151 Circles

Introduction
In class IX, we have read about a circle and various terms related to it. Here, we recall
them in brief.
A circle is a closed plane figure consisting of all those points of the plane which are at a constant
distance from a fixed point in that plane.
The fixed point is called its centre and the constant distance is called its radius.
In the adjoining figure, O is the centre of the circle and E D
distance OP is the radius of the circle. The segments OP, OQ
are the radii of the circle. AB is a diameter of the circle. CD C
is a chord of the circle. The region bounded by the two radii A O
OP and OQ and the arc PRQ is called a sector of the circle. B
The region enclosed by the chord CD and the arc CED is a
segment of the circle.
Q
In this chapter, we shall learn the following: P
R
❐ The angle properties of circles.
❐ The cyclic properties of circles.
❐ The tangent and secant properties of circles.

15.1 Angle Properties of Circles

❐ The following theorem gives a relationship between the angles subtended by an arc at
the centre and at a point on the circle.
Theorem 15.1. The angle subtended by an arc of a circle at the centre is double the
angle subtended by it at any point on the remaining part of the circle.
Given. A circle with centre O. An arc PQ subtends ∠POQ at the centre O and ∠PAQ
at any point A on the remaining part of the circle.
A A A

P Q
O P Q
O O
B
B
P Q B

(i) (ii) (iii)

 o prove. ∠POQ = 2∠PAQ.
T
Construction. Join OA and produce it to a point B.
Proof. Consider three different cases as shown in the above figure. In (i), arc PQ is
minor; in (ii), arc PQ is a semicircle and in (iii), arc PQ is major.
In all the cases, ∠POB = ∠OAP + ∠OPA …(i)
( an ext. ∠ of a Δ = sum of its two int. opp. ∠s)
Also in ΔOAP, OA = OP (radii of same circle)
∴ ∠OAP = ∠OPA …(ii) (∠s opp. equal sides are equal)
From (i) and (ii), we get
∠POB = 2∠OAP …(iii)
Similarly, ∠BOQ = 2∠OAQ …(iv)
From (iii) and (iv), we get
∠POB + ∠BOQ = 2(∠OAP + ∠OAQ)
⇒ ∠POQ = 2∠PAQ. A

❐ Angle in a segment
Let PQ be a chord of a circle and A be any point on the circle, then
∠PAQ is called angle formed in the segment PAQP by the chord PQ
or the arc PQ.
P Q
Theorem 15.2. Angles in the same segment of a circle are equal.
Given. A circle with centre O, ∠PAQ and ∠PBQ are angles in the same segment.
To prove. ∠POQ = ∠PBQ. B
A
Construction. Join OP and OQ.
Proof. ∠POQ = 2∠PAQ …(i)
( angle subtended by an arc at the centre = double the angle O
subtended by it at any point on the remaining part of circle)
Similarly, ∠POQ = 2∠PBQ …(ii)
P Q
From (i) and (ii), we get
2∠PAQ = 2∠PBQ ⇒ ∠PAQ = ∠PBQ.
The converse of the above theorem is also true. In fact, we have:
Theorem 15.3. If a line segment joining two points subtends equal angles at two other
points lying on the same side of the line containing the line segment, then the four points
lie on the same circle (i.e. they are concyclic).
Given. AB is a line segment and C, D are two points lying on the same side of the line
containing the segment AB and ∠ACB = ∠ADB.
To prove. Points A, B, C and D are concyclic.
C
E
D
E C
D

A B
A B

(i) (ii)

Circles 3145
 Construction. If the points A, B, C and D are not concyclic, let a circle passing through
three non-collinear points A, B and D meet BC at E (figure (i)) or BC produced at E
(figure (ii)) so that the points A, B, E and D are concyclic.
Proof. ∠AEB = ∠ADB (angles in the same segment)
But ∠ACB = ∠ADB (given)
⇒ ∠AEB = ∠ACB.
But ∠AEB ≠ ∠ACB because ext. angle of a triangle cannot be equal to int. opposite angle.
∴ Our supposition is wrong.
Hence, points A, B, C and D are concyclic.
Theorem 15.4. Angle in a semicircle is a right angle. C

Given. A semicircle ACB of a circle with centre O.

