Geometry Unit 10 – Notes

Circles

Syllabus Objective: 10.1 - The student will differentiate among the terms relating to a
circle.

Circle – the set of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a given point, called the center.

Radius – the distance from the center to a point on the

circle.

Diameter – the distance across a circle, through the

center. The diameter is twice the radius.

Chord – a segment whose endpoints are points on the circle.

Secant – a line that intersects a circle in two points.

Tangent – a line in the plane of a circle that intersects the

circle in exactly one point.

Concentric circles – coplanar circles that have a common center.

Some real life examples are targets and Target™!

Point of tangency – the point at which the tangent line intersects the circle.

Syllabus Objective: 10.4 - The student will explore relationships among circles and
external lines or rays.

Example: Find the length of chord AB .

OA = OB = 6.
Draw ON ⊥ AB . ON bisects AB ;
ON bisects ∠AOB . Using
O the properties of 30 60 90
triangles, ON = 3 and
6 120°
AN = 3 3, so
A x
N B ( )
AB = 2 3 3 = 6 3.

Unit 10 Circles Page 1 of 20

Theorem: If a line is tangent to a circle, then it is perpendicular to the radius drawn to the
point of tangency.

Theorem: In a plane, if a line is perpendicular to a radius of a circle at its endpoint on the

circle, then the line is tangent to the circle.

Example: CB and CD are tangent to O at B and D, respectively.

A
If AB = 12 and BC = 8, then OC = ___?___.
D Since AB passes through the center, it is
O perpendicular to the tangent line BC . The
( )
diameter is 12, so the radius OB is 6. Use
the Pythagorean Theorem to find OC .
C B 82 + 62 = OC 2,
OC = 10.

Theorem: If two segments from the same exterior point are tangent to a circle, then they are
congruent. {Think of an ice cream cone, the two sides should be equal where they meet the ice
cream.}

Example:
a) Find the perimeter of the polygon.
A
AB = AJ = 3,
J 3 CB = CD = 2.5,
1.5
B ED = EF = 1,
I
GF = GH = 2,
H C IH = IJ = 1.5.
2.5
Add them all together, P = 20 units.
G 2
D
F 1
E

Syllabus Objective: 10.3 - The student will solve problems involving arcs, chords, and radii
of a circle.

Central angle – an angle whose vertex is the center of a circle.

Minor arc – part of a circle that measures less than 180°.

Major arc – part of a circle that measures between 180° and 360°.

Unit 10 Circles Page 2 of 20

Semicircle – an arc whose endpoints are the endpoints of a diameter of the circle. A semicircle
measures exactly 180°.

Arc Addition Postulate: The measure of an arc formed by two adjacent arcs is the sum of the
measures of the two arcs.

Theorem: In the same circle, or in congruent circles, two minor arcs are congruent if and only
if their corresponding chords are congruent.

Examples:
a) In E , find the measure of the angle or the arc named.
A Solutions:
70° BC mBC = m ∠BEC = 80°.
∠1 m ∠1 = mAB = 70°.
2 1
80°
B AC mAC = mAB + mBC
E
= 70 + 80 = 150°.
D
ADB mADB = 360 − mAB
80°
C = 360 − 70 = 290°.

b) In C with diameter SP , find the measure of the angle or the arc named.
T Solutions: Solutions:
∠PCQ 60° SPQ 240°
S
45° ST 45° PT 135°
SQP 180° ∠TCP 135°
C
SQ 120° SPT 315°
P ∠SCQ 120° 165°
TSQ
60°
Q ∠SCP 180°

Theorem: If a diameter of a circle is perpendicular to a chord, then the diameter bisects the
chord and its arc.

Theorem: If one chord is a perpendicular bisector of another chord, then the first chord is a
diameter.

Unit 10 Circles Page 3 of 20

 Examples:
a) In A , SQ = 12 and AT = 8. Find PR.
P
1 1
ST =TQ = SQ =
2 2
(12) = 6,
(SA ) = (ST ) + (AT )
2 2 2
,
A
= 62 + 82,
ΔATS is a 6-8-10 right triangle, so
T SA = 10.
S Q
R PR is a diameter, so PR = 2 (SA ) = 20.

b) mGMJ = 200°, mGK = ___?___ .

K
Since KM is perpendicular to GJ ,

G H J it also bisects GJ and GJ .

