Exercise 5.3

Can you explain why the converse to Theorem 4 is true, i.e., why does the perpendicular from the centre of a circle to a chord of the circle bisect the chord? (Hint: Use Fig. 5.12. You are told that ∠CMA = ∠CMB = 90°. You need to show that AM = BM.)

An isosceles triangle ABC is inscribed in a circle, with AB = AC. Show that the altitude from A to BC passes through the centre of the circle.

Two parallel chords of lengths 6 cm and 8 cm are on opposite sides of the centre of a circle. If the radius of the circle is 5 cm, find the distance between the midpoints of the chords.