Class 10 Mathematics - Ch 9: Chords and Arcs of a Circle

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📘 Comprehensive Syllabus & Examination Guide

Class 10 Mathematics - Ch 9: Chords and Arcs of a Circle

Official curriculum roadmap, subject/topic distribution, negative marking rules, pacing guidelines, and solved sample questions.

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198 Questions
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106 Questions
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52 MCQs
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Fill in the Blanks 10%
20 Questions
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4 Questions
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198 Solved Questions (MCQs, Short & Long Questions, Blanks, True/False).
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1 to 3 minutes per question depending on question type (MCQ, Short, Long).
⚖️ Scoring & Negative Marking
1 to 5 marks per question aligned with official board examination rubrics.

💡 Strategic Preparation & Exam Hall Guidelines

To maximize your score on Class 10 Mathematics - Ch 9: Chords and Arcs of a Circle, candidates are advised to follow a structured three-pass approach. In the First Pass, solve all direct recall and formula-based questions within 30 seconds each to secure foundational marks. In the Second Pass, tackle multi-step analytical and quantitative reasoning problems. In the Third Pass, review marked questions and verify calculations.

Practice with the interactive player below to evaluate your speed and accuracy under real exam pressure. Every question features full mathematical formulas, step-by-step worked solutions, and conceptual explanations vetted by Apex Rankers Academy subject matter specialists.

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📝 Pre-Rendered Solved Sample Questions & Detailed Solutions

Showing 10 solved representative questions

Review the solved problems below to understand question phrasing, answer choices, and step-by-step solution logic prior to starting the full interactive practice drill:

Sample Question 1
Exercise 9.1 - Circumscribed Circle of Equilateral Triangle MEDIUM • Short Question
Construct an equilateral triangle with side $5\text{ cm}$ long. Show that one and only one circle can be drawn through the vertices of the triangle. What is the radius of the circle drawn?
✓ Correct Answer: Radius $R = \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{3} \approx 2.89\text{ cm}$
📖 Step-by-Step Solution & Conceptual Rationale:
<div class="ara-solution">
<p><strong>Step 1: Understanding Construction &amp; Theorem 9.1:</strong></p>
<p>According to <strong>Theorem 9.1</strong>, <em>one and only one circle can pass through three non-collinear points</em>. The three vertices of $\triangle ABC$ are non-collinear.</p>
<ul>
<li>Construct equilateral $\triangle ABC$ with $AB = BC = CA = 5\text{ cm}$.</li>
<li>Draw the perpendicular (right) bisectors of sides $AB$ and $BC$.</li>
<li>Let these bisectors intersect at a unique point $O$ (the circumcenter).</li>
<li>Since $O$ lies on the right bisector of $AB$, $OA = OB$. Since $O$ lies on the right bisector of $BC$, $OB = OC$. Hence, $OA = OB = OC = R$.</li>
<li>With center $O$ and radius $R = OA$, draw a circle. It passes through all three vertices $A, B, C$.</li>
<li>Since two distinct straight lines can intersect at only one point, $O$ is unique, proving that <strong>one and only one circle</strong> can be drawn.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Step 2: Calculating the Circumradius $R$:</strong></p>
<p>For an equilateral triangle with side length $a = 5\text{ cm}$:</p>
<p>$$\text{Altitude } h = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} a = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{2} \times 5 = \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{2}\text{ cm}$$</p>
<p>In an equilateral triangle, the circumcenter divides each median/altitude in the ratio $2:1$:</p>
<p>$$R = \frac{2}{3} h = \frac{2}{3} \left(\frac{5\sqrt{3}}{2}\right) = \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{3} = \frac{5}{\sqrt{3}} \approx 2.89\text{ cm}$$</p>

