CIRCLES

Review (we will use these later).

Suppose you know two angles of a
triangle (see the figure).

What would be the measure of the

exterior angle (marked with ?).

Another example.

Two angles of a triangle are given.

What would be the measure of the

exterior angle (marked with ?)

Hopefully you noticed that:

• The sum of the two interior angles is equal to the
measure of the remote exterior angle.
• In the first example, 85+64=149, which is equal to
the measure of the remote exterior angle.
• In the second example, 30+97=127, which is
equal to the measure of the remote exterior
angle.
Some definitions
A circle is the set of all points in a plane
that are a fixed distance from a fixed
point.
The fixed point is called the center, and
the fixed distance is called the radius of
the circle.

In the figure, O is the center of the

circle, and all points on the circle are 5
units away from O. The segments OA,
OB, OC, and OD are all radii (plural of
radius) of the circle.
The radius may refer to both the
segment or its length.
A chord of a circle is any segment
whose endpoints lie on the circle. A
diameter of a circle is a chord that
passes through the center of the circle.
A secant is a line that contains a chord.

In the figure, ̅̅̅̅

𝐴𝐵 is a chord. Line EF
contains ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵, so 𝐸𝐹⃡ is a secant line.
̅̅̅̅
The segment 𝐶𝐷 is also a chord. Since
it passes through the center, then ̅̅̅̅𝐶𝐷 is
also a diameter. The diameter may refer
to the segment or its length.

Did you notice that in a circle:

• all radii are congruent.
• the diameter is twice the length of the radius.
• the diameter is the longest chord in a circle.
More definitions
A semicircle is the union of the
endpoints of a diameter and all points of
the circle that lie on the same side of the
diameter.

In the figure, the semicircle is shown in

a solid line. The bottom part (dashed
curve) is also considered a semi-circle.

̂ consists of A and B together

An arc 𝐴𝐵
with the portion of the circle between
these two points.

An arc that is shorter than a semicircle

is called a minor arc and an arc that is
longer than a semicircle is called a
major arc.

̂ can refer to both the

The notation 𝐴𝐵
major or minor arc.

Arc notation:
To avoid confusion, use three points to
label the arc.

In the figure, we can denote the minor

̂ and we can denote the
arc AB by 𝐴𝑇𝐵
major arc AB by ̂
𝐴𝑆𝐵.
However, if the context makes it clear
which arc is meant, we can simply write
̂ . Otherwise, when we write 𝐴𝐵
𝐴𝐵 ̂ , we
normally mean the minor arc AB.
A central angle of a circle is an angle
whose vertex is at the center of the
circle.

In the figure, AOB is a central angle.

We also say that AOB intercepts 𝐴𝐵 ̂
̂ is called an intercepted arc).
(or 𝐴𝐵
 An inscribed angle of a circle is an
angle whose vertex is on the circle.

In the figure, ACB is an inscribed

angle. We also say that ACB
intercepts 𝐴𝐵̂ (or 𝐴𝐵
̂ is called an
intercepted arc).

Measure of an arc

An arc can be measured by degrees or by length.

Measure of an arc
The degree measure of an arc AB (denoted by m𝐴𝐵 ̂ ) is
the degree measure of the central angle that intercepts it.
The degree measure of an arc is NOT the same as its
length.

In both figures below, the degree measure m𝑃𝑆 ̂ is 80 (even though the arc
on the left is longer/has greater length).
̂ = 80, then the arc is a little less than 1 of the circle.
Note also that if m𝑃𝑆 4
1
This is because there are 360 in a circle, so 90 is of the circle, and 80 is
4
a little less than that.
 Arc Addition Postulate
̂ and 𝐵𝐶
If 𝐴𝐵 ̂ are adjacent arcs, then
̂ = 𝐴𝐵
𝐴𝐵𝐶 ̂ + 𝐵𝐶̂

̂ = 80° + 60° =
For example, in the figure, 𝐴𝐵𝐶
140°.

Practice 4.1

1. Two circles are given below, with its center indicated. In the first circle, draw an arc
that measures 120. In the second circle, draw an arc that also measures 120.
Remember: to make a 120-arc, you have to make a 120-central angle. You can use
OC as one side of your angle.

