Circle Theorems

More questions on this topic: IGCSE Shape & Space: Circle Theorems (106) Level 2 FM Shape & Space: Circle Theorems (20)

Edexcel

Edexcel · Old spec

AQA

OCR

Higher June 2025 Paper 3 Q20

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle Theorems

20 \(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are points on a circle with centre \(O\).

Circle with centre O and points A, B, C, D on the circle; angle DAB = 80 degrees, angle ODC = 43 degrees, with lines OD and OB drawn

Find the size of angle \(OBC\).
Write down any circle theorems that you use. (4)

Higher November 2024 Paper 2 Q18

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & Proof

18 \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are three points on a circle, centre \(O\).

Circle with centre O and points A, B and C on the circle, with chords BA and BC drawn

\(BA = BC\)

Prove that \(OB\) bisects angle \(ABC\). (3)

Higher November 2024 Paper 1 Q17

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle Theorems

17 \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are points on a circle, centre \(O\).

Circle with centre O and points A, B and C on the circle; lines AB, AC, BC, OA and OB drawn; CD is a line from C

\(CD\) is a tangent to the circle.

Angle \(BCD = 40^\circ\)
Angle \(OAB = 3 \times\) angle \(OAC\)

Work out the size of angle \(ACD\).
Write down any circle theorems that you use. (4)

Higher June 2024 Paper 2 Q22

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & Proof

22 \(A\) and \(B\) are points on a circle, centre \(O\).

Circle centre O with tangents MAP and NBP meeting at P outside the circle; A and B are the points of contact

\(MAP\) and \(NBP\) are tangents to the circle.

Prove that \(AP = BP\) (4)

Higher November 2023 Paper 3 Q21

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle Theorems

21

Circle centre O with A, B, C and D on the circumference; AC is a diameter; ADE and BCE are straight lines meeting at E outside the circle; angle CAD = 35 degrees and angle AEB = 28 degrees; chords BD and CD drawn

\(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(AC\) is a diameter of the circle.

\(ADE\) and \(BCE\) are straight lines.

Work out the size of angle \(BDC\).
Write down any circle theorems that you use. (4)

Higher June 2023 Paper 1 Q21

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle Theorems

21 \(A\), \(B\) and \(D\) are points on a circle with centre \(O\).
\(CDE\) is the tangent to the circle at \(D\).

Circle with centre O and points A, B and D on the circle; lines AB, AD, BO and OD drawn, angle BOD = 64° at O and angle ABO = 51° at B; tangent CDE touches the circle at D

Work out the size of angle \(ADC\).
Write down any circle theorems you use. (4)

Higher June 2023 Paper 2 Q12

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle TheoremsPythagoras

12 The points \(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) lie on a circle, centre \(O\).
\(ABCD\) is a rectangle.

Rectangle ABCD drawn inside a circle with centre O, with all four vertices on the circle; AB = 8 cm, BC = 10 cm

\(AB = 8\) cm \(BC = 10\) cm

Work out the circumference of the circle.
Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures. (4)

Higher November 2022 Paper 1 Q18

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & Proof

18

Circle with centre O and points A and B on the circle. DBC is a straight line touching the circle at B. Angle AOB is marked x degrees

\(A\) and \(B\) are points on a circle, centre \(O\).
\(DBC\) is the tangent to the circle at \(B\).
Angle \(AOB = x^\circ\)

Show that angle \(ABC = \dfrac{1}{2}x^\circ\)
You must give a reason for each stage of your working. (3)

Higher June 2022 Paper 2 Q20

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle Theorems

20 \(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(ADE\) and \(BCE\) are straight lines.

Circle centre O with points A, B, C, D on the circumference; angle BOD = 132 degrees; lines ADE and BCE meet at E outside the circle with angle DEC = 16 degrees

Work out the size of angle \(CDE\).
Give a reason for each stage of your working. (4)

Higher June 2022 Paper 3 Q15

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

15 \(P\), \(Q\), \(R\) and \(S\) are four points on a circle.

Circle with points P, Q, R and S on it. Chords PQ, PR, SQ and SR are drawn; PR and SQ cross at X

\(PXR\) and \(SXQ\) are straight lines.

Prove that triangle \(PQX\) and triangle \(SRX\) are similar. (3)

Higher November 2021 Paper 2 Q14

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle Theorems

14

Circle through A, B, C and D with the tangent SBT touching the circle at B; chords AB, BD, BC, AD and DC are drawn and angle ABD is 20 degrees

\(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are four points on a circle.
\(SBT\) is a tangent to the circle.
Angle \(ABD = 20^\circ\)

the size of angle \(BAD\) : the size of angle \(BCD = 3 : 1\)

Find the size of angle \(SBA\).
Give a reason for each stage of your working. (4)

Higher November 2019 Paper 1 Q22

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

22 \(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are four points on a circle.

