Geometry · Circles
Secant
HSG-C.A.2
Definition
A line that intersects a circle at exactly two points.
Examples
- A secant line crosses through the circle, entering and exiting at two points.
- Extending a chord into a full line makes it a secant.
Key rule
A secant crosses the circle, unlike a tangent, which only touches it once.
Memory hook
Cuts through — touches the circle twice.