CIRCLES

Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
1. Circle ....................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Tangent to a Circle .................................................................................................................. 2
3. Number of Tangents to a Circle .............................................................................................. 2
4. Circles and common tangents .................................................................................................. 3
5. Length of Tangent ................................................................................................................... 6

Introduction
Circles, a captivating geometric shape, hold a prominent place in the realm of mathematics. This
chapter unravels the intriguing properties and measurements associated with circles. We explore
essential elements such as radius, diameter, circumference, and area, along with concepts like
chords, tangents, and secants. Understanding circles allows us to analyze their symmetry,
relationship with angles, and application in diverse fields such as architecture, engineering, and
art. So, let's embark on a journey into the fascinating world of circles and uncover the hidden
wonders within their perfectly round boundaries!

1. Circle
A circle is a set of all the points in a plane which are at a constant distance from the fixed point.
The fixed point is called the centre of the circle and the constant distance is called the radius of
the circle.

A circle with centre at O and radius = r is generally written as C(O, r).

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A line segment formed by joining the two points on the circle and passing through the centre of
circle is called the diameter of the circle.
Since, all the points on the circle are equidistant from the centre, therefore all the radii (plural of
radius) of the circle are equal.
Secant
A line which intersects a circle in two distinct points is called a secant of the circle. PQ is a line
which intersects a circle at two distinct points A and B. PQ is a secant.

2. Tangent to a Circle
A tangent to a circle is a line that intersects the circle at only one point. In figure PQ is a tangent
to a circle and R is called the point of contact of the tangent. The point of intersection of the
circle and a tangent to it is known as point of contact.

3. Number of Tangents to a Circle

Case I: When the point lies in the exterior of circle i.e., OA > r

We can draw two tangents from the exterior point A to the circle.

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Case II: When the point lies on the circle i.e., CR = r

When point lies on the circle, then one and only one tangent is possible through that point.
In other words, there is only one tangent at a point on the circle.
Case III: When the point lies inside the circle i.e., OA < r

If the point A lies inside the circle, then there is no tangent can be drawn through point A.

4. Circles and common tangents

Case I: When circles intersect in two points:
In this case, there will be two common tangents PQ and RS to the two circles as shown in figure.

Case-II: When circles touch externally:

Here the two circles will have three common tangents LM, PQ and RS as shown in figure.

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Case-III: When one circle lies entirely outside the other circle without having a common point.
(i) PQ and RS are two direct common tangents.
(ii) KJ and LM are two indirect common tangents i.e., transversals.

Case-IV: When one circle lies entirely inside the other circle without having a common point.
If any tangent is drawn at any point of the inner circle, it will intersect the outer circle in two
distinct points and, therefore, cannot be a tangent to the outer circle. Thus, no common tangent
can be drawn in this case.

Case-V: When circles touch internally

There is only one common tangent AB to the two circles.

Theorem 1: A Tangent to a circle is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact.

Proof of Theorem

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Given: 𝐴 circle 𝐶(𝑂, 𝑟) and tangent 𝐴𝐵 at point 𝑃.
To Prove: 𝑂𝑃 ⊥ 𝐴𝐵
Construction: Take a point 𝑄 other than 𝑃 on the line 𝐴𝐵. Join 𝑂𝑄 which meets the circle at 𝑅
Proof: From all the line segments joining the point 𝑂 to any point on 𝐴𝐵, the shortest is
the perpendicular to 𝐴𝐵. So, to prove that 𝑂𝑃 ⊥ 𝐴𝐵, it is sufficient to show that 𝑂𝑃 < 𝑂𝑄
Now, in figure, clearly 𝑂𝑃 = 𝑂𝑅 [Radius of the same circle]
Now, 𝑂𝑄 = 𝑂𝑅 + 𝑅𝑄
⇒ 𝑂𝑄 > 𝑂𝑅 ⇒ 𝑂𝑄 > 𝑂𝑃
[∵ 𝑂𝑃 = 𝑂𝑅]
⇒ 𝑂𝑃 < 𝑂𝑄
Thus, 𝑂𝑃 is shorter than any other line segment joining 𝑂 to any point of 𝐴𝐵.
Hence, 𝑂𝑃 ⊥ 𝐴𝐵.

Theorem 2: A line drawn through the end point of a radius and perpendicular to it is a tangent to
the circle.

