Theorems

A theorem is a hypothesis (proposition) that can be shown to be true by accepted

mathematical operations and arguments. A proof is the process of showing a theorem to be
correct.
The converse of a theorem is the reverse of the hypothesis and the conclusion.
For example, given the theorem “if A, then B”, the converse is “if B, then A”.

THEOREM
PERPENDICULAR LINE FROM CIRCLE CENTRE BISECTS CHORD
STATEMENT
If a line is drawn from the centre of a circle perpendicular to a chord, then it bisects the chord.
(Reason: ⊥ from centre bisects chord).
Given:
Circle with centre O and line OP perpendicular to chord AB.

Required:
𝐴𝑃 = 𝑃𝐵
Proof
Draw OA and OB.
In △ 𝑂𝑃𝐴and in △ 𝑂𝑃𝐵,
𝑂𝐴2 = 𝑂𝑃2 + 𝐴𝑃2 (Pythagoras)
OB 2 = OP 2 + BP 2 (Pythagoras)
and
𝑂𝐴 = 𝑂𝐵(equal radii)
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 ∴ 𝐴𝑃2 = 𝐵𝑃2
∴ 𝐴𝑃 = 𝐵𝑃
Therefore OP bisects AB.

Alternative proof:
In △ 𝑂𝑃𝐴 and in △ 𝑂𝑃𝐵,
̂ = 𝑂𝑃𝐵
𝑂𝑃𝐴 ̂ (given OP⊥AB)
OA = OB (equal radii)
OP = OP (common side)
∴△ OPA ≡△ OPB(RHS)
∴ 𝐴𝑃 = 𝑃𝐵
Therefore OP bisects AB.

THEOREM
PERPENDICULAR BISECTOR OF CHORD PASSES THROUGH CIRCLE CENTRE.
STATEMENT
If the perpendicular bisector of a chord is drawn, then the line will pass through the centre of
the circle.
(Reason: ⊥ bisector through centre)
GIVEN
Circle with mid-point P on chord AB.
̂ = 𝑄𝑃𝐵
Line QP is drawn such that 𝑄𝑃𝐴 ̂ = 90°
̂ = 𝑅𝑃𝐵
Line RP is drawn such that 𝑅𝑃𝐴 ̂ = 90°

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REQUIRED

Circle centre O lies on the line PR.

PROOF
Draw lines QA and QB.
Draw lines RA and RB.
In △QPA and in △QPB,

𝐴𝑃 = 𝑃𝐵(𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛)
𝑄𝑃 = 𝑄𝑃 (𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒)
̂ = 𝑄𝑃𝐵
𝑄𝑃𝐴 ̂ = 90° (𝑔𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑛)
∴△ 𝑄𝑃𝐴 ≡△ 𝑄𝑃𝐵(𝑆𝐴𝑆)
∴ 𝑄𝐴 = 𝑄𝐵
Similarly it can be shown that in △RPA and in △RPB, RA=RB.
We conclude that all the points that are equidistant from A and B will lie on the line PR
extended.
Therefore the centre O, which is equidistant to all points on the circumference, must also lie
on the line PR.

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THEOREM
Angle at the centre of a circle is twice the size of the angle at the circumference
STATEMENT
If an arc subtends an angle at the centre of a circle and at the circumference, then the angle
at the centre is twice the size of the angle at the circumference.
(Reason: ∠ at centre =2∠ at circum.)
GIVEN:
̂ at the centre of the circle, and 𝐴𝑃𝐵
Circle with centre O, arc AB subtending 𝐴𝑂𝐵 ̂ at the
circumference.

REQUIRED:
̂ =2 ̂
𝐴𝑂𝐵 𝐴𝑃𝐵

PROOF:
̂=𝑂
Draw PO extended to Q and let 𝐴𝑂𝑄 ̂1 and 𝐵𝑂𝑄
̂ =𝑂̂2
̂1 = 𝐴𝑃𝑂
𝑂 ̂ + 𝑃𝐴𝑂
̂ (ext.=sum int. opp.s)
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 ̂1 = 𝐴𝑃𝑂
and 𝑂 ̂ + 𝐴𝑃𝑂
̂
̂1 = 2𝐴𝑃𝑂
∴𝑂 ̂
̂2 = 2𝐵𝑃𝑂
Similarly, we can also show that 𝑂 ̂.
For the first two diagrams shown above we have that:
̂ = 𝑂̂
𝐴𝑂𝐵 ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
1 + 𝑂2 = 2𝐴𝑃𝑂 + 2𝐵𝑃𝑂 = 2 (𝐴𝑃𝑂 + 𝐵𝑃𝑂 ) ∴ 𝐴𝑂𝐵 = 2 (𝐴𝑃𝐵 )

and for the last diagram:

̂ = 𝑂̂
𝐴𝑂𝐵 ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂ ̂
2 − 𝑂1 = 2𝐵𝑃𝑂 − 2𝐴𝑃𝑂 = 2 (𝐵𝑃𝑂 − 𝐴𝑃𝑂 ) ∴ 𝐴𝑂𝐵 = 2 (𝐴𝑃𝐵 )

Example 2: Angle at the centre of circle is twice angle at circumference

QUESTION
Given HK, the diameter of the circle passing through centre O.