360 − 200 = 160°,
Q
mGJ = 160°,
1 1
mGK = mGJ = (160 ) = 80°.
2 2
M

c) CB and CD are tangent to O at B and D, respectively., if m ∠BCD = 50° , then

m ∠DBO = ___?
A
ΔBCD must measure 180°.
D
180 − 50 = 130° to be shared evenly by
O
∠BDC and ∠DBC .
m ∠DBC = 65°, m ∠OBC = 90°. 90 - 65 = 25°.
m ∠DBO = 25°.
C B

Theorem: In the same circle, or in congruent circles, two chords are congruent if and only if
they are equidistant from the center.

Unit 10 Circles Page 4 of 20

 Example:
In O , FL = 3, GO = 5, OP = 4. Find HJ .
G
L is the midpoint of FG , so LG = 3.
In rt. ΔOLG , 52 = 32 + (OL ) .
2

L
Then 25 − 9 = 16 = (OL ) , OL = 4.
2
O
F
Since OP = 4, OL = OP and FG ≅ HJ ,
P J HJ = FG = 2FL = 6.
H

Syllabus Objective: 10.2 - The student will solve problems involving angles, arcs, or
sectors of circles.

One easy way for students to remember the angle measures

relationships: have them imagine a rubber band being held down on two
points of the circle. As the rubber band is stretched to the center of
the circle it will form an angle, which is equal to the arc measure.
Stretched some more and it will be thinner (one-half the sum of the
arcs). Stretched even further, to the edge of the circle and it will be
thinner (one-half the arc). And stretched further again, even thinner
still (one-half the difference of the arcs).

Inscribed angle – an angle whose vertex is on a circle and whose sides contain chords of the
circle.

Intercepted arc – the arc that lies in the interior of an inscribed angle and has endpoints on the
angle.

Inscribed polygon – drawn inside. A polygon is inscribed in a circle if all its vertices lie on the
circle.

Circumscribed – drawn around. In the above definition, the circle is circumscribed about the
polygon.

Measure of an Inscribed Angle Theorem: If an angle is inscribed in a circle, then its measure
1
is half the measure of its intercepted arc. { angle = arc }
2

Unit 10 Circles Page 5 of 20

 Example: Find the values of x, y, and z.

1
90°
x° y° x =
2
(80 ) = 40,
1
y = 55, y = 110,
2
z = 360 − ( 80 + 90 + 110 ) = 80.

55°
z°
80°

Theorem: If two inscribed angles of a circle intercept the same arc, then the angles are
congruent.

Example:
If mAB = 120, then m ∠1 = __?__ and m ∠2 = __?__ .

B Since ∠1 and ∠2 both intercept AB .

A 1
m ∠1 = m ∠2 = mAB = 60°.
2 2

Theorem: If a right triangle is inscribed is inscribed in a circle, then the hypotenuse is a

diameter of the circle. Conversely, if one side of an inscribed triangle is a diameter of the
circle, then the triangle is a right triangle and the angle opposite the diameter is the right
1
angle. { angle = arc }
2

Example:
If CE is a diameter, then CDE is a __?__ and m ∠3 = __?__ .

CDE is a semicircle, so
E m ∠3 = 90°.
C

Unit 10 Circles Page 6 of 20

Theorem: A quadrilateral can be inscribed in a circle if and only if its opposite angles are
supplementary.

Example:
If m ∠4 = 75°, then m ∠5 = __?__ .

4 Since opposite angles of an

inscribed quadrilateral are
supplementary,
m ∠5 = 180 − 75 = 105°.

Syllabus Objective: 10.6 - The student will solve problems involving secant segments and
tangent segments for a circle.

Tangent segment – a segment that is tangent to a circle at an endpoint.

tangent segment

Secant segment – a segment that intersects a circle in two points, with one point as an endpoint
of the segment.
secant segment

External segment – the part of the secant segment that is not inside the circle.

external segment

Theorem: If a tangent and a chord intersect at a point on a circle, then the measure of each
1
angle formed is one half the measure of its intercepted arc. { angle = arc }
2

Unit 10 Circles Page 7 of 20

 Example:
If XP is tangent to A and m XZY = 260°, find mXY and m ∠PXY .
Z
X mXY = 360 − mXZY
A
= 360 − 260 = 100°.
1
m ∠PXY = mXY
P 2
1
= (100 ) = 50°.
Y 2

Theorem: If two chords intersect in the interior of a circle, then the measure of each angle is
one half the sum of the measures of the arcs intercepted by the angle and its vertical angle.
1
{ angle = (arc + arc ) }
2

Examples:
a) If mPQ = 45° and mRS = 75°, find m ∠1.
1
m ∠1 =
2
(
mRS + m PQ )
R 1
Q = ( 75 + 45 ) = 60°.
2
1

P
S

b) If m ∠1 = 55° and mRS = 80°, find mPQ .

m ∠1 =
1
2
(
mRS + mPQ )
1
(
55 = 80 + mPQ
2
)
110 = 80 + m PQ
30° = mPQ .