Proof: Let AB be a line perpendicular to the radius OP of a circle with centre at O as shown in
the figure.
Take a point Q other than P on the line AB. Since OP is perpendicular to the line AB.
Out of all the line segments joining O to a point on the line AB, OP is the shortest one.
So, OP < OQ or OQ > OP
The point Q lies exterior to (or outside) the circle.
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Every point other than P on the line AB is an exterior point of the circle.
The line AB meets the circle at only one point P.
Hence, the line AB is a tangent to the circle at the point P.

5. Length of Tangent
The length of the segment to the tangent between the point and the given points of contact with
the circle is called the length of the tangent from the point to the circle.

Theorem 3: The lengths of two tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal.

Proof of Theorem
Given : 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐴𝐶 are two tangents from a point 𝐴 to a circle 𝐶(𝑂, 𝑟).
To Prove: 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐴𝐶
Construction: Join 𝑂𝐴, 𝑂𝐵 and 𝑂𝐶.
Proof : In △ 𝑂𝐵𝐴 and △ 𝑂𝐶𝐴,
𝑂𝐵 = 𝑂𝐶 [ Radii of the same circle]
𝑂𝐴 = 𝑂𝐴 [Common side]
∠𝑂𝐵𝐴 = ∠𝑂𝐶𝐴 = 90∘
[ Each 90∘ because tangent is perpendicular to radius at the point of contact ]
⇒ ΔOBA ≅ ΔOCA [By R.H.S. congruency]
SO , AB = AC [𝐶𝑃𝐶𝑇]
Hence proved.

Theorem 4: If two tangents are drawn to a circle from an external point, then:
(a) They subtend equal angles at the centre.
(b) They are equally inclined to the line segment joining the centre to that point.

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Given: A circle 𝐶(𝑂, 𝑟) and a point 𝐴 outside the circle such that 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐴𝐶 are the tangents
drawn to the circle from 𝐴.
To Prove
(a) ∠𝐴𝑂𝐵 = ∠𝐴𝑂𝐶
(b) ∠𝑂𝐴𝐵 = ∠𝑂𝐴𝐶

Proof: In △ 𝑂𝐶𝐴 and △ 𝑂𝐵𝐴,

𝑂𝐶 = 𝑂𝐵 [Radii of same circle]
𝑂𝐴 = 𝑂𝐴 [Common side]
𝐴𝐶 = 𝐴𝐵 [Tangents from an external point are equal]
∴ △ 𝑂𝐶𝐴 ≅ △ 𝑂𝐵𝐴 [By SSS Congruency]
⇒ ∠𝐴𝑂𝐶 = ∠𝐴𝑂𝐵 [Corresponding parts of congruent triangles]
and ∠𝑂𝐴𝐶 = ∠𝑂𝐴𝐵 [Corresponding parts of congruent triangles]
Hence proved.

Question: Tangent PQ at a point P of a circle of radius 5 cm meets a line through the centre O at
a point Q so that OQ = 12 cm. Length PQ is:
Solution:

Given,
Radius OP = 5cm and OQ = 12cm
PQ is the tangent to the circle.
∠OPQ = 90°

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So, by Pythagoras theorem we get,
PQ² = OQ² – OP²
=> PQ² = 12² – 5²
=> PQ² = 144 – 25
=> PQ² = 119
=> PQ = √119 cm

Question: In figure, 𝑃𝑄 is a tangent at a point 𝐶 to a circle with centre 𝑂. If 𝐴𝐵 is a diameter

and ∠𝐶𝐴𝐵 = 30°, find ∠𝑃𝐶A

Solution: ∠ACB = 90° (Angle in the semicircle)

∠CAB = 30° (given)
In ∆ABC,
90° + 30° + ∠ABC = 180°
⇒ ∠ABC = 60°
Now, ∠PCA = ∠ABC (Angles in the alternate segment)
∴ ∠PCA = 60°

Question: In figure, 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐴𝐶 are tangents to the circle with centre 𝑂 such that ∠𝐵𝐴𝐶 = 40°.
Then ∠𝐵𝑂𝐶 is equal to

Solution: We know that the radius and tangent are perpendicular at their point of contact
∵ ∠OBA = ∠OCA = 90°

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Now, In quadrilateral ABOC
∠BAC + ∠OCA + ∠OBA + ∠BOC = 360°
⇒ 40° + 90° + 90° + ∠BOC = 360°
⇒ 220° + ∠BOC = 360°
⇒ ∠BOC = 140°

Question: Two tangents TP and TQ are drawn to a circle with centre O from an external point
T. Prove that ∠ PTQ = 2 ∠ OPQ.
Solution:

Join OQ.
∠OPQ = ∠OQP {OP = OQ}
∠OPQ + ∠OQP + ∠POQ = 180° {Angle sum property}
2∠OPQ = 180° – ∠POQ …..(i)
Also, ∠PTQ + ∠POQ = 180°
∠PTQ = 180° – ∠POQ ……(ii)
From (i) and (ii),
∠PTQ = 2∠OPQ
Hence Proved.

