Let O be a point on the plane. Let's consider all the points on the plane whose distance to O is equal to 5\,\textrm{cm}.



The collection of all such points defines a geometrical shape which is called a circle.

  • The point O is called the center of the circle.

  • The distance from O to any point on the circle is called the radius.

In our diagram above, the radius is r={\color{black}5\,\textrm{cm}}.

FLAG

Consider the diagram below. What is the measure of \overline{AB} if OQ=3?

EXPLANATION

Notice that the points A, B, and Q lie on the circle. From the diagram, the radius of the circle is r =OQ=3.

To find AB, we first notice that AB = AO + OB.

Now, \overline{AO} and \overline{OB} are both segments between the center of the circle and the circle itself. So, they are both radii of the circle, and because the radius is 3, we have

AO=3, \qquad OB=3.

Finally, we obtain

AB = AO+OB = 3 + 3= 6.

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What is the measure of $\overline{OC}$ if $AB = 8?$

a
$8$
b
$3$
c
$4$
d
$5$
e
$6$

What is the measure of $\overline{AB}$ if $OC=8?$

a
$8$
b
$18$
c
$16$
d
$14$
e
$4$

The diagram below shows a circle of radius 4, a point C that lies on the circle, and a third point P on the plane.



Which of the following statements are true about the diagram above?

  1. OP \leq 4
  2. OC = 4
  3. OP > 4
EXPLANATION

The point C lies on the circle itself. So, the distance from O to C is equal to the radius of the circle: OC = 4.

On the other hand, the point P lies strictly outside the circle. So, the distance between P and the center O of the circle must be greater than the radius: OP > OC = 4.

Therefore, statements II and III are true, while statement I is false.

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The diagram above shows a circle of radius $7$ and the points $C$ and $P$ that lie on the circle.

Which of the following statements are true?

  1. $OP > 7$
  2. $OC < 7$
  3. $OP = 7$
a
I and III only
b
III only
c
II only
d
I only
e
II and III only

The diagram above shows a circle of radius $10,$ a point $C$ that lies on the circle, and a third point $P$ on the plane.

Which of the following statements are true?

  1. $OP > 10$
  2. $OP \leq 10$
  3. $OC = 10$
a
II and III only
b
I and II only
c
III only
d
II only
e
I and III only

There are three important line segments associated with a circle:

  • A radius is any line segment that connects a point on the circle with the center (left-hand diagram).

  • A chord is any line segment whose endpoints lie on the circle (middle diagram).

  • A diameter is any chord that passes through the center of the circle (right-hand diagram). The diameter is the longest chord and its measure is twice the radius of the circle: d = 2r.


FLAG

Which of the following statements are true about the diagram above?

  1. \overline{BC} is a chord of the circle
  2. \overline{BC} is a diameter of the circle
  3. \overline{OC} is a radius of the circle
EXPLANATION

Let's analyze each statement in turn.

  • Statement I is true. As we can see, both endpoints B and C lie on the circle. Therefore, \overline{BC} is a chord.

  • Statement II is true. As we can see, both endpoints B and C lie on the circle and \overline{BC} passes through the center O. Therefore, \overline{BC} is a diameter.

  • Statement III is true. The segment \overline{OC} connects a point on the circle with its center. So, \overline{OC} is a radius.

In conclusion, statements I, II, and III are true.

FLAG

Which of the following statements are true about the diagram above?

  1. $\overline{OA}$ is a diameter of the circle
  2. $\overline{OB}$ is a radius of the circle
  3. $\overline{BC}$ is a chord of the circle
a
I and II only
b
I and III only
c
II and III only
d
I, II, and III
e
III only

Which of the following statements are true about the diagram above?

  1. $\overline{AB}$ is a diameter of the circle
  2. $\overline{BC}$ is a radius of the circle
  3. $\overline{OA}$ is a chord of the circle
a
I and III only
b
III only
c
I only
d
II only
e
I and II only
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