Student’s Worksheet

Topic : Circle Theorem

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What Are Circle Theorems?

Circle theorems are properties that show relationships between angles within the geometry of a circle. We can
use these theorems along with prior knowledge of other angle properties to calculate missing angles, without
the use of a protractor. This has very useful applications within design and engineering. Here we will learn
about circle theorems, including their proof, application, and how to use them to solve more difficult problems.

Theorem 1: Chord of Cirle Pt.I

1a : A line drawn form the center of a circle to meet a chord of the circle at right angle, bisect the chord.

In the diagram side, O is the center

of the circle and AB is a chord or
an arc. OC meets AB at 90°. We
would love to prove that
𝐴𝐶 = 𝐶𝐵

Proof:

1. Construction : Join point O to A and point O to B by means dotted straight lines

2. In △ 𝑂𝐴𝐶 and △ 𝑂𝐵𝐶,

… … = ⋯ … = 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 and … is common to both triangles
∠ … … + ∠ … … = ⋯ … ° (Supplementary angles)
But ∠ … … = ⋯ … °,
hence ∠ … … = ∠ … … = ⋯ … °
We can then conclude △ 𝑂𝐴𝐶 ≡△ 𝑂𝐵𝐶 (𝑅𝐻𝑆), and by our definition of congruent shapes,
corresponding sides and angles should be equal. (RHS is both triangles are right-angled, have their
hypotenuses equal and a side equal)
∴ ⋯… = ⋯…
𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷
You should get familiar with the Q.E.D (Quod Erat Demonstrandum) meaning ”Shown as required”
because from now on, we will be attaching it at the end of our proofs.

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1b: A line drawn from the center of a circle to the midpoint of a chord of the circle is perpendicular to the
chord

In the diagram side, O is the

center of the circle and AB is
a chord or an arc
𝐴𝐶 = 𝐶𝐵,
We would love to prove that
∠𝑂𝐶𝐵 = ∠𝑂𝐶𝐴 = 90°

1. Construction : Join point O to A and point O to B by means dotted straight lines

2. In △ 𝑂𝐴𝐶 and △ 𝑂𝐵𝐶,

… … = ⋯ … = 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 and … is common to both triangles
𝐴𝐶 = 𝐶𝐵 (Given)
We can then conclude △ 𝑂𝐴𝐶 ≡△ 𝑂𝐵𝐶 (𝑆𝑆𝑆), and by our definition of congruent shapes,
corresponding sides and angles should be equal. (SSS is the two triangles have all corresponding three
side measures equal)
∴ ∠ … … = ∠ … …,
But ∠ … … + ∠ … … = ⋯ … ° (Supplementary angles)
Hence, ∠ … … = ⋯ … ° = ∠ … …
𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Corollary : if the perpendicular bisector of a chord is drawn, then is passes through the centre of a circle
(The bisectors of two or more chords intersect at the centre of a circle) NB: a corollary is an inference that
follows from a proof.

Example

No Questions Solution
1 Calculate the value of 𝑝. If 𝑂 is the centre of the circle.

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2 Calculate the value of 𝑞. If 𝑂 is the centre of the circle
below and 𝐹𝐻 = 60 𝑚𝑚.

3 Calculate the value of 𝑟. If the radius of the circle is 5 cm

4 Calculate the value of 𝑠. If 𝑂 is the centre of the circle

below.

5 In the diagram below, the equation of the line is 2𝑥 +

𝑦 = 10 and that of the circle is 𝑥 2 + 𝑦 2 = 25. If 𝐴𝐸 is
perpendicular to 𝐷𝐶, calculate the length of 𝐷𝐸.

6 The points 𝐴(2, −6), 𝐵(16,8), 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶(2,14) are points on

a circle. Find the coordinates of the center of the circle.
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Theorem 2: Chords in Circles pt.I
If 𝐴𝐵 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝐷 are two chords which cut at a point 𝑃 (which may be inside or outside the circle)

In the diagram side, AB and CD

two chords cut at a point P. We
would love to prove that
𝑃𝐴 ∙ 𝑃𝐵 = 𝑃𝐶 ∙ 𝑃𝐷.