Circle with points A, B, C and D on it; chords AD, AB, AC, DB, DC and BC drawn; AC and DB cross at E

\(AEC\) and \(DEB\) are straight lines.

Triangle \(AED\) is an equilateral triangle.

Prove that triangle \(ABC\) is congruent to triangle \(DCB\). (4)

Higher November 2019 Paper 2 Q17

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle Theorems

17

Circle with centre O; B and A on the circle; tangent CAD at A; BOD a straight line; OA and BA drawn; angle ODA = 32 degrees

\(A\) and \(B\) are points on a circle with centre \(O\).
\(CAD\) is the tangent to the circle at \(A\).
\(BOD\) is a straight line.

Angle \(ODA = 32^\circ\)

Work out the size of angle \(CAB\).
You must show all your working. (3)

Higher June 2019 Paper 3 Q22

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksBasic TrigonometryCircle Theorems

22 The diagram shows a circle, centre \(O\).

Circle centre O at the origin of x and y axes; P(3p, p) lies on the circle; B(16, 0) is on the x-axis outside the circle; the tangent from B touches the circle at A below the x-axis, and angle OBA = 30 degrees

\(AB\) is the tangent to the circle at the point \(A\).
Angle \(OBA = 30^\circ\)

Point \(B\) has coordinates \((16, 0)\)
Point \(P\) has coordinates \((3p, p)\)

Find the value of \(p\).
Give your answer correct to 1 decimal place.
You must show all your working. (4)

Higher June 2019 Paper 2 Q18

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec5 marksCircle Theorems

18 The points \(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) lie on a circle.
\(CDE\) is a straight line.

Cyclic quadrilateral ABCD in a circle, with CD extended beyond D to E; angle ABD is 40 degrees

\(BA = BD\)
\(CB = CD\)
Angle \(ABD = 40^\circ\)

Work out the size of angle \(ADE\).
You must give a reason for each stage of your working. (5)

Higher November 2018 Paper 2 Q21

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & Proof

21

Two intersecting circles meeting at A and R. The circle with centre O passes through A, B, R and P; the other passes through A, O, R and C. Straight lines CPA, CRB and AOB are drawn

\(A\), \(B\), \(R\) and \(P\) are four points on a circle with centre \(O\).
\(A\), \(O\), \(R\) and \(C\) are four points on a different circle.
The two circles intersect at the points \(A\) and \(R\).

\(CPA\), \(CRB\) and \(AOB\) are straight lines.

Prove that angle \(CAB\) = angle \(ABC\). (4)

Higher November 2018 Paper 1 Q12

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle Theorems

12

Circle centre O with points A, B and C on the circumference; lines BA, BC, CA, BO and OA drawn; tangent DAE at A; angle CBO marked 35 degrees and angle BAE marked 56 degrees

\(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(DAE\) is the tangent to the circle at \(A\).

Angle \(BAE = 56^\circ\)
Angle \(CBO = 35^\circ\)

Work out the size of angle \(CAO\).
You must show all your working. (3)

Higher June 2018 Paper 2 Q13

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & Proof

13

Circle with centre O and points A, B, C and D on the circumference; FDE is a tangent at D; angle BAD is marked y degrees and angle BDO is marked x degrees

\(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(FDE\) is a tangent to the circle.

(a) Show that  \(y - x = 90\)
You must give a reason for each stage of your working. (3)

Dylan was asked to give some possible values for \(x\) and \(y\).

He said,

“\(y\) could be 200 and \(x\) could be 110, because \(200 - 110 = 90\)”

(b) Is Dylan correct?
You must give a reason for your answer. (1)

Higher June 2018 Paper 1 Q11

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec5 marksCircle Theorems

11

Circle with centre O; A and B are on the circle, BC is a tangent at B and AOC is a straight line

\(A\) and \(B\) are points on a circle, centre \(O\).
\(BC\) is a tangent to the circle.
\(AOC\) is a straight line.
Angle \(ABO = x^\circ\).

Find the size of angle \(ACB\), in terms of \(x\).
Give your answer in its simplest form.
Give reasons for each stage of your working. (5)

Higher November 2017 Paper 3 Q20

20

Circle with centre O; AB is a diameter and C is a point on the circumference, with chords AC and CB drawn

\(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(AOB\) is a diameter of the circle.

Prove that angle \(ACB\) is \(90^\circ\)
You must not use any circle theorems in your proof. (4)

Higher June 2017 Paper 2 Q15

EdexcelHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & ProofSimilar Shapes

15 \(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are four points on the circumference of a circle.

Circle with points A, B, C and D on the circumference; chords AC and BD cross at E, and chords AB, CD and AD are drawn

\(AEC\) and \(BED\) are straight lines.

