You are on page 1of 4

Formulas for Angles in Circles - MathBitsNotebook(Geo - CCSS Math) https://mathbitsnotebook.com/Geometry/Circles/CRAngles.

html

Formulas for Angles in Circles


MathBitsNotebook.com
Topical Outline | Geometry Outline | MathBits' Teacher Resources

Terms of Use Contact Person: Donna Roberts

Note: The term "intercepted arc" refers to an arc "cut off" or "lying between" the sides of the specified angle.

1. Central Angle
A central angle is an angle formed by two radii with the
vertex at the center of the circle.
Central Angle = Intercepted Arc

In the diagram at the right, ∠AOB is a central angle with an


intercepted minor arc from A to B.
m∠AOB = 82º
In a circle, or congruent circles, In a circle, or congruent circles,
congruent central angles have congruent congruent central angles have congruent
arcs. chords. (the converse is also true)
(the converse is also true)

2. Inscribed Angle
An inscribed angle is an angle with its vertex "on" the circle,
formed by two intersecting chords.

Inscribed Angle = Intercepted Arc

In the diagram at the right, ∠ABC is an inscribed angle with


an intercepted minor arc from A to C.
m∠ABC = 41º
An angle inscribed in a The opposite angles in a cyclic
semicircle is a right angle. (Called Thales Theorem.) quadrilateral are supplementary.

1 of 4 11/2/2020, 3:59 PM
Formulas for Angles in Circles - MathBitsNotebook(Geo - CCSS Math) https://mathbitsnotebook.com/Geometry/Circles/CRAngles.html

A quadrilateral inscribed
in a circle is called a
cyclic quadrilateral.

In a circle, inscribed angles that


intercept the same arc are congruent.

∠x and ∠y are supplementary

3. Tangent Chord Angle


An angle formed by an intersecting tangent and chord has its
vertex "on" the circle.

Tangent Chord Angle = Intercepted Arc

In the diagram at the right, ∠ABC is an angle formed by a


tangent and chord with an intercepted minor arc from A to B.
m∠ABC = 74º

4. Angle Formed by Two Intersecting Chords


When two chords intersect inside a circle, four angles are
formed. At the point of intersection, two sets of congruent
vertical angles are formed in the corners of the X that
appears.
Angle Formed by Two Chords
= (SUM of Intercepted Arcs)

In the diagram at the right, ∠AED is an angle formed by two Once you have found ONE of
intersecting chords in the circle. Notice that the intercepted these angles, you automatically
know the sizes of the other three
arcs belong to the set of vertical angles.
by using vertical angles (which
are congruent) and adjacent
angles forming a straight line
also, m∠BEC = 43º (vertical angle) (whose measures add to 180º).
m∠CEA and m∠BED = 137º by straight angle formed.

2 of 4 11/2/2020, 3:59 PM
Formulas for Angles in Circles - MathBitsNotebook(Geo - CCSS Math) https://mathbitsnotebook.com/Geometry/Circles/CRAngles.html

5. Angle Formed Outside of Circle by Intersection:


"Two Tangents" or "Two Secants" or a "Tangent and a Secant".
The formulas for all THREE of these situations are the same:
Angle Formed Outside = (DIFFERENCE of Intercepted Arcs)

Two Tangents:
∠ABC is formed by two tangents intersecting outside of
circle O. The intercepted arcs are major arc and
minor arc . These two arcs together comprise the
entire circle.

Angle Formed by Two Tangents


= (DIFFERENCE of Intercepted Arcs)

(When subtracting, start with the larger arc.)

Note: It can be proven that ∠ABC and central angle ∠AOC are supplementary.
Thus the angle formed by the two tangents and the degree measure of the first
minor intercepted arc also add to 180º

Two Secants:
∠CAE is formed by two secants intersecting outside of
circle O. The intercepted arcs are major arc and
minor arc .

Angle Formed by Two Secants


= (DIFFERENCE of Intercepted Arcs)

(When subtracting, start with the larger arc.)

3 of 4 11/2/2020, 3:59 PM
Formulas for Angles in Circles - MathBitsNotebook(Geo - CCSS Math) https://mathbitsnotebook.com/Geometry/Circles/CRAngles.html

a Tangent and a Secant:


∠BAD is formed by a tangent and a secant intersecting
outside of circle O. The intercepted arcs are arc and
arc .

Angle Formed by Tangent and Secant


= (DIFFERENCE of Intercepted Arcs)

(When subtracting, start with the larger arc.)

NOTE: The re-posting of materials (in part or whole) from this site to the Internet is copyright violation
and is not considered "fair use" for educators. Please read the "Terms of Use".

Topical Outline | Geometry Outline | MathBitsNotebook.com | MathBits' Teacher Resources


Terms of Use Contact Person: Donna Roberts

Copyright 2012-2020 MathBitsNotebook.com


All Rights Reserved

4 of 4 11/2/2020, 3:59 PM

You might also like