<p><strong>Final Answer:</strong></p>
<p><strong>One and only one circle passes through the vertices, with radius $R = \frac{5\sqrt{3}}{3} \approx 2.89\text{ cm}$.</strong></p>
</div>
Sample Question 2
Exercise 9.1 - Center to Chord Perpendicular Relationship MEDIUM • Short Question
Given that $P$ is the centre of each of the circles. Find the values of unknown if line segment drawn from the centre of each circle is perpendicular to the chord:<br>(i) Chord $= 10\text{ cm}$, distance $PE = 12\text{ cm}$, find radius $r$.<br>(ii) Radius $= 5\text{ cm}$, distance $= 3\text{ cm}$, find chord length.
✓ Correct Answer: (i) $r = 13\text{ cm}$, (ii) $\text{Chord} = 8\text{ cm}$
📖 Step-by-Step Solution & Conceptual Rationale:
<div class="ara-solution">
<div class="ara-svg-wrapper" style="text-align: center; margin: 16px 0;">
<svg viewBox="0 0 540 260" width="100%" height="auto" style="max-width: 540px; background: #0f172a; border-radius: 12px; border: 1px solid #334155;">
<text x="270" y="24" text-anchor="middle" fill="#38bdf8" font-family="'Segoe UI', sans-serif" font-size="13" font-weight="bold">Exercise 9.1 Q2: Center-to-Chord Perpendicular</text>

<!-- Part (i) -->
<g transform="translate(40, 40)">
<circle cx="90" cy="90" r="80" fill="none" stroke="#38bdf8" stroke-width="2"/>
<line x1="20" y1="130" x2="160" y2="130" stroke="#f43f5e" stroke-width="2.5"/>
<circle cx="90" cy="90" r="3.5" fill="#f8fafc"/>
<text x="90" y="80" fill="#f8fafc" font-size="11" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">P</text>
<line x1="90" y1="90" x2="90" y2="130" stroke="#34d399" stroke-width="2"/>
<line x1="90" y1="90" x2="20" y2="130" stroke="#38bdf8" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-dasharray="3 3"/>
<path d="M 90 120 L 100 120 L 100 130" fill="none" stroke="#34d399" stroke-width="1"/>
<text x="105" y="112" fill="#34d399" font-size="10">12 cm</text>
<text x="50" y="145" fill="#f43f5e" font-size="10">Chord = 10 cm (half = 5)</text>
<text x="40" y="105" fill="#38bdf8" font-size="10">r = ?</text>
<text x="90" y="190" fill="#e2e8f0" font-size="11" text-anchor="middle" font-weight="bold">Part (i): r = √(12² + 5²) = 13 cm</text>
</g>

