Common Misconceptions This list includes general misunderstandings and issues that frequently hinder student mastery of concepts regarding the content of this unit. Topic/Standard/Concept Misconception Strategies to Address Misconception Secant and Tangent Students have trouble A line intersecting a circle in two places is referred to as a secant. Lines/G.C.2 distinguishing between a The portion of the secant contained within the circle is called a chord. tangent to a circle and a secant line. If a line intersects a circle at only a single point, it is called a tangent. Central Angles and Students have trouble Definitions Inscribed Angles /G.C.2 understanding the difference between a central angle and an 1 - A central angle of a circle is an angle whose vertex is located at the inscribed angle. center of the circle. Angle BOC in the figure below. 2 - An inscribed angle is an angle whose vertex is on a circle and whose sides each intersect the circle at another point. Angle CAB in the figure below. Clue students that central angles bend the Try this as a in at center. memory device to help students remember the correct definition for central angles. Also help students remember that inscribed angles bend on the circle. Just like all other inscribed figures meet on the circle.
Common Misconceptions This list includes general misunderstandings and issues that frequently hinder student mastery of concepts regarding the content of this unit. Topic/Standard/Concept Misconception Strategies to Address Misconception Secant and Tangent Lines/G.C.2 Students have trouble distinguishing between a tangent to a circle and a secant line. A line intersecting a circle in two places is referred to as a secant. The portion of the secant contained within the circle is called a chord. If a line intersects a circle at only a single point, it is called a tangent. Central Angles and Inscribed Angles /G.C.2 Students have trouble understanding the difference between a central angle and an inscribed angle. Definitions 1 - A central angle of a circle is an angle whose vertex is located at the center of the circle. Angle BOC in the figure below. 2 - An inscribed angle is an angle whose vertex is on a circle and whose sides each intersect the circle at another point. Angle CAB in the figure below. Clue students in that central angles bend at the center. Try this as a memory device to help students remember the correct definition for central angles. Also help students remember that inscribed angles bend on the circle. Just like all other inscribed figures meet on the circle.
Geometry_U5_UP_Circles_with_and_Without_Coordinates_jan_11.docx