Difference Between Chord and Secant
Though in a Circle Chord and a Secant look like a straight like, but they are different from each other.
Chord of Circle
When a secant line intersects a circle at two points, it forms a chord between those two points. A chord is a line segment with its endpoints on the circle’s circumference. In simpler terms, a chord is like a piece of the circle’s edge.
Secant of Circle
A secant is a straight line that cuts through a circle, hitting it at two different points. In the context of a circle, when a secant is drawn, it creates a chord at the points where it intersects the circle. So, a secant is responsible for defining and establishing the chord in a circle by connecting two points on the circle’s boundary.
| Aspect |
Chord |
Secant |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
Line segment with endpoints on the circle’s circumference. |
Straight line intersecting the circle at two points. |
|
Formation |
Formed by connecting two points on the circle. |
Created by drawing a straight line that crosses the circle at two distinct points. |
|
Length |
Limited to the distance between its endpoints on the circle. |
Can extend beyond the circle, comprising the segment between its two intersection points and the parts outside the circle. |
|
Relation to a Circle |
Always lies entirely within the circle. |
Partly lies inside and partly outside the circle. |
|
Special Case |
If the chord passes through the center of the circle, it becomes a diameter. |
When the secant passes through the center, it also becomes a diameter. |
|
Maximum Intersection |
A chord has only two intersection points on the circle. |
A secant has two intersection points on the circle, and it includes the chord between these points. |
Secant of a Circle
Secant of a circle is a fundamental concept in geometry that can be described as a straight line intersecting the circle at two distinct points. In this article, we will understand the definition, properties, theorems, and real-world examples surrounding the concept of secants.
In this article, we will learn about the meaning of secant, the formula to calculate the secant of a circle, properties, Intersecting secants, tangent of a circle, theorem of the secant of a circle, the difference between secant, tangent, and chord, and real-life examples of Secant of a Circle.
Table of Content
- What is a Secant of a Circle?
- Formula of Secant of a Circle
- Properties of Secant of a Circle
- Tangent and Secant of a Circle
- Secant of a Circle Theorem
- Examples of Secant of a Circle