Answer
Step 1. Use theorems and the given information to find all equal angles and sides on
the diagram
Step 2. Solve for a
In △HJK:
̂ = 180° (∠ on str. line)
𝐻𝑂𝐾
= 2a (∠ at centre =2∠ at circum.)
∴2a=180°
180°
𝑎= = 90°
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Step3:Conclusion

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The diameter of a circle subtends a right angle at the circumference (angles in a semi-circle).
EXERCISE
Given O is the centre of the circle, determine the unknown angle in each of the following
diagrams:

Answer: 𝑏 = 2 × 45° ( at centre=2at circum.) ∴ 𝑏 = 90°

2.

3.

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4.

5.

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 INVESTIGATION
Subtended angles in the same segment of a circle
1. Measure angles a, b, c, d and e in the diagram below:

2.Choose any two points on the circumference of the circle and label them AA and BB.
̂.
3.Draw AP and BP, and measure 𝐴𝑃𝐵
̂.
4.Draw AQ and BQ, and measure 𝐴𝑄𝐵
5.What do you observe? Make a conjecture about these types of angles.

THEOREM
Subtended angles in the same segment of a circle are equal.
If the angles subtended by a chord of the circle are on the same side of the chord, then
the angles are equal.
(Reason: ∠s in same seg.)
Circle with centre O, and points P and Q on the circumference of the circle.
̂ and 𝐴𝑄𝐵
Arc ABB subtends 𝐴𝑃𝐵 ̂ in the same segment of the circle.

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REQUIRED:
̂ = 𝐴𝑄𝐵
𝐴𝑃𝐵 ̂
PROOF:
̂ (at centre = 2at. circum. )
̂ = 2APB
AOB
̂ (at centre = 2at. circum. )
̂ = 2𝐴𝑄𝐵
AOB
̂ = 2𝐴𝑄𝐵
∴ 2𝐴𝑃𝐵 ̂
̂ = 𝐴𝑄𝐵
𝐴𝑃𝐵 ̂

Equal arcs subtend equal angles

From the theorem above we can deduce that if angles at the circumference of a circle
are subtended by arcs of equal length, then the angles are equal. In the figure below,
notice that if we were to move the two chords with equal length closer to each other,
until they overlap, we would have the same situation as with the theorem above. This
shows that the angles subtended by arcs of equal length are also equal.

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EXERCISE
Find the values of the unknown angles.

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 ̂ = 𝑆𝑉𝑅
a. Given 𝑇𝑉𝑆 ̂ , determine the value of e.
b. Is TV a diameter of the circle? Explain your answer.

̂ = 35°. Determine f.
Given circle with centre O, WT=TY and 𝑋𝑊𝑇

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 INVESTIGATION
CYCLIC QUADRILATERALS
Consider the diagrams given below:
Circle 1 Circle 2 Circle 3

1. Complete the following:

ABCD is a cyclic quadrilateral because …………
2. Complete the table:
Circle 1 Circle 2 Circle 3
𝐴̂ =
𝐵̂ =
𝐶̂ =
̂=
𝐷
𝐴̂ + 𝐶̂ =
𝐵̂ + 𝐷
̂=
3. Use your results to make a conjecture about the relationship between angles of cyclic
quadrilaterals.
THEOREM: OPPOSITE ANGLES OF A CYCLIC QUADRILATERAL
STATEMENT
The opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral are supplementary.
(Reason: opp. ∠s cyclic quad.)
GIVEN
Circle with centre O with points A,B,P and Q on the circumference such that ABPQ is a
cyclic quadrilateral.
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REQUIRED:
̂ + 𝐴𝑄𝑃
𝐴𝐵𝑃 ̂ = 180° and 𝑄𝐴𝐵
̂ + 𝑄𝑃𝐵
̂ = 180°
PROOF:
̂1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑂
Draw AO and OP. Label 𝑂 ̂2
̂1 = 2𝐴𝐵𝑃
𝑂 ̂ ( at centre=2at circum.)
̂2 = 2𝐴𝑄𝑃
𝑂 ̂ ( at centre=2at circum.)
̂1 + 𝑂
and 𝑂 ̂2 = 360° (s around a point)
̂ + 2𝐴𝑄𝑃
∴ 2𝐴𝐵𝑃 ̂ = 360°
̂ + 𝐴𝑄𝑃
𝐴𝐵𝑃 ̂ = 180°
Similarly, we can show that :
̂ + 𝑄𝑃𝐵
𝑄𝐴𝐵 ̂ = 180°
Converse: interior opposite angles of a quadrilateral
If the interior opposite angles of a quadrilateral are supplementary, then the
quadrilateral is cyclic.

