M6- Circles and Arc

LESSON 1: CIRCLES AND RELATED SEGMENTS AND ANGLES

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

 define and show examples of the lines and segments associated with circles;
 describe the relationship of lines and segments that are peculiar to circles;
 identify and give examples of the kinds of arcs that compose a circle;
 discover the relationship between the measures of central angle and their
intercepted arcs; and
 find the measure of the intercepted arc and the central angle of a circle.

ABSTRACTION:

Definition
A circle is the set of all points in a plane that are at a fixed distance from a given point
known as the center of the circle.

Figure 6.1

Figure 6.2

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 M6- Circles and Arc

Definition
Congruent circles are two or more circles that have congruent radii.

Figure 6.3

Definition
Concentric circles are coplanar circles that have a common center.

Figure 6.4

Figure 6.5

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 M6- Circles and Arc

Definition
A central angle of a circle is an angle whose vertex is the center of the circle and whose
sides are radii of the circle.

Figure 6.6

Example 1:

Solution:

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 M6- Circles and Arc

Theorem 6.1.1
If a radius is perpendicular to a chord, then it bisects the chord.

Figure 6.7

̅̅̅̅ ⊥ 𝐷𝐸
Example 2: 𝑂𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ at T, 𝐷𝑇
̅̅̅̅ = 3x -7, 𝑇𝐸
̅̅̅̅ = x + 15

Solution:
Since ̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝐵 ⊥ ̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝐸 , then ̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝑇 = ̅̅̅̅
𝑇𝐸
Hence,
3x – 7 = x + 15
2x = 15 + 7
2x = 22
x = 11

Substituting the value of x, we get

Figure 6.7.1
̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝑇 = 3(11) – 7 = 33 – 7 = 26
̅̅̅̅ = 11 + 15 = 26
𝑇𝐸
̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝐸 = ̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝑇 + ̅̅̅̅
𝑇𝐸
̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝐸 = 26 + 26 = 52

Example 3:
̅̅̅̅ bisects chord 𝐶𝐷
Given: 𝐴𝐵 ̅̅̅̅ at E.
̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐷 = 6, 𝐴𝐸 = 4
Find the length of the radius of the circle. (see Figure 6.8)

Solution: Based on the theorem, 𝐴𝐵̅̅̅̅ ⊥ 𝐶𝐷

̅̅̅̅ , thus
ΔACE ≅ ΔADE and both are right triangles.
By the Pythagorean theorem, we can solve
for the length of the radius.

In ΔACE, ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 2 = ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐸 2 + ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐸 2
But ̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅ so
𝐶𝐸 = ½ 𝐶𝐷
CE = ½ (6)
CE = 3 Figure 6.8

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 M6- Circles and Arc

̅̅̅̅ 2 = 𝐴𝐸
𝐴𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ 2 + ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐸 2
̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 2 = 42 + 32
̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 2 = √16 + 9
̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 = √25
̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 = 5

Postulate 6.1 (Central Angle Postulate)

In a circle, the degree measure of a central angle is equal to the degree measure of its
intercepted arc.

The sum of the measures of the consecutive arcs that form a circle is 360°.

Figure 6.9

Definition:
In a circle or congruent circles, congruent arcs are arcs with equal measures.

Figure 6.10

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 M6- Circles and Arc

Example 4:

Figure 6.11

Solution:

a) 105° b) 70° c) 105° d) 150°, from 360° − (105° + 70° + 35°)

e) 75° because the corresponding central angle (∠AOE) is the result of bisecting ∠AOD
̂)
f) 285° (from 360° − 75°, the measure of 𝐴𝐸
g) The arcs are congruent because both measure 75° and both are found in the same
circle.
h) 210° (from 105° + 70° + 35°)

Postulate 6.1.2 (Arc-Addition Postulate)

̂ and 𝐵𝐶
If 𝐴𝐵 ̂ intersect only at point B, then 𝑚𝐴𝐵
̂ + 𝑚𝐴𝐵
̂ = 𝑚𝐴𝐵𝐶
̂.

