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Chapter 6: Angles and Tangents of Circles

Form 3 Mathematics Bab 6: Angles and Tangents of Circles

6.1 Angle at the Centre and Subtended Angles

Subtended Angles by Arcs

  • Angles subtended at the circumference by the same arc (or equal arc lengths) are equal: $$\angle APB = \angle AQB$$
  • The angle subtended by an arc at the centre of a circle is twice the angle subtended by the same arc at the circumference: $$\text{Angle at centre} = 2 \times \text{Angle at circumference}$$
  • An angle subtended at the circumference by a semicircle (diameter) is always $90^\circ$: $$\angle APB = 90^\circ$$

6.2 Cyclic Quadrilaterals

Properties of Cyclic Quadrilaterals

A cyclic quadrilateral is a four-sided polygon whose vertices all lie on the circumference of a circle.

  • Opposite Angles: The sum of opposite interior angles of a cyclic quadrilateral is $180^\circ$: $$A + C = 180^\circ \quad \text{and} \quad B + D = 180^\circ$$
  • Exterior Angle: The exterior angle of a cyclic quadrilateral is equal to the interior opposite angle: $$\theta_{\text{exterior}} = \theta_{\text{interior opposite}}$$

6.3 Tangents to Circles

Properties of Tangents

  • A tangent to a circle is a straight line that touches the circle at only one point (point of tangency).
  • The angle between a tangent and the radius drawn to the point of contact is always $90^\circ$: $$\text{Radius} \perp \text{Tangent}$$
  • Tangents from an External Point: If two tangents $TP$ and $TQ$ are drawn to a circle from an external point $T$:
    1. $TP = TQ$ (The tangent lengths are equal).
    2. $\angle TOP = \angle TOQ$ (Line $TO$ bisects the angle at the centre).
    3. $\angle OTP = \angle OTQ$ (Line $TO$ bisects the angle at the external point $T$).

6.4 Angles in Alternate Segments

Alternate Segment Theorem

The angle between a tangent and a chord through the point of contact is equal to the angle subtended by the chord in the alternate segment:

$$\angle \text{between tangent and chord} = \angle \text{in alternate segment}$$
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