
ii LAOC
iii LDEO
iv LEOC
v LADE E
vi obtuse LAOE
vii Is the angle at the centre (LAOE) twice the angle at the circumference (LADE)?
c d e

0 250°
240° 0

x =: ... y == ... z =: ...

II GEOGEBRA ACTIVITY 13:04 ANGLE PROPERTIES (1)

Use a slider to change the size of the angle at the centre of the circle. At the same time the size
of an angle at the circumference is given. Click and drag points to investigate the relationship
between angles subtended by the same arc.

0
•

13 Circle geometry
 •

An angle subtended by a diameter at the circt1mference of a circle is called the angle in

a semicircle.

The angle in a semicircle is a right angle.

This result is easy to prove, as the diameter makes an angle of 180° at

A the centre.

Proof LAOB= 180° (AOB is a straight line)

c :. LACB = 90° (The angle at the centre is twice the
angle at the circumference.)
.·. The angle in a senucircle is a right angle. Q ED

Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral A circle

are supplementary. (They add up to 180°.) can be
drawn tJ,,rov9J,,
tJ,,e vertices-
B Data: ABCD is any cyclic of a cyclic
quadrilateral. qvadrilateral.

Aim: To prove that opposite

angles add up to 180°.

Construction: Draw in the radii AO and OC.

Proof: Let LABC be a and LADC be (3.
Obtuse LAOC = 2a (angle at centre is twice LABC)
Reflex LAOC = 2(3 (angle at centre is twice LADC)

Now, 2a + 2(3 = 360° (angles at a point make 1 revolution)

QED? :. a+ (3= 180°
Ovite :. LABC + LADC = 180°
eas-ily
done. Similarly, LBAD + LBCD = 180°
.·. Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral
are supplementary. QED

,,,_' ,.,
----··

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

WORKED EXAMPLES
Find the value of the pronumerals, giving reasons.
1 2 3
bo
ao

Yo 0
A 100° 82°

Solutions
1 x = 90 2 LACB= 90° 3 a+82=180 b + 100 = 180
(angle in a semicircle) (angle in a semicircle) :. a= 98 :. b = 80
:. y = 58 (opposite angles in a cyclic
(angle sum of quadrilateral are supplementary)

An exterior angle of a cyclic quadrilateral is equal to the interior opposite angle.

Data: ABCD is a cyclic quadrilateral, with DC produced to E,

forming the exterior angle BCE.
Aim: To prove that LBCE = LBAD.
Proof Let LBAD = a
180° - a
E
Then, LBCD = 180° - a (opp. Ls in cyclic quad.)
Now, LBCD + LBCE = 180° (Ls on a straight line)
:. LBCE= a
.·. The exterior angle of a cyclic quadrilateral is equal
to the interior opposite angle.

D Find the value of the pronumeral in each, giving reasons.

a b c
co
0
0

13 Circle geometry
 d e E f

0 0
c

H
F
•
g h I j o ko

80° 82°

Find the value of the pronumerals in each part.

a b c

d e f
co

0 150° goo
140° 0
ao

g h
In g and h,
0 m + n = 90.
88° 92°

Can each quadrilateral have a circle drawn through its vertices? Explain why it is possible
in each such case.
a b c

= =

D D

d e f

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

 Find the value of the pronumeral, giving reasons.
a b c
70°
do

ho
ao 95°

d e
The exterior angle is always equal
to the interior opposite angle.
120°

go

II GEOGEBRA ACTIVITY 13:05 ANGLE PROPERTIES (2)

In this activity you can move a point around a semicircle and
investigate the size of the angle that is formed when this is joined
to the endpoints of a diameter.

You can also change the angles of a cyclic quadrilateral and look 11 °
0
for the relationship that exists between the angles.

a = 1241 b = 56

13 Circle geometry
 INVESTIGATION 13:05 DIAMETER OF A CIRCUMCIRCLE
The circumcircle of a triangle is the circle that passes through all three
vertices, as in the diagram. But for a particular triangle ABC, can we
find a measure for the diameter of its circumcircle?

Follow carefully the steps of this investigation.

/
/
0
•Let LA in triangle ABC be A .What is the size of LBOC and why? r ,,"' /
/

• The centre 0 will lie on the perpendicular bisector of BC.

