Arcs, Chords, and

Central Angles
Concepts, Properties, and Related Theorems
 Objectives
q Define and apply properties of arcs and
central angles.

q Recognize and apply relationships among

arcs, chords, and central angles.
What we know so far…
Arcs and Central Angles:
What we know so far…
Congruent and Adjacent Arcs:
What we know so far…
Arc Addition Postulate:
 You try!
Provide what is asked.

1. 𝑚𝑅𝑆

2. 𝑚𝑃𝑄𝑅

3. 𝑚𝑄𝑆𝑃
 You try!
Provide what is asked.

4. 𝑚𝑅𝑃𝑆

5. 𝑚𝑄𝑆

6. 𝑚∠𝑄𝑇𝑅
 You try! ANSWERS
Provide what is asked.

1. 𝑚𝑅𝑆 60
The minor arc and its related central angle
have the same measure.

2. 𝑚𝑃𝑄𝑅 180
The arc illustrated is a semicircle.

60°
3. 𝑚𝑄𝑆𝑃 220
By Arc Addition Postulate:
𝑚𝑄𝑅 + 𝑚𝑅𝑆 + 𝑚𝑆𝑃 = 𝑚𝑄𝑆𝑃
40 + 60 + 120 = 𝑚𝑄𝑆𝑃
220 = 𝑚𝑄𝑆𝑃
 You try! ANSWERS
Provide what is asked.

4. 𝑚𝑅𝑃𝑆 300
The measure of the major arc is 360° minus
the measure of its related minor arc.
𝑚𝑅𝑃𝑆 = 360 − 𝑚𝑅𝑆
𝑚𝑅𝑃𝑆 = 360 − 60
𝑚𝑅𝑃𝑆 = 300 40°
5. 𝑚𝑄𝑆 100
By Arc Addition Postulate:
𝑚𝑄𝑅 + 𝑚𝑅𝑆 = 𝑚𝑄𝑆 60°
40 + 60 = 𝑚𝑄𝑆
100 = 𝑚𝑄𝑆

6. 𝑚∠𝑄𝑇𝑅 40
The central angle and its related minor
arc have the same measure.
 Theorems
on Arcs,
Chords, and
Central
Angles
 THEOREM 5.1
Congruent circles are circles whose radii are congruent.

In the same circle, or in congruent circles, two minor arcs are

congruent if and only if their central angles are congruent.

B R 𝑩𝑼 ≅ 𝑹𝑫
L E
100° 100° iff
Ð𝑩𝑳𝑼 ≅ Ð𝑹𝑬𝑫
U D
Remember that the phrase if and only if means that the hypothesis and the conclusion can be
switched and the statement is still true. Thus, we can also say: In the same or in congruent
circles, two central angles are congruent, if and only if, their minor arcs are congruent.
THEOREM 5.2
In the same circle, or in congruent circles, two minor arcs are
congruent if and only if their chords are congruent.
H

𝑯𝑷 ≅ 𝑷𝑬 iff 𝑯𝑷 ≅ 𝑷𝑬 E
O

Again, note that the theorem is stated using the phrase if

and only if. Thus, we can also say: In the same or in P
congruent circles, two chords are congruent, if and only if,
their minor arcs are congruent. The statement is still true. J
 Example 5
Solve for 𝑥. Since 𝑀𝑇 and 𝑇𝐻 are congruent chords in
the same circle, so their corresponding
M arcs, 𝑀𝑇 and 𝑇𝐻, must be congruent.

𝟏𝟒𝟎° m𝑀𝑇 + m𝑇𝐻 + m𝑀𝐻 = 360

𝟏𝟏𝒙° 11𝑥 + 11𝑥 + 140 = 360
A 22𝑥 + 140 = 360
−140 − 140
22𝑥 = 220
T H 22 22
𝟏𝟏𝒙° 𝒙 = 𝟏𝟎
THEOREM 5.3
If a diameter is perpendicular to a chord, then it bisects the chord and
its arc. C

If 𝑪𝑫 ⊥ 𝑨𝑩, A B
E
then 𝑨𝑬 ≅ 𝑩𝑬 and 𝑨𝑪 ≅ 𝑩𝑪. O

*Since a radius is part of a diameter, we can also extend the idea of this D
theorem to this:
If a radius is perpendicular to a chord, then it bisects the chord and its arc.
 Your Turn! TIP: Observe that diameter 𝐶𝐷 ⊥ chord 𝐴𝐵. Based on
one of the theorems learned, 𝐶𝐷 bisects 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐴𝐵.
Provide the following:
𝟕 1. 𝐵𝐸 𝐵𝐸 = 𝐴𝐸 C
60°
𝟏𝟒 2. 𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐵 = 2 𝐴𝐸

A 7 B
𝟔𝟎 3. 𝑚𝐶𝐵 m𝐶𝐵 = m𝐴𝐶 E

𝟏𝟐𝟎 4. 𝑚Ð𝐴𝑂𝐵 mÐ𝐴𝑂𝐵 = m𝐴𝐵 O

𝟑𝟎𝟎 5. 𝑚𝐴𝐷𝐶 m𝐴𝐷𝐶 = 360 − m𝐴𝐶

∆𝐴𝐸𝑂 is a 30° − 60° − 90° triangle.

