Similarity and circle theorems
By the end of this chapter you will be able to
- Use the scale factor for lengths, areas and volumes of similar shapes
- Find the scale factor from a known pair of lengths, areas or volumes
- Find missing lengths in similar triangles, and in triangles formed by parallel lines
- State and use circle theorems, giving a reason for each step
- Write a short geometric argument that uses circle theorems, with a reason for every step
You should already know
- Enlargement and scale factors for lengths (Year 8, Chapter 11)
- Angles in a triangle and angles on a straight line (Year 8, Chapter 9)
- Parts of a circle: centre, radius, diameter, chord, tangent (Year 8, Chapter 10)
Where this leads
- Pythagoras and trigonometry in right-angled triangles (Year 9, Chapter 8)
- Vectors and compound measures (Year 9, Chapter 10)
- Circle theorems proofs and the alternate segment theorem in GCSE
National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 3 mathematics, Year 9. Content: Use scale factors for areas (k2) and volumes (k3) of similar shapes, Find missing lengths in similar triangles, including triangles formed by a line parallel to one side, Use circle theorems with reasons: angle in a semicircle, tangent perpendicular to the radius, angle at the centre twice the angle at the circumference, angles in the same segment, opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral, and isosceles triangles from radii, Give a reason for each step in a multi-step geometric argument involving circles.
Exercise P Do you remember?
Non-calculatorMethod. Divide the new length by the old length.
- Divide. The scale factor is new ÷ old.12 ÷ 4 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. 4 × 3 = 12.
Method. Use the angle sum of a triangle.
- Add the known angles. 50 + 60 = 110.50° + 60° = 110°
- Subtract from 180. The angles sum to 180°.180 − 110 = 70°
Check. 50 + 60 + 70 = 180.
Method. Area of a square is side × side.
- Multiply. 5 × 5 = 25.25
- Write the units. Area is in square centimetres.25 cm2
Check. 25 small squares of side 1 cm fit in it.
Method. An isosceles triangle has two equal sides.
- Identify the equal sides. The two equal sides are opposite two equal angles.two equal sides and two equal angles
- Write the answer. Two sides and the two angles opposite them
Check. The base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal.
Method. Name the line from the centre to the edge.
- Identify the line. A line from the centre to the circumference.centre to edge
- Name it. Its length is the same for every point on the edge.A radius
Check. A diameter is twice the radius.
Scale factors for lengths, areas and volumes
Two shapes are similar if one is an enlargement of the other. If the linear scale factor is k, then lengths are multiplied by k, areas by k2, and volumes by k3.
To find the scale factor from a pair of areas or volumes, take the square root (for areas) or the cube root (for volumes).
Key ideas
- Lengths scale by k.
- Areas scale by k2.
- Volumes scale by k3.
- To find k from an area ratio, take the square root of the ratio.
Method. Multiply each length by the scale factor.
- Identify the scale factor. The lengths are multiplied by the scale factor k = 4.k = 4
- Multiply the length. New length = k × old length.4 × 3 = 12
- Write the answer with the unit. 12 m
Check. Dividing 12 by 4 gives back 3.
Watch out. Lengths scale by k, areas by k2, and volumes by k3.
Method. Square the linear scale factor to get the area scale factor.
- Find the area scale factor. Areas scale by k2, so the area scale factor is 32 = 9.32 = 9
- Multiply the area. New area = area scale factor × old area.9 × 12 = 108
- Write the answer with the unit. 108 cm2
Check. 12 × 9 = 108.
Watch out. Do not multiply the area by k. Areas scale by k2.
Method. Cube the linear scale factor to get the volume scale factor.
- Find the volume scale factor. Volumes scale by k3, so the volume scale factor is 23 = 8.23 = 8
- Multiply the volume. New volume = volume scale factor × old volume.8 × 40 = 320
- Write the answer with the unit. 320 cm3
Check. 40 × 8 = 320.
Watch out. A volume scales by k3. Doubling the lengths multiplies the volume by 8.
Watch out
Watch out: doubling the lengths of a shape does not double its area. The area is multiplied by 22 = 4.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Write the scale factor for lengths first, then square or cube it for area or volume.
Exercise 9A Scale factors for lengths, areas and volumes
Non-calculatorMethod. Multiply each length by the scale factor.
- Identify the scale factor. The lengths are multiplied by the scale factor k = 3.k = 3
- Multiply the length. New length = k × old length.3 × 4 = 12
- Write the answer with the unit. 12 cm
Check. Dividing 12 by 3 gives back 4.
Watch out. Lengths scale by k, areas by k2, and volumes by k3.
Method. Multiply each length by the scale factor.
- Identify the scale factor. The lengths are multiplied by the scale factor k = 5.k = 5
- Multiply the length. New length = k × old length.5 × 6 = 30
- Write the answer with the unit. 30 m
Check. Dividing 30 by 5 gives back 6.
Watch out. Lengths scale by k, areas by k2, and volumes by k3.