/
/
/

/
/
a
What can be said about LDOC and LDOB and why? c
• What is the size of LDOC?
• Noting that DC= and letting OC = r (radius), write down an expression for sin (L.DOC).
• Rearrange this expression to make r the subject and hence find an expression for d, the
diameter of the circumcircle.

Completing this investigation should lead you to the following result.

For a triangle ABC, the diameter d of its B

a
circumcircle will be given by: d = -.--
sin A c

PREP OUIZ 13:06

1 A ------- 2 3

AB= 12m,MB= ... Name the axis of symmetry. Name the axis of symmetry.

4 Name the tangent 5 In Question 2, what name 6

in Question 2. is given to interval OT?
30°
mo

7 8 9 xm 10
12m
3m
5m

a. == ... b = ... x == ... y = ...

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

A tangent is a straight line that touches the circle at only one point. This point is called the point
of contact.

The size of the angle between a tangent and the radius drawn to the point of contact is 90°.

Here, we aim to prove that OT l_ TP.

TP is a tangent and T is the point of contact.

---- --d I
\
Construction: Join 0 to any point Pon the tangent (other than T).
---f I I

0 I
I
I
I
I Proof: The shortest distance fron1 a point to a line is the
perpendicular distance.
It lookS' Let r be the radius of the circle.
like OT=r
a ri9ht
an9le. Every point other than T is outside the circle.
PO = r + d, where d is a positive quantity.
:. OT< OP
:. OT is the shortest distance to the line TP.
:. OT l_ TP
:. L. OTP= 90° QED

From any external point, two equal tangents may be drawn to a circle. The line joining this
point to the centre is an axis of symmetry.

PT and PW are tangents drawn to the circle from the point P.

Our aim is to prove that PT= PW and that OP is an axis of
0 symmetry of the figure.
Construction: Draw in OT and OW, the radii drawn to the points
of contact.
w
Proof: In L.\s OTP and OWP:

1 L.OTP = L.OWP = 90°

Dis-tance PT (The angle between the tangent and radius is 90°.)
is- called the 2 OP is common
len9th of the
tan9entf rom P. 3 OT= OW (radii of the circle)
:. L.\OTP = L.\OWP (RHS)
:. PT= PW (matching sides of congruent L.\s)

Also OP is an axis of symmetry as L.\OTP is

congruent to L.\ 0 WP.

:. The two tangents drawn from an external point are equal and the line joining this point to the
centre is an axis of symmetry. QED

13 Circle geometry
WORKED EXAMPLES
Find the value of each pronumeral, giving reasons. In each case, PT and PW are tangents.
1 2 3

0
65°

Solutions
1 LOTP= 90° 2 PT=PW 3 d + 24 = 90
(radius OT J_ tangent TP) (equal tangents from P) (radius OT J_ tangent TP)
a+ 90 + 65 = 180 .·. b = c (isosceles :. d = 66
:. a= 25 :. c+c+50=180 PT= PW (equal tangents)
(angle sum of (angle su1n of : . e = 66 (isosceles
:. c = 65 and b = 65 :. J = 48 (angle sum of

The angle in the alternate segment

• LBTW is the acute angle between the tangent PW and the chord BT.
• The shaded segment of the circle is called the alternate segment to
LBTW, while LBAT is an angle in the alternate segment. 0
• LBCT is an angle in the alternate segment to LBTP. •

An angle forni_ed by a tangent to a circle with a chord drawn to

the point of contact is equal to any angle in the alternate segment.

Data: The chord BT meets the tangent PW at the point of contact, T.

0 is the centre of the circle.
LBAT is any angle in the segment alternate to LBTW. /
/
....,

LBCT is any angle in the segment alternate to LBTP.

/

0 /,,,,,"'
f
Aim: To prove: 1 that LBTW= LBATand c
2 that LBTP = LBCT.
Construction: Draw OT and OB.

Proof: 1 Let LBTWbe x 0

•

Now LOTW= 90° (radius OT J_ tangent PW)

0
:. LOTB = 90° - x
0
:. LOBT= 90° - x TOB is isosceles, OT and OB are radii)
0
:. LTOB = 180° - 2(90° - x ) (angle sum of
0
= 2x
0
:. LBAT= x (angle at circumference is half the angle
at the centre on the same arc)
:. LBTW= LBAT QED

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

 2 LBTP ==. 180° - x 0
(LPTW is a straight angle)
but LBCT-== 180° - x 0
(supplementary to LBAT, as ABCT is cyclic quad.)
:. LBTP-== LBCT QED
.·. The angle between the tangent and a chord drawn to the point of contact is equal to any angle
in the alternate segment.