2. If a circle is divided into six congruent arcs, what is the measure of each of the six
central angles corresponding to the arcs?
3. In circle B on the right, write the
following measures:

̂ = ________
a) m𝐶𝐷

̂ = ________
b) m𝐴𝐷

̂ = ________
c) m𝐴𝐸𝐶

̂ = ________
d) m𝐴𝐸𝐷

̂ = ________
e) m𝐷𝐶𝐸
Relationship Between the Measure of the Central Angle and
Inscribed Angle

Look at the drawings below, showing a central angle and inscribed angle that intercept
the same arc.
All the angles below intercept arc AB.

What do you notice about the measure of the central and inscribed angles?

Another example:
All the angles below intercept arc AB.

What do you notice about the measure of the central and inscribed angles?

Hopefully, you noticed that:

• The measure of the inscribed angle is half the
measure of the central angle.
• Inscribed angles that intercept the same arc are
congruent.
Why is the Measure of the Inscribed Angle Half the Measure
of the Intercepted Arc?

We will start with the figure on the right.

We will show that ∠𝐵𝑂𝐴 = 2∠𝐷; in other

1
words, ∠𝐷 = 2 ∠𝐵𝑂𝐴.

First draw the line segment DO.

➔ Triangle ODB is isosceles because

OD and OB are both radii—so they
have the same measure.
➔ Triangle OAD is isosceles because
OD and OA are both radii—so they
have the same measure.

Because triangles ODB and OAD are

isosceles, then the sides opposite the
congruent sides are congruent:

➔ ∠𝑂𝐷𝐵 ≅ ∠𝑂𝐵𝐷 (let’s label these

“a”)
➔ ∠𝑂𝐷𝐴 ≅ ∠𝑂𝐴𝐷 (let’s label these
“b”)
 Look at triangle ODB. The angle EOB is
an exterior angle to the triangle, so its
measure will be the sum 𝑎 + 𝑎 = 2𝑎.

Look at triangle ODA. The angle EOA is

an exterior angle to the triangle, so its
measure will be the sum 𝑏 + 𝑏 = 2𝑏.

The measure of the central angle is the

same as the measure of the intercepted
arc (see page 4).

This just proves that the measure of the

inscribed angle (𝑎 + 𝑏) is half the
measure of the central angle and the
intercepted arc (2𝑎 + 2𝑏).

The explanation above gives a justification for the following theorem.

Inscribed Angle Theorem (IAT)
The measure of an inscribed angle is half the measure of
its intercepted arc.
Alternatively, the measure of an intercepted arc is twice the
measure of the inscribed angle.

Example. Find the values of x and y.

Solution.
̂.
Inscribed angle CAD intercepts 𝐶𝐷
̂ = 2(20) = 40.
Therefore, x = m𝐶𝐷

̂.
Inscribed angle CBA intercepts 𝐶𝐷𝐴
1 1
̂ = (40+110) = 75.
Therefore, y = 2m𝐶𝐷𝐴 2

An important implication of the Inscribed Angle Theorem is as follows.

First Corollary to the IAT
̂ are equal.
Inscribed angles that intercept the same arc 𝐴𝐵

̂ all measure
(because any angle that intercepts arc 𝐴𝐵
1
̂ , so they are all equal).
𝑚𝐴𝐵
2
Practice 1

In the figure on the right, the circle is divided

into 12 equal parts (360°/12 = 30°)

̂ = ______
m𝐼𝐹

mIOF = ______

mILF = ______

mIBF = ______

mIEF = ______

Practice 2

Now let us investigate inscribed angles

that inscribed in a semicircle, as shown
on the right.

The three angles on the right all

̂ . Use a
intercept semicircle 𝐽𝐷
protractor to find their measures.

mJLD = ______

mJAD = ______

mJED = ______

Second Corollary to the IAT

An inscribed angle that intercepts a semi-circle is a right
angle.
(still half the measure of the intercepted arc, which is 180
in the case of a semicircle).
Practice 3
Now we will investigate opposite angles of
a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle.

Consider quadrilateral ADEJ on the right.

Notice that JAD is opposite JED. Also,
AJD is opposite EDA. Let us find their
measures.

mJAD = ______, mJED = ______

mAJD = ______, mEDA = ______

In the previous activity, you should notice that:
• Opposite angles of a quadrilateral inscribed in a
circle are supplementary.

Third Corollary to the IAT

If a quadrilateral is inscribed in a circle, then its opposite
angles are supplementary.