Prove that triangle \(ABE\) and triangle \(DCE\) are similar.
You must give reasons for each stage of your working. (3)

1MA0 Higher June 2017 Paper 1 Q22

EdexcelHigherOld spec5 marksCircle Theorems

*22

Circle centre O with points B, C and D on the circumference; ABO is a straight line, AD is a tangent at D and angle DAO = 40 degrees

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(ABO\) is a straight line.
\(AD\) is the tangent at \(D\) to the circle.
Angle \(DAO = 40^\circ\)

Work out the size of angle \(BCD\).
Give a reason for each stage of your working. (5)

1MA0 Higher November 2016 Paper 2 Q18

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksCircle Theorems

*18

Circle centre O with points A, B, C and D on the circumference; BOD is a diameter and angle ACD = 62 degrees

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(BOD\) is a straight line.
Angle \(ACD = 62^\circ\)

Find the size of angle \(ADB\).
Give a reason for each stage in your working. (4)

1MA0 Higher June 2016 Paper 1 Q20

EdexcelHigherOld spec5 marksCircle Theorems

*20

Circle centre O with points P, M and S on the circumference; RST is a tangent at S, angle PSO = 48 degrees and MP = MS

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(P\), \(M\) and \(S\) are points on a circle, centre \(O\).
\(RST\) is a tangent to the circle.

Angle \(PSO = 48^\circ\)
\(MP = MS\)

Work out the size of angle \(MST\).
Give reasons for each stage of your working. (5)

1MA0 Higher November 2015 Paper 1 Q22

EdexcelHigherOld spec5 marksCircle TheoremsSimilar Shapes

*22

Circle through A, B, D and E; ABC and EDC are straight lines meeting at C outside the circle

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(A\), \(B\), \(D\) and \(E\) are points on a circle.
\(ABC\) and \(EDC\) are straight lines.

Prove that triangle \(BCD\) is similar to triangle \(ECA\).
You must give reasons for your working. (5)

1MA0 Higher November 2015 Paper 2 Q15

EdexcelHigherOld spec5 marksBasic TrigonometryCircle Theorems

15

Circle centre O with diameter BOD and point C on the circle; A outside with AO = 7 cm, angle OAB = 35 degrees, angle ABO = 90 degrees and angle DBC = 70 degrees

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(BOD\) is a diameter of the circle.

\(AO = 7\) cm  Angle \(ABO = 90^\circ\)  Angle \(OAB = 35^\circ\)  Angle \(DBC = 70^\circ\)

*(a) Explain why angle \(BCD\) is \(90^\circ\) (1)
(b) Calculate the length of \(BC\).
Give your answer correct to 3 significant figures. (4)

1MA0 Higher November 2014 Paper 2 Q17

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksCircle Theorems

17

Circle centre O with diameter AC; chord BD crosses AC at E; angle CAB is 25 degrees and angle DEC is 100 degrees

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(AC\) is a diameter of the circle.
\(AC\) and \(BD\) intersect at \(E\).

Angle \(CAB = 25^\circ\)
Angle \(DEC = 100^\circ\)

Work out the size of angle \(DAC\).

You must show all your working. (4)

1MA0 Higher June 2014 Paper 1 Q21

EdexcelHigherOld spec3 marksCircle Theorems

21

Circle centre O with points B, C and D on the circumference; tangents ABE and ADF meet at A; angle DAB = 40 degrees and angle CBE = 75 degrees

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(ABE\) and \(ADF\) are tangents to the circle.

Angle \(DAB = 40^\circ\)
Angle \(CBE = 75^\circ\)

Work out the size of angle \(ODC\). (3)

1MA0 Higher November 2013 Paper 2 Q28

EdexcelHigherOld spec3 marksCircle TheoremsSimilar Shapes

*28

Circle centre O with diameters AOC and BOD; chords AB, AD, DC and the line AC drawn

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(AOC\) and \(BOD\) are diameters of a circle, centre \(O\).

Prove that triangle \(ABD\) and triangle \(DCA\) are congruent. (3)

1MA0 Higher November 2013 Paper 1 Q22

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksCircle Theorems

*22

Circle centre O with A, B, C and D on the circumference; angle AOC = y

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(A\), \(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).

Angle \(AOC = y\).

Find the size of angle \(ABC\) in terms of \(y\).
Give a reason for each stage of your working. (4)

1MA0 Higher June 2013 Paper 2 Q16

EdexcelHigherOld spec5 marksCircle Theorems

*16

Circle centre O with S and T on the circumference; tangent PT; SOP a straight line; angle OPT = 32 degrees; angle x at S

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(S\) and \(T\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(PT\) is a tangent to the circle.
\(SOP\) is a straight line.