Proof
Case 1 (The intersection point is inside the circle)
Consider △ 𝐴𝑃𝐶 𝑎𝑛𝑑 △ 𝐵𝑃𝐷
∠ … … = ∠ … … (Vertically opposite)
∠ … … = ∠ … … (Angles in the same segment)
∠ … … = ∠ … … (Angles in the same segment)
Therefore △ … … is similar to △ … …
Therefore
…… ……
∴ =
…… ……
And … … ∙ … … = ⋯ … ∙ … …, which can be written … … ∙ … … = ⋯ … ∙ … … 𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Case 2 (The intersection point is outside the circle)

Show △ 𝐴𝑃𝐷 𝑎𝑛𝑑 △ 𝐶𝑃𝐵

Hence
…… ……
∴ =
…… ……
And … … ∙ … … = ⋯ … ∙ … …, which can be written … … ∙ … … = ⋯ … ∙ … … 𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Theorem 3: Angle At The Centre Is Twice The Angle At The Circumference

The angle subtended by an arc or chord at the centre of a circle is double the size of the angle by the same
arc at the circumference of the circle

In the diagram side, O is the center

of the circle and AB is a chord or
an arc. We would love to prove that
∠𝐴𝑂𝐷 = 2∠𝐴𝐶𝐵

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There are three possible diagrams for the above theorem, the first is what you can see above, the other two
are drawn below.

Proof :
1. Construction : Draw a dotted straight line from C through O to D

2. In △ 𝑂𝐴𝐶,
… … = ⋯ … = 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠
∠ … … = ∠ … … since △ 𝑂𝐴𝐶 is isosceles triangle
But, ∠𝐴𝑂𝐷 = ∠ … … + ∠ … … (Exterior angle theorem)
∴ ∠𝐴𝑂𝐷 = 2∠ … …

Similarly in △ 𝐵𝑂𝐶,
… … = ⋯ … = 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠
∠ … … = ∠ … … since △ 𝐵𝑂𝐶 is isosceles triangle
But, ∠𝐵𝑂𝐷 = ∠ … … + ∠ … … (Exterior angle theorem)
∴ ∠𝐵𝑂𝐷 = 2∠ … …

For the first two diagrams only:

But ∠𝐴𝑂𝐵 = ∠ … … + ∠ … …
∠𝐴𝑂𝐵 = 2∠ … … + 2∠ … …
∴ ∠𝐴𝑂𝐵 = 2(∠ … … + ∠ … … )
𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷
For the third diagram only:
But ∠𝐵𝑂𝐷 − ∠𝐴𝑂𝐷 = ∠ … …
2∠ … … − 2∠ … … = ∠ … …
2(∠ … … − ∠ … … ) = ∠ … …
∴ 2∠ … … = ∠ … …
𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

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Theorem 4: Angle in A Semicircle is a Right Angle
The angle subtended at the circumference by the diameter of a circle 90°.
This is a special case of theorem 2 which involves our special chord (The diameter), it is called Thales’
theorem.

In the diagram side, O is the center

of the circle and AB is a diameter.
We would love to prove that
∠𝐴𝐶𝐵 = 90°

From theorem 2, we could say that the diameter is a chord hence, the angle it subtends at the center is twice
that which it subtends at the circumference. But since the diameter passes through the center, the angle it
subtends at the center will be an angle on a straight line which is 180°, then that is subtends at the
circumference will be half of 180° which gives a 90°.

Proof :
1. Construction : Join point O to C by means of dotted straight line

2. In △ 𝑂𝐴𝐶 and △ 𝑂𝐵𝐶,

… … = ⋯ … and … … = ⋯ … is radii
∴ ∠ … … = ∠ … … and ∠ … … = ∠ … …
3. In △ 𝐴𝐵𝐶, ∠ … … + ∠ … … + ∠ … … + ∠ … … = 180°
2∠ … … + 2∠ … … = 180°
∠ … … + ∠ … … = 90°
∠ … … = 90°
𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Example

No Questions Solution

In each of the diagram below, O marks the centre, calculate the values of the angles marked with letters.