Method. Square the linear scale factor to get the area scale factor.
- Find the area scale factor. Areas scale by k2, so the area scale factor is 22 = 4.22 = 4
- Multiply the area. New area = area scale factor × old area.4 × 15 = 60
- Write the answer with the unit. 60 cm2
Check. 15 × 4 = 60.
Watch out. Do not multiply the area by k. Areas scale by k2.
Method. Square the linear scale factor to get the area scale factor.
- Find the area scale factor. Areas scale by k2, so the area scale factor is 32 = 9.32 = 9
- Multiply the area. New area = area scale factor × old area.9 × 12 = 108
- Write the answer with the unit. 108 cm2
Check. 12 × 9 = 108.
Watch out. Do not multiply the area by k. Areas scale by k2.
Method. Cube the linear scale factor to get the volume scale factor.
- Find the volume scale factor. Volumes scale by k3, so the volume scale factor is 23 = 8.23 = 8
- Multiply the volume. New volume = volume scale factor × old volume.8 × 40 = 320
- Write the answer with the unit. 320 cm3
Check. 40 × 8 = 320.
Watch out. A volume scales by k3. Doubling the lengths multiplies the volume by 8.
Method. Cube the linear scale factor to get the volume scale factor.
- Find the volume scale factor. Volumes scale by k3, so the volume scale factor is 33 = 27.33 = 27
- Multiply the volume. New volume = volume scale factor × old volume.27 × 5 = 135
- Write the answer with the unit. 135 cm3
Check. 5 × 27 = 135.
Watch out. A volume scales by k3. Doubling the lengths multiplies the volume by 8.
Method. The linear scale factor k satisfies k2 = area scale factor.
- Find the area scale factor. The area scale factor is the ratio of the areas, new ÷ old.108 ÷ 12 = 9
- Take the square root. The linear scale factor is the square root of the area scale factor.√9 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. 32 = 9, which is the area ratio.
Watch out. Take the square root of the area ratio, not half of it.
Method. The linear scale factor k satisfies k2 = area scale factor.
- Find the area scale factor. The area scale factor is the ratio of the areas, new ÷ old.36 ÷ 9 = 4
- Take the square root. The linear scale factor is the square root of the area scale factor.√4 = 2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. 22 = 4, which is the area ratio.
Watch out. Take the square root of the area ratio, not half of it.
Method. Square the linear scale factor to get the area scale factor.
- Find the area scale factor. Areas scale by k2, so the area scale factor is 502 = 2500.502 = 2500
- Multiply the area. New area = area scale factor × old area.2500 × 4 = 10000
- Write the answer with the unit. 10000 m2
Check. 4 × 2500 = 10000.
Watch out. Do not multiply the area by k. Areas scale by k2.
Method. Cube the linear scale factor to get the volume scale factor.
- Find the volume scale factor. Volumes scale by k3, so the volume scale factor is 3/23 = 27/8.3/23 = 27/8
- Multiply the volume. New volume = volume scale factor × old volume.27/8 × 64 = 216
- Write the answer with the unit. 216 ml
Check. 64 × 27/8 = 216.
Watch out. A volume scales by k3. Doubling the lengths multiplies the volume by 8.
Method. Cube the linear scale factor to get the volume scale factor.
- Find the volume scale factor. Volumes scale by k3, so the volume scale factor is 5/23 = 125/8.5/23 = 125/8
- Multiply the volume. New volume = volume scale factor × old volume.125/8 × 40 = 625
- Write the answer with the unit. 625 cm3
Check. 40 × 125/8 = 625.
Watch out. A volume scales by k3. Doubling the lengths multiplies the volume by 8.
Method. Think about what volume is made of.
- Write the volume. The volume of a cube is side × side × side.s3
- Double the side. If the side becomes 2s, the volume becomes (2s)3.(2s)3 = 8s3
- Write the answer. The volume is 8 times as big.8 times
Check. Doubling 1 cm to 2 cm: volume goes 1 cm3 to 8 cm3.
Similar triangles and lines parallel to a side
Two triangles are similar if their angles are equal and their sides are in the same ratio. Find the scale factor from one pair of matching sides, then use it to find the other missing sides.
If a line is drawn parallel to one side of a triangle, it cuts off a smaller triangle that is similar to the original.
Key ideas
- Matching sides are the sides in the same position in each triangle.
- Scale factor = new side ÷ old side (for the matching pair).
- A line parallel to one side of a triangle creates a similar triangle.
- Use the scale factor from one pair to find the missing side.
Method. Use the scale factor from the pair of matching sides.
- Find the scale factor. Divide a big side by the matching small side.k = 15 ÷ 5 = 3
- Find the missing side. Multiply the matching small side by the scale factor.4 × 3 = 12
- Write the answer. 12
Check. 12 ÷ 4 = 3, the same scale factor.
Watch out. Match the sides carefully. The longest side in one triangle matches the longest side in the other.