Angle \(OPT = 32^\circ\)

Work out the size of the angle marked \(x\).
Give reasons for your answer. (5)

1MA0 Higher March 2013 Paper 1 Q19

EdexcelHigherOld spec3 marksCircle Theorems

19

Circle centre O with diameter BOD and point A on the circle; BC and AC are tangents meeting at C, angle OCB = 34 degrees

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(A\), \(B\) and \(D\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(BOD\) is a diameter of the circle.
\(BC\) and \(AC\) are tangents to the circle.
Angle \(OCB = 34^\circ\).

Work out the size of angle \(DOA\). (3)

1MA0 Higher June 2012 Paper 1 Q21

EdexcelHigherOld spec4 marksCircle Theorems

*21

Circle centre O with B, C and D on the circumference; tangents AB and AD meet at A with angle DAB = 50 degrees

Diagram NOT accurately drawn

\(B\), \(C\) and \(D\) are points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).
\(AB\) and \(AD\) are tangents to the circle.

Angle \(DAB = 50^\circ\)

Work out the size of angle \(BCD\).
Give a reason for each stage in your working. (4)

Higher June 2025 Paper 1 Q15

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle Theorems

15 \(A\), \(C\) and \(D\) are points on a circle, diameter \(AC\).

\(ABC\) is an isosceles triangle with \(AC = BC\)

\(BCD\) is a straight line.

Circle through A, C and D with diameter AC. B is outside the circle; BCD is a straight line and AB is drawn. Angle ABC is 20° and angle CAD is x

Not drawn accurately

Work out the size of angle \(x\). [4 marks]

Higher November 2024 Paper 2 Q23

AQAHigherCurrent spec6 marksCircle Theorems

23

(a)
Circle with centre O. Points A, B and C on the circle. Lines CB, CA, BA, OA and OB are drawn. Angle AOB is x. Line DAE is a tangent at A and the angle between AB and AE is 53°

Not drawn accurately

Line \(DAE\) is a tangent at \(A\) to the circle with centre \(O\).

Work out the size of angle \(x\). [2 marks]

(b) Here is a cyclic quadrilateral.
Cyclic quadrilateral with angles f (top right), g (left), h (bottom left) and 63° (bottom right). f is opposite h and g is opposite 63°

Not drawn accurately

\(f : g = 2 : 3\)

Work out \(\quad f : h\)

Give your answer in its simplest form. [4 marks]

Higher June 2024 Paper 1 Q22

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle Theorems

22 \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are points on a circle, centre \(O\).

\(AP\) and \(BP\) are tangents to the circle.

Circle centre O with points A, B and C on the circle. Tangents from P touch the circle at A and B; angle APB is 24°. Chords AC and BC are drawn and angle ACB is x

Not drawn accurately

Work out the size of angle \(x\). [3 marks]

Higher November 2023 Paper 1 Q22

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle Theorems

22 Here is a cyclic quadrilateral.

\(a : b : c = 9 : 5 : 3\)

Cyclic quadrilateral inside a circle with angles d (top left), a (top right), b (bottom right) and c (bottom left); a and c are opposite angles, as are b and d

Not drawn accurately

Work out the size of angle \(d\). [3 marks]

Higher November 2023 Paper 3 Q19

19 \(AC\) is a diameter of a circle, centre \(E\).

\(E\) is the midpoint of \(BD\).

Circle with centre E and diameter AC; line BD passes through E with B and D outside the circle; triangles ABE and CDE are drawn

Not drawn accurately

Prove that triangle \(ABE\) is congruent to triangle \(CDE\). [4 marks]

Higher November 2023 Paper 3 Q16

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle TheoremsPythagoras

16 \(PQ\) is a diameter of a circle.

\(QR\) is a tangent to the circle.

\(PQ = QR\)
\(PR = 10\) cm

Circle with diameter PQ; QR is a tangent at Q, with PQ and QR marked equal; P is joined to R

Not drawn accurately

Work out the radius of the circle.

Give your answer as a decimal. [3 marks]

Higher June 2023 Paper 2 Q20

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle Theorems

20

(a) \(P\), \(Q\) and \(R\) are points on a circle.

\(S\) is a point inside triangle \(PQR\).

Circle with triangle PQR inscribed. S inside the triangle is joined to P and R; angle PSR = 130 degrees; angle PQR = x

Not drawn accurately

Assume that \(S\) is the centre of the circle.

Work out the size of angle \(x\). [1 mark]

(b) In fact, the centre of the circle is on \(PS\) but not at \(S\).

What does this mean about the size of angle \(x\)?

Tick one box. [1 mark]

  • It is the same as the answer to part (a)
  • It is greater than the answer to part (a)
  • It is smaller than the answer to part (a)
  • It is impossible to tell
(c) For a different circle,

\(AB\) is a tangent at \(A\)
\(C\) and \(D\) are on the circumference of the circle
\(AC = CD\)

Circle with points A, C and D on it and tangent AB at A. AC = CD (marked). Angle BAD = 70 degrees and angle CAD = y

Not drawn accurately

Here is Simon’s method to work out the size of angle \(y\).

