© Omega Education Unit

Problems generally fall into a few basic groups: viz;

Introduction:- Circle Theorem
• Problems with No tangent
• Problems with One tangent
This topic is simply about remembering a set of rules, so • Problems with Two tangents
even if you struggle with math, this topic is where you can
“Pick up” marks quite easily during the CXC exam. Problems with One Tangent
If the circle has one tangent, then look for any
Here are a few tips to solve the majority of these problems. opportunity to use the theorem which says that the angle
Always observe the diagrams carefully and be on the look- between tangent and chord is equal to angle in the
out for : alternate segment.
1. Parallel lines - alternate angles, (Z angles)
2. Isosceles triangle ( base angles are equal)
3. Tangents ( see below)
4. Cyclic quadrilateral ( opp. Angs are supp)
5. Angles at the center = twice ang. at circum.
6. Angles in a semicircle = 900
7. angles in the same segment are equal
8. angle between radius and tangent = 900

Once you understand what to do with the information

above, then you should see the solution in less than 1
minute, and be able to complete the problem in less than 5
minutes.

Examples: Notice that angle between Tangent FG and Chord HI is

o
• Parallel lines - alternate angles, (Z angles) 20 , so the angle in the
Alternate segment x = 20. Similarly y = 35

Problems with Two Tangents

Alternate angles are equal ( angle x at the elbows of the “Z” are
the same)
************************************************************

You will need to remember the following:

• <SCT + <SUT = 180 (supplementary)

• Where <SCT = 2y , and <SUT = 2x
• <STU = <UCT = y
0 • Quadrilateral SCTU is cyclic ( can u say why?)
Angle between radius and tangent = 90

© Omega Education Unit - 876 469-2775 9

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© Omega Education Unit

In all other cases, tangent or no tangent, look out for the Construction using using Ruler and Compass
following only
Tips: on Constructing angles:
All the angles that you will be asked to construct using
compass only, can be completed once you know three (3)
basic things.
0
1. How to construct a 90 angle
0
2. How to construct a 60
3. How to bisect an angle
All other angles are derived from the above:
Terms you need to know:
• Angles at center (100) = twice angle at circumference • Perpendicular – at right angles
(y=50)
• Isosceles triangles, are formed whenever one point of a • Bisect – divide into two equal parts
triangle is at the center of the circle and the other two • Perpendicular bisector – a line which is at right
points touch the circumference ( Triangle OJR). This angles to another line and which passes through
means that the two base angles (x) are equal. its mid point.
Example:
Explain how you would construct the following angles
using ruler and compass only.
0
45 ; 1350 ; 30
0
165
0
; 1200 , 157.5
0

Solution:
0
• Angles in the same segment (JR) are equal <RKJ = <RAJ 1) 45 is found by first constructing a 900 and
= x ( if the chord is not given on the diagram, use your then bisecting ( divide equally) the 900 .
pencil and create it in dotted lines as shown. 2) 135
0
= 90
0
+ 45
0

0 0 0
• Angle in a semicircle <PQN = 90 o This topic is simply 3) 30 =½ 60 (construct 60 and then bisect)
about remembering a set of rules, so even if you struggle with 4) 165
0
= 135
0
+ 30
0

math, this topic is where you can “Pick up” marks quite easily
0 0 0
during the CXC exam. Here are a few tips to solve the majority 5) 120 = 180 - 60
of these problems.
6) 22.5 = 1/2(45)
7) 157.5 = 180 – 22.5

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Email: [email protected], website: www.cxcdirect.schools.officelive.com