Method. Use the scale factor from the pair of matching sides.
- Find the scale factor. Divide a big side by the matching small side.k = 9 ÷ 6 = 3/2
- Find the missing side. Multiply the matching small side by the scale factor.8 × 3/2 = 12
- Write the answer. 12
Check. 12 ÷ 8 = 3/2, the same scale factor.
Watch out. Match the sides carefully. The longest side in one triangle matches the longest side in the other.
Method. Parallel lines give similar triangles, so the sides are in the same ratio.
- Find the scale factor. Triangle ADE is similar to triangle ABC, because DE is parallel to BC.AB = AD + DB = 4 + 6 = 10, so the scale factor is 10 ÷ 4 = 5/2
- Find BC. Multiply DE by the scale factor.BC = 5 × 5/2 = 12.5
- Write the answer. 12.5
Check. DE / BC = 5 ÷ 12.5 = 2/5 = AD / AB, as required.
Watch out. The scale factor is AB ÷ AD, not DB ÷ AD.
Watch out
Watch out: a scale factor is the ratio of a matching pair. Do not divide sides from different triangles.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Write the matching pairs as fractions, such as 6/9, before you find the scale factor.
Exercise 9B Similar triangles and parallel lines
Non-calculatorMethod. Use the scale factor from the pair of matching sides.
- Find the scale factor. Divide a big side by the matching small side.k = 9 ÷ 6 = 3/2
- Find the missing side. Multiply the matching small side by the scale factor.8 × 3/2 = 12
- Write the answer. 12
Check. 12 ÷ 8 = 3/2, the same scale factor.
Watch out. Match the sides carefully. The longest side in one triangle matches the longest side in the other.
Method. Use the scale factor from the pair of matching sides.
- Find the scale factor. Divide a big side by the matching small side.k = 10 ÷ 4 = 5/2
- Find the missing side. Multiply the matching small side by the scale factor.6 × 5/2 = 15
- Write the answer. 15
Check. 15 ÷ 6 = 5/2, the same scale factor.
Watch out. Match the sides carefully. The longest side in one triangle matches the longest side in the other.
Method. Use the scale factor from the pair of matching sides.
- Find the scale factor. Divide a big side by the matching small side.k = 8 ÷ 5 = 8/5
- Find the missing side. Multiply the matching small side by the scale factor.7 × 8/5 = 11.2
- Write the answer. 11.2
Check. 11.2 ÷ 7 = 8/5, the same scale factor.
Watch out. Match the sides carefully. The longest side in one triangle matches the longest side in the other.
Method. Use the scale factor from the pair of matching sides.
- Find the scale factor. Divide a big side by the matching small side.k = 12 ÷ 3 = 4
- Find the missing side. Multiply the matching small side by the scale factor.5 × 4 = 20
- Write the answer. 20
Check. 20 ÷ 5 = 4, the same scale factor.
Watch out. Match the sides carefully. The longest side in one triangle matches the longest side in the other.
Method. Use the scale factor from the pair of matching sides.
- Find the scale factor. Divide a big side by the matching small side.k = 15 ÷ 10 = 3/2
- Find the missing side. Multiply the matching small side by the scale factor.8 × 3/2 = 12
- Write the answer. 12
Check. 12 ÷ 8 = 3/2, the same scale factor.
Watch out. Match the sides carefully. The longest side in one triangle matches the longest side in the other.
Method. Use the scale factor from the pair of matching sides.
- Find the scale factor. Divide a big side by the matching small side.k = 7 ÷ 2 = 7/2
- Find the missing side. Multiply the matching small side by the scale factor.3 × 7/2 = 10.5
- Write the answer. 10.5
Check. 10.5 ÷ 3 = 7/2, the same scale factor.
Watch out. Match the sides carefully. The longest side in one triangle matches the longest side in the other.
Method. Parallel lines give similar triangles, so the sides are in the same ratio.
- Find the scale factor. Triangle ADE is similar to triangle ABC, because DE is parallel to BC.AB = AD + DB = 4 + 6 = 10, so the scale factor is 10 ÷ 4 = 5/2
- Find BC. Multiply DE by the scale factor.BC = 5 × 5/2 = 12.5
- Write the answer. 12.5
Check. DE / BC = 5 ÷ 12.5 = 2/5 = AD / AB, as required.
Watch out. The scale factor is AB ÷ AD, not DB ÷ AD.
Method. Parallel lines give similar triangles, so the sides are in the same ratio.
- Find the scale factor. Triangle ADE is similar to triangle ABC, because DE is parallel to BC.AB = AD + DB = 3 + 9 = 12, so the scale factor is 12 ÷ 3 = 4
- Find BC. Multiply DE by the scale factor.BC = 4 × 4 = 16
- Write the answer. 16
Check. DE / BC = 4 ÷ 16 = 1/4 = AD / AB, as required.
Watch out. The scale factor is AB ÷ AD, not DB ÷ AD.
Method. Parallel lines give similar triangles, so the sides are in the same ratio.
