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Circle theorems

GCSE Higher

All eight, in the exact wording examiners want for the reason in a proof — that's where the marks are won and lost. Flip on Test yourself to drill them.

Write these word-for-word as your reason — that's where the marks are.

  1. 1. Angle at the centre

    The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference (subtended by the same arc).

  2. 2. Angle in a semicircle

    The angle in a semicircle is 90°.

  3. 3. Angles in the same segment

    Angles in the same segment are equal.

  4. 4. Cyclic quadrilateral

    Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°.

  5. 5. Tangent and radius

    A tangent is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact.

  6. 6. Two tangents

    Two tangents drawn from an external point are equal in length.

  7. 7. Alternate segment

    The angle between a tangent and a chord equals the angle in the alternate segment.

  8. 8. Perpendicular to a chord

    The perpendicular from the centre to a chord bisects the chord.

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