<!-- Part (ii) -->
<g transform="translate(300, 40)">
<circle cx="90" cy="90" r="80" fill="none" stroke="#38bdf8" stroke-width="2"/>
<line x1="26" y1="138" x2="154" y2="138" stroke="#f43f5e" stroke-width="2.5"/>
<circle cx="90" cy="90" r="3.5" fill="#f8fafc"/>
<text x="90" y="80" fill="#f8fafc" font-size="11" font-weight="bold" text-anchor="middle">P</text>
<line x1="90" y1="90" x2="90" y2="138" stroke="#34d399" stroke-width="2"/>
<line x1="90" y1="90" x2="26" y2="138" stroke="#38bdf8" stroke-width="1.5" stroke-dasharray="3 3"/>
<path d="M 90 128 L 100 128 L 100 138" fill="none" stroke="#34d399" stroke-width="1"/>
<text x="105" y="115" fill="#34d399" font-size="10">d = 3 cm</text>
<text x="40" y="105" fill="#38bdf8" font-size="10">r = 5 cm</text>
<text x="90" y="155" fill="#f43f5e" font-size="10" text-anchor="middle">c/2 = √(5² - 3²) = 4</text>
<text x="90" y="190" fill="#e2e8f0" font-size="11" text-anchor="middle" font-weight="bold">Part (ii): Chord = 2 × 4 = 8 cm</text>
</g>
</svg>
</div>
<p><strong>Part (i): Finding Radius $r$:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Given: Chord length $AB = 10\text{ cm}$, perpendicular distance $PE = 12\text{ cm}$.</li>
<li>By <strong>Theorem 9.3</strong>, the perpendicular from the center to a chord bisects the chord:
$$AE = EB = \frac{AB}{2} = \frac{10}{2} = 5\text{ cm}$$
</li>
<li>In right-angled triangle $\triangle PEA$:
$$PA^2 = PE^2 + AE^2$$
$$r^2 = 12^2 + 5^2 = 144 + 25 = 169$$
$$r = \sqrt{169} = 13\text{ cm}$$
</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Part (ii): Finding Chord Length:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Given: Radius $r = 5\text{ cm}$, perpendicular distance $d = 3\text{ cm}$.</li>
<li>In right triangle formed by radius, distance, and half-chord:
$$\left(\frac{\text{Chord}}{2}\right)^2 = r^2 - d^2 = 5^2 - 3^2 = 25 - 9 = 16$$
$$\frac{\text{Chord}}{2} = \sqrt{16} = 4\text{ cm}$$
</li>
<li>Total Chord Length $= 2 \times 4 = 8\text{ cm}$.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Final Answer:</strong></p>
<p><strong>(i) Radius $r = 13\text{ cm}$, (ii) Chord length $= 8\text{ cm}$.</strong></p>
</div>
Sample Question 3
Exercise 9.1 - Diameter and Sagitta Computation MEDIUM • Short Question
Find the length of diameter $CD$ of the circle when $AB = 10\text{ cm}$ is a chord perpendicular to diameter $CD$ at $E$, and $PE = 12\text{ cm}$ (where $P$ is the centre). Also find $CE$.
✓ Correct Answer: Diameter $CD = 26\text{ cm}$, $CE = 1\text{ cm}$
📖 Step-by-Step Solution & Conceptual Rationale:
<div class="ara-solution">
<p><strong>Step 1: Finding Radius $r = PC$:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Chord $AB = 10\text{ cm}$. Since diameter $CD \perp AB$, $E$ bisects $AB$:
$$AE = \frac{AB}{2} = \frac{10}{2} = 5\text{ cm}$$
</li>
<li>Perpendicular distance $PE = 12\text{ cm}$.</li>
<li>In right $\triangle PEA$:
$$r^2 = PA^2 = PE^2 + AE^2 = 12^2 + 5^2 = 144 + 25 = 169 \implies r = 13\text{ cm}$$
</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Step 2: Calculating Diameter $CD$ and Sagitta $CE$:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Diameter $CD = 2r = 2 \times 13 = 26\text{ cm}$.</li>
<li>Since $P$ is center and $C$ is on circumference along diameter $P-E-C$:
$$CE = PC - PE = r - PE = 13 - 12 = 1\text{ cm}$$
</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Final Answer:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Diameter $CD = 26\text{ cm}$ and $CE = 1\text{ cm}$.</strong></p>
</div>
Sample Question 4
Exercise 9.1 - Chord Length from Radius and Perpendicular MEDIUM • Short Question
In a circle with centre $O$, $OB = 15\text{ cm}$ (radius) and $OF = 9\text{ cm}$. Find the length of chord $CD$ given that $OF \perp CD$.
✓ Correct Answer: Chord $CD = 24\text{ cm}$
📖 Step-by-Step Solution & Conceptual Rationale:
<div class="ara-solution">
<p><strong>Step 1: Identify Given Geometric Parameters:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Radius of circle $r = OB = OC = OD = 15\text{ cm}$.</li>
<li>Perpendicular distance from centre $O$ to chord $CD$ is $OF = 9\text{ cm}$.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Step 2: Apply Pythagorean Theorem in $\triangle OFC$:</strong></p>
<p>$$\triangle OFC \text{ is a right-angled triangle at } F:$$</p>
<p>$$CF^2 = OC^2 - OF^2$$</p>
<p>$$CF^2 = 15^2 - 9^2 = 225 - 81 = 144$$</p>
<p>$$CF = \sqrt{144} = 12\text{ cm}$$</p>

<p><strong>Step 3: Chord Bisector Property (Theorem 9.3):</strong></p>
<p>Since $OF \perp CD$, $F$ is the midpoint of $CD$:</p>
<p>$$CD = 2 \times CF = 2 \times 12 = 24\text{ cm}$$</p>

<p><strong>Final Answer:</strong></p>
<p><strong>The length of chord $CD = 24\text{ cm}$.</strong></p>
</div>
Sample Question 5
Exercise 9.1 - Chord Length with Radius 13 cm and Distance 5 cm MEDIUM • Short Question
Calculate the length of chord $AB$ in a circle of radius $13\text{ cm}$ if $OC \perp AB$ and $OC = 5\text{ cm}$ (where $O$ is the centre).
✓ Correct Answer: Chord $AB = 24\text{ cm}$
📖 Step-by-Step Solution & Conceptual Rationale:
<div class="ara-solution">
<p><strong>Step 1: Set up Right Triangle $\triangle OCA$:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Radius $OA = 13\text{ cm}$.</li>
<li>Perpendicular distance $OC = 5\text{ cm}$.</li>
<li>By Pythagorean theorem in right-angled $\triangle OCA$:
$$AC^2 = OA^2 - OC^2 = 13^2 - 5^2 = 169 - 25 = 144$$
$$AC = \sqrt{144} = 12\text{ cm}$$
</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Step 2: Calculate Total Chord Length $AB$:</strong></p>
<p>By Theorem 9.3, $OC \perp AB \implies AC = CB$:</p>
<p>$$AB = 2 \times AC = 2 \times 12 = 24\text{ cm}$$</p>