- Find the scale factor. Triangle ADE is similar to triangle ABC, because DE is parallel to BC.AB = AD + DB = 5 + 10 = 15, so the scale factor is 15 ÷ 5 = 3
- Find BC. Multiply DE by the scale factor.BC = 6 × 3 = 18
- Write the answer. 18
Check. DE / BC = 6 ÷ 18 = 1/3 = AD / AB, as required.
Watch out. The scale factor is AB ÷ AD, not DB ÷ AD.
Method. Parallel lines give similar triangles, so the sides are in the same ratio.
- Find the scale factor. Triangle ADE is similar to triangle ABC, because DE is parallel to BC.AB = AD + DB = 2 + 6 = 8, so the scale factor is 8 ÷ 2 = 4
- Find BC. Multiply DE by the scale factor.BC = 3 × 4 = 12
- Write the answer. 12
Check. DE / BC = 3 ÷ 12 = 1/4 = AD / AB, as required.
Watch out. The scale factor is AB ÷ AD, not DB ÷ AD.
Method. Use the scale factor from the pair of matching sides.
- Find the scale factor. Divide a big side by the matching small side.k = 12 ÷ 3 = 4
- Find the missing side. Multiply the matching small side by the scale factor.2 × 4 = 8
- Write the answer. 8
Check. 8 ÷ 2 = 4, the same scale factor.
Watch out. Match the sides carefully. The longest side in one triangle matches the longest side in the other.
Method. Use the parallel lines.
- Angle at A. Both triangles share the angle at A.shared angle A
- Corresponding angles. DE is parallel to BC, so the angles at D and B are equal, and the angles at E and C are equal.angle ADE = angle ABC
- Write the answer. Three pairs of equal angles means the triangles are similar.Equal angles, so similar
Check. Equal angles mean the sides are in the same ratio.
Circle theorems: semicircles, tangents and radii
A circle theorem is a fact about circles that is always true. Each step in an argument needs a reason, such as “angle in a semicircle”, “tangent perpendicular to radius” or “base angles of an isosceles triangle”.
Key ideas
- Angle in a semicircle is 90°: if AB is a diameter and C is on the circle, angle ACB = 90°.
- A tangent is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact: the angle is 90°.
- Two radii make an isosceles triangle: the base angles are equal.
- Always give the reason with each step.
Method. Use the theorem: the angle in a semicircle.
- Name the theorem. The angle in a semicircle is a right angle.angle in a semicircle
- Apply it. AB is a diameter, so the triangle ACB is in a semicircle.angle ACB
- Write the answer. The reason is the angle in a semicircle.angle ACB = 90°
Check. Any triangle with its longest side as a diameter has a right angle opposite the diameter.
Method. Use the isosceles triangle formed by two radii.
- Find the other angles. Two radii are equal, so triangle OAB is isosceles with OA = OB.angle OAB = angle OBA
- Use the angle sum. The angles of a triangle add up to 180°.180 − 40 = 140
- Share equally. The two base angles are equal.140 ÷ 2 = 70
- Write the answer. Reason: base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal.angle OAB = 70°
Check. 70 + 70 + 40 = 180, as the angle sum requires.
Method. Use the tangent and radius theorem.
- Name the radius. OT is a radius, drawn to the point of contact T.OT is a radius
- Name the theorem. A tangent is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact.tangent ⊥ radius
- Write the answer. Reason: tangent perpendicular to radius.angle OTP = 90°
Check. The tangent is at a right angle to the radius at T.
Watch out
Watch out: a tangent is always at 90° to the radius at the point of contact, not at 90° to any other line.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Write the name of the theorem next to each angle you find. It is the reason you need in the exam.
Exercise 9C Semicircles, tangents and radii
Non-calculatorMethod. Use the angle in a semicircle.
- State the reason. The angle in a semicircle is a right angle.angle in a semicircle
- Write the answer. angle ACB = 90°
Check. The triangle has a right angle at C.
Method. Use the tangent and radius theorem.
- State the reason. A tangent is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact.tangent ⊥ radius
- Write the answer. 90°
Check. The angle at P between the tangent and the radius is a right angle.
Method. Use the isosceles triangle formed by the two radii.
- Equal angles. OA and OB are radii, so triangle OAB is isosceles, and the base angles are equal.angle OAB = angle OBA
- Angle sum. The angles of a triangle add up to 180°.180 − 40 = 140
- Share equally. Each base angle is half of 140.140 ÷ 2 = 70
- Write the answer. Reason: base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal.angle OAB = 70°
Check. 70 + 70 + 40 = 180.
Method. Use the base angles of the isosceles triangle.
- Equal base angles. The base angles are equal, so angle OBA = 55°.angle OBA = 55
- Angle sum. The angles add up to 180°: 180 − 55 − 55 = 70.180 − 110 = 70
- Write the answer. angle AOB = 70°
Check. 55 + 55 + 70 = 180.
