Chapter 1 Circular Measure

Recognising a Circle

Circle

In geometry, a circle is a closed curve obtained from a set of

points on a plane which are equal distance from a fixed point
called the centre O. This distance is called the radius of the
circle.

Diameter

A diameter of a circle is a line segment that passes through the

centre of a circle and its ends touch the circumference of the
circle. All diameters of a circle have the same length.

Chord

A chord is a line segment with its end points touching the

circumference of the circle. A diameter is also a special chord
which passes through the centre of the circle and it is the
longest chord of that circle.

Radius

The radius of a circle is a line segment drawn from the centre

of the circle to any points on the circumference. In the
diagram, O is the centre of the circle. OB and OC are both
radii with the same length. The radius is half the length of the
1
diameter of that circle, that is, OB = AB .
2

Arc

An arc is a part of a circle. In the diagram, the red line from the
point B to C forms an arc of the circle. An arc can be measured
in degrees. Arc BC = BOC = 45 .

Tangent

A tangent is a line that touches a circle at only one point. A

tangent is always perpendicular to the radius at that point of
contact. In the diagram, the line BC is the tangent to the circle
at the point B.
 Chapter 1 Circular Measure

Tangent

Chord

Tangent, chord, diameter and radius O

Diameter
Radius

Minor arc

Minor segment

Minor arc, major arc, minor segment and O

major segment
Major segment

Major arc

Minor arc
Minor sector

O
Minor sector and major sector
Major sector

Major arc