Lesson Plan 2

Inscribed Angles
EDC 631 Math Methods
Dr. Margaret Mohr
Submitted by Wenwen DU

Lesson plan 2- Inscribed angles

Name: Wenwen DU

Date: 10-20-2006

Age/Grade Level: 9th~10th

Subject: Geometry

# of Students: 30

# of IEP Students: 0

Major Content: Inscribed angles

Unit Title: Analyzing Circles
Length of Lesson: 50 minutes
Goals and Objectives
Students will be able to

Know the definitions of inscribed angle and intercepted arc

Recognize and find measures of inscribed angles

Understand and apply properties of inscribed angles of a circle

Student Prior Knowledge

Students should be able to

Identify and use parts of circles (center, radius, chords, diameter, arcs, chords, Center
angle)

Recognize and solve problems by making circle graphs involving these parts (center,
radius, chords, diameter, arcs, chords, Center angle)

Connections
**NCTM Standards:
Algebra Use symbolic algebra to represent and explain mathematical relationships involving
inscribed angles of a circle; Write equivalent forms of equations and solve them with fluencymentally or with paper and pencil.

Geometry Analyze characteristics and properties of two dimensional geometric shapes

(inscribed angles in a circle) and develop mathematical arguments about the geometric
relationships.
Measurement Find the measurements of inscribed angles and interpreted arcs.
Problem Solving - Build new mathematical knowledge through problem solving with the
properties of inscribed angles in a circle.
Reasoning and Proof Recognize reasoning and proof as fundamental aspects of mathematics;
develop and evaluate mathematical arguments and proofs through the properties of inscribed
angles of a circle.
Communication - Organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through
communication; communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers,
teachers, and others; analyze and evaluate the mathematical thinking and strategies of others;
use the language of mathematics to express mathematical ideas precisely.
Connections - Recognize and use connections among mathematics ideas through the attributes
and properties of inscribed angles of a circle; understand how mathematical ideas interconnect
and build on one another to produce a coherent whole.
**Kentucky Learner Goals and Academic Expectations:
2.10 Students understand measurement concepts and use measurements appropriately
and accurately.
2.12 Students understand mathematical structure concepts including the properties and
logic of various mathematical systems.
** Kentucky Core Content for Assessment 4.1 (CCA 4.1):

MA-HS-3.1.6: Student will know the definitions and basic properties of a circle and will
use them to prove basic theorems and solve problems
**Kentucky Program of Studies for Secondly Schools
Students will use the definitions and basic properties of a circle (e.g. arcs, chords,
central angles, inscribed angles) to prove basic theorems and solve problems
Context
Before this lesson, Students have established the ability to identify parts of circles (center,
radius, chords, diameter, arcs, chords, Center angle) and solve the corresponding problems by
making circles graphs. Based on the prior knowledge, this lesson is developed to help students
to recognize the definitions of inscribed angle and intercepted arc. Students will also be asked to
understand and apply properties of inscribed angles of a circle through examples and practices.
References:
Burrill, Cummins, Kanold, Boyd, and Malloy (2001), Geometry Integration, Applications and
Connections, Teachers Edition. Columbus, OH: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Resources:

Protractor

Straightedge

Compass

Procedures
I Warm-up
There are two options for this part. One of them is handing out a bell ringer and students
will be given five minutes to finish it. This practice will include four questions (see attachment
for detail). Two questions are designed to review prior knowledge on solving problems regarding

arcs and chords in a circle. In the other two questions, the students are asked to simplify
polynomials which actually integrated with algebra knowledge. They are nothing to do with the
lesson content. However, I think review of prior knowledge is very important in mathematics
learning. Students may still have trouble to simplify the polynomials. This short practice may
help them recall this part of knowledge. Obviously, I can put some other questions from prior
units in geometry instead of this two if I think the students are all fine with Algebra I. It really
depends on your students.
The other options for this part could be the review of the previous homework. The time
spent on this introduction part will be controlled within 10 minutes.
II-Lesson development
By drawing a circle with center O (See figure 1), I will recall the measure of a minor arc (
) is the defined as the measure of its corresponding central angle ( PTQ ). Then I will
PQ
describe the definition of central angles. Therefore, I will introduce them a new type of angles in
circles inscribed angles (which is an angle whose vertex is on the circle and whose sides each
contain chords of the circle). The concept of intercepted arc will be followed (which is the arc
lies in the interior of an inscribed angle).

Figure 1

Then I will draw some angles in circles (see Fig.2) as examples to let the students
distinguish whether they are inscribed angles or not. If they are, point it out what are their
corresponding intercepted arcs.

Fig 2
By giving the measure of the center angle ( mPTQ ), Use figure 1 to get the measure of
) and the measure of the inscribed angel ( mPRQ ). I will encourage the students
the arc ( mPQ
and mPRQ . Then Theorem 9-4
make a conjecture regarding the relationship between mPQ
will be introduced as following,
Theorem 9-4

If an angle is inscribed in a circle, then the measure of the angle equals one-half

the measure of its intercepted arc.