Figure 6.12

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Example 5:

̅̅̅̅ is a diameter. Find the measure of the following arcs.

𝐷𝐺

̂ , 𝐷𝐸
𝐷𝐺 ̂ , DF
̂ , GE
̂, ̂
DGF

Solution:
Since ̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝐺 is a diameter, then ̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝐺 is a semicircle.

Therefore,
m𝐷𝐺̂ = 180
m𝐷𝐸̂ = 180 – (60 + 70) Figure 6.13
= 180 – 130
̂
m𝑫𝑬 = 50

̂ = m𝐷𝐸
m𝐷𝐺 ̂ + m𝐸𝐹̂
= 50 + 60
̂
m𝑫𝑮 = 110

̂ = m𝐺𝐹
mGE ̂ + m𝐸𝐹 ̂
= 70 + 60
̂ = 130
m𝐆𝐄

̂ = m𝐷𝐺
mDGF ̂ + m𝐺𝐹 ̂
= 180 + 70
̂
m𝐃𝐆𝐅 = 250

Definition:
An inscribed angle of a circle is an angle whose vertex is a point on the circle and whose
sides are chords of the circle.

Figure 6.14 (a) Figure 6.14 (b) Figure 6.14 (c)

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Each of the angle shown above is an example of an inscribed angle. Three cases
are represented here relative to the position of the sides in relation to the center of the
circle.

Case 1. the center of the circle is on one side of the inscribed angle.
Case 2, the center of the circle is in the interior of the inscribed angle.
Case 3, the center of the circle is on the exterior of the inscribed angle.

Theorem 6.1.2
The measure of an inscribed angle of a circle is one-half the measure of its intercepted
arc.

The measure of an inscribed angle is equal to one half the measure of its
intercepted arc.

It means that in the given figure,

1
̂
m∠DEF = m𝐷𝐹
2

Figure 6.15

Example 6: Use the figure at the right.

Given: circle O. m∠BOD = 80

̂ , m∠BAD
Find: m𝐵𝐷

Figure 6.16
Solution:

Since m∠BOD = 80 , then

̂ = 80
a. m𝐵𝐷

1
̂ = 40
b. m∠BAD = m𝐵𝐷
2

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Example 7:

Given: circle O. m∠BAD = 37

̂ , m∠BOD
Find: m𝐵𝐷

Solution:

1
m∠BAD = 37 = m𝐵𝐷 ̂
2
̂ = 2(37) = 74
m𝐵𝐷 Figure 6.17

m∠BOD = m𝐵𝐷̂
m∠BOD = 74

Theorem 6.1.3
If two minor arcs of a circle or of congruent circles are congruent, then the
corresponding chords are congruent.

Example 8:

̂ ≅ 𝐵𝐶
a.) Given: 𝐴𝐵 ̂
̂ subtends ̅̅̅̅
Since 𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐵 and
̂ subtends 𝐵𝐶
𝐵𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ then
̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝐵𝐶
Figure 6.18

b.) Circle O ≅ circle M

̂ ≅ 𝑋𝑌
If 𝐴𝐵 ̂ , then ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝑋𝑌

Figure 6.19

Theorem 6.1.4
If two chords of a circle or of congruent circles are congruent, then the corresponding
minor arcs are congruent.

In circle A, if ̅̅̅̅
𝑅𝑆 ≅ ̅̅̅̅
𝑃𝑄
̂ ≅ 𝑃𝑄
then 𝑅𝑆 ̂

Figure 6.20

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 M6- Circles and Arc

Theorem 6.1.5
If two central angles of a circle or of congruent circles are congruent, then the
corresponding minor arcs are congruent.

Example 9:
In circle O, ∠MOP ≅ ∠ BOA
Therefore, 𝑀𝑃̂ ≅ 𝐴𝐵
̂

Figure 6.21
Theorem 6.1.6
If two minor arcs of a circle or of congruent circles are congruent, then the
corresponding central angles are congruent.

