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Circle Angles and Measures

Jun 13, 2025

Overview

This lecture covers the different types of angles related to circles and how to calculate angle and arc measures using key rules and formulas.

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 is formed by two chords.
  • The inscribed angle is half the measure of its intercepted arc.
  • If a chord passes through the center, it's called a diameter; the inscribed angle across a diameter is always 90°.

Tangent-Chord Angles

  • A tangent-chord angle is formed by a chord and a tangent meeting at one point.
  • This angle is half the measure of its intercepted arc; the arc is twice the angle.

Chord-Chord Angles

  • Formed by intersecting chords inside the circle.
  • The measure of the angle is half the sum of the measures of the arcs intercepted by the angle and its vertical angle.

Secant-Secant, Secant-Tangent, and Tangent-Tangent Angles

  • Secant-secant and secant-tangent angles' measure is half the difference between the intercepted arcs.
  • Tangent-tangent angle is half the difference between the major and minor intercepted arcs.

Problem-Solving Strategies

  • When given angles or arcs, use algebraic equations based on the angle rules above.
  • The sum of all arcs in a circle is 360°.
  • When angles form a linear pair, their sum is 180°.
  • In triangle problems, the sum of interior angles is 180°.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Central angle — Angle with vertex at the circle's center.
  • Inscribed angle — Angle with vertex on the circle, formed by two chords.
  • Chord — Line segment connecting two points on a circle.
  • Tangent — Line touching the circle at exactly one point.
  • Secant — Line that crosses the circle at two points.
  • Intercepted arc — Arc corresponding to a given angle.
  • Chord-chord angle — Angle from two intersecting chords, measured by half the sum of intercepted arcs.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Practice problems calculating arc and angle measures for each angle type.
  • Review definitions and formulas for each circle angle.
  • Complete any assigned homework or reading on circle geometry.