Angle \(ADC = 70^\circ\)   (alternate segment theorem)
Therefore \(\quad y = 70^\circ\)   (angles in an isosceles triangle)

Is he correct?

Give a reason for your answer. [1 mark]

Higher November 2022 Paper 1 Q26

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & Proof

26 \(P\), \(Q\) and \(R\) are points on a circle.

\(SP\) is a tangent to the circle.

\(RQ = PQ\)

Circle through R, Q and P with triangle RQP; RQ and PQ marked equal; SP is a tangent at P; angle QRP = y and angle SPR = 2x

Not drawn accurately

Prove that \(\quad y = 90^\circ - x\) [4 marks]

Higher November 2022 Paper 3 Q17

AQAHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle Theorems

17 A, B and C are points on a circle, centre O.

BD is a tangent to the circle.

OCD is a straight line.

Circle centre O with points A, B and C on the circumference. Angle BAC = 32 degrees. OB and OC are radii, BD is a tangent at B, and OCD is a straight line meeting the tangent at D, where angle BDO is marked x. Not drawn accurately

Work out the size of angle \(x\). [3 marks]

Higher June 2022 Paper 3 Q18

AQAHigherCurrent spec5 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & Proof

18 \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are points on a circle, centre \(O\).

\(DC\) is a tangent to the circle.

Circle centre O with points A at the top, B at the lower left and C at the bottom. Lines AB, AC, BC, OB and OC are drawn. Angle BAC is 28°. DC is a tangent at C, and the angle between CA and CD is 83°.

Not drawn accurately

Show that    angle \(ABO\) : angle \(ACO\) = 3 : 1 [5 marks]

Higher November 2021 Paper 3 Q29

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & Proof

29 \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are three points on the circumference of a circle, centre \(O\).

\(BD\) and \(CD\) are tangents to the circle.

\(ABDC\) is a kite.

Angle \(BDC\) is \(x\)

Circle centre O with A, B and C on the circumference. Tangents from D touch the circle at B and C. Lines AB, AC, OB and OC are drawn. Angle BDC is x and angle ABO is marked.

Not drawn accurately

Prove that angle \(ABO\) is \(\quad 45^\circ - \dfrac{x}{4}\) [4 marks]

Higher November 2020 Paper 1 Q23

23 \(ABCD\) is a quadrilateral.

Quadrilateral ABCD. Angle A is 4x, angle B is 5x + 30°, angle C is 92° and angle D is x + 36°

Not drawn accurately

Prove that \(ABCD\) is not a cyclic quadrilateral. [4 marks]

Higher November 2020 Paper 3 Q21

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle Theorems

21

(a) A and B are points on a circle.

PA and PB are tangents.

Circle with points A and B on it. Tangents from P touch the circle at A and B. Chord AB is drawn and the angle between chord AB and tangent AP at A is 71°

Not drawn accurately

Work out the size of angle APB. [2 marks]

(b) C, D and E are points on a different circle.
Circle with points C, D and E on it. Angle CED is 78°. Point X inside the circle is joined to C and D, and the reflex angle CXD is 204°

Not drawn accurately

Is X the centre of the circle?

Tick a box.

  • Yes
  • No

Show working to support your answer. [2 marks]

Higher November 2019 Paper 2 Q25

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & Proof

25 C, D and E are points on a circle.

CE = DE

The tangent at D is shown.

ACD and BCE are straight lines.

Triangle ABC with angle y at A and angle 90° − x at B. Lines ACD and BCE cross at C, which is on a circle through C, D and E. CE and DE are marked equal. The tangent at D is drawn and the angle between DC and the tangent is 4x

Not drawn accurately

Prove that \(\quad y = 3x\) [4 marks]

Higher June 2019 Paper 1 Q20

AQAHigherCurrent spec5 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & Proof

20 \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are points on a circle.

\(CD\) is a tangent.

Circle with points A, B and C on it, forming triangle ABC. D is outside the circle, joined to A and to C, with CD a tangent at C

Not drawn accurately

(a) Assume that triangle \(ABC\) is isosceles with \(\quad AC = BC\)

Prove that \(AB\) is parallel to \(DC\). [4 marks]

(b) In fact, triangle \(ABC\) is equilateral.

Tick the two boxes for the statements that must be correct. [1 mark]

  • \(AB\) is parallel to \(DC\)
  • \(AC\) bisects angle \(BCD\)
  • \(AC\) bisects angle \(BAD\)

Higher November 2018 Paper 1 Q20

20 \(P\), \(Q\), \(R\) and \(S\) are points on a circle.

\(PXR\) and \(QXS\) are straight lines.

