# Angles in Circles have Same Ratio as Arcs

## Theorem

In the words of Euclid:

In equal circles angles have the same ratio as the circumferences on which they stand, whether they stand at the centres or at the circumferences.

## Proof

Let $ABC, DEF$ be equal circles.

Let $\angle BGC, \angle EHF$ be angles at their centres $G, H$.

Let $\angle BAC, \angle EDF$ be angles at their circumferences.

We need to show that:

$BC : EF = \angle BGC : \angle EHF = \angle BAC : \angle EDF$

Let any number of consecutive arcs $CK, KL$ be made equal to the arc $BC$.

Also let any number of consecutive arcs $FM, MN$ be made equal to the arc $EF$.

Join $GK, GL, HM, HN$.

Then since $BC = CK = KL$ it follows from Angles on Equal Arcs are Equal that:

$\angle BGC = \angle CGK = \angle KGL$

Therefore, whatever multiple the arc $BL$ is of $BC$, that multiple is also the angle $\angle BGL$ of the angle $\angle BGC$.

For the same reason, whatever multiple the arc $NE$ is of $EF$, that multiple is also the angle $\angle NHE$ of the angle $\angle EHF$.

Then from Angles on Equal Arcs are Equal:

$BL = EN \implies \angle BGL = \angle EHN$
$BL > EN \implies \angle BGL > \angle EHN$
$BL < EN \implies \angle BGL < \angle EHN$
$BC : EF = \angle BGL : \angle EHF$

But from the Inscribed Angle Theorem:

$\angle BGC : \angle EHF = \angle BAC : \angle DEF$

Hence the result.

$\blacksquare$

## Historical Note

This proof is Proposition $33$ of Book $\text{VI}$ of Euclid's The Elements.