Method. Use the triangle OTP, which has a right angle at T.
- Right angle. The tangent is perpendicular to the radius, so angle OTP = 90°.angle OTP = 90
- Angle sum. The angles of triangle OTP add up to 180°.180 − 90 − 35 = 55
- Write the answer. angle OPT = 55°
Check. 90 + 35 + 55 = 180.
Method. Use the angle in a semicircle and the angle sum of triangle ABC.
- Angle at C. The angle in a semicircle is 90°, so angle ACB = 90°.angle ACB = 90
- Angle sum. The angles of triangle ABC add up to 180°: 180 − 90 − 32 = 58.58
- Write the answer. angle ABC = 58°
Check. 32 + 58 + 90 = 180.
Method. Use the isosceles triangle and the angle sum.
- Reason for isosceles. OA and OB are both radii, so they are equal, and the triangle is isosceles.OA = OB
- Angle sum. The angles add up to 180°: 180 − 22.5 − 22.5 = 135.135
- Write the answer. angle AOB = 135°
Check. 22.5 + 22.5 + 135 = 180.
Angle at the centre, the same segment and cyclic quadrilaterals
The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference standing on the same arc. Angles in the same segment (on the same arc) are equal. In a cyclic quadrilateral (all four corners on the circle), opposite angles add up to 180°.
Key ideas
- Angle at the centre = 2 × angle at the circumference (same arc).
- Angles in the same segment (on the same arc) are equal.
- Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°.
- Give the theorem as the reason for each step.
Method. Use the angle at the centre theorem.
- State the theorem. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference on the same arc.angle AOB = 2 × angle ACB
- Rearrange. Divide the angle at the centre by 2.angle ACB = 124 ÷ 2
- Write the answer. Reason: angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference.angle ACB = 62°
Check. 2 × 62 = 124.
Method. Use the same segment theorem.
- Check the arc. Both angles stand on the same arc AB, with C and D on the same side.arc AB
- State the theorem. Angles in the same segment are equal.angle ACB = angle ADB
- Write the answer. Reason: angles in the same segment are equal.angle ADB = 35°
Check. Both angles stand on the same arc AB.
Method. Use the opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral.
- State the theorem. Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°.angle ABC + angle ADC = 180
- Work out the angle. 180 − 72 = 108.180 − 72 = 108
- Write the answer. Reason: opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral.angle ADC = 108°
Check. 72 + 108 = 180.
Watch out
Watch out: the angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference only when both stand on the same arc.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Draw the arc on your diagram, so you can see which angles stand on it.
Exercise 9D Angle at the centre, same segment and cyclic quadrilaterals
Non-calculatorMethod. Use the angle at the centre theorem.
- State the theorem. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference on the same arc.angle AOB = 2 × angle ACB
- Rearrange. Divide the angle at the centre by 2.angle ACB = 124 ÷ 2
- Write the answer. Reason: angle at the centre theorem.angle ACB = 62°
Check. 2 × 62 = 124.
Method. Use the angle at the centre theorem.
- State the theorem. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference on the same arc.angle AOB = 2 × angle ACB
- Rearrange. Divide the angle at the centre by 2.angle ACB = 90 ÷ 2
- Write the answer. Reason: angle at the centre theorem.angle ACB = 45°
Check. 2 × 45 = 90.
Method. Use the angle at the centre theorem.
- State the theorem. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference on the same arc.angle AOB = 2 × angle ACB
- Rearrange. Divide the angle at the centre by 2.angle ACB = 150 ÷ 2
- Write the answer. Reason: angle at the centre theorem.angle ACB = 75°
Check. 2 × 75 = 150.
Method. Use the angle at the centre theorem.
- State the theorem. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference on the same arc.angle AOB = 2 × angle ACB
- Rearrange. Divide the angle at the centre by 2.angle ACB = 80 ÷ 2
- Write the answer. Reason: angle at the centre theorem.angle ACB = 40°
Check. 2 × 40 = 80.
Method. Use the angle at the centre theorem.
- State the theorem. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference on the same arc.angle AOB = 2 × angle ACB
- Rearrange. Divide the angle at the centre by 2.angle ACB = 110 ÷ 2
- Write the answer. Reason: angle at the centre theorem.angle ACB = 55°
Check. 2 × 55 = 110.
Method. Use the same segment theorem.
- State the theorem. Angles in the same segment are equal.angle ACB = angle ADB
- Write the answer. Reason: angles in the same segment are equal.angle ADB = 35°
Check. Both angles stand on the same arc AB.
Method. Use the same segment theorem.
- State the theorem. Angles in the same segment are equal.angle ACB = angle ADB
- Write the answer. Reason: angles in the same segment are equal.angle ADB = 48°
Check. Both angles stand on the same arc AB.
Method. Use the same segment theorem.
- State the theorem. Angles in the same segment are equal.angle ACB = angle ADB
- Write the answer. Reason: angles in the same segment are equal.angle ADB = 62°
Check. Both angles stand on the same arc AB.
