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Page 1 of 4 Learning & Teaching KLAng Dec 2012

From a geometrical proof to others


Background information:
The geometrical properties of circle have long been part of secondary Mathematics. In
this article, I intend to show how a lesson can be enriched with multiple proofs of the right
angle in semi-circle and an extension of lesson in proving of a point inside or outside a
circle.

A property of a circle right angle in semi-circle:
AOB is a diameter of the circle. A, C, B are points on the circumference of the circle.
Then, = Z 90 ACB





Proof #1:
Consider this as a special case of the property of angle at the circumference is half that angle
at the centre of the circle.
ACB Z and AOB Z are subtending the
same arc. ACB Z is an angle at the
circumference, AOB Z is an angle
at the centre of the circle.
= Z 180 AOB
By angle at the circumference is half that angle at the centre of the circle,
we have = Z = Z 90
2
1
AOB ACB .

This is the most commonly found proof in a math textbook.

O
A B
C
O
A B
C
Page 2 of 4 Learning & Teaching KLAng Dec 2012

Proof #2:
Extend a line from C through O to the circumference, P.
Let u = ZACP and o = ZPCB .
By the property of angle at the circumference is half
the angle at the centre of the circle,
u 2 = ZAOP and o 2 = ZPOB .
Since AOB Z is a straight angle, = + 180 2 2 o u .
= + 90 o u . Hence = Z 90 ACB


Proof #3:
Join a line from C to O. Let u = ZACP and o = ZPCB .
By the property of exterior angle of a triangle,
o 2 = ZAOC and u 2 = ZCOB .
Since AOB Z is a straight angle, = + 180 2 2 o u .
= + 90 o u . Hence = Z 90 ACB

In this proof, we move away from the property of angle at the circumference is half
the angle at the centre of the circle. This is a triangle properties proof.

Proof #4:
Insert a congruent ABC A as ' BAC A as shown.
Join a line from C to C. Let u = ZACP and o = ZPCB .
ACBC is a parallelogram. The diagonals AB and CC divide
equally at O. Therefore, ACBC is a rectangle.
Hence = Z 90 ACB
O
A
B
C

2

2
P
O
A
B
C

2

2


O
A
B
C


C


Page 3 of 4 Learning & Teaching KLAng Dec 2012

As demonstrated, even a simple circle property can be proven in multiple ways, hence a
source of enrichment of mathematical thinking and creativity.

Let study another property of circle that can be suitably adapted as an extension to a lesson.

To prove:
Given that 3 points, A, B, C on the circumference of a circle,
Point P is in the circle and on the same side of C by the line AB.
Prove that APB Z is larger than ACB Z .


Extends a line from A through P to Q on the circumference of the circle.
Join a line from Q to B.
ACB AQB Z = Z , angles in the same segment.
PBQ AQB APB Z + Z = Z
PBQ ACB APB Z + Z = Z
Therefore, ACB APB Z > Z .



To prove:
Given that 3 points, A, B, C on the circumference of a circle,
Point P is outside the circle and on the same side
of C by the line AB, as shown in the figure.
Prove that APB Z is smaller than ACB Z .

O
A
B
C
P

C
Q
O
A
B
P


O
A
B
C P

Page 4 of 4 Learning & Teaching KLAng Dec 2012
Extends a line from A through Q to P on the circumference of the circle.
Join a line from Q to B.
ACB AQB Z = Z , angles in the same segment
QBP QPB AQB Z + Z = Z
QBP APB ACB Z + Z = Z
APB QBP ACB Z = Z Z
Therefore, APB ACB Z > Z

In conclusion:
The first activity provides students an opportunity to be creative and enriches the thinking
experience.
The second activity provides a challenge for students to explore the proving process.

C
Q
O
A
B
P

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