WORKED EXAMPLES
Find the value of m.

Solution
p B
LABT-== 67° (angle in the alternate segment)
m + 60 + 67 -== 180 (angle sum
:. m-== 53 A

D Find the value of the pronumerals in each, giving reasons.

a b T
14cm
a T
0

Q p
p

In this exercise
PT and PWare
tangents.
0 is the centre.

c d e
T
0

f g r_______ h 8·2cm T

13 Circle geometry
 Find the value of each pronurneral. PT is a tangent in each diagram.
a T b D
0
p y 25°

120°
A

c d s

105°
60°
F
p
Q
QR is also a tangent.

II Find the value of the pronurnerals in each.

a T b F.,___ c p A

do
0 550 ko
33° B 0
T

d e P T f
no

y..---.0
0
ko mo

25° p
p w w A

•
g h I

A 0
0
B

32° 52°
p w p T
T

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

 Use Pythagoras' theorem to find the value of the pronumerals.
a b T You'll /,,ave to
p 12em be wide awake
10em
0
for one!
0 L-------<f.---"" p
hem

c d e
dm jem
p

7m 10em 0
12em
5m
- - _i - - =:..____ _ ______:::,.p
T Bm

0 is the centre of the circle. BT is a chord that subtends LBAT R

at the circumference and LBOT at the centre. PT and PB are
tangents to the circle. Prove that:
a LBOT == 2LBTP
b LATQ + LRBA + LPBT== 180°
c LBPT== 180° - 2LBAT

D From a point Ton a circle, chords of equal length are drawn to meet the circle at A and B.
Prove that the tangent at T is parallel to the chord AB.

a Two circles, with centres at 0 and C, touch externally, thus A

having a common tangent at T. Prove that the interval OC
joining the centres is perpendicular to the common tangent.
O·- -----{-!__
c

b Two circles, with centres at 0 and C, touch internally, thus A

having a common tangent at T. Prove that the interval OC
produced is perpendicular to the common tangent.
0 c
• • T

13 Circle geometry
IJ Two circles touch externally, having a common tangent at T. p
From a point P on this tangent, a second tangent is drawn to
each of the circles as shown, touching the circles at A and B,
respectively. Prove that PA = PB.
•

D Prove that the three angle bisectors of triangle PQR are p

concurrent and that their point of intersection is the centre
of a circle, which touches each side of the triangle. (This is I
I
A I
10
called the incircle of the triangle.) >-- . .
/ ...
...
... ... ...
... ... ...
... ...
Q R
B

II!] Three different-sized circular discs touch each other.

Prove that the three common tangents are concurrent.
• •

Concurrent lines
intersect at a point.
•

• •

Intersecting chords and secants

• AB and CD divide each other internally at X.
AX and XB are called the intercepts of chord AB. A
CX and XD are called the intercepts of chord CD.
• BF and CH divide each other externally at Y.
BY and YF are called the intercepts of secant BY. y
GY and YH are called the intercepts of secant GY. D

• Note:
Be
(length AX). (length XB) = (length CX). (length XD)
A dot can be used to
(length BY). (length YF) = (length GY). (length YH)
show multi pi ication.

The products of intercepts of intersecting chords or secants are equal.

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

 W"1en a c"1ord
c E
extends- beyond
a circle it is-
ca 11 ed a 's-eca
y

H
B G

Data: Chords AB and CD meet at X. Data: The secants BY and GY cut the
circle at F and H, respectively.
Aim: To prove that AX. XB = CX. XD.
Aim: To prove that BY. YF = GY. YH.
Construction: Draw AC and DB.
Construction: Draw FG and EH.
Proof: In ACX and DBX:
Proof In EYH and GYF:
1 LACX=LDBX (angles subtended
by the same arc AD) 1 LEYH= LGYF (same angle)
2 LAXC=LDXB (vert. opp. angles) 2 LYEH = LYGF (angles subtended
:. MCX Ill (equiangular) by the same arc PH)
AX ex :. Ill (equiangular)
•
• • (matching sides are
XD XB BY YH
in same ratio) •
• • (matching sides are
GY YF
... AX. XB = ex. XD QED in same ratio)
:. BY. YF = GY. YH QED

.·. The products of intercepts of intersecting chords or secants are equal.