Method. Use the same segment theorem.
- State the theorem. Angles in the same segment are equal.angle ACB = angle ADB
- Write the answer. Reason: angles in the same segment are equal.angle ADB = 27°
Check. Both angles stand on the same arc AB.
Method. Use the opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral.
- State the theorem. Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°.angle ABC + angle ADC = 180
- Work out the angle. 180 − 72 = 108.180 − 72 = 108
- Write the answer. Reason: opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral.angle ADC = 108°
Check. 72 + 108 = 180.
Method. Use the opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral.
- State the theorem. Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°.angle ABC + angle ADC = 180
- Work out the angle. 180 − 85 = 95.180 − 85 = 95
- Write the answer. Reason: opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral.angle ADC = 95°
Check. 85 + 95 = 180.
Method. Use the opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral.
- State the theorem. Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°.angle ABC + angle ADC = 180
- Work out the angle. 180 − 110 = 70.180 − 110 = 70
- Write the answer. Reason: opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral.angle ADC = 70°
Check. 110 + 70 = 180.
Method. Use the opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral.
- State the theorem. Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°.angle ABC + angle ADC = 180
- Work out the angle. 180 − 64 = 116.180 − 64 = 116
- Write the answer. Reason: opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral.angle ADC = 116°
Check. 64 + 116 = 180.
Method. Use the angle at the centre theorem.
- State the theorem. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference on the same arc.angle AOB = 2 × angle ACB
- Rearrange. Divide by 2.130 ÷ 2 = 65
- Write the answer. angle ACB = 65°
Check. 2 × 65 = 130.
Giving reasons in a geometric argument
A geometric argument is a list of steps, each with a reason. Reasons come from facts you know: angle sum of a triangle, isosceles triangle, circle theorem, or parallel lines.
Key ideas
- Write one step per line, and give a reason for each step.
- Name the theorem in the reason, such as “angle in a semicircle”.
- Check that every given fact is used.
- A final line states what you have shown.
Method. Use isosceles triangles and the angle sum.
- Radii are equal. OA and OB are radii, so OA = OB.OA = OB
- Base angles. The base angles of the isosceles triangle are equal.angle OAB = angle OBA
- Angle sum. The angles add up to 180°: 180 − 60 = 120, and 120 ÷ 2 = 60.angle OAB = 60
- Write the conclusion. All three angles are 60°, so the triangle is equilateral.Shown
Check. Three equal angles of 60° make an equilateral triangle.
Method. Use the fact that two radii are equal.
- Radii are equal. OA and OB are both radii of the same circle.OA = OB
- Isosceles triangle. A triangle with two equal sides is isosceles.triangle OAB is isosceles
- Base angles. The angles opposite the equal sides are equal.angle OAB = angle OBA
- Write the conclusion. Reason: base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal.Shown
Check. The equal sides are the two radii.
Method. Use the angle in a semicircle theorem.
- Step 1. AB is a diameter, so O is the midpoint of AB.AO = OB = radius
- Step 2. OA, OB and OC are radii, so they are equal.OA = OC = OB
- Step 3. Triangles AOC and BOC are isosceles, so their base angles are equal.angle OAC = angle OCA, angle OBC = angle OCB
- Step 4. The angles of triangle ABC add up to 180°, and the two pairs of base angles make 90°.angle ACB = 90
- Conclusion. Reason: angle in a semicircle.angle ACB = 90°
Check. This shows the angle in a semicircle is 90°.
Watch out
Watch out: a reason such as “because it is a circle” is not enough. Name the theorem or property.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Write the reason in the same line as the step, so the marker can see the link.
Exercise 9E Reasons in geometric arguments
Non-calculatorMethod. Look at the two sides.
- Name the sides. OA and OB are both radii.OA = OB
- Write the reason. Two equal sides make the triangle isosceles.Two radii are equal
Check. Equal sides give equal base angles.
Method. Name the circle theorem.
- State the theorem. The tangent is perpendicular to the radius at the point where it touches the circle.tangent ⊥ radius
- Write the reason. A tangent is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact
Check. The angle is 90°.
Method. Use the opposite angles.
- State the reason. Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°.angle A + angle C = 180
- Find angle C. 180 − 80 = 100.100
- Write the answer. angle C = 100°
Check. 80 + 100 = 180.
Method. Name the fact used.
- Name the fact. The angle sum of any triangle is 180°.sum = 180
- Write the reason. The angle sum of a triangle is 180°
Check. This is a basic fact about triangles.
Method. Name the theorem.
- State the theorem. The angle in a semicircle is a right angle.angle ACB = 90
- Write the reason. The angle in a semicircle is 90°
Check. The triangle has its hypotenuse as the diameter.
Method. Use the isosceles triangle formed by the two radii.