Question: In the given figure, 𝑃𝐴 and 𝑃𝐵 are tangents to a circle from an external point 𝑃 such
that 𝑃𝐴 = 4 𝑐𝑚 and ∠ 𝐵𝐴𝐶 = 135°. Find the length of chord 𝐴𝐵.

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Solution: PA = PB = 4cm
(Tangents from external point)
∠PAB = 180° – 135° = 45°
(Straight-angle)
∠ABP = ∠PAB = 45°
(Opposite angles of equal sides)
∠APB = 180° – 45° – 45°
= 90°
So ∆ABP is an isosceles right-angled triangle
⇒ AB² = 2AP²
⇒ AB² = 32
Hence AB = √32 = 4√2 cm

Question: A quadrilateral ABCD is drawn to circumscribe a circle (see Fig.). Prove that AB +
CD = AD + BC
Solution: Since, tangents drawn from an exterior point to a circle are equal in length.

∴ AP = AS …..(i)
BP = BQ …..(ii)

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CR = CQ …..(iii)
And DR = DS ……(iv)
Adding (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), we get
AP + BP + CR + DR = AS + BQ + CQ + DS
⇒ (AP + BP) + (CR + DR) = (AS + DS) + (BQ + CQ)
⇒ AB + CD = AD + BC
Hence, AB + CD = BC + DA.

Question: In figure, a circle with centre 𝑂 is inscribed in a quadrilateral 𝐴𝐵𝐶𝐷 such that, it
touches the sides 𝐵𝐶, 𝐴𝐵, 𝐴𝐷 and 𝐶𝐷 at points 𝑃, 𝑄, 𝑅 and 𝑆 respectively. If 𝐴𝐵 = 29 𝑐𝑚, 𝐴𝐷 =
23 𝑐𝑚, ∠𝐵 = 90° and 𝐷𝑆 = 5 𝑐𝑚, then the radius of the circle (in 𝑐𝑚) is:

Solution:
Given: AB, BC, CD, and AD are tangents to the circle with centre O at
Q, P, S and R respectively.
AB = 29 cm, AD = 23 cm, DS = 5 cm and ∠B = 90°

Construction: Join PQ.

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We know that, the lengths of the tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal.
DS = DR = 5 cm
∴ AR = AD – DR = 23 cm- 5cm = 18 cm
AQ = AR = 18 cm
∴ QB = AB – AQ = 29 cm – 18 cm = 11 cm
QB = BP = 11 cm
So PQRS is a square
∴ r = 11 cm

Question: Prove that the parallelogram circumscribing a circle is a rhombus

Solution: We know that, the lengths of the tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are
equal.
Therefore, we have
AP = AS [Tangents from A] ……(i)
BP = BQ [Tangents from B] …..(ii)
CR = CQ [Tangents from C] …..(iii)
And DR = DS [Tangents from D] …..(iv)

Adding (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), we have

(AP + BP) + (CR + DR) = (AS + DS) + (BQ + CQ)
AB + CD = AD + BC
AB + AB = BC + BC [∵ ABCD is a parallelogram ∴ AB = CD, BC = DA]
2AB = 2BC ⇒ AB = BC
Thus, AB = BC = CD = AD
Hence, ABCD is a rhombus.
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Question: In given figure, 𝑋𝑌 and X’Y’ are two parallel tangents to a circle with centre 𝑂 and
another tangent 𝐴𝐵 with point of contact 𝐶 intersecting 𝑋𝑌 at 𝐴 and X’Y’ at 𝐵. Prove that ∠𝐴𝑂𝐵
= 90°.