To proof this theorem, we need consider three cases.
1.

The center of the circle lies on one of the sides of the angle (which actually has
been done with figure 1).

2.

The center of the circle is in the interior of the inscribed angle.

3.

The center of the circle is outside of the inscribed angle.

Case 2 and 3 will not be proven in the class, but could be asked to prove for highachieving students as challenge questions.
Show students an example for the above theorem as in figure 3.

 56 , find SRT SRT

In the following circle (Fig.3), mST

Fig.3

Fig.4

Add an another inscribed angle ( SPT ) in Fig.3 to obtain Fig.4 and let the students find
the measure of SPT . This example will illustrate the second theorem between inscribed
angles and intercepted arcs of equal measure.
Theorem 9-5

If two inscribed angles of a circle or congruent circles intercept congruent arcs or

the same arc, then the angles are congruent.

Give a different example (Fig.5) from the one in Fig. 4 to make sure the students
understand the theorem.
CD
, find mBEC
In e O , mDAC 40 and BC

Fig.5

Before start 3rd theorem, an example in figure 6 will be given as following.

Suppose an inscribed angle PQR intercepts a semicircle at P and R, find mPQR

Fig.6
This example will lead to the 3rd theorem.
Theorem 9-6

If two inscribed angles of a circle or congruent circles intercept congruent arcs or

the same arc, then the angles are congruent.

Another example as following (figure 7) will be given to ask the students to find the
measures of inscribed angles by using the above three theorems. The example is also integrated
with algebra.
RS
.
In e A , m1 6 x 11 , m2 9 x 19 , m3 4 y 25 , m4 3 y 9 , and PQ
Find m1, m2, m3, and m4 . (Page 468)

Fig.7

III Closure
A handout will be given in class (see check for understanding in attached files) to help
the students to review what we have learned in this lesson (definitions of inscribed angles and
interpreted arcs, and three corresponding properties). We will lead a short discussion before the
class is over.
**If Time Strategies
If a lot of time left (10~15 minutes), I will introduce another theorem regarding the
inscribed angles as following by some examples,
Theorem 9-7

If a quadrilateral is inscribed in a circle, then its opposite angles are

supplementary.
Or let students work on homework. They can work with their neighbor or ask the teacher
for help.
**Modifications (High and Low)
High: Have the students prove case 2 and 3 in theorem 9-4. If time is allowed, also ask
them to prove theorem 9-7
Low: Extra periods will be developed to work on the assignments (homework) or quiz.
These practices are necessary to help students to catch the content firmly and solve problems
mathematically. More basic information should be designed to avoid low performance students
left behind. If necessary, I will tutor students individually. Meanwhile, I may develop particular
homework for low-achieving students to help them build up step by step.
Student Assessment

During the lecture time, some students will be asked to give their opinions on what is the
next step for the examples on the blackboard.

When they work on practice questions, I will walk around to observe and check their
performance.

Homework will be given at the end of the class and will be collected at the beginning of
the next class and graded (see attachment for more detail).

Extra periods will be developed as practice on this part of content. Quiz, in class activity,
or exam could be additional options besides homework.

Objective/Assessment Plan Organizer

Lesson Learner

Type of

Description of

Adaptations and / or

Objective

Assessment

Assessment

Accommodations

1. Understand the

Homework

definitions of inscribed

In class activity

angle and intercepted

Quiz

arc.

Exam

Students will be

A couple of periods will

asked to participate

be designed to work on

during lecture time.

practice and homework.

Homework, quiz

For high-achieving

and exam will help

students, I may ask

students practice.

them do proof. For low-

2. Apply properties of
inscribed angles of a

achieving students,
extra basic information
and time will be given

circle

to help them to catch up

**Writing Prompt
In the homework (see attachment), Students will be asked to write their comments
(several sentences or one paragraph) on learning inscribed angles.

Bell Ringer (5 mins)

Name:

Date:

Pts:

I. In each figure, O is the center of the circle (page 464 Q38 & 39)

II. Algebra (Page 365 Q55 & 56)

Find 6rs(4r 2 1) 8( rs 2r )

21x 3 y 5 z
Find
.
7 xy 6 z

In-class check for understanding (Page 469 Q1, 3~5)

Name:

Date:

Pts:

1. Explain how an intercepted arc and inscribed angle are related.

is a diameter. What type of triangle is VABC ?

2. VABC is inscribed in a circle so that BC
Explain your reasoning.

3. Compare and contrast inscribed angles and central angles of a circle. If they intercept
the same arc, how are they related?

4. Assess yourself write about and describe three uses of hexagonal nuts, bolts or screws
that appear at school or home. Why do your think the hexagon shape is used?

Homework
Name:

Date:

Pts:

Write down your comments, ideas, and difficulties regarding inscribed angles.