We will now use all of these results to solve problems related to inscribed angles.
Example. Find the values of x and y.

Solution.
Angles ADB and ACB both intercept the
̂.
same arc, 𝐴𝐵
Therefore, they are congruent (so x=40).

Also, ABC is inscribed in a semicircle.

Therefore, y = 90.

Finally DAB and DCB are opposite

sides of quadrilateral ABCD in the circle.
mDCB = 30+x=30+40=70.

Therefore, mDAB = 180 - 70 = 110.

This means that z = 110.
We will now apply the above results to prove new statements.
Example.

Given: Circle centered at O;

̅̅̅̅
𝑈𝑆 is a diameter.
𝑚𝑅𝑆̂ = 𝑚𝑆𝑇̂

Prove: Δ𝑅𝑆𝑈 ≅ ∆𝑇𝑆𝑈

Proof.
Statements Reasons
̅̅̅̅ is a diameter
1. 𝑈𝑆 1. Given
2. mSRU = mSTU = 90 2. Inscribed Angles that intercept a semi-
circle is a right angle.
3. SRU  STU 3. Definition of congruent angles (they
have equal measures, 90)
̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝑆𝑇
4. 𝑆𝑇 ̅̅̅̅ 4. Reflexive Property (same segment)
5. 𝑚𝑅𝑆̂ = 𝑚𝑆𝑇 ̂ 5. Given
1
6. mRUS = 2m𝑅𝑆 ̂; 6. Inscribed Angle Theorem
1
̂
mSUT = 2m𝑆𝑇
1 1
̂
7. mSUT = 2m𝑅𝑆 ̂ with
7. Substitution (replaced 2m𝑆𝑇
1
̂)
m𝑅𝑆
2
8. RUS  SUT 8. Definition of congruent angles (they
1
have equal measures, 2m𝑅𝑆 ̂)
9. Δ𝑅𝑆𝑈 ≅ ∆𝑇𝑆𝑈 9. SAA Theorem

Practice 4

For Items 1-4, refer to the figure on the

right.

Find mB, mC, and mD if:

̂ = 100, m𝐵𝐶
1. m𝐵𝐷 ̂ = 140
̂ ̂
2. m𝐷𝐶 = 80, m𝐷𝐵 = 60

̂ , m𝐶𝐷
Find m𝐵𝐶 ̂ , and m𝐷𝐵
̂ if:
3. mB = 45, mC = 55
4. mD = 60, mB = 75
5. Find mA, mB, mC, and ̂ , and mP.
6. Find mS, mR, m𝑄𝑅
mD.

In Items 7-9, find the value of the variables.

(7) (8) (9)

̅̅̅̅ is a diameter,
10. In Circle O, 𝐴𝐶
m𝐴𝐷= 70 and BDC = 30.
̂

Give the following measures:

a) mB = ______

b) mC = ______

̂ = ______
c) m𝐵𝐶

̂ = ______
d) m𝐴𝐵

e) mADB = ______
f) mADC = ______

11. Prove that Δ𝐴𝐹𝐷~∆𝐵𝐶𝐷 12. Given: 𝑚𝐸𝐷̂ = 𝑚𝐹𝐷 ̂

Prove that CED  CFD
Hint: Why is ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐸 congruent to ̅̅̅̅𝐶𝐹 ? Go
back to the definition of a circle.
Angles formed by Chords and Secants

In this lesson, we learn the measures of angles formed by intersecting chords.

We will now try to find a formula to find
the measure of ∠3.

First draw auxiliary lines CF and ED.

We now apply the Inscribed Angle

Theorem. The measure of angles C and
E are half the measure of the intercepted
̂.
arc 𝐹𝐷

We again apply the Inscribed Angle

Theorem. The measure of angles F and
D are half the measure of the intercepted
̂.
arc 𝐶𝐸
In Triangle COE, ∠3 is an exterior angle,
and therefore,

𝑚∠3 = 𝑎 + 𝑏.

Notice that this value is half the sum of

the measures of arcs CE and FD.

In other words:
1
𝑚∠3 = ̂ + 𝑚𝐹𝐷
(𝑚𝐶𝐸 ̂)
2

Intersecting Chords Theorem for Angles

If two chords intersect in the interior of a circle, then the measure of
an angle formed is half the sum of the measures intercepted by the
angle and its vertical angle.