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1

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Theorem 5: Angle in The Same Segment Are Equal
The angle subtended by a chord at the circumference in the same segment are equal

In the diagram side, O is the center

of the circle and AD is a chord.
We would love to prove that
∠𝐴𝐵𝐷 = ∠𝐴𝐶𝐷

Proof :
1. Construction : Join A and D to O by means of dotted straight line

2. From the diagram above (1), we get

∠ … … = 2∠ … … (Theorem 2)
1
∠ … … = 2 ∠ … … (Theorem 2)
1
∴ ∠ … … = 2 (2 ∠ … … )
∴ ∠ … … = ∠ … … 𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Corollary: Equal chords of a circle subtend equal angles at the circumference.

In the diagram side, O is the center of

the circle and 𝐵𝐶 = 𝐹𝐺. We would love
to prove that
∠𝐵𝐴𝐶 = ∠𝐺𝐸𝐹

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Proof
1. Construction : Join points B, C, F nad G to O by means of dotted straught lines

2. In △ 𝑂𝐵𝐶 and △ 𝑂𝐺𝐹,

… … = ⋯ … and … … = ⋯ … is radii
𝐵𝐶 = 𝐺𝐹 (Given)
∴△ … … ≡△ … … (SSS)
Hence, ∠ … … = ∠ … …
But ∠ … … = 2∠ … … and ∠ … … = 2∠ … … (Theorem 2)
∴ 2∠ … … = 2∠ … …
∴ ∠ … … = ∠ … … 𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Corollary : Equal Chords of a circle subtend equal angles at the centre.

In the diagram side, O is the center

of the circle and 𝐵𝐶 = 𝐹𝐺. We
would love to prove that
∠𝐵𝑂𝐶 = ∠𝐺𝑂𝐹

Proof
Construction : None
In △ 𝑂𝐵𝐶 and △ 𝑂𝐺𝐹,

… … = ⋯ … and … … = ⋯ … is radii

𝐵𝐶 = 𝐺𝐹 (Given)

∴△ … … ≡△ … … (SSS)

Hence, ∠ … … = ∠ … … 𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Example

No Questions Solutions
Calculate the value of each angle marked with letter in the diagrams below.
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1

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Theorem 6: Opposite Angles in a Cyclic Quadrilateral are Supplementary
The opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral are supplementary. NB: All vertices of a cyclic quadrilateral lie
on the circumference of a circle.

In the diagram side, ABCD is Cyclic

Quadrilateral. We would love to prove
that
∠𝐵𝐴𝐶 + ∠𝐵𝐷𝐶 = 180°
∠𝐴𝐵𝐷 + ∠𝐴𝐶𝐷 = 180°

Proof
1. Construction : Mark centre O and join C and B to O by means dotted straight lines.

2. We can see from diagram (1)

∠𝐵𝑂𝐶(𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑥) = 2∠ … … (Theorem 2)
∠𝐵𝑂𝐶(𝑜𝑏𝑡𝑢𝑠𝑒) = 2∠ … … (Theorem 2)
But ∠𝐵𝑂𝐶(𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑥) + ∠𝐵𝑂𝐶(𝑜𝑏𝑡𝑢𝑠𝑒) = ⋯ … ° (angles at a point)
2∠ … … + 2∠ … … = ⋯ … °
∴ ∠ … … + ∠ … … = ⋯ … ° 𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Corollary : if the opposite angles of a quadrilateral are supplementary, then the quadrilateral is cyclic.

Example

No Questions Solution
Calculate the values of the angles marked with letters in the diagram below.

