Other Angles

Theorem 73: If a tangent and a diameter meet at the point of tangency, then they are perpendicular to one another.

In Figure 1 , diameter AB meets tangent at B. According to Theorem 73, AB ⊥ which means that m ∠ ABC = 90° and m ∠ ABD = 90°.

Figure 1 A tangent to the circle and a diameter of the circle meeting at the point of tangency.

Example 1: Theorem 74 could be used to find the center of a circle if two tangents to the circle were known. In Figure 2 , is tangent to the circle at P, is tangent to the circle at S. Use these facts to find the center of the circle.

Figure 2 Finding the center of a circle when two tangents to the circle are known.

Similarly, if a chord is drawn perpendicular to at S, it too would be a diameter and pass through the center of the circle. The point where these two chords intersect would then be the center of the circle. See Figure 3 .

Figure 3 Chords drawn perpendicular to tangents to help in finding the center of the circle.

In Figure 4 , chords AC and BD intersect inside the circle at E.

Figure 4 Angles formed by two chords intersecting inside a circle.

By Theorem 75:,

Theorem 76: The measure of an angle formed by a tangent and a chord meeting at the point of tangency is half the measure of the intercepted arc.

In Figure 5 , chord QR and tangent meet at R. By Theorem 76, m ∠1 = 1/2 ( m ) and m ∠ 2 = ½ ( m ).

Figure 5 A tangent to the circle and a chord meeting at the point of tangency.

In Figure 6 , secants and intersect at G. According to Theorem 77, m ∠1 = 1/2( m – m ).

Figure 6 Two secants to the circle meeting outside the circle.

Example 2: Find m ∠1 in Figures 7 (a) through (d).

Figure 7 Angles formed by intersecting chords, secants, and/or tangents.

Example 3: Find the value of y in Figures 8 (a) through (d).

Figure 8 Angles formed by intersecting chords, secants, and/or tangents.

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