To prove. ∠ACB = 90°. O
A B
Proof. ∠AOB = 2∠ACB
( angle subtended by an arc at the centre = double the angle
subtended by it at any point on the remaining part)
But AOB is a straight line, so ∠AOB = 180­°
⇒ 2∠ACB = 180° ⇒ ∠ACB = 90°.
Remark
In a circle, the angle in a segment
C C

B
A
O O
• •

A B

(i) (ii)

  (a) greater than a semicircle is less than a right angle (see figure (i)).
  (b) less than a semicircle is greater than a right angle (see figure (ii)).
The converse of the above theorem is also true. In fact, we have:
Theorem 15.5. In an arc of a circle subtends a right angle at any point on the remaining
part of the circle, then the arc is a semicircle. C
Given. A circle with centre O, and arc AB (shown dotted) subtends
∠ACB on the remaining part of the circle such that ∠ACB = 90º.
A B
To prove. Arc AB is a semicircle. O
Construction. Join OA and OB.
Proof. ∠AOB = 2∠ACB
( angle subtended by an arc at the centre = double the angle subtended by it at
any point on the remaining part)
⇒ ∠AOB = 2 × 90° ( ∠ACB = 90º, given)
⇒ ∠AOB = 180° ⇒ AOB is a straight line, so it is a diameter. Hence, arc AB is a
semicircle.
Remark. A
 circle drawn with hypotenuse of a right triangle as diameter passes through
its opposite vertex.

3146 Understanding ICSE mathematics – x

 Illustrative Examples
Example 1. In the adjoining figure, A, B and C are three points on a circle B
C
with centre O such that ∠BOC = 30° and ∠AOB = 60°. If D is a point on the
A

30°
60°
circle other than the arc ABC, find ∠ADC.
Solution. ∠AOC = 60° + 30° = 90°. O
Now ∠AOC = 2 × ∠ADC
( angle subtended by an arc at the centre is double the angle D
subtended by it at any point on the remaining part of circle)
⇒ 90° = 2 × ∠ADC ⇒ ∠ADC = 45°.

Example 2. In the adjoining figure, O is the centre of

the circle and ∠ AOC = 160°. Prove that y
C 160°
3∠ y – 2∠ x = 140°. (2005)
• A
O
1
Solution. ∠x = ∠AOC x
2
(angle at the centre = double the angle at the remaining
part of the circle)
1
= × 160° = 80°.
2
Reflex ∠ AOC = 360° – 160° = 200°

1
∠ y = Reflex ∠AOC (angle at the centre = double the angle
2
at the remaining part of the circle)
1
= × 200° = 100°
2
∴ 3 ∠ y – 2 ∠ x = 3 × 100° – 2 × 80° = 300° – 160°
= 140°, as required.
P
Example 3. In the adjoining figure, O is the centre
of the circle and ∠ PBA = 45°. Calculate the value of
∠PQB. (2007) A •
45°
B
O
Solution. Since O is the centre of the circle, AB is a
diameter.
∴ ∠APB = 90° (angle in a semicircle = 90°) Q

In ∆ APB, ∠PAB + ∠PBA + ∠APB = 180° ( sum of angles in a ∆ = 180°)

⇒ ∠PAB + 45° + 90° = 180°
⇒ ∠PAB = 180° – (45° + 90°) = 45°
∠PQB = ∠PAB (angles in the same segment of a circle are equal)
⇒ ∠PQB = 45° ( ∠PAB = 45°)
Example 4. In the adjoining figure, P, Q and R are points on a circle with centre O. If ∠PQR
= 100°, then find ∠OPR. Q
Solution. Reflex ∠POR = 2 × ∠PQR = 2 × 100° = 200°, 100°
P R
∴ ∠POR = 360° – 200° = 160°.
In ΔOPR, OP = OR (radii of same circle) O

∴ ∠OPR = ∠ORP.

