The Circle and Some Related Terms

  • Circle–The set of all points in a plane at a given distance from a given point.
      * The set of all point equidistant from a given point called the center of the circle.
      * The given point is the center of the circle and the given distance is the radius.
  • Radius–It is defined as a segment connecting the center with a point on the circle. (radii –plural)
  • Chord–A segment whose endpoints lie on the circle.
  • Diameter–A chord that contains the center of the circle.
      * Not all chords can be a diameter.
      * It divides a circle into two congruent arcs called semicircles
  • Arc–A portion of a circle where two distinct points on a circle divides the circle into two parts.
      * Two distinct points on a circle divide the circle into parts called arcs.

 

  • ==3 Classifications of Arcs==
      * Minor Arc–Less than 180 degrees
      * Major Arc–Greater than 180 degrees
      * Semicircle–Exactly 180 degrees

 

  • Tangent Line–A tangent to a circle is a line, coplanar with the circle that intersects the circle in exactly one point.
  • Secant Line–A secant line is a line that intersects the circle in two points. It is always composed of a chord.

   

  • Exterior of the circle–It is a set of points in the plane of the circle whose distance from the center is greater than the radius.
      * The circle is divided into 3 parts: Exterior, Interior and the circle itself

     

  • Central Angle–It is an angle in the plane of the circle whose vertex is the center of the circle.
  • Inscribed Angle–An angle whose vertex lies on the circles and whose sides contain points of the circle.

   

  • Inscribed Polygon–It is a polygon whose sides are chords of a circle. The polygon is inscribed in a circle, and the circle is circumscribed about the polygon.
  • Circumscribed Polygon–The polygon is outside the circle.

   

  • Common Tangent –It is a tangent to each of coplanar lines.
  • Common External Tangent–The line did not intersect the center of the circle

   

  • Concentric Circles–Two or more circles with the same center.
  • Congruent Circles–The circles have the same radius.