A dot can be used to show multiplication.

The square of the length of a tangent is equal to the product of the intercepts of a secant
drawn from an external point.
2
(PT) = AP. PB

Data: PT is a tangent to the circle. PA is a secant that cuts the circle at A and B.
(The chord AB is divided externally at P.)
2
Aim: To prove that (PT) = AP. PB.
p
Construction: Draw AT and BT.

Proof: In PTB and PAT:

1 LPTB=LPAT (angle in alternate segment)

2 LTPB=LAPT (same angle)
:. Ill (equiangular)
PT PB
•
•• -=- (matching sides of similar are proportional)
AP PT
2
:. (PT) = AP. PB QED

13 Circle geometry
WORKED EXAMPLES
Find the value of each pronumeral, giving reasons.
1 A 2 3 __
4 D x

B A
B

A
B
AX= 10mm, CX= Smm, CD = 4 m, AB = 1 m, PT= ycm,AP= 40cm,
DX= 20mm, XB = emm BE= 3m, DE= xm AB =SO cm

Solutions
2
1 AX.XB = CX.XD 2 CB.ED= AE.EB 3 (PT) =BP. PA
(products of intercepts (products of intercepts (square of the tangent
of intersecting chords) of intersecting secants) equals the product of
10e = 8 X 20 :. (4+x).x=(1+3).3 the intercepts)
2 2
:. e = 16 4x + x = 4 X 3 : . y = (50 + 40). 40
2 2
x + 4x - 12 = 0 y = 3600
(x + 6) (x - 2) = 0 :. y = ±
:. x = -6 or 2 = +60
x=2 y= 60
(a length must be positive) (a length must be positive)

Find the value of each pronumeral. All lengths are in centimetres and PT is a tangent
wherever it is used.
a b c

D K

d e f F
10 8 __ H
T A f B 3 C
e
R

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

 •
g h I

5 4 c
Q

•
J T k l
9
12

a Find PT if AB = 9 m
A and BP= 3m. ?
•
E p b Find AB if BP = 10 cm
D
and PT= 13 cm.
c Find CD if DP= Sin,
AB = 8 m, BP= 6 m.
PT is a tangent
d Find EC if CF= 20m,
CC= 30m, GD= 25m.
e Find CD if CC= 15m,
BF= 35m, EC = 22m.
f Find CD if TP = 9 cm and DP= 5 cm.
g Find PT if CD = 8 cm and DP = 10 cm,
correct to one decimal place.

II AB is the diameter of a circle. AB bisects a chord CD at the point E.

Find the length of CB if AE = 3 m and BE = 9 m.

PT is a direct common tangent of the circles drawn. AB is a

common chord that has been produced to meet the common
tangent at C. Use the 'square of the tangent' result to prove
that CP= CT.
p
C T

[I GEOGEBRA ACTIVITY 13:07 INTERSECTING CHORDS AND SECANTS

Click and drag points to D
investigate intersecting chords 2.8
E 2.88
and secants. You can then use a A
5 B
set of random exercises to test
the knowledge you have learnt. AE X B·E =· 5, X 2.88 = 14.4 to lde·c. pl. . 5

CE x DE= 5 x 2.88 = 14.4 to 1 dee. pl.

The products of the intercepts of intersecting chords are equal.

13 Circle geometry
 HOW DO YOU MAKE A BUS STOP?
Answer each question and write the letter for that
question in the box above the correct answer.

From the circle below, give the number of the:

A sector A diameter
B radius C arc
D tangent E segment
E chord 4
I

In all these circles, 0 is the centre.

D
A H
J

K
B
F z T

From the figures above, find what is equal to:

G AC H LDOE H LKHL I 2(LKJL)
I LUOW N LVWO N UW N 180° - LRQT
0 LMOP S 90° - LNMP S LQTZ
T What is the size of L OUW?

If LKHL == 40° ,find the siz e of

T LK]L W LKOL WLOKL

0
0
l(J

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

 • •

PREP OUIZ 13:08

Use ID Card 5 on page xxii to identify number:
1 13 2 14 3 15 4 16 5 18 6 19 7 20
Give reasons why the fact under each figure is true.
8 9 10

a= /3 a= /3 a+ /3 + r = 180°

In tl1is section, reasons must be given for any clai1n made in numerical exercises.