Circles 3147
 As the sum of angles in a triangle is 180°,
∠OPR + ∠ORP + ∠POR = 180°
⇒ ∠OPR + ∠OPR + 160° = 180°
⇒ 2∠OPR = 20° ⇒ ∠OPR = 10°.
D
Example 5. In the adjoining figure, A, B, C and D are four points A
E
on a circle. AC and BD intersect at a point E. If ∠BEC = 130° and 130°
20°

∠ECD = 20°, find ∠BAC. B C

Solution. We note that ∠BEC is an exterior angle of ΔCDE,
∴ ∠BEC = ∠ECD + ∠EDC
(ext. ∠ = sum of two int. opp. ∠s)
⇒ 130° = 20° + ∠EDC ⇒ ∠EDC = 110°
⇒ ∠BDC = 110°.
Now, ∠BAC = ∠BDC (angles in the same segment of a circle)
⇒ ∠BAC = 110°.
Example 6. In the adjoining figure, O is the centre of the circle, C
BD = OD and CD ⊥ AB. Find ∠CAB.
Solution. Given BD = OD.
A E
As OB = OD (radii of same circle) B
O
So, BD = OD = OB
⇒ ΔOBD is equilateral ⇒ ∠OBD = 60°.
D
Also CD ⊥ AB, so ∠BED = 90°.
In ΔEBD, ∠BED + ∠EBD + ∠BDE = 180° (sum of ∠s of a Δ)
⇒ 90° + 60° + ∠BDE = 180° ⇒ ∠BDE = 30° ⇒ ∠BDC = 30°
But ∠CAB = ∠BDC (angles in the same segment of a circle)
⇒ ∠CAB = 30º. ( ∠BDC = 30°)

Example 7. In the adjoining figure, AOB and COD are D

diameters of a circle with centre O. If ∠OBD = 40°, find the A

measure of ∠ CAO.
Solution. In ∆OBD, OB = OD (radii of same circle) O 40°
∴ ∠ODB = ∠OBD
B
(angles opp. equal sides are equal)
C
⇒ ∠ODB = 40° ( ∠OBD = 40° given)
∠CAO = ∠CDB (angles in same segment are equal)
= 40° (∠CDB = ∠ODB = 40°)
Hence, ∠CAO = 40°.
C
Example 8. In the given circle with diameter AB, find the
value of x. (2003) 30°

Solution. ∠ABD = ∠ACD (angles in same segment) A B

x
= 30° ( ∠ACD = 30° given)
Since AB is a diameter of the given circle, ∠ADB = 90°
D
(angle in a semicircle = 90°)
∠DAB + ∠ADB + ∠ABD = 180° (sum of angles of a ∆ = 180°)
⇒ x + 90° + 30° = 180°
⇒ x = 180° – 90° – 30° = 60°.

3148 Understanding ICSE mathematics – x

 Example 9. In the adjoining figure, AB is a diameter of the circle C
A
with centre O. If ∠ BOC = 120°, find the measure of ∠ ADC.
Solution. ∠AOC + ∠COB = 180°
( AOB is a straight line) O
120°

⇒ ∠AOC + 120° = 180°

⇒ ∠AOC = 180° – 120° = 60° D
B
1
∠ADC =  ∠AOC
2
(angle subtended by arc AC at the centre = double
the angle at the remaining part of the circle)
1
=  × 60° = 30°.
2
Hence, ∠ADC = 30°. D

C
Example 10. In the given figure, ∠ BAD = 65°, ∠ ABD = 70° 45°

and ∠ BDC = 45°.

