GCSE Maths Practice: circle-theorems

Question 1 of 10

This question tests the basic property of tangents to a circle, where the radius meets the tangent.

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\( \begin{array}{l}\text{At what angle does the radius meet the tangent of a circle?}\end{array} \)

Choose one option:

Remember: radius ⟂ tangent at point of contact.

In circle geometry, a tangent is a line that touches the circle at exactly one point. The radius drawn to the point of contact is always perpendicular to the tangent. This property is fundamental for understanding Circle Theorems and solving related geometric problems. Knowing that the radius meets the tangent at 90° allows students to calculate unknown angles, reason about perpendicularity, and apply the theorem in proofs or constructions. Practising this property ensures accuracy when working with tangents, semicircles, and cyclic quadrilaterals, which are common in GCSE geometry exams.