Example 10:
̂ ≅ 𝐷𝐸
In circle A, 𝐵𝐶 ̂
Therefore ∠BAC ≅ ∠DAE`

Figure 6.22
Theorem 6.1.7
If two central angles of a circle or of congruent circles are congruent, then the
corresponding chords are congruent.

Given: In circle O, ∠XOY ≅ ∠AOB

̅̅̅̅ ≅ 𝐴𝐵
Prove: 𝑋𝑌 ̅̅̅̅

Figure 6.23

Theorem 6.1.8
If chords of a circle or of congruent circles are equidistant from the center(s), then the
chords are congruent.

Illustration of the theorem.

Circle O ≅ circle P
̅̅̅̅ = ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝑋 𝑃𝑌
Then, 𝐴𝐵 ≅ ̅̅̅̅̅
̅̅̅̅ 𝐶𝐷

Figure 6.24

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Theorem 6.1.9
An angle inscribed in a semicircle is a right angle.

̂ .
Theorem 6.1.9 is illustrated in Figure 6.25, where ∠𝑆 is inscribed in the semicircle 𝑅𝑆𝑇
̂.
Note that ∠𝑆 also intercepts semicircle 𝑅𝑉𝑇

Figure 6.25

Theorem 6.1.10
If two inscribed angles intercept the same arc, then these angles are congruent.

̂.
Theorem 6.1.10 is illustrated in Figure 6.26. Note that ∠1 and ∠2 both intercept 𝑋𝑌
1 1
Because 𝑚∠1 = 2 𝑚𝑋𝑌 ̂ and 𝑚∠2 = 𝑚𝑋𝑌 ̂ , 𝑚∠1 ≅ 𝑚∠2.
2

Figure 6.26

For additional instruction and practice with identifying a circle, the lines, segments and
angles you can access these online resources/links:
 https://www.onlinemathlearning.com/diameter-of-circle.html
 https:// youtu.be/YMSkiNuwmMU
 https:// youtu.be/Bczg2VIDfhE
 https:// youtu.be/RygpvV9YHqU
 http://www.mathguide.com/lessons2/CentralAngles.html
 https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/geometry/circles/central-angles-and-arcs
 https:// youtu.be/gMZpuF4Y9Dk

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 M6- Circles and Arc

APPLICATION:

1. ̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝑁 ⊥ ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑀𝑃
̅̅̅̅̅ = 7x + 5
𝑀𝐸
̅̅̅̅
𝑃𝐸 = 4x – 20
Solve for ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑀𝐸 , ̅̅̅̅
𝑃𝐸 and ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑀𝑃

2.

3.

̅̅̅̅ and 𝐹𝐷
4. 𝐺𝐸 ̅̅̅̅ are diameters of circle A. If 𝐷𝐴
̂ = 73º, find the measures of

1. ∠DAE ̂
5. 𝐺𝐹
2. ∠GAF ̂
6. 𝐷𝐺
3. ∠EAF ̂
7. 𝐹𝐷𝐸
4. ∠DAG

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5. A. B and C are three points on the circle.

̂ ≅ 𝐴𝐵
IF 𝐴𝐶 ̂ ≅ 𝐵𝐶̂ , what is the measure of each arc?
What is true about the chords AC, AB, and BC ?
If ABC is 16 more than three times 𝐴𝐶̂,
̂ ̂
find m𝐴𝐶 , m𝐴𝐵𝐶 .

6. P, Q and R are three points on a circle. If the

̂ : 𝑄𝑅
ratio 𝑃𝑄 ̂ : 𝑃𝑅
̂ = 3:4:5, find the measures of
̂ ̂ ̂
𝑃𝑅, 𝑄𝑅 and 𝑃𝑆.

7. ̅̅̅̅
𝐵𝐷 and ̅̅̅̅
𝐸𝐶 are diameters of circle A.
If m∠C = 35 , find the measures of

1. ∠B 5. ∠EAD
2. ∠E ̂
6. 𝐵𝐶
3. ∠D ̂
7. 𝐶𝐷
4. ∠BAC

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 M6- Circles and Arc

LESSON 2: ANGLE MEASURES IN THE CIRCLE

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

 identify the lines that are tangent to the circle or to the plane;
 differentiate the inscribe angle and the circumscribe angle
 find the measure of the intercepted arc and the inscribed angle of a circle.