(i) Prove that AC is a diameter of the circle. 70°
65°
(ii) Find ∠ ACB. (2013) A B
Solution. (i) In ∆ABD,
∠ADB + ∠BAD + ∠ABD = 180° (sum of angles of a triangle)
⇒ ∠ADB + 65° + 70° = 180°
⇒ ∠ADB = 180° – 65° – 70° = 45°.
From figure, ∠ADC = ∠ADB + ∠BDC = 45° + 45° = 90°.
Thus, an arc of a circle subtends a right angle at any of the circumference, so the arc
is a semicircle ⇒ AC is a diameter of the circle.
(ii) ∠ACB = ∠ADC (angles in same segment of a circle)
⇒ ∠ACB = 45° ( ∠ADC = 45°, proved above)

Example 11. In the adjoining figure, ED is a chord parallel to B

the diameter AC of the circle ABCDE. If ∠CBE = 63°, calculate

∠DEC.
O
Solution. Given ∠CBE = 63°. A • C

∠CAE = ∠CBE = 63°

E D
(angles in same segment are equal)
∠ΑEC = 90° (angle in a semicircle = 90°)
∴ ∠ΑCE = 180° – (63° + 90°) (sum of angles of a ∆ = 180°)
= 27°
∴ ∠DEC = ∠ACE = 27° (alt. ∠s, ED || AC)
Hence, ∠DEC = 27°. E

Example 12. In the adjoining figure, AD is a diameter of a

circle with centre O. If AD is parallel to BC and ∠CBD = 32°, O
A D
find
(i) ∠OBD (ii) ∠AOB (iii) ∠BED   (2016)
32°
B C
Solution. (i) Given AD || BC, ∠ODB = ∠CBD (alt. ∠s)
But ∠CBD = 32°

Circles 3149
 ∴ ∠ODB = 32° … (i)
In ΔOBD, OB = OD (radii of same circle)
∴ ∠OBD = ∠ODB (∠s opp. equal sides are equal)
⇒ ∠OBD = 32° (using (i))
(ii) ∠AOB = 2∠ODB (Theorem 15.1)
⇒ ∠AOB = 2 × 32° (using (i))
⇒ ∠AOB = 64°
(iii) In ΔOAB, OA = OB (radii of same circle)
⇒ ∠OAB = ∠OBA
∠OAB + ∠ OBA + ∠AOB = 180° (sum of angles in a Δ)
⇒ ∠OAB + ∠ OAB + 64° = 180° ( ∠AOB = 64°)
⇒ 2∠OAB = 180° – 64° = 116°
⇒ ∠OAB = 58° i.e. ∠DAB = 58° or ∠BAD = 58°
But ∠BED = ∠BAD (angles in the same segment)
∴ ∠BED = 58° ( ∠BAD = 58°)

Example 13. In the adjoining figure, AB is a diameter of the circle

with centre O and CD || BA. If ∠CAB = x°, find the values of
D C
(i) ∠ COB (ii) ∠ DOC
(iii) ∠ DAC (iv) ∠ ADC. x°
•
Solution. A O B

(i) Given ∠CAB = x°,

∴ ∠COB = 2x° (angle at the centre = double the angle at
the remaining part of the circle)
(ii) ∠OCD = ∠COB = 2x° (alt. ∠s, DC || AB)
∠ODC = 2x° (OC = OD, radii of same circle, and ∠s opp.
equal sides are equal in a ∆)
∴ ∠DOC = 180° – (2x° + 2x°) (sum of ∠s of a ∆ = 180°)
= (180 – 4x)°.

1
(iii) ∠DAC =  ∠DOC (angle at the centre = double the angle at the
2
remaining part of the circle)

1
= (180 – 4x)° = (90 – 2x)°.
2 
(iv) ∠ΑCD = ∠CAB = x° (alt. ∠s, DC || AB)
∴ ∠ΑDC = 180° – [x° + (90 – 2x)°] (sum of ∠s of a ∆ = 180°)
= (90 + x)°.
R
Example 14. In the adjoining figure, PQ is a diameter of the P T
circle whose centre is O. Given ∠ ROS = 42°, calculate ∠ RTS.
42°
Solution. Given  ∠ROS = 42°, O• S

1
∴ ∠RQS = ∠ROS Q
2 
(angle at the centre = double the angle
at the remaining part of the circle)
1
= × 42° = 21°
2

3150 Understanding ICSE mathematics – x

 ∠PRQ = ∠RTS + ∠RQS (ext. ∠ of a ∆ = sum of two int. opp. ∠s)
= ∠RTS + 21°
But ∠PRQ = 90° (angle in a semicircle = 90°)
∴ 90° = ∠RTS + 21°
⇒ ∠RTS = 90° – 21° = 69°.

