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Here are the procedures by which the Circle Calculator
determines all of a circle's data from just 2 variables.
Intersecting Chord Theorem
A great time-saver for these calculations is a little-known geometric theorem
which states that whenever 2 chords (in this case AB and CD)
of a circle intersect at a point E, then AE • EB = CE • ED
Yes, it turns out that "chord" CD is also the circle's diameter and the 2
chords meet at right angles but neither is required for the theorem to hold true.
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1) Radius and Central Angle
We know the central angle is AOB and so angle AOE = ˝ central angle
From trigonometry we know that the sine of angle AOE = AE/AO
So, line AE = sine of angle AOE • line AO
Using the Pythagorean Theorem line OE˛ = AO˛
- AE˛
Segment Height ED = Radius AO - Apothem OE
2) Radius AO & Chord AB
AE = ˝AB
From the Pythagorean Theorem
OE˛ = AO˛ - AE˛
Segment Height ED = Radius AO - Apothem OE
Angle AOE = arc tangent (AE/OE)
Central Angle AOB = 2 • Angle AOE
3) Radius AO & Segment Height ED
Apothem OE = Radius AO - Segment Height ED
Angle AOE = arc tangent (AE/OE)
Central Angle AOB = 2 • Angle AOE
4) Radius AO & Apothem OE
Segment Height ED = Radius AO -Apothem OE
Angle AOE = arc tangent (AE/OE)
Central Angle AOB = 2 • Angle AOE
5) Chord AB & Segment Height ED
This is where the "intersecting chord theorem" really comes in handy.
CE • ED = AE • EB
CE = (AE • EB) / ED
Since AE = EB = ˝AB then:
CE= (˝AB •˝AB) / ED
CE = AB˛ / 4•ED
Radius AO = (CE + ED) / 2
Apothem OE = Radius AO - Segment Height ED
Angle AOE = arc tangent (AE/OE)
Central Angle AOB = 2 • Angle AOE
6) Chord AB & Apothem OE
AE = ˝AB
From the Pythagorean Theorem
Radius AO˛ = OE˛ + AE˛
Segment ED = Radius AO - Apothem OE
Angle AOE = arc tangent (AE/OE)
Central Angle AOB = 2 • Angle AOE
7) Segment Height ED & Apothem OE
Radius AO = Segment Height ED + Apothem OE
Angle AOE = arc tangent (AE/OE)
Central Angle AOB = 2 • Angle AOE
From the Pythagorean Theorem
AE˛ = AO˛ - OE˛
Chord AB = 2 • AE
Return To The Circle Calculator
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