<p><strong>Final Answer:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Length of chord $AB = 24\text{ cm}$.</strong></p>
</div>
Sample Question 6
Exercise 9.1 - Circumcircle of a Rectangle MEDIUM • Short Question
Construct a rectangle $EFGH$ such that $EF = 6\text{ cm}$ and $FG = 4\text{ cm}$. Draw a circle passing through its vertices and prove that it is the only circle that can be drawn through the vertices.
✓ Correct Answer: Radius $r = \sqrt{13} \approx 3.61\text{ cm}$
📖 Step-by-Step Solution & Conceptual Rationale:
<div class="ara-solution">
<p><strong>Step 1: Geometric Analysis of Rectangle Diagonals:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>In rectangle $EFGH$, all four interior angles are $90^\circ$.</li>
<li>The diagonals $EG$ and $FH$ are equal in length and bisect each other at a common point $O$:
$$EG = \sqrt{EF^2 + FG^2} = \sqrt{6^2 + 4^2} = \sqrt{36 + 16} = \sqrt{52} = 2\sqrt{13}\text{ cm}$$
</li>
<li>Since diagonals bisect each other:
$$OE = OF = OG = OH = \frac{EG}{2} = \sqrt{13} \approx 3.61\text{ cm}$$
</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Step 2: Proof of Uniqueness (Theorem 9.1):</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Any circle passing through vertices $E, F, G$ must have its center at the intersection of the right bisectors of $EF$ and $FG$.</li>
<li>These perpendicular bisectors intersect at the unique center $O$ of the rectangle.</li>
<li>Since two lines intersect at exactly one point, the center $O$ is unique and radius $r = \sqrt{13}\text{ cm}$ is fixed.</li>
<li>Thus, <strong>one and only one</strong> circle can pass through all four vertices $E, F, G, H$.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Final Answer:</strong></p>
<p><strong>A unique circle passes through all vertices of rectangle $EFGH$ with center at diagonal intersection and radius $r = \sqrt{13} \approx 3.61\text{ cm}$.</strong></p>
</div>
Sample Question 7
Exercise 9.1 - Circles Through Points with Equal Distances MEDIUM • Short Question
Take four non-collinear points $A, B, C$ and $D$ such that $AB = BC = DB = 4\text{ cm}$. Draw all possible circles that can pass through $A, C$ and $D$.
✓ Correct Answer: One unique circle with center $B$ and radius $4\text{ cm}$
📖 Step-by-Step Solution & Conceptual Rationale:
<div class="ara-solution">
<p><strong>Step 1: Conceptual Identification:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Given: Point $B$ is at a distance of $4\text{ cm}$ from $A$, $C$, and $D$:
$$BA = BC = BD = 4\text{ cm}$$
</li>
<li>By definition of a circle, the set of all points equidistant from a fixed center forms a circle.</li>
<li>Here, $B$ is equidistant from the three non-collinear points $A, C, D$.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Step 2: Conclusion via Theorem 9.1:</strong></p>
<p>Through three non-collinear points $A, C, D$, there exists <strong>one and only one</strong> circle. Its center is uniquely $B$ and its radius is $r = 4\text{ cm}$.</p>

<p><strong>Final Answer:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Only 1 circle can be drawn through points $A, C$, and $D$. Its center is $B$ and radius is $4\text{ cm}$.</strong></p>
</div>
Sample Question 8
Exercise 9.1 - Form and Solve Equation for Circle Radius MEDIUM • Short Question
In a circle with centre $O$, chord $AB = 16\text{ cm}$ and $RS = 10\text{ cm}$ (perpendicular sagitta/segment from chord to outer circle boundary where $OU = r - 10$ or $16 - OU = r$).<br>(i) Express $OU$ in terms of radius $r$.<br>(ii) Form an equation in $r$ and solve it to find radius $r$.
✓ Correct Answer: (i) $OU = 16 - r$ (or $r - 10$), (ii) $r = 10\text{ cm}$
📖 Step-by-Step Solution & Conceptual Rationale:
<div class="ara-solution">
<p><strong>Step 1: Express Distance in terms of Radius $r$:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Chord $AB = 16\text{ cm} \implies$ half-chord $AU = 8\text{ cm}$.</li>
<li>Given geometric relation from diagram: Perpendicular distance from center to chord $OU = 16 - r$.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Step 2: Set up and Solve Pythagorean Equation:</strong></p>
<p>In right triangle $\triangle OUA$:</p>
<p>$$OA^2 = OU^2 + AU^2$$</p>
<p>$$r^2 = (16 - r)^2 + 8^2$$</p>
<p>$$r^2 = 256 - 32r + r^2 + 64$$</p>
<p>$$r^2 - r^2 + 32r = 320$$</p>
<p>$$32r = 320 \implies r = \frac{320}{32} = 10\text{ cm}$$</p>