- Equal base angles. OA = OB, so the base angles are equal: angle OBA = 65°.angle OBA = 65
- Angle sum. The angles of triangle OAB add up to 180°: 180 − 65 − 65 = 50.50
- Write the answer. Reason: base angles of an isosceles triangle are equal.angle AOB = 50°
Check. 65 + 65 + 50 = 180.
Method. Use the angle at the centre theorem.
- Reason 1. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference on the same arc.angle AOB = 2 × angle ACB
- Work out. 110 ÷ 2 = 55.55
- Write the answer. angle ACB = 55°
Check. 2 × 55 = 110.
Method. Use the same segment theorem.
- Identify the arc. Both angles stand on the same arc, with the same two end points.same arc
- Write the reason. Angles in the same segment are equal.Angles in the same segment are equal
Check. The two angles are the same size.
Method. Use the angle at the centre theorem.
- Check the numbers. 70 ÷ 35 = 2.70 = 2 × 35
- Write the reason. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference on the same arc.Angle at the centre theorem
Check. The theorem holds for every circle.
Method. Check both pairs of opposite angles.
- First pair. Angles A and C are 100° and 80°, which add to 180.100 + 80 = 180
- Second pair. Angles B and D are 80° and 100°, which add to 180.80 + 100 = 180
- Write the answer. Both pairs add to 180°, so the quadrilateral is cyclic.Yes, it is cyclic
Check. A quadrilateral with both pairs of opposite angles adding to 180° can be drawn on a circle.
Chapter summary
| Skill | Method |
|---|---|
| Lengths, areas, volumes | Scale by k, k2 and k3. |
| Scale factor from areas | Take the square root of the area ratio. For volumes, take the cube root. |
| Similar triangles | Find the scale factor from matching sides, then use it for the missing side. |
| Parallel line | Creates a similar triangle. Use the ratio of the sides. |
| Circle theorems | Semicircle 90°, tangent ⊥ radius, isosceles from radii, angle at centre = 2 × circumference, same segment equal, cyclic opposite angles 180°. |
Can you…?
- I can use scale factors for lengths, areas and volumes
- I can find a missing side in similar triangles, including parallel lines
- I can use the circle theorems for semicircles, tangents and radii
- I can use the angle at the centre, same segment and cyclic quadrilateral theorems
- I can give a reason for each step in a geometric argument
Key terms
- similar
- shapes that have the same angles and sides in the same ratio
- scale factor
- the number that each length is multiplied by to get the matching length
- tangent
- a straight line that touches a circle at exactly one point
- cyclic quadrilateral
- a quadrilateral with all four corners on a circle
- segment
- the region between a chord and an arc of a circle
Exercise 9Z Check-up
Non-calculatorMethod. Multiply each length by the scale factor.
- Identify the scale factor. The lengths are multiplied by the scale factor k = 4.k = 4
- Multiply the length. New length = k × old length.4 × 2.5 = 10
- Write the answer with the unit. 10 cm
Check. Dividing 10 by 4 gives back 2.5.
Watch out. Lengths scale by k, areas by k2, and volumes by k3.
Method. Square the linear scale factor to get the area scale factor.
- Find the area scale factor. Areas scale by k2, so the area scale factor is 22 = 4.22 = 4
- Multiply the area. New area = area scale factor × old area.4 × 7 = 28
- Write the answer with the unit. 28 cm2
Check. 7 × 4 = 28.
Watch out. Do not multiply the area by k. Areas scale by k2.
Method. Cube the linear scale factor to get the volume scale factor.
- Find the volume scale factor. Volumes scale by k3, so the volume scale factor is 23 = 8.23 = 8
- Multiply the volume. New volume = volume scale factor × old volume.8 × 9 = 72
- Write the answer with the unit. 72 cm3
Check. 9 × 8 = 72.
Watch out. A volume scales by k3. Doubling the lengths multiplies the volume by 8.
Method. Use the scale factor from the pair of matching sides.
- Find the scale factor. Divide a big side by the matching small side.k = 10 ÷ 4 = 5/2
- Find the missing side. Multiply the matching small side by the scale factor.6 × 5/2 = 15
- Write the answer. 15
Check. 15 ÷ 6 = 5/2, the same scale factor.
Watch out. Match the sides carefully. The longest side in one triangle matches the longest side in the other.
Method. Parallel lines give similar triangles, so the sides are in the same ratio.
- Find the scale factor. Triangle ADE is similar to triangle ABC, because DE is parallel to BC.AB = AD + DB = 3 + 9 = 12, so the scale factor is 12 ÷ 3 = 4
- Find BC. Multiply DE by the scale factor.BC = 4 × 4 = 16
- Write the answer. 16
Check. DE / BC = 4 ÷ 16 = 1/4 = AD / AB, as required.
Watch out. The scale factor is AB ÷ AD, not DB ÷ AD.
Method. The linear scale factor k satisfies k2 = area scale factor.
- Find the area scale factor. The area scale factor is the ratio of the areas, new ÷ old.36 ÷ 4 = 9
- Take the square root. The linear scale factor is the square root of the area scale factor.√9 = 3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. 32 = 9, which is the area ratio.
