MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY

MODULE 6
CIRCLES
Week 8

INTRODUCTION

In "primative" terms, a circle is the shape formed in the sand by driving a stick (the "center") into the
sand, putting a loop of string around the center, pulling that loop taut with another stick, and dragging that second
stick through the sand at the further extent of the loop of string. The resulting figure drawn in the sand is a circle.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the topic, the students must have:

1. Defined and labeled the different parts of a circle.
2. stated the different postulates and theorems about circle and its parts.
3.computed the circumference, area, and sector of the circle.

PRETEST

Direction: Explain briefly but concisely,

1. Give an idea about the word cycle. Relate that in Mathematics.

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY
CONTENT

In this lesson, we will discuss the properties of circle and learn how to compute for the circumference,
area, arc length, sector, and segment of a circle.

Circle
- is a collection of points equidistant from a fixed point called the center with a fixed distance called the
radius. In Figure 6.1, is a circle with center and radius.
- a chord of a circle is a straight line which joins any two points on the circle. The longest chord is the
diameter of a circle. It is the chord that passes through the center of the circle. The diameter is twice
the radius.

r •C

Figure 6.1. Circle

Thus, given a circle of radius 𝑟, its diameter is 𝑑 = 2𝑟. In Figure 6.2, is a circle with center 𝐶 and a
̅̅̅̅ is a chord of the circle.
diameter of length 𝑑. 𝐴𝐵

A
B
•
C

Figure 6.2. Diameter of a circle

The length of the distance around the circle is called circumference. It can be obtained using the formula
𝐶 = 2𝜋𝑟 or 𝐶 = 𝜋𝑑.

The area of a circle is the region bounded by the circle and its area is 𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟 2 .

The arc length of a circle is the distance between two points on the circle in relation to the central
angle. In Figure 6.3, the arc length 𝐴𝐵 is presented by 𝑠 and the arc length is obtained using the formula 𝑠 =
𝑟𝜃, where 𝜃 is the subtended angle in radian measure.

A r C
Ѳ
s
B
Figure 6.3. Arc length 𝐴𝐵

The sector of a circle is a portion of the area of the circle bounded by an arc and two radii of the circle.
1 1
Its area is obtained using either 𝐴𝑠 = 𝑟 2 𝜃 or 𝐴𝑠 = 𝑟𝑠 where 𝜃 is in radians and 𝑆 is the arc length. See
2 2
Figure 6.4a.

A r C A r C
b b
s a s a
B B
Figure 6.4a. Sector of a circle Figure 6.4b. Sector of a circle

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY
The segment is the portion of a sector bounded by the arc and the chord passing through the ends of
1 1
the arc. In Figure 6.4b, the area of a segment is 𝐴𝑠 = 𝑟 2 𝜃 − 𝑎𝑏, where 𝑎 is the base and 𝑏 is the height
2 2
of the ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶.

Example:
Find the length of an arc that subtends a central angle of 30° in a circle of radius 5cm.

Solution:
Let 𝑠 be the arc length that subtends a central angle 𝜃 = 30° in a circle of radius 𝑟 = 5𝑐𝑚.

s
30°
5

Solving for the length of the arc, we have

𝑠 = 𝑟𝜃
𝜋
= (5) (30°𝑥 )
180°
5𝜋
=
6
= 2.62 𝑐𝑚
Therefore, the length of the arc is 2.62 𝑐𝑚.

THEOREMS ON CIRCLE

1. Two secants to a Circle Intersecting Outside the Circle

A secant will meet a circle in two points. If two secants meet outside the circle, the length of the segment
from the point of intersection of the two secants to the distant point on the circle intersected by the secant,
multiplied to the length of the segment from the point of intersection of the secants to the nearer point on the
circle intersected by the secant must have equal values for each of the secant.

A
B
E
D
C

Figure 6.5.
̅̅̅̅ )(𝐵𝐸
(𝐴𝐸 ̅̅̅̅) = (𝐶𝐸
̅̅̅̅ )(𝐷𝐸
̅̅̅̅)

The angle formed by the secants intersecting outside the circle is equal to one-half of the difference of the
two arcs subtended by the two secants. Referring to Figure 6.5, the angle formed by the two secants
intersecting outside the circle is as follows:

̂ − 𝑚𝐵𝐷
𝑚𝐴𝐶 ̂
∠𝐸 =
2

2. Two Secants to a Circle Intersecting Inside the Circle

When two secants intersect inside the circle, two chords will be formed. Each cord will divide each other into
uncertain partitions. The product of the two partitions of each chord is always equal to the product of the two
partition of the other chord.

