Lesson 8-1

Circle
Terminology

Lesson 8-1: Circle Terminology 1

 Circle Definition
Circle : The set of points coplanar points equidistant from a
given point.
The given point is called the CENTER of the circle.
The distance from the center to the circle is called the
RADIUS.

Center

Radius

Lesson 8-1: Circle Terminology 2

 Definitions
Chord : The segment whose endpoints lie on the circle.
Diameter : A chord that contains the center of the circle.
Tangent : A line in the plane of the circle that intersects the circle
in exactly one point.
Point of Tangency : Tangent
Ch ord
The point where the tangent line intersects
the circle.
Diameter
Secant : A line that contains a chord.
Secant

Lesson 8-1: Circle Terminology 3

 Example: In the following figure identify
the chords, radii, and diameters.

B Chords: AB, BF , CE
C
A

O Radii:

D
F E
Diameter: FB

Lesson 8-1: Circle Terminology 4

 Definitions
Congruent Circles : Circles that have congruent radii.
2
2

Concentric circles : Circles that lie in the same plane and

have the same center.

Lesson 8-1: Circle Terminology 5

 Polygons
Inscribed Polygon:
A polygon inside the circle whose vertices
lie on the circle.

Circumscribed Polygon :
A polygon whose sides are
tangent to a circle.

Lesson 8-1: Circle Terminology 6

 ARCS
Arcs : The part or portion on the circle from some point B to C
is called an arc. B

Example: 
BC C
A

B
Semicircle: An arc that is equal to 180°.
A O

Example: 
ABC C

Lesson 8-1: Circle Terminology 7

 Minor Arc & Major Arc
Minor Arc : A minor arc is an arc that is less than 180°
A minor arc is named using its endpoints with an “arc” above.

Example: 
AB
A

Major Arc: A major arc is an arc that is B

B greater than 180°.
A major arc is named using its endpoints along
A O with another point on the arc (in order).

Example: 
ABC
C
Lesson 8-1: Circle Terminology 8
 Example: ARCS
Identify a minor arc, a major arc, and a semicircle, given that CD
is a diameter.
Minor Arc:  , EC
DE  , CF
 , DF

E
D
 , EDC
Major Arc: CEF  , DFE
 , FCD

A
C
F  , CFD
Semicircle: CED  , EDF
 , ECF


Lesson 8-1: Circle Terminology 9