chord
In mathematics, a chord refers to a line segment that connects two points on the circumference of a circle
In mathematics, a chord refers to a line segment that connects two points on the circumference of a circle. The endpoints of the chord lie on the circle itself.
To understand chords better, let’s consider the properties and characteristics associated with them:
1. Length: The length of a chord can vary, depending on the distance between its endpoints. The longest possible chord in a circle is called the diameter, which passes through the center of the circle.
2. Diameter: As mentioned above, a diameter is a special type of chord that passes through the center of the circle. It is also the longest chord in a circle, and its length is two times the radius of the circle. The radius is the distance from the center of the circle to any point on its circumference.
3. Perpendicular bisector: A chord can be divided into two equal halves by the perpendicular bisector. This means that the line segment passing through the midpoint of the chord and perpendicular to it will divide the chord into two equal parts.
4. Arc: The chord divides the circle into two arcs – the major arc and the minor arc. The major arc is the longer one formed by the two endpoints of the chord, while the minor arc is the shorter one.
5. Tangents: If a line is drawn from a point outside the circle and intersecting the circle at one point, this line is called a tangent. A tangent line is always perpendicular to the radius drawn to the point of intersection. Any chord passing through the point of tangency will bisect the tangent line.
6. Secant: A secant is a line that intersects the circle at two points. A chord is actually a subset of a secant.
These are some important properties and concepts related to chords. Understanding them can help us to solve various mathematical problems involving circles and their geometrical properties.
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