ABSTRACTION:

Definition
A tangent is a line that intersects a circle at exactly one point; the point of intersection is
the point of contact, or point of tangency.

Definition
A secant is a line (or segment or ray) that intersects a circle at exactly two points.

In Figure 6.27(a), lines s is a secant to circle O; also, line t is a tangent to circle O and
point C is its point of contact. In Figure 6.27(b), 𝐴𝐵̅̅̅̅ is a tangent to circle Q and point T is
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ is a secant with points of intersection at E and F.
its point of tangency; 𝐶𝐷

Figure 6.27

Definition
A polygon is inscribed in a circle if its vertices are points on the circle and its sides are
chords of the circle. Equivalently, the circle is said to be circumscribed about the
polygon. The polygon inscribed in a circle is further described as a cyclic polygon.

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The figures below show examples of inscribed polygon.

Inscribed triangle Inscribed Inscribed Inscribed

Quadrilateral Pentagon Hexagon
Figure 6.28

Theorem 6.2.1
Opposite angles of a inscribed quadrilateral are supplementary.

Given: Circle A. PRST is an inscribed quadrilateral.

Prove: ∠ P and ∠ S are supplementary

∠ R and ∠ T are supplementary

Figure 6.29

Proof
Statements Reasons
1. Circle A. PRST is an inscribed 1. Given
quadrilateral.
1 2. Inscribed angle theorem
2. m∠P = m𝑅𝑆𝑇 ̂
2
1
̂
m∠S = m𝑅𝑃𝑇
2
1
̂
m∠R = m𝑃𝑇𝑆
2
1
̂
m∠T = m𝑃𝑅𝑆
2
1
̂ + 1m𝑅𝑃𝑇
3. m∠P + m∠S = m𝑅𝑆𝑇 ̂ 3. Addition property of equality
2 2
1
̂ + m𝑅𝑃𝑇
4. m∠P + m∠S = (m𝑅𝑆𝑇 ̂) 4. Factoring
2
̂ + m𝑅𝑃𝑇
5. m𝑅𝑆𝑇 ̂ = 360
5. The arc of the whole circle is 360º

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 M6- Circles and Arc

1 6. Substitution (Steps 4 and 5)

6. m∠P + m∠S = (360)
2 7. Algebraic process (step 6)
7. m∠P + m∠S = 180 8. Definition of supplementary angles
8. m∠P and m∠S are supplementary
1
̂ + 1m𝑃𝑅𝑆
9. m∠R + m∠T = m𝑃𝑇𝑆 ̂ 9. Addition property of equality
2 2
1
̂ + m𝑃𝑅𝑆
10. m∠R + m∠T = (m𝑃𝑇𝑆 ̂) 10. Factoring
2
̂ + m𝑃𝑅𝑆
11. m𝑃𝑇𝑆 ̂ = 360 11. The arc of the whole circle is 360º
1 12. Substitution (Steps 4 and 5)
12. m∠R + m∠T = (360)
2
13. m∠R + m∠T = 180 13. Algebraic process (step 6)
14. m∠R and m∠T are supplementary 14. Definition of supplementary angles

Example 1:

̅̅̅̅ is a diameter.
Given: 𝑋𝑌
a. What kind of angle is ∠Z?
b. If m∠X = 35, what is m∠Y?
̂ ? What is m𝑌𝑍
c. If m∠Y = 73, what is m𝑋𝑍 ̂?

