Two Secants to a Circle

In this investigation, we will explore possible relationships between two secants that are drawn to a circle from a common point in the plane. In this context, the word secant is defined as a line, ray, or line segment that intersects a circle at exactly two points. Here is a drawing of a secant to a circle with center A from point D in the plane. Points B and C are the intersections of the segment and the circle:

Your assignment in this investigation is to first construct two secant segments to a circle from a common point in the plane. Next, as you did with the two tangents, measure and explore as many aspects of the construction as possible and make some conjectures.

When you are confident that you have completed this task, click here to see a GSP file of the construction.


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