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EXTERIOR ANGLE OF A CYCLIC QUADRILATERAL
If a quadrilateral is cyclic, then the exterior angle is equal to the interior opposite angle.

WORKED EXAMPLE : OPPOSITE ANGLES OF A CYCLIC QUADRILATERAL

Question:

Given the circle with centre O and cyclic quadrilateral PQRS.

SQ is drawn and 𝑆𝑃𝑄 = 34°
Determine the values of a, b and c.

SOLUTION:
STEP1.
Use theorems and the given information to find all equal angles on the diagram
STEP2.
Solve for b
̂ + c = 180° (opp. ∠s cyclic quad supp. )
SPQ
∴ c = 180° − 34° = 146°
𝒂 = 90°(∠ 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑚𝑖 𝑐𝑖𝑟𝑐𝑙𝑒)
In △PSQ:

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 𝒂 + 𝒃 + 34° = 180° (∠ 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 △)
∴ 𝒃 = 180° − 90° − 34° = 56°
METHODS FOR PROVING A QUADRILATERAL IS CYCLIC
There are three ways to prove that a quadrilateral is a cyclic quadrilateral:
Method of proof Reason
If 𝑃̂ + 𝑅̂ = 180° opp. int.
or 𝑆̂ + 𝑄̂ = 180° angles suppl.
then PQRS is a
cyclic quad.

If 𝑃̂ = 𝑄̂ 𝑜𝑟 𝑆̂ = 𝑅̂ angles in the
then PQRS is a same seg.
cyclic quad.

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 ̂ = 𝑆̂
If 𝑇𝑄𝑅 ext. angle
then PQRS is a equal to int.
cyclic quad. opp. angle

WORKED EXAMPLE : PROVING A QUADRILATERAL IS A CYCLIC

QUADRILATERAL
Prove that ABDE is a cyclic quadrilateral.

SOLUTION
STEP 1
Use theorems and the given information to find all equal angles on the diagram
STEP2
Prove that ABDE is a cyclic quadrilateral
̂ = 90° (∠ in semi circle)
𝐷𝐵𝐶
and 𝐸̂ = 90° (given)

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 ̂ = 𝐸̂
∴ 𝐷𝐵𝐶
∴ABDE is a cyclic quadrilateral (𝑒𝑥𝑡.\@ ∠ 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑡.\@ 𝑜𝑝𝑝.\@ ∠)

EXERCISE
Find the values of the unknown angles.

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Prove that ABCDABCD is a cyclic quadrilateral:

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TANGENT LINE TO A CIRCLE
A tangent is a line that touches the circumference of a circle at only one place. The
radius of a circle is perpendicular to the tangent at the point of contact.

THEOREM: TWO TANGENTS DRAWN FROM THE SAME POINT OUTSIDE A

CIRCLE
STATEMENT
If two tangents are drawn from the same point outside a circle, then they are equal in
length.
(Reason: tangents from same point equal)
GIVEN
Circle with centre O and tangents PA and PB, where A and B are the respective points
of contact for the two lines.

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REQUIRED:
AP=BP

PROOF
In △AOP and △BOP△BOP,

̂ = 𝑂𝐵𝑃
𝑂𝐴𝑃 ̂ = 90° (tangent ⊥ radius)
𝐴𝑂 = 𝐵𝑂 (equal radii)
𝑂𝑃 = 𝑂𝑃 (common side)
∴△ 𝐴𝑂𝑃 ≡△ 𝐵𝑂𝑃 (RHS)
∴ 𝐴𝑃 = 𝐵𝑃

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WORKED EXAMPLE: TANGENTS FROM THE SAME POINT OUTSIDE A CIRCLE
QUESTION
In the diagram below AE=5 cm, AC=8 cm and CE=9 cm. Determine the values
of a, b and c.

SOLUTION:
STEP1.Use theorems and the given information to find all equal angles on the
diagram
STEP 2
Solve for a, b and c
𝐴𝐵 = 𝐴𝐹 = 𝑎 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝐴)
𝐸𝐹 = 𝐸𝐷 = 𝑐(𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝐸)
𝐶𝐵 = 𝐶𝐷 = 𝑏 (𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝐶)
∴ 𝐴𝐸 = 𝑎 + 𝑐 = 5
𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴𝐶 = 𝑎 + 𝑏 = 8
𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝐸 = 𝑏 + 𝑐 = 9

STEP 3
Solve for the unknown variables using simultaneous equations
𝑎 + 𝑐 = 5 … (1)
𝑎 + 𝑏 = 8 … (2)
𝑏 + 𝑐 = 9 … (3)

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Subtract equation (1) from equation (2) and then substitute into equation (3):
(2) − (1) 𝑏 − 𝑐 = 8 − 5 = 3
∴ 𝑏 =𝑐+3
Substitute into (3)𝑐 + 3 + 𝑐 = 9
2𝑐 = 6
𝑐=3
∴𝑎=2
and 𝑏 = 6
EXERCISE
Find the values of the unknown lengths.

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