Solution:

a. Since ̅̅̅̅ ̂ is
𝑋𝑌 is a diameter, then 𝑋𝑍𝑌
a semicircle and ∠Z is inscribed in a semicircle. Figure 6.30
Therefore, ∠Z is a right angle.

b. m∠X + m∠Y = 90.

m∠ Y = 90 − m∠X
m∠ Y = 90 – 35
m∠ Y = 65

̂.
c. ∠Y intercepts 𝑋𝑍
̂ = 2(75) = 150
m 𝑋𝑍
̂
m 𝑌𝑍 = 180 – 150
̂ = 30
m 𝑌𝑍

Example 2:

MNOP is inscribed in circle E. If m∠M = 94,

what is m∠ O?

Figure 6.31

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 M6- Circles and Arc

Solution:

∠M and ∠O are supplementary.

m∠ M + m∠O = 180
m∠O = 180 - m∠M
= 180 – 94
= 86

Example 3:
.
Given: Circle O. ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 is a diameter
m∠ 1 = 36 and m∠ 3 = 61.

̂
Find: m∠ 2, m∠4, m𝐴𝐷

Figure 6.32
Solution:

̂ = 2(36) = 72
m∠1 = 36, m𝐴𝐶 ̂ = 180 – m𝐴𝐶
m𝐶𝐵 ̂
= 180 – 72
̂ = 2(61) = 122
m∠3 = 61, m𝐵𝐷 = 108

̂ = 180 – 𝐵𝐷
m𝐴𝐷 ̂ ̂
m∠ 4 = ½ 𝐶𝐵
= 180 – 122 = 58 m∠4 = ½ (108) = 54
̂
m∠2 = ½ 𝐴𝐷
m∠2 = ½ (58) = 29

Definition
A polygon is circumscribed about a circle if all sides of the polygon are line segments
tangent to the circle; also, the circle is said to be inscribed in the polygon.

Figure 6.33

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Theorem 6.2.2
The measure of an angle formed by two chords that intersect within a circle is one-half
the sum of the measures of the arcs intercepted by the angle and its vertical angle.

Figure 6.34

Example 4:
̂ = 84° and m𝐷𝐵
In Figure 6.34, m𝐴𝐶 ̂ = 62°. Find m∠1.

Solution:

Theorem 6.2.3
The radius (or any other line through the center of a circle) drawn to a tangent at the point
of tangency is perpendicular to the tangent at that point.

Figure 6.35

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Example 5:
A shuttle going to the moon has reached a position that is 5 mi above its surface. If the
radius of the moon is 1080 mi, how far to the horizon can the NASA crew members see?

Solution:

Figure 6.36

Corollary 6.2.4
The measure of an angle formed by a tangent and a chord drawn to the point of tangency
is one-half the measure of the intercepted arc. (See Figure 6.37.)

Figure 6.37

Example 6:

̅̅̅̅ , angent 𝐴𝐶
Given: In Figure 6.38, circle O with diameter 𝐷𝐵 ⃡⃗⃗⃗⃗ , and m𝐷𝐸
̂
Find: a.) m∠1 c.) m∠ABD
b.) m∠2 d.) m∠ABE

Figure 6.38

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Solution:

Theorem 6.2.5
The measure of an angle formed when two secants intersect at a point outside the circle is
one-half the difference of the measures of the two intercepted arcs.

Example 7:

Given: In circle O of Figure 6.39, m∠𝐴𝑂𝐵 = 136° and m∠𝐷𝑂𝐶 = 46°

Find: m∠E

Solution:
̂ = 136°.
If m∠𝐴𝑂𝐵 = 136°, then m𝐴𝐵
̂ = 46°.
If m∠𝐷𝑂𝐶 = 46°, then m𝐷𝐶

Figure 6.39

Theorem 6.2.6
If an angle is formed by a secant and a tangent that intersect in the exterior of a circle,
then the measure of the angle is one-half the difference of the measures of its intercepted
arcs.

1
̂ − m𝐽𝐾
m∠𝐿 = 2 (m𝐻𝐽 ̂)

Figure 6.40

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Theorem 6.2.7
If an angle is formed by two intersecting tangents, then the measure of the angle is one-
half the difference of the measures of the intercepted arcs.

