Circles

A figure made by all the points which are at the same distance from a fixed point is called a Circle.
1. Centre: The fixed point is known as the centre of the circle.
2. Radius: The distance from any point on the circle to the fixed point is the radius. Any line segment which
joins the centre and any point on the circle is known as the Radius.
3. Chord: Any line segment made by joining any two points on the boundary of the circle is called Chord.
4. Diameter: Diameter is two times the radius. It is the longest chord on the circle which passes through the
centre. All the diameters have the same length.
5. Circumference: The length of the boundary of the circle is called the circumference of the circle.

6. Arc: An arc is the part of the circle joining two points on the circumference of the circle.
7. Sector: An area made by an arc and two radii of the circle, by joining the centre to the endpoints of the arc
is called Sector.
8. Segment: An area made by a chord and an arc of the circle is called Segment.

The Relation between a Circle and a Line in a Plane

There could be three situations when there are a line and a circle.

1. Non-intersecting Line: When a line and a circle have no common point then it is called a Non-intersecting
Line with respect to the circle.
2. Secant: When a line intersects a circle in such a way that there are two common points then that line is
called Secant.
3. Tangent: When a line touches the circle in such a way that they have only one common point then that line
is called a Tangent. That common point is called the point of contact.
Tangent to a Circle
All the tangents of a circle are perpendicular to the radius through the point of contact of that tangent.

OP is the radius of the circle and Q is any point on the line XY which is the tangent to the circle. As OP is the
shortest line of all the distances of the point O to the points on XY. So, OP is perpendicular to XY. Hence,
OP⊥ XY
Number of Tangents from a Point on a Circle
1. There could be only one tangent at one point of contact.
2. Tangent could not be drawn from any point inside the circle.
3. There could be only two tangents to a circle from any point outside the circle.

The lengths of tangents drawn from an external point to a circle are equal.

Here, two tangents are drawn from the external point C. As the tangent is perpendicular to the radius, it formed
the right-angle triangle. So ∆AOC and ∆BOC are congruent right-angle triangles. Hence AC = BC.
Exercise: 9.1 (Page No: 147)
1. How many tangents can a circle have?
There can be infinite tangents to a circle. A circle is made up of infinite points which are at an equal
distance from a point. Since there are infinite points on the circumference of a circle, infinite tangents can be
drawn from them.
2. Fill in the blanks.
(i) A tangent to a circle intersects it in one point(s).
(ii) A line intersecting a circle in two points is called a secant.
(iii) A circle can have two parallel tangents at the most.
(iv) The common point of a tangent to a circle and the circle is called the point of contact.
3. A tangent PQ at a point P of a circle of radius 5 cm meets a line through the centre O at
a point Q so that OQ = 12 cm. Length PQ is:
In the above figure, the line that is drawn from the centre of the given circle to the tangent PQ is
perpendicular to PQ.
And so, OP ⊥ PQ
Using Pythagoras’ theorem in triangle ΔOPQ, we get,
OQ2 = OP2+PQ2
(12)2 = 5 2+PQ2
PQ2 = 144-25
PQ2 = 119
PQ = √119 cm
4. Draw a circle and two lines parallel to a given line such that one is a tangent and the
other, a secant to the circle.

In the above figure, XY and AB are two parallel lines. Line segment AB is the tangent at point C, while line
segment XY is the secant.

Exercise: 9.2 (Page No: 151)

1. From point Q, the length of the tangent to a circle is 24 cm, and the distance of Q from the centre is
25 cm. The radius of the circle is:
First, draw a perpendicular from the centre O of the triangle to a point P on the circle, which is touching the
tangent. This line will be perpendicular to the tangent of the circle.

So, OP is perpendicular to PQ, i.e., OP ⊥ PQ

From the above figure, it is also seen that △OPQ is a right-angled triangle.
It is given that
OQ = 25 cm and PQ = 24 cm
By using Pythagoras’ theorem in △OPQ,
OQ2 = OP2 +PQ2
(25)2 = OP2+(24)2
OP2 = 625-576
OP2 = 49
OP = 7 cm
So, 7 cm, is the radius of the given circle.
2. In Fig. 10.11, if TP and TQ are the two tangents to a circle with centre O so that ∠POQ = 110°, then
∠PTQ is equal to:
From the question, it is clear that OP is the radius of the circle to the tangent PT, and OQ is the radius to the
tangent TQ.