𝟏𝟒 𝟑 6. 𝐴𝑂 m∠𝐴𝑂𝐸 = m 𝐴𝐶9 = 60; 𝐴𝐸 = 7 is the
longer side of ∆𝐴𝐸𝑂.
D
𝟑
! " ! "
shorter side 𝐸𝑂 = "
< " = "
! " #$ "
hypotenuse 𝐴𝑂 = 2 " = "
THEOREM 5.4
In the same circle, or in congruent circles, two chords are equidistant
from the center(s) if and only if they are congruent.
B

E
𝑬𝑶 ≅ 𝑭𝑶 iff 𝑨𝑩 ≅ 𝑪𝑫. O
A D

F
Again, note that the theorem is stated using the phrase if and
only if. Thus, we can also say: In the same or in congruent C
circles, two chords are congruent, if and only if, they are
equidistant from the center. The statement is still true. J
THEOREM 5.5
If two chords of a circle are unequal in length, then the longer chord is
nearer to the center of the circle. B

If 𝑨𝑩 > 𝑪𝑫, E
then 𝑨𝑩 is closer to center 𝑶.
O
D
A
F

C
THEOREM 5.6
If two chords of a circle are not equidistant from the center, then the
longer chord is nearer to the center of the circle. B

If 𝑨𝑩 ≠ 𝑪𝑫 and 𝑶𝑬 < 𝑶𝑭, E

then 𝑨𝑩 is closer to center 𝑶. O
D
A
F

C
Example 6
Given AB and CD are chords in 8O.
a. If AB = 5 cm and DC = 3 cm, D
which chord is closer to the F
center? 𝑨𝑩
B C
b. If EO = 5 cm and OF = 3 cm, O
which chord is longer? 𝑫𝑪
E
c. If EO = OF, what must be
true about the two chords? A

𝑨𝑩 ≅ 𝑫𝑪
 Example 7
Given that AB = 2(x+7) and CD = 50, find the value of 𝑥.
D
𝐴𝐵 = 𝐶𝐷
F
2(𝑥 + 7) = 50
2𝑥 + 14 = 50 B C
2𝑥 = 50 − 14 O
2𝑥 = 36
2 2 E

𝒙 = 𝟏𝟖
A
 Your turn!
Given 8O. If AB = 3(x + 3) and CF = 2x +1,
find the value of 𝑥. D

B C
O

A
 Your turn! ANSWER
Given 8O. If AB = 3(x + 3) and CF = 2x +1,
find the value of 𝑥. D

F
𝐴𝐵 = 2𝐶𝐹
3(𝑥 + 3) = 2(2𝑥 + 1) B C
O
3𝑥 + 9 = 4𝑥 + 2
9 − 2 = 4𝑥 − 3𝑥 E

7=𝑥
A
𝒙=𝟕
 Lesson
5
Arcs, Chords, and Central Angles

Wrap-Up
Summary
Today we learned about…
Theorems related to arcs, chords, and central angles:
Theorem 5.1: In the same circle, or in congruent circles, two minor arcs are
congruent if and only if their central angles are congruent.
Theorem 5.2: In the same circle, or in congruent circles, two minor arcs are
congruent if and only if their chords are congruent.
Theorem 5.3: If a diameter is perpendicular to a chord, then it bisects the
chord and its arc.
Theorem 5.4: In the same circle, or in congruent circles, two chords are
equidistant from the center(s) if and only if they are congruent.
Theorem 5.5: If two chords of a circle are unequal in length, then the longer
chord is nearer to the center of the circle.
Theorem 5.6: If two chords of a circle are not equidistant from the center,
then the longer chord is nearer to the center of the circle.
Practice
Exercises
For Recitation Points:
1 correct answer, 1 recitation point
1. Solve for 𝑥.