WORKED EXAMPLES
Find the value of each pronumeral, giving reasons.
1 2 3

0 0
65° n°

XO
B B C

Solutions
1 LOBC = 65° (alternate to L.AOB, AO II BC)
L.OCB = 65° is isosceles)
n + 130 = 180 (angle sum of LiOBC)
:. n = 50

2 LAOB = 40° (cointerior to LDBO, AO II DC)

LACB = 20° (half the angle at the centre)
:. p = 20
3 LADC= 65° (LADE is a. straight angle)
LABC = 115° (opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral are supplementary)
:. x = 115

13 Circle geometry
 0 is the centre. PT
D Find the value of each pronumeral, giving reasons.
and PW are tangents.
a A b
B
0
ao 0

c
c e

c
D
B

c
f g _______T h

T
• •
I J F k R
no

A H K
M
L n

50°
D p
T

H b c

G B B
0
c
T
85°
A 30°
Q
p
p

LFHG= 40° CB = 8 cn1., ED = 2 c1n, LPTC= 30°

' '
LGFQ = 85°, OB = 5 cm, BE= xcm, LCOB = 130°,
0
LPTF= e0
OE= ycm LBAT= x

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

IJ PT is a tangent to a circle, centre 0, and the tangent touches the circle at T. A is a point on
the circle and AP cuts the circle at B such that AB = BP. Find the length of AB if PT is 8 cm.

PT is an indirect common tangent of the two

circles that have centres 0 and N. OP= 6 cm,
NT= Scm and ON= 15cm. OS llPT. N
0
a Show that L OSN = 90°.
b Show that OPTS is a rectangle.
c Find the length of PT.
s

PQ is a common tangent. AB and CD intersect A p

at the point where the tangent meets the circles. ---- D

Prove that AC II DB.

c Q

D The two circles are concentric. AB and CB are chords A

T
of the larger circle and tangents to the smaller circle.
Prove that AB = CB.
O•

PQRS is a cyclic quadrilateral. Side PQ has been

produced to Tso that PTRS is a parallelogram.
Prove that R QT is an isosceles triangle.

s R

D A, B and C are three points on a circle where AC = BC.

ED is a tangent to the circle at C. Prove that AB II ED. A _ _ _ _ _-----;. B

E c D

IJ In the diagram, 0 is the centre of two concentric circles.

ABCD is a straight line. Prove that AB = CD.
o.
A B C D

13 Circle geometry
Im EB is the common chord of the intersecting circles.
AB is a diameter of the smaller circle that is produced
to meet the larger circle at C. DA passes through E.
a Prove that MEB is similar to MCD.
b Hence or otherwise prove that LACD = 90°.
c

ID AT is a tangent and is parallel to BP.

ACP is a straight line.
Prove that LABP = LACB. c

HOW MANY SECTIONS?

Below are a series of circles. On them have been placed 1 dot, 2 dots, 3 dots and 4 dots. Chords
have been drawn connecting every possible pair of dots. The number of chords and the number
of divided sections of each circle were counted and recorded in the table.

8
3
1 1 2 1 2 1 4

1 dot 2 dots 3 dots 4 dots

Dots Chords Sections

You'll never
1 0 1
9et it correct
2 1 2 witliout
drawin9
3 3 4
tlie circles-.
4 6 8

5 ?• ?•
Make sure your dots are

6 ?• ?• spread unevenly around

the circle.

Can you find the next two lines of the table?

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

MATHS TERMS 13
arc secant
• part of the circumference • a line that intersects a
•
of a circle circle in two places a

sector
chord
• part of the area of a circle
• an intervaljoining two points
cut off by two radii
on the circumference of a circle

segment
circumference
• part of the area of a circle
• the perimeter of a circle
cut off by a chord

semicircle
diameter
• half a circle
• a chord that passes through
•
the centre of a circle \ I
\
' ....... __ .,,,. /
/

• the width of a circle tangent

• a line that touches a
radius (plural: radii)
circle at one point
• an interval joining the centre
• a tangent and a radius
of a circle to its circumference • are perpendicular at the
• a radius is half the length of a
point of contact
diameter

This medieval table hangs in the

Great Hall in Winchester, England.
It represents the Round Table of
the legendary King Arthur.