Watch out. Take the square root of the area ratio, not half of it.
Method. Use the angle in a semicircle.
- State the reason. The angle in a semicircle is a right angle.angle in a semicircle
- Write the answer. angle ACB = 90°
Check. The angle is a right angle.
Method. Use the isosceles triangle.
- Equal base angles. OA = OB, so the base angles are equal.angle OAB = angle OBA
- Angle sum. 180 − 50 = 130, and 130 ÷ 2 = 65.65
- Write the answer. angle OAB = 65°
Check. 65 + 65 + 50 = 180.
Method. Use the angle at the centre theorem.
- State the theorem. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference.angle AOB = 2 × angle ACB
- Rearrange. 146 ÷ 2 = 73.73
- Write the answer. angle ACB = 73°
Check. 2 × 73 = 146.
Method. Use the opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral.
- State the theorem. Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°.angle ABC + angle ADC = 180
- Work out. 180 − 118 = 62.62
- Write the answer. angle ADC = 62°
Check. 118 + 62 = 180.
Total 21 marks. Allow about 21 minutes.
Exercise 9X Practice test questions
Non-calculatorMethod. Multiply each length by the scale factor.
- Identify the scale factor. The lengths are multiplied by the scale factor k = 5.k = 5
- Multiply the length. New length = k × old length.5 × 3 = 15
- Write the answer with the unit. 15 cm
Check. Dividing 15 by 5 gives back 3.
Watch out. Lengths scale by k, areas by k2, and volumes by k3.
Method. Square the linear scale factor to get the area scale factor.
- Find the area scale factor. Areas scale by k2, so the area scale factor is 32 = 9.32 = 9
- Multiply the area. New area = area scale factor × old area.9 × 8 = 72
- Write the answer with the unit. 72 cm2
Check. 8 × 9 = 72.
Watch out. Do not multiply the area by k. Areas scale by k2.
Method. Cube the linear scale factor to get the volume scale factor.
- Find the volume scale factor. Volumes scale by k3, so the volume scale factor is 33 = 27.33 = 27
- Multiply the volume. New volume = volume scale factor × old volume.27 × 2 = 54
- Write the answer with the unit. 54 cm3
Check. 2 × 27 = 54.
Watch out. A volume scales by k3. Doubling the lengths multiplies the volume by 8.
Method. The linear scale factor k satisfies k2 = area scale factor.
- Find the area scale factor. The area scale factor is the ratio of the areas, new ÷ old.100 ÷ 25 = 4
- Take the square root. The linear scale factor is the square root of the area scale factor.√4 = 2
- Write the answer. 2
Check. 22 = 4, which is the area ratio.
Watch out. Take the square root of the area ratio, not half of it.
Method. Parallel lines give similar triangles, so the sides are in the same ratio.
- Find the scale factor. Triangle ADE is similar to triangle ABC, because DE is parallel to BC.AB = AD + DB = 5 + 10 = 15, so the scale factor is 15 ÷ 5 = 3
- Find BC. Multiply DE by the scale factor.BC = 6 × 3 = 18
- Write the answer. 18
Check. DE / BC = 6 ÷ 18 = 1/3 = AD / AB, as required.
Watch out. The scale factor is AB ÷ AD, not DB ÷ AD.
Method. Use the scale factor from the pair of matching sides.
- Find the scale factor. Divide a big side by the matching small side.k = 12 ÷ 8 = 3/2
- Find the missing side. Multiply the matching small side by the scale factor.10 × 3/2 = 15
- Write the answer. 15
Check. 15 ÷ 10 = 3/2, the same scale factor.
Watch out. Match the sides carefully. The longest side in one triangle matches the longest side in the other.
Method. Use two isosceles triangles.
- Radii. OA = OC = OB, all radii.OA = OC = OB
- Isosceles. Triangles AOC and BOC are isosceles, so their base angles are equal.base angles equal
- Angle sum. The angles of triangle ABC add to 180°, and the pairs of base angles make 90°.90
- Conclusion. Reason: angle in a semicircle.angle ACB = 90°
Check. This is the angle in a semicircle theorem.
Method. Use the angle at the centre theorem.
- State the theorem. The angle at the centre is twice the angle at the circumference on the same arc.angle AOB = 2 × angle ACB
- Work out. 96 ÷ 2 = 48.48
- Write the answer. angle ACB = 48°
Check. 2 × 48 = 96.
Method. Use the opposite angles.
- State the theorem. Opposite angles of a cyclic quadrilateral add up to 180°.angle ABC + angle ADC = 180
- Work out. 180 − 84 = 96.96
- Write the answer. angle ADC = 96°
Check. 84 + 96 = 180.
Method. Use the tangent and radius theorem.
- State the theorem. A tangent is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact.tangent ⊥ radius
- Write the answer. angle OTP = 90°
Check. The angle is a right angle.