1
̂ − m𝐴𝐶
m∠𝐴𝐵𝐶 = 2 (m𝐴𝐷𝐶 ̂)

Figure 6.41
Example 8:

̂ = 70° and m𝑁𝑃

Given: In Figure 6.42, m𝑀𝑁 ̂ = 88°, m𝑀𝑅
̂ = 46°, and m𝑅𝑆
̂ = 26°
Find: a.) m∠𝑀𝑇𝑁
b.) m∠𝑁𝑇𝑃
c.) m∠𝑀𝑇𝑃

Solution:

Figure 6.42

Theorem 6.2.8
If two parallel lines intersect a circle, the intercepted arcs between these lines are
congruent.

Figure 6.43

̂ ǁ 𝐶𝐷
Where 𝐴𝐵 ̂ in Figure 6.43, it follows that 𝐴𝐶
̂ ≅ 𝐵𝐷
̂ . Equivalent, m𝐴𝐶
̂ = m𝐵𝐷
̂.

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For additional instruction and practice with arcs and central angles you can access these
online resources/links:
 https://www.cliffsnotes.com/study-guides/geometry/circles/arcs-and-inscribed-angles
 https://www.varsitytutors.com/hotmath/hotmath_help/topics/inscribed-angles
 https:// youtu.be/8g5grYXSE_E
 https://youtu.be/ykB9sL7K450

APPLICATION:

̅̅̅̅ is a diameter of circle O.

1. Given: 𝐴𝐵
mAC = 79 .
Find:
a. m∠AOC
b. m∠ABC
c. m∠COB

2. Given: Circle A., ̅̅̅̅

𝑋𝑌 and ̅̅̅̅̅
𝐵𝐸 are diameters
m∠ XAE = 104.
Find:
a. m XE
b. m BX
c. m∠E
d. m∠ B
e. m∠BXY
f. m∠YXE

3. Using the given figure, find:

a. x
b. m∠MNQ
c. m∠MOQ
d. m∠POQ
e. m∠M
f. m∠MON

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4. BD is a diameter of circle A.
̂ = 78, and m 𝐷𝐸
If m 𝐵𝐶 ̂ = 132, find:

̂
a. m 𝐶𝐷 d. m∠6
̂
b. m 𝐵𝐸 e. m∠7
c. m∠1 f. m∠8

5.

6.

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LESSON 3: LINE AND SEGMENT RELATIONSHIPS IN THE CIRCLE

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

 familiarize with the theorems describing the relationship of the line and segment in
the Circle.;
 describe the common tangent lines to circles;
 find the lengths of segments in a circle.

ABSTRACTION:

Theorem 6.3.1
If a line is drawn through the center of a circle perpendicular to a chord, then it bisects
the chord and its arc.

Figure 6.44

Theorem 6.3.2
If a line through the center of a circle bisects a chord other than a diameter, then it is
perpendicular to the chord

Figure 6.45

Theorem 6.3.3
The perpendicular bisector of a chord contains the center of the circle.

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Figure 6.46

Example 1:

Given: In Figure 6.47, circle O has a radius of length 5

𝑂𝐸 ⏊ 𝐶𝐷 at B and OB = 3
Find: CD

Solution:

𝐶𝐷 = 2 ∙ 𝐵𝐶
𝐶𝐷 = 2 ∙ 4 = 8
Figure 6.47

CIRCLES THAT ARE TANGENT

If two circles touch at one point, they are tangent circles. In Figure 6.48, circles P
and Q are internally tangent, whereas circles O and R are externally tangent.

Figure 6.48

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Definition:
For two circles with different centers, the line of centers is the line (or line segment)
containing the centers of both circles.

Figure 6.49

COMMON TANGENT LINES TO CIRCLES

A line segment that is tangent to each of two circles is a common tangent for these
circles. If the common tangent does not intersect the line of centers, it is a common
external tangent. In Figure 6.50, circles P and Q have one common external tangent, ⃡⃗⃗⃗
𝑆𝑇;
circles A and B have two common external tangents, 𝑊𝑋 ⃡⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ and 𝑌𝑍
⃡⃗⃗⃗ .