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 2

Solution

Theorem 7: Exterior Angle in a Cyclic Quadrilateral are Equal Interior Angle Opposite

In the diagram side, ABCD is Cyclic

Quadrilateral. We would love to prove
that
∠𝐵𝐷𝐸 = ∠𝐶𝐴𝐵

Proof
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1. Let us consider a line segment DE extending from the base of the cyclic quadrilateral

2. From the diagram above,

we can say ∠ … … is an exterior angle of a cyclic quadrilateral
∠ … … is an interior angle opposite to the exterior angle.
Let us consider ∠ … … = 𝑦, ∠ … … = 𝑥, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 ∠ … … = 𝑧
We know that opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral are supplementary
∠……+ ∠…… = ⋯…°
Now, we get
… … + ⋯ … = ⋯ … ° … … … … … … … … … … … … … (1)
We know that adjacent angles in a straight angle are supplementary
∠……+ ∠…… = ⋯…°
Substituting the values from the figure, we get
… … + ⋯ … = ⋯ … ° … … … … … … … … … … … … … (2)
Now, by equating the equations (1) and (2), we get
……+ ⋯… = ⋯…+ ⋯…
Subtracting 𝑥 from both sides, we get
…… = ⋯…
Thus, we get ∠ … … = ∠ … … 𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Theorem 8: Angle Between Radius and Tangent are Equal 𝟗𝟎°

A tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius drawn to the point of contact

In the diagram side, O is centre and

T is point of contact of tangent 𝑃𝑄.
We would love to prove that
𝑂𝑇𝑃 𝑖𝑠 90°

Proof
1. Let 𝑇 be the point of contact of tangent 𝑃𝑄
2. Let 𝑆 be the point on 𝑃𝑄, not 𝑇, such that 𝑂𝑆𝑃 is a right angle.
△ 𝑂𝑆𝑇 has a right angle at 𝑆.
Therefore 𝑂𝑇 > 𝑂𝑆 as 𝑂𝑇 is the hypotenuse of △ 𝑂𝑇𝑆.
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 ∴ 𝑆 is inside the circle as 𝑂𝑇 is a radius
∴ The line through 𝑇 and 𝑆 must cut the circle again. But 𝑃𝑄 is tangent. A contradiction .
Therefore 𝑇 = 𝑆 and angle 𝑂𝑇𝑃 is a right angle. 𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Theorem 9: Tangents from an External Point are Equal in Length

Two tangents drawn from the same point outside the circle to meet the circle at different points are equal in
length.

In the diagram side, AC and BC are

tangent from C. We would love to
prove that
𝐴𝐶 = 𝐵𝐶

To prove this theorem, we would introduce ourselves to a very common term in mathematics and geometry
for that matter. This term is an ”Axiom” or ”Postulate”. An axiom is a rule in mathematics that is always
assumed to be true without a proof. Read on Euclid’s axioms for more clarification. We now state an axiom
necessary for our proof.

Axiom: A tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius drawn to the point of contact.
Proof
1. Construction : Mark centre O and join A, B, and C to O by means of dotted straight lines.

2. In △ 𝑂𝐴𝐶 and △ 𝑂𝐵𝐶, where 𝑂𝐶 is common

… … = ⋯ …= radius,
∠…… = ∠……
Hence, △ … … ≡ △ … … (𝑅𝐻𝑆)
∴ ⋯ … = ⋯ … 𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Theorem 10: Angle Between a Tangent to a Circle and a Chord

The angle between a tangent to a circle and a chord drawn from the point of contact is equal to an angle in
the alternate segment.

In the diagram side, AC and BC are

tangent from C. We would love to
prove that
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𝐴𝐶 = 𝐵𝐶
Proof
1. Construction: Mark centre O and join A to E through O and E to C, by means of dotted straight lines.

