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Circle Theorems - Cyclic Quadrilaterals

Circle Theorems - Cyclic Quadrilaterals

A quadrilateral where all four vertices touch the circumference of a circle is known as a cyclic quadrilateral.

Circle theory: cyclic quadrilateral

The angle at the centre of a circle is twice that of an angle at the circumference when subtended by the same arc. For arc D-A-B, let the angles be 2`x` and `x` respectively.

For the arc D-C-B, let the angles be 2`y` and `y`.

At the centre of the circle, `360 = 2(x +y), text(or) 180 = x + y`

Opposite angles in a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180º.

The exterior angle, ∠BCE, is 180 - `y` = `x`.

The exterior angle of a cyclic quadrilateral is equal to the opposite interior angle.

Example 1

What is the value of the angle ∠DAB?

Circle theory: cyclic quadrilateral opposite angle

Opposite angles in a quadrilateral add up to 180º.

180 - 102 = 78º

Answer: 78º

Example 2

Angle ∠ECB is 79º. What is the value of the angle ∠DAB?

Circle theory: cyclic quadrilateral: exterior angle is equal to opposite interior angle

The exterior angle of a cyclic quadrilateral is equal to the opposite interior angle.

Answer: 79º

See also Circle Theorems - Subtended Angles