Secant and tangent of a circle

Activity - Understanding secant and tangent using Geogebra

Estimated Time

40 minutes

Prerequisites/Instructions, if any

1. The students should have a prior knowledge about a circle and its basic parts and terms.
2. They should know the clear distinction between radius, diameter, chord, secant and tangent.

Multimedia resources

Laptop, geogebra file, projector and a pointer.

Website interactives/ links/ simulations/Geogebra applets

This geogebra file has been made by ITfC-Edu-team

Process (How to do the activity)

1. The teacher can show the geogebra file.
2. Move the points on circumference and explain secant.
3. When both endpoints of secant meet, it becomes a tangent.

Developmental Questions (What discussion questions)

1. Name the points on the circumference of the circle.
2. At how many points is the line touching the circle ?
3. What is the line called ?

Evaluation (Questions for assessment of the child)

1. What is the difference between the secant and a tangent?
2. What is the difference between the chord and a secant ?

Question Corner

1. Can you draw a secant touching 3 points on the circle ?
2. At how many points does a tangent touch a circle ?
3. How many tangents can be drawn to a circle ?
4. How many tangents can be drawn to a circle at any one given point ?
5. How many parallel tangents can a circle have at the most ?

Activity Keywords

1. Geogebra
2. Secant
3. Tangent

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