Figure 6.50

If the common tangent does intersect the line of centers for two circles, it is a
common internal tangent for the two circles. In Figure 6.51, 𝐷𝐸 ⃡⃗⃗⃗⃗ is a common internal
tangent for externally tangent circles O and R; ⃡⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐴𝐵 and ⃡⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐶𝐷 are common internal tangents
for circle M and circle N.

Figure 6.51

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Theorem 6.3.4
The tangent segments to a circle from an external point are congruent

Example 2:

A belt used in an automobile engine wraps around two pulleys with different lengths of
radii. Explain why the straight pieces named ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 and ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐷 have the same length.

Figure 6.52

Solution:

Because the pulley centered at O has the larger radius length, we extend and to meet at
point E. Because E is an external point to both circle O and circle P, we know that
𝐸𝐵 = 𝐸𝐷 and 𝐸𝐴 = 𝐸𝐶 by Theorem 6.3.4. By subtracting equals from equals,
𝐸𝐴 − 𝐸𝐵 = 𝐸𝐶 − 𝐸𝐷. Because 𝐸𝐴 − 𝐸𝐵 = 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐸𝐶 − 𝐸𝐷 = 𝐶𝐷, it follows that
𝐴𝐵 = 𝐶𝐷.

Example 3:

The circle shown in Figure 6.53 is inscribed in ∆ABC; 𝐴𝐵 = 9, 𝐵𝐶 = 8 and 𝐴𝐶 = 7.

Find the lengths AM, MB, and NC.

Solution:

Figure 6.53

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Subtracting the second equation from the first, we have

Now we use this new equation along with the third equation on the previous page
and add:

LENGTHS OF SEGMENTS IN A CIRCLE

Theorem 6.3.5
If two chords intersect within a circle, then the product of the lengths of the segments
(parts) of one chord is equal to the product of the lengths of the segments of the other
chord.

Circle O with chords and intersecting at point V

(See Figure 6.54.)

𝑅𝑉 ∙ 𝑉𝑆 = 𝑇𝑉 ∙ 𝑉𝑄

Figure 6.54
Example 4:

In Figure 6.55, 𝐻𝑃 = 4, 𝑃𝐽 = 5 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐿𝑃 = 8. Find PM.

Solution:

𝐻𝑃 ∙ 𝑃𝐽 = 𝐿𝑃 ∙ 𝑃𝑀
4 ∙ 5 = 8 ∙ 𝑃𝑀
8 ∙ 𝑃𝑀 = 20
𝑷𝑴 = 𝟐. 𝟓

Figure 6.55

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Theorem 6.3.6
If two secant segments are drawn to a circle from an external point, then the products of
the lengths of each secant with its external segment are equal.

Secants ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 and ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐶 for the circle in Figure 6.56

𝐴𝐵 ∙ 𝑅𝐴 = 𝐴𝐶 ∙ 𝑇𝐴

Figure 6.56

Example 4:

Given: In Figure 6.56, 𝐴𝐵 = 14, 𝐵𝑅 = 5 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇𝐶 = 5.

Find: AC and TA

Solution:

Theorem 6.3.7
If a tangent segment and a secant segment are drawn to a circle from an external point,
then the square of the length of the tangent equals the product of the length of the secant
with the length of its external segment.

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Tangent ̅̅̅̅
𝑇𝑉 and secant ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑇𝑊 in Figure 6.57

(𝑇𝑉)2 = 𝑇𝑊 ∙ 𝑇𝑋

Figure 6.57

Example 4:

Given: In Figure 6.58, 𝑆𝑉 = 3, 𝑉𝑅 = 9

Find: ST

Figure 6.58
Solution:

If 𝑆𝑉 = 3 and 𝑉𝑅 = 9, then 𝑆𝑅 = 12. Using Theorem 6.3.7, we find that

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APPLICATION:

1.

2.

3.

4.

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