Example 15. In the adjoining figure, two circles with centres A

O, C intersect at points A, B. The centre C of the smaller circle
lies on the circumference of the other circle. If ∠  AOB = 64°, find O • 64° •C P
∠ APB.
B
Solution. Given ∠AOB = 64°,
∴ reflex ∠AOB = 360° – 64° = 296°
1
∠ACB = . reflex ∠AOB (angle at the centre = double the angle
2
at the remaining part of the circle)
1
⇒ ∠ACB = × 296° = 148°
2
1
∴ ∠APB = ∠ACB (angle at the centre = double the angle at the
2
remaining part of the circle)
1
= × 148° = 74°.
2
D C
Example 16. In the figure alongside, O is the centre of the
circle. If chords AC and BD intersect at right angles at E and E

∠ OAB = 35°, calculate ∠ EBC. •

O
Solution. Given ∠OAB = 35°. 35°
A B
In ∆ OAB, OA = OB (radii of same circle)
∴ ∠ΟBA = ∠OAB = 35°
(in a ∆, angle opp. equal sides are equal)
∴ ∠ΑOB = 180° – (35° + 35°) (sum of ∠s of a ∆ = 180°)
= 110°

1
∴ ∠ACB = ∠AOB (angle at the centre = double the angle
2
at the remaining part of the circle)
1
⇒ ∠ECB = × 110° = 55°.
2
∠AEB = ∠EBC + ∠ECB (ext. ∠ of a ∆ = sum of two int. opp. ∠s)
= ∠EBC + 55°
But ∠AEB = 90° ( AC ⊥ BD, given)
∴ 90° = ∠EBC + 55°
⇒ ∠EBC = 90° – 55° = 35°.
E
Example 17. In the adjoining figure, AB is a diameter of a circle with
centre O and CD is a chord equal to the radius of the circle. AC and BD when C
D
extended intersect at E. Prove that ∠AEB = 60°.
Solution. Join OC, OD and CB. A B
O
As CD = OC = OD (radii of same circle)
ΔOCD is equilateral
⇒ ∠COD = 60°.

Circles 3151
 1 E
1
∴ ∠CBD = × ∠COD = × 60° = 30°
2 2
As AB is a diameter, ∠ACB = 90° (angle in a semicircle) C
D
Since ∠ACB is an exterior angle of ΔCBE,
∴ ∠ACB = ∠CEB + ∠CBE (ext. ∠ = sum of two int. opp. ∠s) A B
O
⇒ 90° = ∠CEB + 30° ( ∠CBE = ∠CBD = 30°)
⇒ ∠CEB = 60°, as required.

Example 18. ABCD is such a quadrilateral that A is the centre of the circle passing through
1
B, C and D. Prove that ∠CBD + ∠CDB = ∠BAD.
2
Solution. Join AC.
As the angle subtended by an arc at the centre = double the angle B
subtended by it at any point on the remaining part,
1
∠CBD = ∠CAD and A
2
1 C
∠CDB = ∠CAB
2
1 1 D
⇒ ∠CBD + ∠CDB = (∠CAD + ∠CAB) = ∠BAD.
2 2

Example 19. A circle with centre O, diameter AB and a chord D

AD is drawn. Another circle is drawn with AO as diameter to cut C

AD at C. Prove that BD = 2 OC. (2005) A •O B

Given. A circle with centre O, AB is a diameter and AD
is a chord. Another circle is drawn with AO as diameter to
cut AD at C.
To prove. BD = 2 OC.

Proof.
Statements Reasons
1. ∠ACO = 90° 1. Angle in a semicircle.
2. ∠ADB = 90° 2. Same as above.
3. ∠ACO = ∠ADB 3. From 1 and 2.
4. OC || BD 4. Corresponding angles are equal.