<p><strong>Final Answer:</strong></p>
<p><strong>(i) $OU = 16 - r$, (ii) Equation: $r^2 = (16 - r)^2 + 64 \implies r = 10\text{ cm}$.</strong></p>
</div>
Sample Question 9
Exercise 9.1 - Radius Calculation from Chord and Sagitta MEDIUM • Short Question
In a circle, chord $AB = 16\text{ cm}$ and the sagitta (height of arc from chord midpoint $E$ to arc midpoint $D$) $DE = 4\text{ cm}$. Find the radius of the circle.
✓ Correct Answer: Radius $r = 10\text{ cm}$
📖 Step-by-Step Solution & Conceptual Rationale:
<div class="ara-solution">
<p><strong>Step 1: Set up Geometric Relations:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Let $O$ be the centre and $r$ be the radius of the circle.</li>
<li>Chord $AB = 16\text{ cm} \implies AE = \frac{16}{2} = 8\text{ cm}$.</li>
<li>Point $D$ lies on the circle, so $OD = r$.</li>
<li>Since $E$ is on radius $OD$ and $DE = 4\text{ cm}$, the distance from centre to chord is:
$$OE = OD - DE = r - 4$$
</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Step 2: Apply Pythagorean Theorem in $\triangle OEA$:</strong></p>
<p>$$OA^2 = OE^2 + AE^2$$</p>
<p>$$r^2 = (r - 4)^2 + 8^2$$</p>
<p>$$r^2 = r^2 - 8r + 16 + 64$$</p>
<p>$$8r = 80 \implies r = 10\text{ cm}$$</p>

<p><strong>Final Answer:</strong></p>
<p><strong>The radius of the circle is $r = 10\text{ cm}$.</strong></p>
</div>
Sample Question 10
Exercise 9.1 - Verifying Perpendicular Bisector Property MEDIUM • Short Question
Given that diameter and chord of a circle are $10\text{ cm}$ and $8\text{ cm}$ long respectively. The diameter bisects the chord and the distance between chord and centre of the circle is $3\text{ cm}$. Show that the diameter bisects the chord perpendicularly.
✓ Correct Answer: Verified: By converse of Pythagorean theorem, $\angle = 90^\circ$
📖 Step-by-Step Solution & Conceptual Rationale:
<div class="ara-solution">
<p><strong>Step 1: Verify Side Lengths in Triangle Formed by Center, Midpoint, and Endpoint:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Diameter $= 10\text{ cm} \implies$ Radius $r = OA = 5\text{ cm}$.</li>
<li>Chord $AB = 8\text{ cm}$. Since diameter bisects the chord at $M$, $AM = 4\text{ cm}$.</li>
<li>Distance from centre $O$ to chord midpoint $M$ is $OM = 3\text{ cm}$.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Step 2: Check Pythagorean Identity in $\triangle OMA$:</strong></p>
<p>$$OM^2 + AM^2 = 3^2 + 4^2 = 9 + 16 = 25$$</p>
<p>$$OA^2 = 5^2 = 25$$</p>
<p>Since $OM^2 + AM^2 = OA^2$, by the <strong>Converse of Pythagoras' Theorem</strong>, $\triangle OMA$ is a right-angled triangle with $\angle OMA = 90^\circ$.</p>
<p>Therefore, the diameter is perpendicular to the chord at its midpoint.</p>

<p><strong>Final Answer:</strong></p>
<p><strong>Since $3^2 + 4^2 = 5^2$, $\angle OMA = 90^\circ$, confirming the diameter bisects the chord perpendicularly (Theorem 9.2).</strong></p>
</div>
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