Grade 11 Maths · Euclidean Geometry

Use radius and tangent facts

Use basic circle facts: all radii are equal, a tangent meets the radius at 90°, and two tangents from the same point are equal in length.

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Circle Geometry Grade 11 : Tangent Radius Theorem IntroductionKevinmathscience
Circle Geometry Grade 11 : Common TangentKevinmathscience
Tangents Drawn from the Same Point to a Circle are EqualMath Truly

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Question 5.2 · March 2021 · Paper 1 · Provincial · 4 marks

M is centre. Diameter KL produced to N. MP perp KN. PRN tangent at R. MP and KR intersect at S. Let .Diagram for this question
5.2 Prove that KM is a tangent at M to the circle passing through M, P and R.(4)

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More past paper questions: use radius and tangent facts

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  1. 3. Question 4.2.2 · March 2021 · Provincial · 6 marks

    4.2 In the figure, AD, DC and BE are tangents to the circle at A, C and B respectively. O is the centre of the circle. DE and AF intersect at H. AH produced meets BE produced in F. AJ, BC and BJ are chords.Diagram for question 4.2
    4.2.2 Prove that .(6)
    Show the memo (6 ticks)
    1. ✓
      Use similarity ratio ()

      1 mark · Use similar triangles' sides and angles

    2. ✓
      Rearrange for OH

      1 mark · Use similar triangles' sides and angles

    3. ✓
      Statement:

      1 mark · Use radius and tangent facts

    4. ✓
      Reason: tangents from a common point(tangents drawn from a common point are equal)

      1 mark · Use radius and tangent facts

    5. ✓
      Statement:

      1 mark · Use radius and tangent facts

    6. ✓
      Reason: radii, then conclude(radii of a circle) | Therefore

      1 mark · Use radius and tangent facts

  2. 4. Question 5.2.1 · March 2022 · Provincial · 2 marks

    5.2 In the diagram, O is the centre of the circle and L is a point on the circumference. RLM is a tangent at L.Diagram for question 5.2
    5.2.1 Determine with reasons the size of .(2)
    Show the memo (2 ticks)
    1. ✓
      Use tangent-radius theorem (radius tangent)

      1 mark · Use radius and tangent facts

    2. ✓
      Calculate angle in triangle (sum of s in )

      1 mark · Use angle sum of a triangle

  3. 5. Question 10.2.1 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · Provincial · 6 marks

    10.2 In the diagram, PAT is the common tangent of the smaller and larger circles at A. AMB is the diameter of the larger circle with M on the circumference of the smaller circle. ASC and BC are chords of the larger circle and MS chord of the smaller circle. M is the centre of the larger circle.

    It is also given that, the length of AM units, AS units and BC units.

    Answer the questions that follow.Diagram for question 10.2
    10.2.1 Name, giving reasons, 3 angles equal to .(6)
    Show the memo (6 ticks)
    1. ✓
      S

      1 mark · Use radius and tangent facts

    2. ✓
      R[tan rad]

      1 mark · Use radius and tangent facts

    3. ✓
      S

      1 mark · Use the tan-chord theorem

    4. ✓
      R[tan-chord theorem]

      1 mark · Use the tan-chord theorem

    5. ✓
      S

      1 mark · Use angle in a semicircle

    6. ✓
      R[ in semi-circle]

      1 mark · Use angle in a semicircle

  4. 6. Question 9.2.2 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · Provincial · 3 marks

    9.2 In the diagram below O is the center of the circle with AD = BD.
    OB = 20 mm and AB = 24 mm.

    Calculate the length of:Diagram for question 9.2
    9.2.2 FB(3)
    Show the memo (3 ticks)
    1. ✓
      FD = 36 mm
      mm

      1 mark · Use radius and tangent facts

    2. ✓
      Pythagoras Pythagoras

      1 mark · Use the theorem of Pythagoras

    3. ✓
      Answer
      mm

      1 mark · Use the theorem of Pythagoras

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