This study notes covers Worked Example 2 within Properties of Circles for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Properties of Circles in Geometry & Measures for GCSE Mathematics with 10 exam-style questions and 4 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 4 of 5 in this topic. Use this study notes to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 4 of 5
Practice
10 questions
Recall
4 flashcards
Worked Example 2
A tangent touches a circle at point P. The radius OP meets the tangent at P. What is the angle between the radius and the tangent?
Solution
Key circle theorem: A tangent meets a radius at 90 degrees
The tangent touches the circle at point P
OP is the radius to point P
Therefore, the angle between them is 90 degrees
This is always true for any tangent and radius at the point of contact