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY

A B

E
D
C

Figure 6.6.
̅̅̅̅ ̅̅̅̅
(𝐴𝐸)(𝐸𝐷 ) = (𝐶𝐸̅̅̅̅ )(𝐸𝐵
̅̅̅̅)

Because of the intersection of the two secants, vertical angles are formed. These angles can be calculated
by getting the half of the sum of the two arcs subtended by the two secants. Referring to Figure 6.6, the
equations for the vertical angles formed by the two intersecting secants inside the circle are as follows:

̂ + 𝑚𝐵𝐷
𝑚𝐴𝐶 ̂
∠𝐴𝐸𝐶 = ∠𝐴𝐸𝐶 =
2

̂ + 𝑚𝐶𝐷
𝑚𝐴𝐵 ̂
∠𝐴𝐸𝐵 = ∠𝐶𝐸𝐷 =
2

3. Intersecting Secant and Tangent to a Circle

A secant will meet a circle in two points while a tangent at exactly one point. If a tangent and a secant meet
outside the circle, the length of the segment from their point of intersection to the distant point on the circle
intersected by the secant, multiplied to the length of the segment from the point of intersection of the secants
to the nearer point on the circle intersected by the secant is equal to the square of the length of the segment
from the point of intersection of the tangent and secant to the point of tangency.

A
B
C
D
Figure 6.7.
̅̅̅̅ )(𝐵𝐶
(𝐴𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ ) = (𝐶𝐷
̅̅̅̅ )2

4. Two intersecting Tangents to a Circle

When two tangents to a circle meet outside the circle, the lengths of the segments from the point of
intersection of two tangents to the point of tangencies are always equal.

Figure 6.8.
̅̅̅̅ ) = (𝐵𝐶
(𝐴𝐶 ̅̅̅̅ )

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY
5. Tangent and Radius Relationship

A radius is perpendicular to a tangent line as long as one endpoint of a radius is the point of tangency. In
̅̅̅̅ is the radius of circle 𝐴 with 𝐵 as the point of tangency.
Figure 6.9, 𝐴𝐵

Figure 6.9.

6. Diameter and Chord Relationship

A diameter that is perpendicular to a chord bisects the chord into two equal segments. In Figure 6.10, ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 is
a diameter of circle 𝑂 and ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐷 as chord in circle 𝑂. Since, the diameter ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 is perpendicular to ̅̅̅̅
𝐶𝐷 , then
̅̅̅̅ = 𝐷𝐸
𝐶𝐸 ̅̅̅̅ .
A

C E D
B
Figure 6.10.

7. Central Angle and Inscribed Angle

The measure of an inscribed angle that is subtending the same arc subtending the same arc subtended by
a central angle. In Figure 6.11, point 𝐷 is the center of the circle. Angle 𝐴𝐷𝐶 is a central angle and angle
𝐴𝐵𝐶is an inscribed angle. Both angles subtends arc 𝐴𝐶. Therefore, we can say that angle 𝐴𝐷𝐶 is equal to
half the measure of angle 𝐴𝐷𝐶. So, it is equal to half the measure of arc 𝐴𝐶.

̂
∠𝐴𝐷𝐶 = 𝑚𝐴𝐶
C
D ̂
𝑚𝐴𝐶
∠𝐴𝐵𝐶 =
2
B
Figure 6.11.

8. Angles Subtending a Common Arc

Two inscribed angle subtending the same arc have equal measures. In Figure 6.12, ∠𝐴𝐶𝐵 and ∠𝐴𝐷𝐵 are
equal angles since they both subtends arc 𝐴𝐵.

A
C
D
B

Figure 6.12.

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY
9. Tangent Circles

Two circles are tangent to each other if they are tangent to a common line. If the two circles are in one side
of the tangent line, then they are internally tangents. If the two circles are on either side of the tangent line,
then they are externally tangents.

N M N M

(a) Internally Tangents (b) Externally Tangents

Figure 6.13.

