Alternate Segment Theorem

Statement: The angles between the tangents to a circle and a chord through the point of
contact of the tangent are equal to the angles in the alternate segment.

Given: Circle ACTD, with centre O, PTQ the tangent, TA the chord through T, <TCA and
<TDA are the angles in the alternate segments of <ATQ and <ATP respectively.
To prove: (a) <ATQ = <ACT
(b) <ATP = <ADT
Construction:
1. Draw a diameter TB through T which meets the circle at B.
2. Join AB.
Proof:
In ∆ABT
<BAT = 90° [Angle in the semi-circle]
So, <ABT+<ATB = 90°
Or, <ABT = 90°-<ATB… (i)
Again, <BTQ = 90° [Radius OT ┴ Tangent TQ]
Or, <ATB+<ATQ = 90° [Since <BTQ=<ATB+<ATQ]
Or, <ATQ = 90°-<ATB… (ii)
From eq. (i) and eq. (ii)
<ATQ = <ABT
Now, <ABT = <ACT [Angles on the same segment]
So, <ATQ = <ACT
[Proved (a)]
In □ACTD,
<ACT+<ADT = 180° [Sum of opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral]
Or, <ADT = 180°-<ACT… (iii)
Again, <ATP = 180°-<ATQ [Angles on a straight line]
So, <ATP = 180°-<ACT [As <ACT=<ATQ]… (iv)
From eq. (iii) and (iv)
<ATP = <ADT
[Proved (b)]