\(PX = SX\)

Circle with points P, S, R and Q on it; chords PR and QS cross at X; PX and SX are marked equal; angle PXS is 50° and angle XSR is 27°; chords PQ, PS and SR are drawn

Not drawn accurately

Prove that \(QS\) is not a diameter of the circle. [4 marks]

Higher June 2018 Paper 3 Q22

AQAHigherCurrent spec1 markCircle Theorems

22 \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are points on a circle.

\(DCB\) is a straight line.

\(PAQ\) is a tangent to the circle.

Circle through A, B and C. DCB is a straight line with D outside the circle; angle m is the angle DCA. PAQ is a tangent at A, and angle BAQ is 56 degrees

Not drawn accurately

Sam is trying to work out the size of angle \(m\).

Here is his working.

angle \(ACB\) = 56°angles in the same segment are equal
\(m\) = 180° − 56°angles at a point on a straight line add up to 180°
\(m\) = 124°

Make a criticism of his working. [1 mark]

Higher November 2017 Paper 1 Q24

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle Theorems

24 Here is a cyclic quadrilateral.

Cyclic quadrilateral with angles x (left), x + 20 degrees (top), y (right) and w (bottom); x and y are opposite, and x + 20 and w are opposite

Not drawn accurately

\(x : y \;=\; 5 : 7\)

Work out the size of angle \(w\). [4 marks]

Higher November 2017 Paper 3 Q19

AQAHigherCurrent spec2 marksCircle Theorems

19 \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) are points on a circle.

\(CD\) is a tangent to the circle.

Triangle ABC inscribed in a circle, with angle A 60 degrees, angle B 65 degrees and angle ACB 55 degrees. CD is a tangent at C, and angle x is between CA and CD

Not drawn accurately

Write down the size of angle \(x\).

Give a reason for your answer. [2 marks]

Higher June 2017 Paper 3 Q19

AQAHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle Theorems

19 A, B, C, D and E are points on a circle.

BFD and AFC are straight lines.

DC = DF

Circle through A, E, D, C and B. Chords BD and AC cross at F. Angle BAC is 24 degrees. Line EF is drawn; angle AFE is x and angle EFD is 2x. DC and DF are marked equal

Not drawn accurately

Work out the size of angle \(x\).

You must show your working which may be on the diagram. [4 marks]

Higher June 2025 Paper 4 Q13

OCRHigherCurrent spec3 marksCircle Theorems

13 A, B, and C are points on a circle, centre O.

Circle with centre O; A, B and C on the circle; quadrilateral OABC with angle ABC = 110 degrees and angle AOC = x degrees

Not to scale

(a) Explain why OABC is not a cyclic quadrilateral. [1]
(b) Work out the value of \(x\). [2]

Higher November 2024 Paper 5 Q19

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksCircle Theorems

19 A, B, C and D are points on the circumference of a circle, centre O.
BD is a diameter of the circle.
EBF is a tangent to the circle.

Circle centre O with points A, B, C and D on the circumference; BD is a diameter and EBF is a tangent at B. Chords AD, AC, AB and BC are drawn. Angle ACB = 25° and angle DBC = 35°

Not to scale

(a) Give a reason why angle BAD = 90°. [1]
(b) Write down one other angle that is 90°.
Give a reason for your answer. [2]
(c) Write down the value of angle CAD. [1]
(d) Write down the value of angle EBA. [1]

Higher June 2024 Paper 4 Q12

OCRHigherCurrent spec6 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & Proof

12

(a) P, Q, R and S are points on the circumference of a circle, centre O.
Angle SQR = 14° and angle SPQ = 62°.
Circle centre O with points S, R, Q and P on the circumference; chords SP, PQ, SQ, SR, RQ and radii OR and OQ; angle SPQ = 62 degrees and angle SQR = 14 degrees

Not to scale

Find the size of angle ROQ. [3]

(b) D, E and F are points on the circumference of a circle.
Circle with points D, E and F on the circumference forming triangle DEF; the line through D and E is extended, and the line GH touches the circle at F; both lines are marked with arrows as parallel

Not to scale

Line GH is a tangent to the circle at F.
Line DE is parallel to line GH.

Complete these statements to prove that triangle DEF is isosceles.
Give reasons for your statements.
You may not need all of the lines.

Angle ............... = Angle ............... because ...............
Angle ............... = Angle ............... because ...............
Angle ............... = Angle ............... because ...............
Angle ............... = Angle ............... because ...............
Angle ............... = Angle ............... because ...............
Triangle DEF is isosceles because ............... [3]

Higher November 2023 Paper 5 Q22

OCRHigherCurrent spec6 marksCircle Theorems

22 In this question all angles are given in degrees.

A, B, C and D are points on the circumference of a circle, centre O.