Bd AB 5. By basic theorem of proportionality.

5. =
OC AO

6. 
Bd
=
2AO 6. A
 B is diameter of bigger circle with
OC AO centre O.
⇒ BD = 2 OC. Q.E.D.

A
Example 20. In the adjoining figure, two circles intersect at two
points A and B. AC and AD are two diameters to the two circles. Prove
that B lies on the line segment CD. C D
B
Solution. Join AB.
As AC is a diameter, ∠ABC = 90° (angle in a semicircle)

3152 Understanding ICSE mathematics – x

 As AD is a diameter, ∠ABD = 90° A
(angle in a semicircle)
Now, ∠ABC + ∠ABD = 90° + 90° = 180°, therefore,
CBD is a straight line i.e. the point B lies on the line segment C D
B
CD.
Example 21. Prove that the circle described on any one of equal sides of an isosceles triangle
as diameter bisects the base. A
Solution. Given an isosceles ΔABC in which AB = AC. The circle
drawn on AB as diameter intersects the base BC of ΔABC at the point
D. We need to prove that D is mid-point of BC.
As AB is a diameter, ∠ADB = 90° (angle in a semicircle)
⇒ AD ⊥ BC. B D C
In ΔABD and ΔACD,
AB = AC (given)
AD = AD (common)
∠ADB = ∠ADC (each = 90°)
∴ ΔABD ≅ ΔACD (by RHS rule of congruency)
∴ BD = DC (c.p.c.t.)

Example 22. Prove that the circle drawn with any side of a rhombus as diameter, passes through
the point of intersection of its diagonals.
Solution. Given a rhombus ABCD and its diagonals AC and D C

BD intersect at the point O. We need to prove that the circle drawn O

on any side, say AB, as a diameter passes through the point O.
Since the diagonals of a rhombus intersect at right angles, ∠AOB A B
= 90°.
Therefore, the circle drawn on AB as a diameter passes through
the point O.
P
Example 23. In the adjoining figure, two circles intersect at two B D
points B and C. Through B, two line segments ABD and PBQ are drawn
to intersect the circles at A, D, P and Q respectively. Prove that ∠ACP A Q
= ∠QCD.
C
Solution. ∠ABP = ∠QBD …(i) (vert. opp. ∠s)
∠ACP = ∠ABP …(ii)
(angles in the same segment of a circle subtended by arc AP)
∠QCD = ∠QBD …(iii)
(angles in the same segment of a circle subtended by arc QD)
From (i), (ii) and (iii), we get
∠ACP = ∠QCD, as required.

Example 24. Two congruent circles intersect each other at points A and B. Through A, any
line segment PAQ is drawn so that P, Q lie on the two circles. Prove that BP = BQ.
Solution. Given two congruent circles with centres O, O′ P
A
and intersecting each other at points A and B.
We need to prove that BP = BQ.
O O′ Q
As AB is a common chord,
B

Circles 3153
 ∠AOB = ∠AO′B …(i)
( equal chords subtend equal angles at the
centres of two congruent circles)
∠AOB = 2∠APB …(ii)
and ∠AO′B = 2∠AQB …(iii)
( angle subtended by an arc at the centre is double the angle subtended by it at any
point on the remaining part of the circle)
From (i), (ii) and (iii), we get
2∠APB = 2∠AQB ⇒ ∠APB = ∠AQB
⇒ BP = BQ (In ΔBPQ, sides opp. equal angles are equal)

Example 25. Bisectors of angles A, B and C of a triangle ABC intersect its circumcircle
1
at points D, E and F respectively. Prove that the angles of the triangle DEF are 90° – ∠A,
2
1 1
90° – ∠B and 90° – ∠C.
2 2
Solution. ∠ADE = ∠ABE (angles in same segment) A
F
and ∠ADF = ∠ACF (angles in same segment) E
1
But ∠ABE = ∠B ( BE is bisector of ∠B)
2
B
1 C
and ∠ACF = ∠C (CF is bisector of ∠C) D
2
1 1
∴ ∠ADE = ∠B and ∠ADF = ∠C
2 2
1
∴ ∠EDF = ∠ADE + ∠ADF = (∠B + ∠C)
2
1
= (180° – ∠A) ( ∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180°)
2
1
= 90° – ∠A.
2
1 1
Similarly, ∠DEF = 90° – ∠B and ∠EFD = 90° – ∠C.
2 2