𝟏𝟎𝟓°
B
A 7

7 D
E
𝟓𝒙°
1. Solve for 𝑥.
Ø Since 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐷𝐸 = 7, 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐷𝐸 are
𝟏𝟎𝟓° congruent chords in the same circle, so
their corresponding arcs, 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐷𝐸, must
B
be congruent.
A 7 Ø To solve for 𝑥, we let 𝑚𝐴𝐵 = 𝑚𝐷𝐸.
𝑚𝐴𝐵 = 𝑚𝐷𝐸
105 = 5𝑥
7 D 5 5
E
21 = 𝑥
𝟓𝒙°
𝒙 = 𝟐𝟏
2. Given: 8M ≅ 8C. Find: 𝑥.

−𝟑𝒙 + 𝟏𝟔

M
C
𝟕𝒙 − 𝟒
2. Given: 8M ≅ 8C. Find: 𝑥.

7𝑥 − 4 = −3𝑥 + 16
−𝟑𝒙 + 𝟏𝟔 +3𝑥 + 3𝑥
M 10𝑥 − 4 = 16
+4 +4
C
𝟕𝒙 − 𝟒 10𝑥 = 20
10 10
𝑥=2

𝒙=𝟐
Given 8A, determine the following:

3. 𝑚Ð𝐶𝐴𝐸 𝟒𝟓° D
C 𝟖 E
F

A
4. 𝐴𝐶

B
Given 8A, determine the following:

3. 𝑚Ð𝐶𝐴𝐸 𝟗𝟎 𝟒𝟓° D
C 𝟖 E
𝑚Ð𝐶𝐴𝐸 = 𝑚𝐶𝐸 = 𝑚𝐶𝐷 + 𝑚𝐷𝐸
F
𝑚Ð𝐶𝐴𝐸 = 𝑚𝐶𝐸 = 45 + 45 = 90

A
4. 𝐴𝐶 𝟖 𝟐

𝟒𝟓°

∆𝐴𝐶𝐹 is a 45° − 45° − 90° triangle. B

Therefore, hypotenuse 𝐴𝐶 = 8 4 2 = 8√2
5. In 8A, 𝐴𝐼 = 6 6. What is 𝐹𝐻?

F
𝟑𝟎°

A T
I

H
5. In 8A, 𝐴𝐼 = 6 6. What is 𝐹𝐻?
∆𝐴𝐼𝐹 is a 30° − 60° − 90° triangle.
! ! " ! #$
Shorter side FI = = = =2 9 2 =6 2
" " "
F
𝟑𝟎° FH = 2 FI = 2 6 2 = 12 2

𝟑𝟎°
A T
𝟔 𝟔 I

𝑭𝑯 = 𝟏𝟐 𝟐
6. Given: In 8M, 𝑂𝐺 ≅ 𝑇𝑌. 𝑀𝐸 = 31 and 𝑀𝑅 = 2𝑥 − 7.
Find: 𝑥.

Y
G R
T
M
E

O
6. Given: In 8M, 𝑂𝐺 ≅ 𝑇𝑌. 𝑀𝐸 = 31 and 𝑀𝑅 = 2𝑥 − 7.
Find: 𝑥. Ø Since 𝑂𝐺 ≅ 𝑇𝑌, then these chords are
equidistance from the center. Therefore,
𝑀𝑅 ≅ 𝑀𝐸.
Y
G Ø To solve for 𝑥, we let 𝑀𝑅 = 𝑀𝐸.
R
T
𝑀𝑅 = 𝑀𝐸
M
E
2𝑥 − 7 = 31
+7 + 7
2𝑥 = 38
O 2 2
𝑥 = 19
𝒙 = 𝟏𝟗
7. Find 𝐺𝑂.

Y 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟗

G R
T
M
E

𝟒𝒙

O
7. Find 𝐺𝑂.
𝑌𝑇 = 2 𝐸𝑂
Y 𝟓𝒙 + 𝟗
5𝑥 + 9 = 2 4𝑥
5𝑥 + 9 = 8𝑥
G R
T
9 = 8𝑥 − 5𝑥
M 9 = 3𝑥
E 3 3
3=𝑥
𝟒𝒙
𝐺𝑂 = 2 𝐸𝑂 = 2 4𝑥 = 8𝑥 = 8 3 = 24
O

𝑮𝑶 = 𝟐𝟒
8. In 8F, identify the chord that is closest to the center of
the circle.

K
L
𝟗
𝟓
𝟏𝟐
G F
𝟏𝟎
J
𝟖

H
8. In 8F, identify the chord that is closest to the center of
the circle.

