A quadrilateral has all four vertices on a circle. Opposite angles stand on arcs that together make the whole circle. What do opposite angles add to?
180∘
360∘
Move D around the circle. Add the angles at A and C.
Always 180°
Always 360°
Key idea
Cyclic quadrilaterals.
A quadrilateral inscribed in a circle has opposite angles supplementary. Conversely, if opposite angles add to 180∘, the quadrilateral can be inscribed in a circle.
Worked example
∠A=75∘, ∠B=110∘.
∠C=105∘
Opposite A.
∠D=70∘
Opposite B.
Your turn, guided
Your turn: ∠P=98∘ in cyclic PQRS. Find ∠R.
82∘
180 − 98.
Practice ★
ABCD is inscribed in a circle and ∠A=128∘. Find ∠C (degrees).
ABCD is inscribed in a circle and ∠A=40∘. Find ∠C (degrees).
Which quadrilateral can always be inscribed in a circle?
A rectangle (for example 9 by 11)
Any parallelogram
Any rhombus
Watch out!
Practice ★★
PQRS is inscribed in a circle with ∠Q=113∘. Find ∠S (degrees).
PQRS is inscribed in a circle with ∠Q=42∘. Find ∠S (degrees).
Exit ticket
Three questions to check you have got it.
ABCD is inscribed in a circle and ∠A=128∘. Find ∠C (degrees).
ABCD is inscribed in a circle and ∠A=40∘. Find ∠C (degrees).
ABCD is inscribed in a circle and ∠A=107∘. Find ∠C (degrees).