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Circle Angles Overview

Jun 16, 2025

Overview

This lesson covers various types of angles related to circles, including their definitions, properties, and methods for calculating arc and angle measures.

Central Angles

  • A central angle has its vertex at the center of the circle.
  • The measure of a central angle equals the measure of its intercepted arc.

Inscribed Angles

  • An inscribed angle has its vertex on the circle and sides that are chords.
  • The measure of an inscribed angle is half the measure of its intercepted arc.

Tangent-Chord Angles

  • Formed where a tangent meets a chord at the point of tangency.
  • The angle is half the measure of its intercepted arc; the arc is twice the angle.

Chord-Chord Angles

  • Formed by the intersection of two chords inside a circle.
  • The angle measure is half the sum of the measures of the intercepted arcs.
  • To solve for an unknown arc or angle, set up an equation using these relationships and solve algebraically.

Secant-Secant Angles

  • Formed outside a circle by the intersection of two secants.
  • The angle is half the difference of the intercepted arcs.

Secant-Tangent Angles

  • Formed outside a circle by the intersection of a secant and a tangent.
  • The angle is half the difference of the intercepted arcs.

Tangent-Tangent Angles

  • Formed outside a circle by the intersection of two tangents.
  • The angle is half the difference between the major and minor arcs they intercept.

Solving Problems & Relationships

  • The sum of arcs around a circle is 360°.
  • In triangles formed by diameters, the angle opposite the diameter is always 90°.
  • For inscribed angles that share the same arc, the angles are congruent.
  • Use algebraic equations to solve for unknowns in problems involving arc and angle measures.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Central Angle — Angle with vertex at the center of the circle.
  • Inscribed Angle — Angle with vertex on the circle and sides as chords.
  • Chord — Line segment connecting two points on a circle.
  • Diameter — Chord passing through the center of the circle.
  • Tangent — Line touching the circle at exactly one point.
  • Secant — Line or segment intersecting the circle at two points.
  • Intercepted Arc — Arc that lies in the interior of an angle.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice identifying and calculating measures for central, inscribed, tangent-chord, chord-chord, secant-secant, secant-tangent, and tangent-tangent angles.
  • Complete assigned exercises involving finding unknown angles and arcs using the discussed formulas.