Solution: Join OC
In ∆OPA and ∆OCA
OP = OC (radii of same circle)
PA = CA
(Length of two tangents from an external point)

AO = AO (Common)
∴ ∆OPA ≅ ∆OCA (By SSS congruency criterion)
Hence, ∠1 = ∠2 (cpct)
Similarly, ∠3 = ∠4
Now,
∠PAB + ∠QBA = 180°
⇒ ∠2 + ∠4 = 90°
⇒ ∠AOB = 90° (Angle sum property of a triangle)

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Question: In figure, a circle is inscribed in a triangle 𝑃𝑄𝑅 with 𝑃𝑄 = 10 𝑐𝑚, 𝑄𝑅 = 8 𝑐𝑚 and 𝑃𝑅
= 12 𝑐𝑚. Find the lengths 𝑄𝑀, 𝑅𝑁 and 𝑃L.

Solution: Given: In ∆PQR, PQ = 10, QR = 8 cm and PR = 12 cm.

We know that, the lengths of tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal.
∴ QM = QL = x (Say)
RM = RN = y (Say)
PL = PN = z (Say)
QR = QM + MR = x + y = 8 cm ……(1)
PQ = PL + LQ = z + x = 10 cm …..(2)
PR = PN + NR = z + y = 12 cm …..(3)
Adding (1), (2) and (3), we have
(x + y) + (z + x) + (z + y) = (8 + 10 + 12) = 30 cm
∴ 2(x + y + z) = 30 cm
⇒ x + y + z = 15 cm …….(4)
From (2) and (4), we have
10 + y = 15
∴y=5
From (3) and 4, we have
12 + x = 15
∴x=3
From (1) and (4), we have
⇒ z + 8 = 15

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 ⇒z=7
∴ QM = x = 3 cm , RN = y = 5 cm, PL = z = 7 cm.

Question: Prove that the tangents drawn at the ends of a diameter of a circle are parallel.
Solution:
Let PQ be the diameter of a circle with centre O. AB and CD are two tangents drawn to the circle
at P and Q respectively.

We have, OP ⊥ AB and OQ ⊥ CD [By theorem]

∠BPO = ∠CQO = 90° [Each of 90°]
⇒ AB || CD [Transversal PQ makes equal interior alternate angles]

Question: A triangle ABC is drawn to circumscribe a circle of radius 4 cm such that the
segments BD and DC into which BC is divided by the point of contact D are, of lengths 8 cm
and 6 cm respectively (see Fig.). Find the sides AB and AC.

Solution: ∴ Area of ∆ABC = √𝑠(𝑠 − 𝑎)(𝑠 − 𝑏)(𝑠 − 𝑐)

= √(𝑥 + 14)(𝑥 + 14 − 14)(𝑥 + 14 − 𝑥 − 6)(𝑥 + 14 − 𝑥 − 8)

= √(𝑥 + 14) × 𝑥 × 8 × 6

= √48𝑥 (𝑥 + 14) cm² ……(i)

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Also, area of ∆ABC = Area ∆OBC + Area ∆OCA + Area ∆OAB
1 1 1
= 2 × 4 × 14 + 2 × 4(𝑥 + 6) + 2 × 4(𝑥 + 8)

= 4x + 56 = 4(x + 14) cm² ……(ii)

Now,

√48𝑥 (𝑥 + 14) = 4(𝑥 + 14)

48𝑥 (𝑥 + 14) = 16(𝑥 + 14)2
3𝑥 = 𝑥 + 14
2𝑥 = 14
∴𝑥=7
So, AB = 8 + 7 = 15 cm
AC = 6 + 7 = 13 cm

Question: Prove that opposite sides of a quadrilateral circumscribing a circle subtend

supplementary angles at the centre of the circle.
Solution: In the figure, P, Q, R, and S are the points touching the circle and sides AB, BC, CD,
and DA of the quadrilateral ABCD respectively.

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From the figure, we observe that OA bisects ∠SOP.
So, ∠a = ∠b …….(i)
Similarly, ∠c = ∠d ……(ii)
∠e = ∠f …..(iii)
∠g =∠h …..(iv)
∴ 2(∠a + ∠h + ∠e + ∠d) = 360°
⇒ (∠a + ∠h) + (∠e + ∠d) = 180°
⇒ ∠AOB + ∠DOC = 180°.
Similarly, ∠AOD + ∠BOC = 180°
Thus, opposite sides of quadrilateral ABCD subtend supplementary angles at the centre of a
circle.
Hence, Proved.

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