In Figure 6.13(a), circle N and circle M are internally tangents with ̅̅̅̅̅
𝑁𝑀 as the line of centers and whose
lengths is the difference of the radius of the two circles. On the other hand, in Figure 6.13(b), the circle 𝑁
̅̅̅̅̅ as the line of centers and whose lengths is the sum of the radii
and circle 𝑀 are externally tangents with 𝑁𝑀
of the two circles.

10. Inscribed Angle Subtending the Semi-Circle

We know that the measure of an inscribed angle is half the measure of the arc that it subtends. Therefore,
an inscribed angle that subtends the semicircle is always a right angle.

A 180°
O

C B
Figure 6.14.

In Figure 6.14, ̅̅̅̅ ̂ is a semicircle while ∠𝐴𝐶𝐵 subtends arc 𝐴𝐵. A

𝐴𝐵 is a diameter and therefore, 𝐴𝐵
̂ and is equal to 90°.
semicircle has measure of 180°, therefore ∠𝐴𝐶𝐵 is one-half of 𝐴𝐵

11. Quadrilateral inscribed a Circle

The opposite angles of a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle are always supplementary however, the adjacent
angles of a quadrilateral inside a circle has no concrete relationship.
B
A

D C
Figure 6.15.
The area of a quadrilateral inscribed in a circle can be calculated by the given formula below:

𝐴 = √(𝑠 − 𝑎)(𝑠 − 𝑏)(𝑠 − 𝑐)(𝑠 − 𝑑)

Where: 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑐 and 𝑑 are the length of the sides of the quadrilateral, 𝑠 is the semi-perimeter

𝑎+𝑏+𝑐+𝑑
𝑠=
2

𝐴, 𝐵, 𝐶 and 𝐷 are the interior angles of the quadrilateral.

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY
12. Triangle Inscribed in a Circle

The radius of a circle can be derived using the length of the sides of the triangle inscribed in it.
A

O
C
B
Figure 6.16.

𝑎𝑏𝑐
𝑟=
4𝐴 𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒

𝑎𝑏𝑐
𝑟=
4√𝑠(𝑠 − 𝑎)(𝑠 − 𝑏)(𝑠 − 𝑐)

Where: 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐are the length of the sides of the triangle

𝑠 is the perimeter
𝑎+𝑏+𝑐
𝑠=
2
𝑟 is the radius of the circle

13. Triangle Circumscribing a Circle

In Figure 6.17, shown is a circle with radius 𝑟 inscribed in a triangle with sides 𝑎, 𝑏 and 𝑐. The radius of a
circle can be calculated using the length of the sides of the triangle circumscribing it.

b a
r
o
c
A B
Figure 6.17.

Let us try to connect the center to the vertices of ∆𝐴𝐵𝐶. We will then arrive at Figure 6.18. You will see that
three smaller triangles are formed, ∆𝐶𝑂𝐵, ∆𝐴𝑂𝐵, ∆𝐴𝑂𝐶. Now, let us recall one of the formula in calculating
area of a triangle:
1
𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ
2
C

b a
o
c
A B
Figure 6.18.

𝐴𝐴𝐵𝐶 = 𝐴𝐴𝑂𝐵 + 𝐴𝐴𝑂𝐶 + 𝐴𝐵𝑂𝐶

1 1 1
√𝑠(𝑠 − 𝑎)(𝑠 − 𝑏)(𝑠 − 𝑐) = ( 𝑐𝑟) + ( 𝑏𝑟) + ( 𝑎𝑟)
2 2 2

1
√𝑠(𝑠 − 𝑎)(𝑠 − 𝑏)(𝑠 − 𝑐) = ( 𝑟) (𝑐 + 𝑏 + 𝑎)
2

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY
1
√𝑠(𝑠 − 𝑎)(𝑠 − 𝑏)(𝑠 − 𝑐) (2 𝑟) (𝑐 + 𝑏 + 𝑎)
=
1 1
(𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐) (𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐)
2 2

√𝑠(𝑠 − 𝑎)(𝑠 − 𝑏)(𝑠 − 𝑐)

=𝑟
1
(𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐)
2
1
But take note that 𝑠 = (𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑐), so:
2

√𝑠(𝑠 − 𝑎)(𝑠 − 𝑏)(𝑠 − 𝑐) 𝐴 𝑇𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒

𝑟= =
𝑠 𝑠

14. Regular Polygon Inscribed in a Circle

The radius of a circle and the length of the sides of a polygon inscribed in it can be related in an equation.
Let us try to derive an equation that will show the relationship of the radius and side of an inscribed polygon.

