How can I prove that an angle in a semi-circle is always 90 degrees?

If we take the diameter of a circle and create an angle on the circumference at point C of the circle from the two points where the diameter meets the circumference (points A and B), the angle created will always equal 90 degrees. To prove this we can draw a line from point C to the centre (point O). We have now created two isosceles triangles (O,A,C) and (O,B,C). Therefore, angle OAC = angle OCA (we will call this angle x) and angle OBC = OBA (we will call this angle y).Our angle at point C, therefore is equal to x+y.We can now return to the original triangle (A,B,C) and using our triangle knowledge we can say:x+y+(x+y)=1802x+2y=180x+y=90

DW
Answered by David W. Maths tutor

5164 Views

See similar Maths GCSE tutors

Related Maths GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Solve the following equation: x^2- x - 12 = 0


Find the two solutions to the quadratic equation x^2-9x+18


Issy goes to buy some fruit. She has been told by one friend that 2 apples and 3 bananas costs £3.80. She has been told by another friend that 5 apples and a banana costs £3.65. what are the individual costs of an apple and a banana?


Find the equation of the line passing through the point ( 2, −3) which is parallel to the line with equation y + 4x = 7


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning