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Chords, arcs and fundamental relations

Mathematics — first biennium · Lesson

Biennium · Common core

Chords, arcs and fundamental relations

A perpendicular from the centre to a chord bisects it. In the same circle, equal chords determine equal arcs and conversely.

Key idea
Formula matematica
Similar example
Formula matematica

Prerequisites: Circle geometry and Pythagoras

Goal: Use the perpendicular from the centre to a chord and relate equal chords to equal arcs.

What you need to know before the exercises

In this lesson: Use the perpendicular from the centre to a chord and relate equal chords to equal arcs.

New concept: A chord joins two points on a circle; an arc is the part of the circumference between those points. Equal chords subtend equal arcs and equal central angles, and conversely.

How to proceed: Radius OA is the hypotenuse of right triangle OMA. After Pythagoras remember that M is the midpoint of the chord.

You can already assume: Circle geometry and Pythagoras.

Geometry view

Read the diagram

SVG
Geometry diagram for the exercise A perpendicular from the centre bisects a chord; equal chords determine equal arcs. O A B M OM=8AB=30

A perpendicular from the centre bisects a chord; equal chords determine equal arcs.

Try it now

Use right triangle OMA to find half the chord, then double it.

Guided

Completed exercises: 0/5 · Correct on first attempt: 0

How to reason

Radius OA is the hypotenuse of right triangle OMA. After Pythagoras remember that M is the midpoint of the chord.

Data / situation: OA=17, OM=8 and OM⊥AB. Find chord AB.

Formula matematica
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