Math Problem Statement

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Tangent DE and F are drawn to a circle from a point D such that (\angle DFE = 50^\circ). A chord GH is drawn parallel to DE. Find the measure of (\angle GDF)."

Solution

We are given a circle with tangents DEDE and FF drawn from a point DD such that DFE=50\angle DFE = 50^\circ, and a chord GHGH is drawn parallel to DEDE. We need to find the measure of GDF\angle GDF.

Key Observations:

  1. Since DEDE and FF are tangents, we know the angle between the tangents at point DD will be equal to the angle between their respective radii at the point of contact, i.e., DFE\angle DFE.

  2. The chord GHGH is parallel to the tangent DEDE. This implies that angles formed with the chord GHGH inside the circle will be related to angles formed with the tangent DEDE outside the circle by alternate interior angle relationships.

Steps to Solution:

  1. Tangent-Chord Angle Theorem: According to this theorem, the angle between a tangent and a chord drawn from the point of contact is equal to the angle subtended by the chord on the opposite side of the circle. This means that the angle subtended by the chord GHGH at the point DD, i.e., GDF\angle GDF, is equal to DFE\angle DFE because GHDEGH \parallel DE.

  2. Given Information: DFE=50\angle DFE = 50^\circ Therefore, since GDF=DFE\angle GDF = \angle DFE, we have: GDF=50\angle GDF = 50^\circ

Final Answer:

The measure of GDF\angle GDF is 5050^\circ.

Would you like further details on any part of this explanation?


Here are five related questions to extend this understanding:

  1. What is the tangent-secant theorem and how does it apply to circles?
  2. How can we prove that a tangent is perpendicular to the radius at the point of contact?
  3. What is the relationship between angles subtended by the same chord in a circle?
  4. How do parallel lines affect angles in a circle, particularly involving chords and tangents?
  5. Can you find the length of the chord GHGH if the radius of the circle and distance from DD to the center are known?

Tip: Always look for symmetries or parallelism in circle geometry problems as they often simplify angle relationships.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Circle Geometry
Angles in Circles
Tangent-Chord Theorem
Parallel Lines

Formulas

-

Theorems

Tangent-Chord Angle Theorem
Alternate Interior Angles Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11