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Circle theorems - Higher - OCRTangents - Higher

Circles have different angle properties described by different circle theorems. Circle theorems are used in geometric proofs and to calculate angles.

Part ofMathsGeometry and measure

Tangents - Higher

Explore updated revision resources for GCSE Maths: Tangents, with step-by-step slideshows, quizzes, practice exam questions, and more!

There are two circle involving .

1. The angle between a tangent and a is 90°.

Circle with radius and tangent shown

2. Tangents which meet at the same point are equal in length.

Example

Calculate the angles EFG and FOG.

Circle with 2 identical tangents from point E at angle, 20degrees

Triangle GEF is an triangle.

Angle FGE = angle EFG

FGE = EFG = \(\frac{180 - 20}{2} = 80^\circ\)

The angle between the tangent and the radius is 90°.

Angle EFO = EGO = 90°

The shape FOGE is a . The angles in a quadrilateral add up to 360°.

Angle FOG = \(360 - 90 - 90 - 20 = 160^\circ\)

Proof

Circle with 2 identical tangents from point B.

The angle between the tangent and the radius is 90°.

Angle BCO = angle BAO = 90°

AO and OC are both radii of the circle.

Length AO = Length OC

Circle with 2 identical tangents from point B plus triangles (AOB) and (COB)

Draw the line OB. It creates two triangles OCB and OAB. These share the length OB.

Triangles OCB and OAB are because of the SAS rule.

Two of the sides are the same length: OB = OB and OC = OA

One of the angles is equal in size: OCB = OAB

Congruent triangles are identical.

So length CB = AB.