Theorem: If a tangent and a secant, two tangents, or two secants intersect in the exterior of
a circle, then the measure of the angle formed is one half the difference of the measure of the
1
intercepted arcs. { angle = (larger arc − smaller arc ) }
2

Unit 10 Circles Page 8 of 20

 Examples:
a) If mDC = 100° and mEB = 40°, find m ∠A.
D
m ∠A =
1
2
(mDC − mEB )
E 1
= ( 1 0 0 − 40 )
2
A = 3 0°
C B

Secant-Secant

b) If m ∠W = 65° and mXZ = 70°, find mXVY .

Y

Z
1
(
m ∠W = m XVY − mXZ
2
)
W
1
(
65 = mXVY − 70
2
)
130 = mXVY − 70
200° = mXVY .
X
V
Secant-Tangent

c) If mQRS = 240°, find mQS and m ∠P .

S
R
mQRS + mQS = 360°,
240 + mQS = 360°,
P mQS = 120°.

m ∠P =
1
2
(
mQRS − mQS , )
1
Q = (240 − 120 ) = 60°.
2
Tangent-Tangent

Theorem: If two chords intersect in the interior of a circle, then the product of the lengths
of the segments of one chord is equal to the products of the lengths of the segments of the
other chord.

Unit 10 Circles Page 9 of 20

 Examples:
D
a) If AP = 4, PB = 6, and CP = 8, find PD .
B AP iPB = CP iPD
A
P 4 ( 6) = 8 (PD )
3 = PD .

b) If AP = 4, PB = 9, and CD = 15, find CP .

Let CP = x ; then PD = 15 − x .
AP iPB = CP iPD
C 4 ( 9 ) = x (15 − x )
36 = 15x − x 2
x 2 − 15x + 36 = 0
( x − 12)( x − 3) = 0
x = 12 or x = 3
CP = 12 or CP = 3.

Theorem: If two secant segments share the same endpoint outside a circle, then the product
of the length of one secant segment and the length of its external segment equals the product
of the length of the other secant segment and the length of its external segment.
{(entire length)(outside length)=(entire length)(outside length)}

For both of the external segment theorems, students must

remember;
(entire length)(part outside) = (entire length)(part outside).
This works for the tangent segments as well because the segment
length is also the external segment length (tangent squared).

Unit 10 Circles Page 10 of 20

 Examples:
D

E
F

a) If DF = 17, EF = 3, and GF = 6, then HF = __?__ .

DF iEF = HF iGF ,
(17 )(3) = (HF )(6) ,
HF = 8.5.

b) If HG = 8, GF = 7, and DF = 21, then EF = __?__ .

DF iEF = HF iGF ,
(21 )(EF ) = (8 + 7 )( 7 ) ,
EF = 5.

Theorem: If a secant segment and a tangent segment share an endpoint outside a circle, then
the product of the length of the secant segment and the length of its external segment equals
the square of the length of the tangent segment.
{(entire length)(outside length)=(entire length)(outside length)}

Examples:

T a) If RT = 25 and RS = 5, find QR .
{(entire length)(outside length)=(entire length)(outside length)}
RT iRS = QR iQR or RT iRS = QR 2,
(25 )(5 ) = (QR )
2
,
Q
5 5 = QR .
S
b) If QR = 6 and ST = 9, find RS .
R
Let RS = x ; then RT = x + 9,
RT iRS = (QR ) ,
2

( x + 9 )(9 ) = 6 , 2

x 2 + 9x − 36 = 0,
( x + 12)( x − 3) = 0,
x = −12 or x = 3, so RS = 3.

Unit 10 Circles Page 11 of 20

Syllabus Objective: 10.5 - The student will solve problems involving properties circles using
algebraic techniques.

Examples:
a) Find the value of x.
Since the arcs are equal (congruent),
142° the chords are congruent.
3x + 7 = 5x − 9,
3x+7
16 = 2x ,
5x-9
x = 8.
142°

b) Find m ∠D and m ∠B .
Since ABCD is inscribed in a circle,
B
opposite angles are supplementary.
(21x-8)° m ∠D + m ∠B = 180,
C 23x + 12 + 21x − 8 = 180,
44x + 4 = 180,
44x = 176,
A (23x+12)° x = 4.
So, m ∠D = 23 ( 4 ) + 12 = 104° and
D
m∠B = 21 ( 4 ) − 8 = 76°.

c) Find x and y. Assume that segments that appear to be tangent are tangent.
Round to the nearest tenth if necessary.

