Basic Circle Theorems
Radius and tangent relationships form the foundation of circle geometry. When a radius meets a tangent at the point where it touches the circle, they always form a perfect 90° angle - this is one of the most reliable rules you'll use.
Here's something quite clever about tangents: from any point outside a circle, you can draw exactly two tangent lines. The distances from that external point to where each tangent touches the circle are always equal. This equal tangent lengths rule often helps you find missing measurements.
The angle at the centre theorem shows a beautiful relationship between angles. Any angle formed at the centre of a circle is exactly twice the size of the angle formed at the circumference when both angles use the same arc. This 2:1 ratio appears constantly in circle problems.
Quick tip: Remember "centre doubles circumference" - the angle at the centre is always double the angle at the circumference for the same arc.
Finally, any angle in a semicircle is always 90°. If you spot a triangle where one side is the diameter of a circle, you've found yourself a right-angled triangle.