Key Circle Theorems You Need to Know
These theorems might look complicated at first, but they're actually quite logical once you understand the patterns. Let's break down the most important ones.
Tangent and radius theorem: When a tangent touches a circle, it always meets the radius at exactly 90ยฐ. This creates a perfect right angle every time. Also, if you draw two tangents from the same external point, they'll always be equal in length.
The alternate segment theorem is particularly useful for exam questions. The angle between a chord and tangent equals the angle on the opposite side inside the triangle. It's like the angles are "talking" to each other across the circle.
Here's another handy rule: all radii in the same circle are identical in length (obvious when you think about it!). Plus, when a radius passes through the midpoint of any chord, it always meets that chord at 90ยฐ.
Pro tip: Draw clear diagrams when solving circle theorem problems - the visual approach makes these relationships much clearer to spot!