Circle Theorems - CSEC Math Notes
1. Angle in a Semicircle
The angle subtended by a diameter at the circumference is always 90°. This forms a right-
angled triangle.
2. Angle at the Circumference is Half the Angle at the Centre
The angle at the edge (circumference) of a circle is half the angle at the centre when
subtended by the same arc.
3. Angles in the Same Segment are Equal
Angles subtended by the same chord and on the same side of the chord are always equal.
4. Opposite Angles in a Cyclic Quadrilateral
Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral (a 4-sided figure with all corners on the circle) add
up to 180°.
5. Radius and Tangent
The angle between a radius and a tangent at the point of contact is 90°.
6. Alternate Segment Theorem
The angle between a tangent and a chord through the point of contact is equal to the angle
in the alternate segment.
7. Tangents from the Same External Point
Two tangents drawn from the same external point to a circle are equal in length.
8. Radius Bisects a Chord at 90°
A radius that bisects a chord also meets it at 90°, forming two congruent right-angled
triangles.
Circle Theorems Diagrams
1. Angle in a Semicircle is 90°
🔹 Theorem:
The angle subtended by a diameter at the circumference of a circle is always a right angle
(90°).
🔹 Reason:
A triangle drawn from the endpoints of a diameter to any point on the circle forms a right-
angled triangle.
🔹 CSEC Tip:
Look for a triangle where one side is a diameter — the angle opposite that side will be 90°.
🔵 2. Angle at the Circumference is Half the Angle at the Centre
🔹 Theorem:
The angle subtended at the circumference of a circle by a chord is half the angle
subtended at the centre by the same chord (arc).
🔹 Formula:
🔹 Example:
If angle at centre = 120°, then angle at circumference = 60°.
🔹 CSEC Tip:
This helps when comparing angles in triangle sectors or pie chart-style questions.
🔵 3. Angles in the Same Segment Are Equal
🔹 Theorem:
Angles formed from the same chord and on the same side of the chord are always equal.
🔹 Reason:
They subtend the same arc.
🔹 CSEC Tip:
If two angles sit on the same arc (same curve between two points), they’re equal. Mark them
equal on diagrams when solving.
🔵 4. Opposite Angles in a Cyclic Quadrilateral Add Up to 180°
🔹 Theorem:
A cyclic quadrilateral is a 4-sided figure with all its vertices on the circumference of a
circle.
Its opposite angles always add up to 180°.
🔹 Example:
If one angle is 70°, the angle opposite it is 110°.
🔹 CSEC Tip:
Check for quadrilaterals with all corners on the circle — label opposite angles and use this
to find unknowns.
🔵 5. The Angle Between a Radius and a Tangent is 90°
🔹 Theorem:
The angle between a radius and a tangent drawn at the point of contact is always 90°.
🔹 Reason:
This is because a tangent touches the circle at only one point and is perpendicular to the
radius there.
🔹 CSEC Tip:
Look for tangents and radii — form right-angled triangles or use Pythagoras’ Theorem.
🔵 6. Alternate Segment Theorem
🔹 Theorem:
The angle between a tangent and a chord through the point of contact is equal to the
angle in the alternate segment of the circle.
🔹 Example:
If a triangle is formed with a tangent and a chord, the angle outside (between tangent and
chord) equals the angle inside the opposite triangle.
🔹 CSEC Tip:
Use this when you see a triangle touching a tangent — link the external angle with the
internal one in the opposite arc segment.
🔵 7. Tangents from the Same External Point Are Equal
🔹 Theorem:
Two tangents drawn from a common external point to a circle are equal in length.
🔹 Reason:
They form two congruent right-angled triangles (by SSS or RHS).
🔹 CSEC Tip:
Mark the tangent lengths equal and use triangle properties (isosceles triangle, congruency)
to solve.
🔵 8. Radius Bisects the Chord at 90°
🔹 Theorem:
A radius that meets a chord at a right angle will bisect the chord.
🔹 Reverse is also true:
If a radius bisects a chord, then it meets it at 90°.
🔹 CSEC Tip:
Use this to form two congruent right-angled triangles — helpful for finding unknown
lengths or angles.
🧠 Extra CSEC Advice:
Know the names of the theorems — examiners may ask you to state a reason.
Always mark equal angles, right angles, and diameters clearly on your diagrams.
Practice using these rules in proof questions, angle-finding, and geometry
construction problems.