13 Circle geometry
 CIRCLE GEOMETRY
Each part of this test has similar items that test a certain type of question.
Errors made will indicate areas of weakness.
Each weakness should be treated by going back to the section listed.

1 From the figure shown, name: D 13:01

a an angle subtended at the centre 0
b an angle standing on the arc AB,
subtended at the circumference
c an angle in the same segment as LBAC,
standing on BC.

2 a A b c 13:02

0
M
Q--___.__---P
0
M
D
B

AB= 9cm AM=MB CM= 18m

Find the length of Give reasons why PQ Find the length of CD,
• •

AM, giving reasons. must pass through the giving reasons.

centre of the circle.

3 a b c F 13:02

0
0 0
M E

BO= 26m, OM= 9cm, OM= 40m,

AB= 48m ME= 12cm OG= SOm
Find the length Find the length Find the length
of OM. of OE. of FG.

4 a B b c 13:03
c
F 0 G
A
0 N

D E
x
AB ==CD) OM== ON, OM== ON,
OM== Sm BF= 11km WX== 14m
Find the length of Find the length of Find the length of
ON, giving reasons. GN, giving reasons. YZ, giving reasons.

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

 5 a D b c B 13:03

E
0

E
D
AB = CD LCOD = 69° LGOH=LEOF, In this regular
'
Find the size of LAOB, CH= 1·1m polygon, find the
• •
giving reasons. Find the length of EF, size of LBOC and
• •
giving reasons. obtuse LBOD.

Find the value of the pronumerals in the following questions. 13:04

6 a b c

220°
0

7 a b c 13:04

8 a b c 13:05

53°
0

do

9 a b c 13:05
65°

ho 870

In Questions 10 to 13, PT and PW are tangents. 13:06

10 a b c

0 p 49°
66°
o<----------1----=-----------=--p 0

T p

13 Circle geometry
 11 a b 13:06

p 0

c T
p
dm Bm

12 a b T c 13:06

A 0
B
XO B

T p p T Q

13 a b c 13:06

rem B 4cm p
A
5m A
E
Bm

The circle in the sky

seen throughout
the world.

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3

ASSIGNMENT 13A Cha ter review
0 is the centre of each circle. PT and PW are tangents.

1 Find the size of the pronumerals in each diagram.

a b c

d E B e f T
p
7m
D
0
7m A
F

c
•
g h I

3-3m
0
25°

..
•
J k L
41 °

0
0 g 0 ko

m A n
x rn
x rn 26°
p

13 Circle geometry
 2 a AB is the common chord of two circles b Prove that the bisector of the angle
and has been produced to P. From P, between the tangents drawn to a circle
tangents PT and PW have been drawn from an external point passes through
to the circles. the centre.
i Prove that WP =PT. c If AB, AC are two tangents to a circle
ii If BP= 14·6cm and PT= 19·4cm, and LBAC = 84 °, what are the sizes of
find the length of AB correct to the angles in the two segments into
three significant figures. which BC divides the circle?
d P is a point within a circle of radius 13 cm
and XY is any chord drawn through P so
that XP. PY= 25. Find the length of 0 P
if 0 is the centre of the circle.

T
p

ASSIGNMENT 138 orkin mathematically

1 4 Four people are to be accommodated in
two rooms. In how many ways can the
e e people be arranged if there is at least one
person in each room?

Move three dots in the diagram on the left 5 What is the smallest whole number that,
to obtain the diagram on the right. when multiplied by 7, will give an answer
consisting entirely of 8s?
2 A ladder hangs over the side of a ship.
The rungs in the ladder are each 2·5 cm 6 a How many digits are needed to number
thick and are 18 cm apart. The fifth rung the pages of a SO-page book?
from the bottom of the ladder is just above b How many digits are needed to number
the water level. If the tide is rising at a rate the pages of a 500-page book?
of 15 ·5 cm per hour, how many rungs will c If a book had 5000 pages, how many
be under water in 3 hours? digits would be needed?
d Can you determine an expression
3 Three circles are touching each other so that will give the number of digits
that the distance between each pair of
needed for a book with n pages if
centres is 8 cm, 9 cm and 13 cm. What
100 < n < 1000?
is the radius of each circle?

Australian Signpost Mathematics New South Wales 10 Stages 5.1-5.3