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Circle Theorem: The Perpendicular Bisector of a Chord Passes Through the Center of a Circle

(KS3, Year 8)

If a line cuts through a chord of the circle, such that it crosses it at 90° and cuts it in half, that line passes through the centre of the circle.

circle theorem perpendicular bisector of a chord passes through center

circle theorem perpendicular bisector of a chord passes through center

More About the Circle Theorem where the Perpendicular Bisector of a Chord Passes Through the Center of a Circle

This circle theorem deals with three properties of lines through a chord. A line that:

is perpendicular to the chord
bisects (cuts in half) the chord
passes through the center of the circle.

If a line through a chord has two of these properties, it also has the third.

A line that is perpendicular to a chord and bisects it must pass through the center of the circle.
A line that is perpendicular to a chord and passes through the center of the circle must bisect the chord.
A line that bisects a chord and passes through the center of a circle must be perpendicular to the chord.

Lesson Slides

The slider below shows a real example of the circle theorem that the perpendicular bisector of a chord passes through the center of the circle.

Useful Definitions

A chord is a line whose endpoints lie on the circle.

circle chord mini

The perpendicular bisector of the chord is a line that crosses the line at 90° (perpendicular) and cuts it in half (bisector).

perpendicular bisector of chord explained