Understand the idea.
The same arc matters
The intercepted arc is the arc between an angle’s endpoints that does not contain its circumference vertex. The angle at the centre standing on that arc is twice the angle at the circumference.
First locate the vertex, then choose the opposite arc. A vertex on the major arc sees the minor arc; a vertex on the minor arc sees the major arc and therefore uses the reflex central angle.
Angles in one segment
Two circumference angles standing on the same chord from the same segment intercept the same arc, so they are equal. Moving a vertex to the other side of the chord changes the intercepted arc.
A diameter subtends a semicircle of at the centre, giving a circumference angle of . Conversely, a chord subtending a right angle on the circle is a diameter; the right angle must belong to that chord.
See the method in action.
Central to circumference
A minor central angle AOB is 100°. C lies on the major arc AB. Find ∠ACB.
Worked solution
- 1
Identify the arc opposite C.
C lies on the major arc, so angle ACB intercepts the minor arc AB.
- 2
Halve that central angle.
Centre and circumference angles stand on the same intercepted arc.
- 3
Evaluate the angle.
The circumference angle is half the central angle.
50°
Vertex on the other arc
A minor central angle AOB is 140°. D lies on the minor arc AB. Find ∠ADB.
Worked solution
- 1
Choose the arc opposite D.
D lies on the minor arc, so angle ADB intercepts the major arc AB.
- 2
Find the reflex central angle.
The major and minor arcs together form a complete circle.
- 3
Halve the reflex angle.
The circumference angle stands on the major arc, whose central angle is 220 degrees.
110°
Try it yourself.
Check your understanding
AB is a diameter and C lies elsewhere on the circumference. Find ∠ACB.
Show answer & reasoning
90°
The arc AB opposite C is a semicircle because AB is a diameter. Therefore .
Keep practising
6 worksheet questions · 13 marks
Read the questions online
- Minor central angle AOB is . C lies on the major arc AB. Find .2 marks
- subtends minor arc AB. Find the corresponding minor central angle.2 marks
- Minor central angle AOB is . D lies on the minor arc AB. Find .2 marks
- C and D lie on the same arc of chord AB. . Find .2 marks
- AB is a diameter of a circle and C is another point on the circle. . Find .2 marks
- An inscribed angle subtends a chord and is . Explain why the chord is a diameter.3 marks
Read the worked solutions
Equivalent correct methods earn the corresponding marks. Include units where asked.
- Minor central angle AOB is . C lies on the major arc AB. Find .2 marks
Same minor arc:.
- subtends minor arc AB. Find the corresponding minor central angle.2 marks
Double 37.
- Minor central angle AOB is . D lies on the minor arc AB. Find .2 marks
Opposite arc is major:.
.
- C and D lie on the same arc of chord AB. . Find .2 marks
They are angles in the same segment.
- AB is a diameter of a circle and C is another point on the circle. . Find .2 marks
.
.
- An inscribed angle subtends a chord and is . Explain why the chord is a diameter.3 marks
The corresponding central angle is .
The endpoints are opposite ends of a diameter.
Its intercepted arc is a semicircle.
Curriculum reference & lesson scope
Australian Curriculum v9 and SA Curriculum
Angle and similarity reasoning; congruent/similar triangles in proofs; chords, radii and tangents; angles at the centre and circumference; circle theorems and their applications; connected deductive arguments; construction/spatial algorithms; testing and justifying solutions.
Official curriculum source ↗