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Rule

Tangent and Intersected Chord Theorem

If a tangent and a chord intersect at a point on a circle, then the measure of each angle formed is one-half the measure of its intercepted arc.
Circle, tangent, chord, two angles and two arcs

Based on the diagram, the following relation holds true.

and

This theorem is also true for secants of the circle.

Proof

This proof will consist of two parts. The first and second equations of the theorem will be proved one at a time.

Consider a diameter Since is tangent to the circle at by the Tangent to Circle Theorem, and are perpendicular.

Circle, tangent, chord, diamter, two angles and two arcs
In addition, since is a diameter, is a semicircle; its measure is therefore By the Arc Addition Postulate, an equation that relates the measures of and can be written.
Since is an inscribed angle, by the Inscribed Angle Theorem, its measure is half the measure of the intercepted arc
Therefore, can be substituted for in the equation
Similarly, by the Angle Addition Postulate, it is evident that the sum of the measures of and is
Next, multiply the equation above by and add it to the
It is now possible to solve for using this equation.
Solve for
The first equation of the theorem has been obtained.

The second equation of the theorem will now be obtained. To do so, the Arc Addition Postulate and the Angle Addition Postulate can be used to set the following pair of equations.
Since is a semicircle, its measure is Additionally, since and are perpendicular, is a Recall that it has been previously stated that This information can be substituted in the above equations.
Next, multiply Equation by and add it to Equation
Finally, by solving the resulting equation for the second equation of the theorem is obtained.