11-3: Arcs and Chords

Using some of the construction methods used in previous sections and definitions covered we will find the center of a given circle then explore why the construction always works.

A man want's to erect a pole in the center of his circle. But how does he find that center?

Locate the center using the following method:

Draw a circle. Within in this circle draw any straight line AB with point A and B lying on the circle. Now bisect line AB at point D. Then draw a straight line DC with point C lying on the circle such that the intersection of the two lines form right angles. Okay, draw segment AC; bisect AC with a perpendicular line and you get the center of your circle.



Step by Step Instruction

We start with the given triangle

 

Following the construction method each step should look similar to the following:

a. Construct a segment AB such that points A and B lie on the circle

b. Bisect chord AB at point D (which is the same as finding the midpoint of chord AB and labeling it point D)


c. Draw a straight line DC with point C lying on the circle such that the intersection of the two lines form right angles

Looking at the construction you should realize that segment DC is a perpendicular bisector

d. Draw segment AC.

e. Bisect AC with a perpendicular line

Now we have our center. Identify the center and explain why this worked?

Explore this with several other different constructions to verify that this is an accurate construction method


It appears that this construction method will always locate the center of our circle because of Theorem 11-5 which states:
In a circle, a diameter bisects a chord and its arc if and only if it is perpendicular to the chord.



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