2. From Theorem 4 we got ∠ … … = ∠ … …

Theorem 3 we got ∠ … … = 90°
In △ 𝐴𝐸𝐶, ∠ … … + ∠ … … = ⋯ … ° → ∠ … … = ⋯ … ° − ∠ … …
∠ … … + ∠ … … = ∠ … … = ⋯ … ° (𝐴𝑥𝑖𝑜𝑚)
……° − ∠……+ ∠…… = ⋯…°
∠…… = ∠……
But ∠ … … = ∠ … … (𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑚 4)
Hence, ∴ ∠ … … = ∠ … … 𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Example

No Questions Solution
Find the magnitude of the angles 𝑥 and 𝑦 in the diagram

Find the values of 𝑥 and 𝑦. 𝑃𝑇 is tangent to the circle centre 𝑂.

The tangents to a circle at 𝐹 and 𝐺 meet at 𝐻. If a chord 𝐹𝐾 is

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drawn parallel to 𝐻𝐺, prove that triangle 𝐹𝐺𝐾 is isosceles.

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Theorem 11: Chord In Circles Pt.II
If 𝑃 is a point outside a circle and 𝑇, 𝐴, 𝐵 are points on the circle such that 𝑃𝑇 is a tangent and 𝑃𝐴𝐵 is a
secant then 𝑃𝑇 2 = 𝑃𝐴 ∙ 𝑃𝐵

Proof
∠ … … = ∠ … … (alternate segment theorem / T7)
∠ … … = ∠ … … (Angles sum of triangle)
Therefore △ … … is similar to △ … …
Therefore
…… ……
∴ =
…… ……
which implies … … ∙ … … = ⋯ … ∙ … … 𝑄. 𝐸. 𝐷

Example

No Questions Solution
1 The arc of a bridge is to be in the form of an
arc of a circle. The span of the bridge is to be
25 m and the height in the middle 2 m. Find
the radius of the circle

2 If 𝑟 is the radius of a circle, with center 𝑂, and

if 𝐴 is any point inside the circle, show that
the product 𝐶𝐴 ∙ 𝐴𝐷 = 𝑟 2 − 𝑂𝐴2 , where 𝐶𝐷 is
a chord through 𝐴.

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3 The diagonal 𝑃𝑅 and 𝑄𝑆 of a cyclic
quadrilateral 𝑃𝑄𝑅𝑆 intersect at 𝑋. The tangent
at 𝑃 is parallel to 𝑄𝑆. Prove that
a. 𝑃𝑄 = 𝑃𝑆
b. 𝑃𝑅 bisects ∠𝑄𝑅𝑆

4 Two circles intersect at 𝐴 and 𝐵. The tangents

at 𝐶 and 𝐷 intersect at T on AB produced. If
𝐶𝐵𝐷 is a straight line prove that.
a. TCAD is a cyclic quadrilateral
b. ∠𝑇𝐴𝐶 = ∠𝑇𝐴𝐷
c. 𝑇𝐶 = 𝑇𝐷

5 ABCD is a trapezium in which AB is parallel

to DC and the diagonals meet at P. The circle
through D, P and C touches AD, BC at D and
C respectively.
Prove that
a. ∠𝐵𝐴𝐶 = ∠𝐴𝐷𝐵
b. The circle through A, P and D touches
BA at A
c. ABCD is a cyclic quadrilateral

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6 PQRS is a square of side length 4 cm inscribed
in a circle with centre O. M is the midpoint of
the side PS. QM is produced to meet RS
produced at X.
a. Prove that:
i. XPR is isosceles
ii. PX is a tangent to the circle at P
b. Calculate the area of trapezium PQRX

7 a. An isosceles △ 𝐴𝐵𝐶 is inscribed in a

circle. 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐴𝐶 and chord 𝐴𝐷 intersect
𝐵𝐶 at 𝐸. Prove that
𝐴𝐵2 − 𝐴𝐸 2 = 𝐵𝐸 ∙ 𝐶𝐸
b. Diameter 𝐴𝐵 of circle with centre O is
extended to C and from C a line is drawn
tangent to the circle at P. PT is drawn
perpendicular to AB at T. prove that
𝐶𝐴 ∙ 𝐶𝐵 − 𝑇𝐴 ∙ 𝑇𝐵 = 𝐶𝑇 2

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