K
L
𝟗 Remember!
If chords of a circle are unequal in
𝟓
𝟏𝟐 length, then the longer chord is
G F nearer to the center of the circle.
𝟏𝟎
J
𝟖

H
𝑱𝑲
Given 8I, determine the following:
9. 𝐼𝑅
H

I
R 𝟑𝟎
𝟐𝟒
A 𝟏𝟓
𝟏𝟐
10. 𝐴𝑅
T
Given 8I, determine the following:
9. 𝐼𝑅 𝑰𝑹 = 𝟗
H
𝟏𝟓𝟐 = IR 𝟐 + 𝟏𝟐𝟐
𝟐𝟐𝟓 = IR 𝟐 + 𝟏𝟒𝟒
E
𝟐𝟐𝟓 − 𝟏𝟒𝟒 = IR 𝟐
I 𝟖𝟏 = IR 𝟐
R 𝟑𝟎
𝟐𝟒 𝟖𝟏 = IR 𝟐

A 𝟏𝟓 𝟗 = IR
𝟏𝟐
10. 𝐴𝑅 𝑨𝑹 = 𝟔
T
AR = AI – IR = 15 – 9 = 6
 Where do we see possible
relationships among arcs,
chords, and central angles?
Waffle irons have grooves in each
heated plate that result in a waffle
pattern when the batter is cooked.
One model of a Belgian waffle is
round, and each groove is a chord
of a circle.
Situation 1: The endpoints of a chord are also the endpoints of an arc. If you
trace the waffle pattern on patty paper and fold along the diameter, 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐶𝐷
2 and 𝐶𝐷.
match exactly, as well as 𝐴𝐵 2
What theorem explains the idea that relates the
above-mentioned chords and their
corresponding minor arcs on the circle?

FOR 1 RECITATION POINT: Choose the best

answer among the choices/theorems.
A. In the same circle, or in congruent circles,
two minor arcs are congruent if and only if
their central angles are congruent.
B. In the same circle, or in congruent circles,
two minor arcs are congruent if and only if
their chords are congruent.
C. If a diameter is perpendicular to a chord,
then it bisects the chord and its arc.
Situation 1: The endpoints of a chord are also the endpoints of an arc. If you
trace the waffle pattern on patty paper and fold along the diameter, 𝐴𝐵 and 𝐶𝐷
2 and 𝐶𝐷.
match exactly, as well as 𝐴𝐵 2
What theorem explains the idea that relates the
above-mentioned chords and their
corresponding minor arcs on the circle?

FOR 1 RECITATION POINT: Choose the best

answer among the choices/theorems.
A. In the same circle, or in congruent circles,
two minor arcs are congruent if and only if
their central angles are congruent.
B. In the same circle, or in congruent circles,
two minor arcs are congruent if and only if
their chords are congruent.
C. If a diameter is perpendicular to a chord,
then it bisects the chord and its arc.
Situation 2: Mr. Ortega wants to drill a hole in the center of a round picnic table
for an umbrella pole. To locate the center of the circle, he draws two chords
of the circle and uses a ruler to find the midpoint for each chord. Then, he
uses a framing square to draw a line perpendicular to each chord at its
midpoint.
What theorem somehow explains the process done by
Mr. Ortega to locate the center of the tabletop?

FOR 1 RECITATION POINT: Choose the best answer among

the choices/theorems.
A. In the same circle, or in congruent circles, two minor arcs
are congruent if and only if their central angles are
congruent.
B. In the same circle, or in congruent circles, two minor arcs
are congruent if and only if their chords are congruent.
C. If a diameter is perpendicular to a chord, then it bisects the ?
chord and its arc.
Situation 2: Mr. Ortega wants to drill a hole in the center of a round picnic table
for an umbrella pole. To locate the center of the circle, he draws two chords
of the circle and uses a ruler to find the midpoint for each chord. Then, he
uses a framing square to draw a line perpendicular to each chord at its
midpoint.
What theorem somehow explains the process done by
Mr. Ortega to locate the center of the tabletop?

FOR 1 RECITATION POINT: Choose the best answer among

the choices/theorems.
A. In the same circle, or in congruent circles, two minor arcs
are congruent if and only if their central angles are
congruent.
B. In the same circle, or in congruent circles, two minor arcs
are congruent if and only if their chords are congruent.
C. If a diameter is perpendicular to a chord, then it bisects the ?
chord and its arc.
 The segments in black illustrate two chords of the circle.

The points in red illustrate the midpoints of the chords. The

tick marks in red indicate the pairs of segments that are
congruent.

The lines in pink illustrate the lines ⊥ to the chords.

The point of intersection of the lines that contain the diameters and
are ⊥ to the chords locates the center of the circle.