A
b
E r
a B
o

D C
Figure 6.19.

In Figure 6.19, a right triangle is formed with 𝑟 as the hypotenuse and apothem 𝑎 and half of the polygon
side 𝑏 as the legs of the right triangle formed. Note that ∠𝐴 is one of the interior angles of the polygon. When
the radius is drawn to be vertex of the polygon. When the radius is drawn to the vertex of the polygon, the
interior angle is bisected resulting to one of the acute angles of the right triangle formed equal to 𝜃/2 .

r
a

𝜃/2
𝑏/2
Figure 6.20.

From Figure 6.20, we can say that:

𝜃 𝑏⁄2
cos ( ) =
2 𝑟

𝑏⁄2
𝑟=
𝜃
cos ( )
2

𝑏
𝑟=
𝜃
2 cos ( )
2

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY

15. Regular Polygon Circumscribing a Polygon

Previously, the polygon is inside the circle. Now, we will consider the polygon circumscribing the circle.

A
b
E r B
o

D C
Figure 6.21.

𝑏 𝜃
𝑟 = 𝑎 = tan ( )
2 2

Where: 𝑎 is the apothem of the polygon and 𝜃 is the interior of the polygon.

Concentric circles are circles having the same center and with equal or unequal radii. Figure 6.22 are
concentric circles and the region between two concentric circles is called annulus.

𝐶1
𝐶2

𝑟1

𝑟2

Figure 6.22. Concentric circles

Example:
Find the area of the annulus of two concentric circles whose radii are 5 inches and 3 inches.

Solution:
Let 𝐴 be the required area, 𝑟1 be the radius of the outer circle, and 𝑟2 the radius of the inner circle.

Solving for the area, we have

𝐴 = 𝜋𝑟1 2 − 𝜋𝑟2 2
= 𝜋(𝑟1 2 − 𝑟2 2 )
= 𝜋(52 − 32 )
= 16𝜋 ≈ 50.27
Therefore, the area of the annulus is approximately 50.27 in2.

A polygon is inscribed in a circle when each vertex of the polygon is a point of the circle. In this case
we say that the circle is circumscribed about the polygon, see Figure 6.23.

A B

F C

E D
Figure 6.23. Circle is circumscribed about the polygon

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 MATH 215 – PLANE & SOLID GEOMETRY

A polygon is circumscribed about a circle when each side of the polygon is tangent to the circle. In this
case we say that the circle is inscribed in the polygon, see Figure 6.24.

A B

F C

E D
Figure 6.24. Circle is inscribed in the polygon
Example:

Find the area of the largest square that can be cut from a circle of radius 4 in.

Solution:

To find the required area, we need to find the length of the square.
Note that the diagonal of the square is equal to the diameter of the circle,

Thus √2𝑠 = 2𝑟

and substituting the given √2𝑠 = 2(4 𝑖𝑛. )

𝑠 = 4√2 𝑖𝑛.

2
Therefore, the area of the square is 𝐴 = (4√2) = 32 𝑠𝑞. 𝑖𝑛.

Congruent Circles
Example:
Each of the three congruent circles of radius equal to 3 cm. are tangent to the other two. Find the area of the
portion formed by the intersecting arcs of the circles.

Solution:
Consider the equilateral triangle formed by connecting the centers of the circles 𝐴, 𝐵 and 𝐶. Note that the required
area is the area of the triangle minus three times the area of the sectors.

Solving for the area, we have A B

1 1
𝐴 = 𝑏ℎ − 3 ( 𝑟 2 𝜃)
2 2
1 1 𝜋
= (6)(3√3) − 3 ( (32 ) ( ))
2 2 3
C
≈ 1.45

Therefore, the area of the portion formed by the intersecting arcs of the circles is 1.45 𝑐𝑚2 .

REFERENCES

Aarts, J. (2008). Plane and solid geometry. Springer Science & Business Media.
Alexander, D. C., & Koeberlein, G. M. (2012). Geometry. Anvil Publishing Inc.
Carpio, J. N., Guillermo, J. M., & Gravador, N. B. (2014). Solid Mensuration. R. G. Angeles, MA & R. R.
Guzman, Ed.D., Phd. (Eds.). Books Atbp Publishing Corp.
Mateo, R. R., Bataclan, N. A., & Bunag, E. S. (2013). Plane and solid mensuration. C & E Publishing, Inc.

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