So, OP ⊥ PT and TQ ⊥ OQ
∴ ∠OPT = ∠OQT = 90°
Now, in the quadrilateral POQT, we know that the sum of the interior angles is 360°.
So, ∠PTQ+∠POQ+∠OPT+∠OQT = 360°
Now, by putting the respective values, we get
∠PTQ +90°+110°+90° = 360°
∠PTQ = 70°
So, ∠PTQ is 70°.
3. If tangents PA and PB from a point P to a circle with centre O are inclined to each other at an angle
of 80°, then ∠ POA is equal to:

In the above diagram, OA is the radius to tangent PA, and OB is the radius to tangent PB.
So, OA is perpendicular to PA, and OB is perpendicular to PB, i.e., OA ⊥ PA and OB ⊥ PB.
So, ∠OBP = ∠OAP = 90°
Now, in the quadrilateral AOBP,
The sum of all the interior angles will be 360°.
So, ∠AOB+∠OAP+∠OBP+∠APB = 360°
Putting their values, we get
∠AOB + 260° = 360°
∠AOB = 100°
Now, consider the triangles △OPB and △OPA. Here,
AP = BP (Since the tangents from a point are always equal)
OA = OB (Which are the radii of the circle)
OP = OP (It is the common side)
Now, we can say that triangles OPB and OPA are similar using SSS congruency.
∴ △OPB ≅ △OPA
So, ∠POB = ∠POA
∠AOB = ∠POA+∠POB
2 (∠POA) = ∠AOB
By putting the respective values, we get
=>∠POA = 100°/2 = 50°
So, the angle ∠POA is 50°
4. Prove that the tangents drawn at the ends of a diameter of a circle are parallel.
Draw AB, the diameter of the circle. Now, draw two tangents, PQ and RS, at points A and B, respectively.

Now, both radii, i.e. AO and OB, are perpendicular to the tangents.
So, OB is perpendicular to RS, and OA is perpendicular to PQ.
So, ∠OAP = ∠OAQ = ∠OBR = ∠OBS = 90°
From the above figure, angles OBR and OAQ are alternate interior angles.
Also, ∠OBR = ∠OAQ and ∠OBS = ∠OAP (Since they are also alternate interior angles)
So, it can be said that line PQ and line RS will be parallel to each other (Hence Proved).
5. Prove that the perpendicular at the point of contact to the tangent to a circle passes through the
centre.
Let, O is the centre of the given circle.
A tangent PR has been drawn touching the circle at point P.
Draw QP ⊥ RP at point P, such that point Q lies on the circle.

∠OPR = 90° (radius ⊥ tangent)

Also, ∠QPR = 90° (Given)
∴ ∠OPR = ∠QPR
Now, the above case is possible only when centre O lies on the line QP.
Hence, perpendicular at the point of contact to the tangent to a circle passes through the centre of the circle.
6. The length of a tangent from point A at a distance 5 cm from the centre of the circle is 4 cm. Find
the radius of the circle.
Draw the diagram as shown below.
Here, AB is the tangent that is drawn on the circle from point A.
So, the radius OB will be perpendicular to AB, i.e., OB ⊥ AB
We know, OA = 5cm and AB = 4 cm
Now, In △ABO,
OA2 =AB2+BO2 (Using Pythagoras’ theorem)
5 2 = 4 2+BO2
BO2 = 25-16
BO2 = 9
BO = 3
So, the radius of the given circle, i.e., BO, is 3 cm.
7. Two concentric circles are of radii 5 cm and 3 cm. Find the length of the chord of the larger circle
which touches the smaller circle.
Draw two concentric circles with the centre O. Now, draw a chord AB in the larger circle, which touches the
smaller circle at a point P, as shown in the figure below.

From the above diagram, AB is tangent to the smaller circle to point P.

∴ OP ⊥ AB
Using Pythagoras’ theorem in triangle OPA,
OA2= AP2+OP2
5 2 = AP2+3 2
AP2 = 25-9
AP = 4
Now, as OP ⊥ AB,
Since the perpendicular from the centre of the circle bisects the chord, AP will be equal to PB.
So, AB = 2AP = 2×4 = 8 cm
So, the length of the chord of the larger circle is 8 cm.
8. A quadrilateral ABCD is drawn to circumscribe a circle (see Fig. 10.12). Prove that AB + CD = AD
+ BC.
The figure given is:
From the figure, we can conclude a few points, which are
(i) DR = DS
(ii) BP = BQ
(iii) AP = AS
(iv) CR = CQ
Since they are tangents on the circle from points D, B, A, and C, respectively.
Now, adding the LHS and RHS of the above equations, we get,
DR+BP+AP+CR = DS+BQ+AS+CQ
By rearranging them, we get,
(DR+CR) + (BP+AP) = (CQ+BQ) + (DS+AS)
By simplifying,
AD+BC= CD+AB
9. In Fig. 10.13, XY and X′Y′ are two parallel tangents to a circle with centre O and another tangent
AB with the point of contact C intersecting XY at A and X′Y′ at B. Prove that ∠ AOB = 90°.
From the figure given in the textbook, join OC. Now, the diagram will be as

