GCSE Maths

Circles

Go back to home page

Definitions

Know the meanings of arc, chord, segment, sector (like a slice of pie), circumference, radius, diameter and tangent.

Area of circle = л r2        Circumference of circle = 2л r         л (pi) = 3.142 radians (approx) = 180°

A quadrilateral (sometimes also known as a tetragon or quadrangle) is a four-sided polygon. A cyclic quadrilateral is a quadrilateral drawn inside a circle so that its corners lie on the circumference.

The side of a triangle (or the arc of a circle) opposite to an angle is said to subtend that angle.

Suggestion

For each of the theorems below, you would do well to memorise the diagrams associated with that theorem (see below or your text book). This might be easier than memorising the words. You may want to redraw text book diagrams (e.g. make them bigger, use colours) that will form a strong visual memory that will help you in your exam.

Circle Theorems

NOTE: Intermediate level students: you don't need to know theorem 8.

Circle theorems: diagrams

Also: inscribed regular polygons can be constructed by equal division of a circle.