Example 26. If BM and CN are the perpendiculars drawn on the sides AC and AB of the
triangle ABC, prove that the points B, C, M and N are concyclic.
A
Solution. Given BM ⊥ AC and CN ⊥ AB
⇒ ∠BMC = ∠BNC (each = 90°)
N
Thus, the line segment BC subtends equal angles at two other
M
points M and N lying on the same side of the line segment BC,
therefore, the points B, C, M and N are concyclic. (Theorem 15.3). B C

Example 27. Prove that any four vertices of a regular pentagon D

lie on a circle.
Given. A regular pentagon ABCDE. E C
To prove. Any four vertices lie on a circle.
Construction. Join AC and BE.

A B

3154 Understanding ICSE mathematics – x

 Proof.

Statements Reasons

In Δs ABC and BAE

1. ∠ABC = ∠EAB 1. Angles of a regular polygon.

2. BC = AE 2. Sides of a regular polygon.

3. AB = AB 3. Common.

4. ∆ ABC ≅ ∆ BAE 4. S.A.S. axiom of congruency.

5. ∠ACB = ∠AEB 5. ‘c.p.c.t.’

6. T
 he points A, B, C and E are 6. T
 he segment AB subtends equal angles
concyclic. at two other points lying on the same
side of the line containing segment AB.
Q.E.D.

Example 28. In the adjoining figure, chords AB and CD of a circle meet D

internally at P. Given that AP = 3 cm, AB = 9 cm and CP = 2·4 cm.
(i) Prove that triangles ACP and DBP are similar. B

 (ii) Find PD.

P
area of ∆ ACP
(iii) Find . A
area of ∆DBP
C
Solution. (i) In ΔACP and ΔDBP,
∠CAP = ∠BDP (angles in same segment of a circle)
∠APC = ∠DPB (vert. opp. ∠s)
∴ ΔACP ~ ΔDBP (A.A. axiom of similarity)
(ii) As ΔDBP ~ ΔACP,

dP PB dP AB – AP
= ⇒ =
AP CP AP CP

⇒ dP = 9 cm − 3 cm ⇒ dP =  6 × 3  cm
3 cm 2.4 cm  2.4 

⇒ DP = 7∙5 cm
(iii) As the ratio of area of two similar triangles is equal to the ratio of the squares of
any two corresponding sides,

2 2 2
area of ∆ACP AP 2  AP   3   1 
= =  =  .  =  . 

area of ∆dBP dP
2 dP 75 25
2
2 4
=   = .
 5 25

Circles 3155
 Exercise 15.1
1. Using the given information, find the value of x in each of the following figures :
C
D C
50° 32°
D
45°
90° x°
42° x°
x° 20°
A B A B

(i) (ii) (iii)

D
A C
x° 25° D
A x°
D 35° P
69° 31° P
B C x°
70° B
120° B
C A

(iv) (v) (vi)

2. If O is the centre of the circle, find the value of x in each of the following figures
(using the given information) :
D C

C x°
x°

13
O 80°
x°

0°
62°
O A O
40°
A B B

(i) (ii) (iii)

C
C
x° 135°
A B x° 90°
O O
O
70°

75° x°
A B D
D
(iv) (v) (vi)
3. (a) In the figure (i) given below, O is the centre of the circle. ∠OAB and
∠OCB are 30° and 40° respectively. Find ∠AOC.
(b) In the figure (ii) given below, it is given that O is the centre of the circle and
∠AOC = 130°. Find ∠ABC.

O O
30° • 40° • C
130°
A C
A
B

(i) (ii)

3156 Understanding ICSE mathematics – x