Now, the triangles △OPA and △OCA are similar using SSS congruency as
(i) OP = OC They are the radii of the same circle
(ii) AO = AO It is the common side
(iii) AP = AC These are the tangents from point A
So, △OPA ≅ △OCA
Similarly,
△OQB ≅ △OCB
So,
∠POA = ∠COA … (Equation i)
And, ∠QOB = ∠COB … (Equation ii)
Since the line POQ is a straight line, it can be considered as the diameter of the circle.
So, ∠POA +∠COA +∠COB +∠QOB = 180°
Now, from equations (i) and equation (ii), we get,
2∠COA+2∠COB = 180°
∠COA+∠COB = 90°
∴ ∠AOB = 90°
10. Prove that the angle between the two tangents drawn from an external point to a circle is
supplementary to the angle subtended by the line segment joining the points of contact at the centre.
Draw a circle with centre O. Choose an external point P and draw two tangents, PA and PB, at point A and
point B, respectively. Now, join A and B to make AB in a way that subtends ∠AOB at the centre of the
circle. The diagram is as follows:

From the above diagram, it is seen that the line segments OA and PA are perpendicular.
So, ∠OAP = 90°
In a similar way, the line segments OB ⊥ PB and so, ∠OBP = 90°
Now, in the quadrilateral OAPB,
∴ ∠APB+∠OAP +∠PBO +∠BOA = 360° (since the sum of all interior angles will be 360°)
By putting the values, we get,
∠APB + 180° + ∠BOA = 360°
So, ∠APB + ∠BOA = 180° (Hence proved).
11. Prove that the parallelogram circumscribing a circle is a rhombus.
Consider a parallelogram ABCD which is circumscribing a circle with a centre O. Now, since ABCD is a
parallelogram, AB = CD and BC = AD.

From the above figure, it is seen that,

(i) DR = DS
(ii) BP = BQ
(iii) CR = CQ
(iv) AP = AS
These are the tangents to the circle at D, B, C, and A, respectively.
Adding all these, we get
DR+BP+CR+AP = DS+BQ+CQ+AS
By rearranging them, we get
(BP+AP)+(DR+CR) = (CQ+BQ)+(DS+AS)
Again by rearranging them, we get
AB+CD = BC+AD
Now, since AB = CD and BC = AD, the above equation becomes
2AB = 2BC
∴ AB = BC
Since AB = BC = CD = DA, it can be said that ABCD is a rhombus.
12. A triangle ABC is drawn to circumscribe a circle of radius 4 cm such that the segments BD and
DC into which BC is divided by the point of contact D are of lengths 8 cm and 6 cm, respectively (see
Fig. 10.14). Find the sides AB and AC.
The figure given is as follows:

Consider the triangle ABC,

We know that the length of any two tangents which are drawn from the same point to the circle is equal.
So,
(i) CF = CD = 6 cm
(ii) BE = BD = 8 cm
(iii) AE = AF = x
Now, it can be observed that,
(i) AB = EB+AE = 8+x
(ii) CA = CF+FA = 6+x
(iii) BC = DC+BD = 6+8 = 14
Now the semi-perimeter “s” will be calculated as follows
2s = AB+CA+BC
By putting the respective values, we get,
2s = 28+2x
s = 14+x

By solving this, we get,

= √(14+x)48x ……… (i)
Again, the area of △ABC = 2 × area of (△AOF + △COD + △DOB)
= 2×[(½×OF×AF)+(½×CD×OD)+(½×DB×OD)]
= 2×½(4x+24+32) = 56+4x …………..(ii)
Now from (i) and (ii), we get,
√(14+x)48x = 56+4x
Now, square both sides,
48x(14+x) = (56+4x)2
48x = [4(14+x)]2/(14+x)
48x = 16(14+x)
48x = 224+16x
32x = 224
x = 7 cm
So, AB = 8+x
i.e. AB = 15 cm
And, CA = x+6 =13 cm.
13. Prove that opposite sides of a quadrilateral circumscribing a circle subtend supplementary angles
at the centre of the circle.
Draw a quadrilateral ABCD which will circumscribe a circle with its centre O in a way that it touches the
circle at points P, Q, R, and S. Now, after joining the vertices of ABCD, we get the following figure:

Now, consider the triangles OAP and OAS.

AP = AS (They are the tangents from the same point A)
OA = OA (It is the common side)
OP = OS (They are the radii of the circle)
So, by SSS congruency △OAP ≅ △OAS
So, ∠POA = ∠AOS
Which implies that∠1 = ∠8
Similarly, other angles will be
∠4 = ∠5
∠2 = ∠3
∠6 = ∠7
Now by adding these angles, we get
∠1+∠2+∠3 +∠4 +∠5+∠6+∠7+∠8 = 360°
Now by rearranging,
(∠1+∠8)+(∠2+∠3)+(∠4+∠5)+(∠6+∠7) = 360°
2∠1+2∠2+2∠5+2∠6 = 360°
Taking 2 as common and solving, we get
(∠1+∠2)+(∠5+∠6) = 180°
Thus, ∠AOB+∠COD = 180°
Similarly, it can be proved that ∠BOC+∠DOA = 180°
Therefore, the opposite sides of any quadrilateral which is circumscribing a given circle will subtend
supplementary angles at the centre of the circle.