Understanding the Basics of Chords in Mathematics | Length, Diameter, Bisector, and Tangents

Chord

In mathematics, a chord refers to a straight line segment that connects two points on the circumference of a circle

In mathematics, a chord refers to a straight line segment that connects two points on the circumference of a circle. More specifically, it is a line segment whose endpoints lie on the circle. The chord is considered to be a line segment, meaning it has a finite length.

Here are a few key points about chords:

1. Diameter: A chord that passes through the center of the circle is called a diameter. In other words, a diameter is the longest possible chord in a circle.

2. Length: Chords can have different lengths, depending on their position and placement on the circle. The length of a chord can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem or the chord length formula, depending on the available information.

3. Bisector: A chord that passes through the center of a circle also acts as a diameter and bisects the circle into two equal parts. This means that the chord divides the circle into two congruent arcs.

4. Tangents: Chords can intersect with tangents, which are lines that touch the circle at only one point (known as the point of tangency). When a tangent and a chord intersect, they form a right angle at the point of tangency.

Chords have various applications in geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. For instance, they are used to determine arc lengths, find angles within a circle, and solve problems related to the geometry of circles. Understanding chords is fundamental to working with circles and their properties.

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