In symbols, this theorem means:

1
𝑚∠3 = ̂ + 𝑚𝐹𝐷
(𝑚𝐶𝐸 ̂)
2

Example.

Solution. Note that d is NOT an inscribed angle, so we cannot just say

that md is half of 124. Instead, we use the formula
1
𝑚∠𝑑 = (𝑒 + 𝑓)
2
1
This means that md = 2(124+40) = 82
In the next part of the lesson, we will learn the measures of angles formed by
intersecting secants.
We will now try to find a formula to find
the measure of ∠4.

First draw auxiliary line PN.

We now apply the Inscribed Angle

Theorem. The measure of angle P is half
̂.
the measure of the intercepted arc 𝑀𝑁

We again apply the Inscribed Angle

Theorem. The measure of angle PNQ is
half the measure of the intercepted arc
̂.
𝑃𝑄
In Triangle PNL, ∠𝑃𝑁𝑄 is an exterior
angle, and therefore,

𝑏 = 𝑎 + 𝑚∠4.
Thus,
𝑚∠4 = 𝑏 − 𝑎.

Notice that this value is half the sum of

the measures of arcs PQ and MN.

In other words:
1
𝑚∠4 = ̂ − 𝑚𝑀𝑁
(𝑚𝑃𝑄 ̂)
2

Intersecting Secants Theorem for Angles

If two secants intersect in the exterior of a circle, then the
measure of the angle formed is half the difference of the
measures of the intercepted arcs.

In symbols, this theorem means:

1
̂ − 𝑚𝑀𝑁
𝑚∠4 = (𝑚𝑃𝑄 ̂)
2

Example.

Solution. We use the formula

1
𝑚∠𝑥 = (𝑎 − 𝑑)
2
1
This means that 4t = 2(6t + 50 – 10)
1
Simplifying, we get 4t = 2(6t + 40), or 8t = 6t + 40.
Next we get 2t = 40, or t = 20. This means that x = 80.
Practice 5

̂ = 90, m𝐵𝐶
1. If m𝐴𝐷 ̂ = 60, find
mDEA.
̂ = 110, m𝐷𝐶
2. If m𝐴𝐵 ̂ = 70, find
mAEB.
̂ = 50,
3. If mDEC = 50 and m𝐷𝐶
̂.
find m𝐴𝐵
̂ = 100,
4. If mCEB = 80 and m𝐴𝐷
̂
find m𝐵𝐶 .

̂ = 120, m𝐵𝐷
5. If m𝐴𝐸 ̂ = 40, find
mC.
̂ = 60, find
6. If mC = 50 and m𝐵𝐷
m𝐴𝐸̂.

̂ =
7. Given: AB is a diameter; m𝑇𝐵 ̂ = 80, m𝑉𝑇
8. If m𝑈𝑉 ̂ = 130, and
̂ = 30, and m𝐶𝐷
90, m𝐵𝐶 ̂ = 20. ̂ = 20, find mTVS, mR,
m𝑇𝑆
Find the measure of angles 1 to 8. mTWS, and mVUW.

9. Find the values of x and y. 10. Find the value of x.

Answer Key

Practice 1
You should find out that all inscribed angles are 45; the central angle IOF = 90
Practice 2
You should find out that all angles are 90
Practice 3
You should find out that the two opposite angles add up to 90.
Practice 4
1) mB = 60, mC = 50, mD = 70; 2) mB = 40, mC = 30, mD = 110; 3)
mBC = 160, mCD = 90, mDB = 110; 4) mBC = 120, mCD = 150, mDB = 90; 5)
mA = 54, mB = 79, mC = 126, mD = 101; 6) mS = 80, mR = 87.5, mQR
= 75, mP = 92.5; 7) 48; 8) x=90, y=50; 9) x=65; 10a) 35; 10b) 35; 10c) 60; 10d)
120; 10e) 60; 10f) 90; 11) Use Inscribed Angle Theorem and Vertical Angle Theorem
then AA; 12) Use definition of radius, definition of arc measure (that it is equal to the
central angle), then SAS
Practice 5
1) 75; 2) 90; 3) 50; 4) 60; 5) 40; 6) 160; 7) m1 = 90; m2 = 90; m3 = 25;
m4 = 65; m5 = 55; m6 = 125; m7 = 35; m8 = 60; 8) 10, 30, 50, 65,
respectively; 9) x =95, y=45; 10) x =78