Two tangent segments are equal so,

5x − 8 = 72 − 3x ,
8x = 80,
x = 10.
Radius is perpendicular to tangent line so,
5x-8 41
y y 2 + 392 = 412,
y = 160 = 4 10 .
72-3x 39

Unit 10 Circles Page 12 of 20

 d) Find x.
JK iKL = PK iKM
P
( x + 10 )( x ) = ( x + 1 )( x + 8)
x+1 L x 2 + 10x = x 2 + 9x + 8
x
10x = 9x + 8
x+10 K
x = 8.
J x+8

Syllabus Objective: 10.7 - The student will perform constructions involving special
relationships within circles. {May require supplemental material}

Example: Construct a tangent to a given circle from a point on the circle.

Given: Point A on O.
A Step 1: Draw OA.
Step 2: Construct a perpendicular from
t a point ON the line, named t .
O Line t is tangent to O at A.

**Eggs**
Give students the construction steps and see if they can recreate the shape.
The beautifully smooth egg shown below is composed of circular segments that fit
together ‘continuously’, so that there is no sudden change in the ‘direction’ of the
shell, where any two
segments touch.

The Problem :
Reconstruct the egg yourself, using only a compass and a straightedge.

Unit 10 Circles Page 13 of 20

 Notes : D
G F

A B
N

The order of construction would be:

1. Draw two congruent circles, the second having its center on the
circumference of the first.
2. Join their centers. ( AB )
3. Join their points of intersection. ( DE – the perpendicular bisector of AB )
4. Mark the intersection of AB and DE . (the mid-point of AB as N)
5. Mark off point C on the line segment ND , such that NA = NB = NC.
6. Lengthen AC and BC to cut the ‘inside’ of the original circles at F and G
respectively. (and form ΔABC )
7. Use compasses centered at C, radius CF , to draw minor circular FG .
8. Use compasses centered at N, radius NB , to draw semi-circular AB .
9. Go over FG , GB , BA and AF to emphasize the required “Egg” shape.

Syllabus Objective: 10.8 - The student will graph a circle and determine its equation.

Standard equation of a circle – a circle with radius r and center (h, k) has this standard
equation: ( x − h ) + ( y − k ) = r 2
2 2

Examples: Write the equation of the circle.

a) Center at (1, −8 ) , radius 7.

(x − h ) + ( y − k ) = r ,
2 2 2

( x − 1 ) + ( y − ( −8 ) ) = ( )
2 2 2
7 ,

( x − 1 ) + ( y + 8) = 7.
2 2

Unit 10 Circles Page 14 of 20

 b) Center at ( −2, 4 ) , passes through ( −6, 7 ) .
Use distance formula to find radius:
center to point on circle.
r = ( −6 − ( −2 ))2 + (7 − 4)2 ,
r = ( −4)2 + (3)2 ,
r = 16 + 9 = 25 = 5.
(x − h ) + ( y − k ) = r ,
2 2 2

( x − ( −2) ) + ( y − 4 ) = (5)
2 2 2
,

( x + 2) + ( y − 4 ) = 25.
2 2

Unit 10 Circles Page 15 of 20

 This unit is designed to follow the Nevada State Standards for Geometry, CCSD
syllabus and benchmark calendar. It loosely correlates to Chapter 10 of McDougal
Littell Geometry © 2004, sections 10.1 – 10.6. The following questions were taken
from the 2nd semester common assessment practice and operational exams for
2008-2009 and would apply to this unit.
Multiple Choice
# Practice Exam (08-09) Operational Exam (08-09)
13. Which accurately describes a tangent? Which accurately describes a secant?
A. A segment whose endpoints are on the circle. A. A line that intersects a circle at two points.
B. A line that intersects a circle in two points B. A segment whose endpoints are on the circle.
and passes through the center of the circle. C. A segment having an endpoint on the circle
C. A segment having an endpoint on the circle and an endpoint at the center of the circle.
and an endpoint at the center of the circle. D. A line that intersects a circle at exactly one
D. A line that intersects a circle at exactly one point.
point.
14. Use the figure below. Use the figure below.

E E
C C
G G

B B

A A
D D

Which of the following represent a secant? Which represents a chord?