Cyclic quadrilateral ABCD in a circle with centre O; radii OB and OD are drawn; the reflex angle BOD is marked 4x − 150 and angle BCD is marked x + 20

Not to scale

(a) Find the size of angle BCD. [4]
(b) Find the size of angle DAB.
Give a reason for your answer. [2]

Higher November 2023 Paper 6 Q18

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksAdvanced TrigonometryCircle Theorems

18 A, B and C are points on the circumference of a circle.

Circle with points A, B and C on the circumference and chords AB = 8 cm, AC and BC; a tangent at C passes through D; angle ACB = 58 degrees and angle BCD = 45 degrees

Not to scale

Points C and D lie on a tangent to the circle at C.
Angle BCD = 45°.
Angle ACB = 58°.
AB = 8 cm.

Find the length of BC. [4]

Higher November 2023 Paper 4 Q15

15 P, Q, T and V are points on the circumference of a circle.
TV is a diameter of the circle.
M is a point on PQ such that PM = MQ.

Circle with chord PQ and diameter VT crossing at M, with PM and MQ marked equal; lines TP and TQ are drawn

Not to scale

Complete these sentences to show that triangle TMP is congruent to triangle TMQ.

Side PM = side MQ because it is given to you.

Angle PMT = angle …… because ……

Side MT is ……

Triangle TMP is congruent to triangle TMQ because …… [3]

Higher June 2023 Paper 4 Q17

OCRHigherCurrent spec8 marksCircle Theorems

17

(a) P, Q and R are points on the circumference of a circle, centre O.
Circle centre O with triangle PQR inscribed; angle PRQ is 59° and angle PQR is 67°; tangent SPT touches the circle at P; angle a is between PR and PT, and angle b is between the radius OP and PR

Not to scale

Angle PRQ = 59° and angle PQR = 67°.
Line SPT is a tangent to the circle.

(i) Work out angle \(a\).
Give a reason for your answer. [2]
(ii) Work out angle \(b\).
Give a reason for your answer. [2]
(b) E, F, G and H are points on the circumference of a circle, centre O.
Acute angle EHG = \(x\)°.
Cyclic quadrilateral EFGH in a circle centre O, with radii OE and OG drawn; angle EHG is marked x°

Not to scale

(i) Complete the following, giving the values of the angles in terms of \(x\).

Obtuse angle EOG = ........ ° because ....................

Therefore, reflex angle EOG = ........ °

Therefore, angle EFG = ........ °

[3]
(ii) Write down what your working in part (b)(i) has proved. [1]

Higher November 2022 Paper 5 Q13

13 Points A, B, C and D lie on the circumference of a circle.
Line AC intersects line BD at point E.

Circle with points A (left), B (top right), C (bottom right) and D (bottom left) on the circumference; chords AC and BD cross at E; chords AD and BC are drawn

Not to scale

Prove that triangle AED is similar to triangle BEC. [3]

Higher June 2022 Paper 4 Q12

OCRHigherCurrent spec7 marksCircle Theorems

12

(a) Points A, B and C lie on the circumference of a circle.
EAF is a tangent to the circle.
Triangle ABC inscribed in a circle with tangent EAF at A; at A the angle between AF and AB is 53°, angle BAC is 78° and the angle between AC and AE is 49°

Not to scale

Write down the value of angle BCA giving a reason for your answer. [2]

(b) Points G, H and J lie on the circumference of a circle, centre O.
Circle centre O with points G, H and J on the circumference; lines OJ, OG, JG, JH and GH drawn; angle GOJ is 52° and angle GJH is x°; arrows show JO parallel to GH

Not to scale

Angle GOJ = 52° and angle GJH = \(x\)°.
Lines JO and GH are parallel.

Find the value of \(x\).
You must show your working. [5]

Higher June 2022 Paper 4 Q9

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksCircle TheoremsPythagoras

9 Points A, B and C lie on the circumference of a circle, centre O.

Circle centre O with diameter AB; C on the circle with a right angle at C, AC = 6.4 m and BC = 3.7 m

Not to scale

Angle ACB = 90°, AC = 6.4 m and BC = 3.7 m.

Work out the circumference of the circle.
You must show your working. [5]

Higher November 2021 Paper 4 Q19

19 ABC is an isosceles triangle.
The sides of the triangle ABC are all tangents to a circle of radius 6 cm, centre O.

Isosceles triangle ABC with BA = BC marked equal, angle A = 70°, and a circle centre O inside touching all three sides; the radius of 6 cm is drawn perpendicular to AB

Not to scale

Angle BAC = 70° and BA = BC.

(a) Show that length BO is 17.54 cm, correct to 2 decimal places. [4]
(b) Find the area of triangle ABC.
You must show your working. [5]

Higher November 2021 Paper 5 Q18

18 A, B, C and D are points on the circumference of a circle.
EF is the tangent to the circle at D.
Angle BDF = 70°.

Cyclic quadrilateral ABCD in a circle with chord BD drawn; EF is the tangent at D; angle BDF = 70° is marked and angle CBD is marked

Not to scale

The ratio angle BCD : angle CBD is 5 : 2.

