Grade 10 → Geometry → Circles ↓
Properties of a Circle
A circle is a fundamental geometric figure that is defined as the set of all points in a plane that are equidistant from a given point, called the center. The properties of a circle are essential to understand its behavior, measurement, and relationships. Let us explore the various properties of a circle in detail.
Basic components of a circle
Before diving into the properties, it is important to understand the basic components of a circle:
- Centre: The centre is the fixed point around which the circle is drawn. It is usually denoted by
C
- Radius: The radius of a circle is any line segment from its center to the circumference. It is usually denoted by
r
. - Diameter: The diameter is a line segment that passes through the center and has an endpoint on the circle. It is the longest distance across the circle and is twice the radius:
d = 2r
. - Perimeter: The circumference is the perimeter or boundary of a circle. It is calculated using the formula:
C = 2πr
. - Area: The space contained within a circle is its area, given by the formula:
A = πr²
.
Essential properties of a circle
Now that we understand the basic components, let's look at the essential properties of a circle:
Perfect symmetry of a circle
The circle is a perfectly symmetrical figure. This symmetry means that every point on the edge of the circle is the same distance from the center. This property allows the circle to have infinite symmetry lines, since any diameter divides the circle into two equal halves.
Circumscribed and inscribed circles
A circle can be both circumscribed and inscribed. A circumscribed circle is one that passes through all the vertices of a polygon. In contrast, an inscribed circle is one that lies within a polygon and touches every side.
Angles in a circle
The central angle is the angle whose vertex is the center of the circle. It can be associated with the length of the arc - part of the circumference of the circle. The whole circle forms a total angle of 360 degrees.
Example of an angle
C
If a point A
and another point B
on the circle subtend an angle at C
, then this angle is the central angle. If the arc from A
to B
goes around the circle and covers 180 degrees, then the central angle at C
is also 180 degrees.Visual example
The basic structure of the circle
The figure above shows a circle with center C
The red line is the diameter d
, and the blue line is the radius r
.
Perimeter and area
In the above diagram, the green line represents the circumference C
of the circle. The area inside the circle is given by A = πr²
.
Special theorems related to circles
Inscribed angle theorem
The inscribed angle theorem states that the inscribed angle in a circle is half the measure of the central angle that forms - or holds - the same arc. This means that if you have an inscribed angle and you know which arc it is "holding", then you know that the central angle that forms this arc is twice the inscribed angle.
Example of inscribed angle theorem
∠ABC
and an arc AC
. If the central angle ∠AOC
forms the same arc, then the measure of ∠AOC
is twice the measure of ∠ABC
.Tangent and secant properties
A tangent is a line that touches a circle at exactly one point. A secant is a line that intersects a circle at two points. Properties associated with tangents and secants include:
- Tangent-secant theorem: If a tangent and a secant line are drawn from a point outside a circle, then the square of the length of the tangent segment is equal to the product of the length of the outer part of the secant segment and the whole length.
- Angle between tangents: The angle between two tangents drawn from an external point is half the difference in the measure of the intercepted arcs.
More advanced examples
To further understand the properties of circles, consider the following examples that illustrate these concepts.
Example 1: Calculating circle measurement
r = 5
units is given:- Diameter:
d = 2r = 10
units- Circumference:
C = 2πr ≈ 31.42
units- Area:
A = πr² ≈ 78.54
square unitsExample 2: Angle measurement
∠ABC
forming this arc measures half of the arc angle, i.e. 60
degrees.Example 3: Tangent-jump theorem
P
outside a circle, a tangent PT
measures 8 units, and a secant PQ
cuts the circle such that PQ = 12
and QR = 4
According to the tangent-edge theorem:PT² = PQ * PR
8² = 12 * (12 + 4)
64 = 12 * 16
Conclusion
The properties of a circle provide interesting information about this fundamental geometric shape. Recognizing these properties not only enhances problem-solving skills but also deepens the understanding of geometry. Circles form the basis of many concepts and applications in mathematics, engineering, and science.