A. AG A. CA
B. BE B. BC
C. CA C. AD
D. DA D. AG
15. In circle S below, Use circle O below.
P P

Q 32° Q
86°

S O

T T

R R
The m∠QPT = 32° , what is the measure of Since m∠PQR = 86° , what is the measure
∠QRT ? of ∠PTR ?
A. 16° A. 43°
B. 32° B. 86°
C. 64° C. 90°
D. 128° D. 172°

Unit 10 Circles Page 16 of 20

16. In circle J below, Use circle J below.
156° L
L

( 3 x − 6) ° ( 2 x − 4) °
J 166°
J K

What is the value of x? K

A. 78 What is the value of x?
B. 54 A. 47
C. 50 B. 81
D. 27 C. 85
D. 92
17. In K , m XY = ( 7 x − 9 ) ° , In P , m RS = ( 2 x + 9 ) ° , mTU = ( x + 7 ) ° ,
mWZ = 3 ( 2 x + 15 ) ° , and m∠XLY = 148° . and m∠RQS = 32° .

R
W
S
X

P Q
K L

U
Y
T
Z

What is the value of x? What is the value of x?

A. 20 A. 16
B. 54 B. 24
C. 131 C. 48
D. 350 D. 62
18. In the figure below, mBC = 75° and In the figure below, m∠H = 13° and
m AD = 135° , m MN = 150° ,
A M J
B
P H
Q L

R
C K

D N
What is m∠P ? What is the mJK ?
A. 15° A. 88°
B. 30° B. 101°
C. 45° C. 124°
D. 60° D. 176°

Unit 10 Circles Page 17 of 20

19. Two tangents are drawn from point P to Two tangents are drawn from point D to
circle H. circle A.
N C

H P A D

R B
What conclusion is guaranteed by this
What conclusion is guaranteed by this
diagram?
diagram?
1
A. mNR = m∠NPR 1
2 A. mBC = m∠BDC
2
B. ΔHNR is a right triangle.
B. ΔABC is a right triangle
C. HNPR is a rhombus.
C. BC = BD
D. HNPR is a kite.
D. ΔBCD is an isosceles triangle
20. All of the segments shown in the figure All of the segments shown in the figure
below are tangents to N . below are tangents to K .
B G
T 5 cm C
A A
10 cm 8 cm
6 cm N K

W U D B
4 cm 3 cm 3 cm 2 cm
D V C I E H
Given the measures in the figure above, Given the measures in the figure above,
what is the perimeter of quadrilateral what is the perimeter of quadrilateral
ABCD? AGHI?
A. 23 cm A. 18 cm
B. 40 cm B. 26 cm
C. 46 cm C. 31 cm
D. 52 cm D. 36 cm

Unit 10 Circles Page 18 of 20

21. In K , NK = 3 x + 4 , KW = 5 x − 8 , In A , CD ≅ FE , CH = 4 x + 2 , and
SA = 5 x − 4 , and KN ≅ KW . FE = 6 x + 10 .
R E
N G

C F
A C
K A

W H

S D
What is CN? What is the value of x?
A. 6 A. –4
B. 13 B. –3
C. 22 C. 3
D. 26 D. 4
22. CK is the diameter of O , mJC = ( 19 x ) ° , SR is the diameter of M ,
m∠RMT = ( x + 15 ) ° ,
and mJK = ( 9( x + 2) − 6 ) ° .
C m∠UMR = ( 3 x + 15 ) ° ,
and m∠SMT = ( 4 x − 10 ) ° .
S
O

M
J L
K
What is the value of x? U T
4 R
A.
5 What is the value of x?
5 A. 35
B.
6 B. 25
C. 4 C. 20
D. 6 D. 5

Unit 10 Circles Page 19 of 20

48. In circle D below, AB is tangent to D at In the figure below, AB is tangent to D
A, and CB is tangent to D at C. at A and CB is tangent to D
A at C.
A
2x – 6 2x
10 B
B 3
D
D 8
3( x − 7)
C
C
Find the value of x.
What is the length of BD ? A. 2
A. 14 B. 3
B. 15 C. 4
C. 24 D. 5
D. 26
49. In the figure below, AB is tangent to D In circle D below, MN is tangent to D at
at A and BC is tangent to D N and MP is tangent to D
at C. at P.
2 ( x + 5) − 1
A N
B
3x + 6 7
6
M
D D
5x

C 6x – 12
What is the value of x?
P
A. 2
B. 3 What is the length of MP ?
C. 4 A. 25
D. 5 B. 24
C. 7
D. 6
50. In the figure below, RP is tangent to the In the figure below, AB is tangent to the
circle at R and SP is a secant. circle at A and BD is a secant.
R A
x 10 cm
P B

6 cm 5 cm
V C
8 cm x
S D
What is the value of x? What is the value of x?
A. 48 cm A. 2 cm
B. 84 cm B. 5 cm
C. 4 3 cm C. 15 cm
D. 2 21 cm D. 25 cm

Unit 10 Circles Page 20 of 20