Work out angle CBD.
You must show your working. [5]

Higher November 2020 Paper 6 Q16

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksBasic TrigonometryCircle Theorems

16 The diagram shows a circle, centre O.

Points A, B and C lie on the circumference of the circle.
Line AOB is a diameter.
Line DAE is a tangent to the circle.
Angle CAE = 32°.

Circle centre O with diameter AOB, point C on the circle joined to A and B, and tangent DAE at A with angle CAE = 32°

Not to scale

(a) Give a reason why angle ACB is a right angle. [1]
(b) The radius of the circle is 8 cm.

Calculate length BC. [4]

Higher November 2019 Paper 6 Q16

OCRHigherCurrent spec8 marksCircle Theorems

16

(a) In the diagram,
  • A, B and C are points on the circumference of a circle
  • O is the centre of the circle
  • angle OAB = 15°
  • angle BCO = 10°.
Circle with centre O and points A, B and C on the circumference. Lines AB, BC, OA and OC are drawn. Angle OAB = 15° and angle BCO = 10°

Not to scale

Calculate the acute angle AOC. [4]

(b) In the diagram,
  • E, F and D are points on the circumference of the circle
  • G, D and H lie on a tangent to the circle
  • angle EFD = 55°
  • angle FDE = 43°.
Circle with triangle EFD inscribed and the tangent GDH touching the circle at D. Angle EFD = 55° and angle FDE = 43°

Not to scale

Explain why angle HDF is 82°. [4]

Higher June 2019 Paper 5 Q16

OCRHigherCurrent spec7 marksCircle TheoremsShow That & Proof

16 A, B, C and D are points on the circumference of a circle, centre O.

Angle BAD = 112° and angle DCO = 33°.

Cyclic quadrilateral ABCD in a circle with centre O; angle BAD = 112°, angle DCO = 33°, angle y between BO and BC at B, angle z = angle BDC at D

Not to scale

(a) Show that angle \(y = 35\)°.
Give reasons for each stage of your working. [4]
(b) Work out angle \(z\).
Give reasons for your answer.

Angle \(z\) = ......... ° because ...... [3]

Higher November 2018 Paper 5 Q19

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksCircle Theorems

19 The diagram shows a circle, centre O.

Points A, B, C and D lie on the circumference of the circle.
EDF is a tangent to the circle.
Angle ABC = 82° and angle ODC = 57°.

Circle centre O with A, B, C, D on the circumference and tangent EDF at D; angle ABC = 82°, angle ODC = 57°, angle DOC = x° and angle ADE = y°

Not to scale

(a) Work out the value of \(x\). [2]
(b) Work out the value of \(y\). [3]

Higher June 2018 Paper 5 Q16

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle Theorems

16 A, B, C and D are points on the circumference of a circle.

Cyclic quadrilateral ABCD with diagonal BD; tangent PQ touches the circle at D; angle ABD = 63 degrees, angle BDQ = 72 degrees, angle x at A (angle DAB) and angle y at C (angle BCD)

Not to scale

PQ is a tangent to the circle at D.
Angle BDQ = 72° and angle ABD = 63°.

(a) Work out angle \(x\).
Give a reason for your answer. [2]
(b) Work out angle \(y\).
Give a reason for your answer. [2]

Higher June 2018 Paper 4 Q8

OCRHigherCurrent spec5 marksBasic TrigonometryCircle Theorems

8 A, B, C and D are points on the circumference of a circle, centre O.

Circle centre O with points A, B, C and D on the circumference; BD passes through O; chords AC, AD, BC and CD drawn; angle CAD = 28 degrees and CD = 6.4 cm

Not to scale

Angle CAD = 28° and CD = 6.4 cm.
BD is a diameter of the circle.

Calculate the area of the circle. [5]

Higher June 2017 Paper 5 Q16

OCRHigherCurrent spec4 marksCircle Theorems

16 A, B, C and D are points on the circumference of a circle, centre O.

Circle centre O with points A, B, C and D on the circumference; lines AB, AD, OB, OD, BC and CD are drawn; angle BAD = 52°, angle BOD = x and angle BCD = y

Not to scale

Angle BAD = 52°.

(a) Work out angle \(x\).
Give a reason for your answer. [2]
(b) Work out angle \(y\).
Give a reason for your answer. [2]

Higher June 2017 Paper 6 Q13

13 A and B are points on the circumference of a circle, centre O.
CA and CB are tangents to the circle.

Circle centre O with points A and B on the circumference; tangents CA and CB meet at C outside the circle; lines OA, OB and OC are drawn

Not to scale

Prove that triangle OAC is congruent to triangle OBC. [4]