Class 9 Maths Chapter 5 Exercise 5.3 Solutions – Chords and Perpendicular Bisectors

Class 9 Maths Chapter 5 Exercise 5.3 Solutions (Ganita Manjari 2026) – Chords and Perpendicular Bisectors

📘 NCERT Ganita Manjari (2026) 📚 CBSE 2026–27 🏆 Step-by-Step Solutions

Class 9 Maths Exercise 5.3 Solutions

Chords and Perpendicular Bisectors – Step-by-Step NCERT Solutions

Prepare with complete Class 9 Maths Chapter 5 Exercise 5.3 Solutions based on the latest NCERT Ganita Manjari (2026). This exercise focuses on the relationship between the centre of a circle, midpoint of a chord, and perpendicular to the chord, including the converse of Theorem 4, Theorem 5, and applications involving parallel chords and their distances from the centre. Every solution is presented in a clear step-by-step CBSE answer-writing style to help students understand the reasoning before solving each question.

📖
Exercise
5.3
Questions
3 Questions
📚
Coverage
Chords &
Perpendicular Bisectors
🧠
Skills
Proof &
Problem Solving
⏱️
Study Time
30–45 Min
Difficulty
Moderate
🎯
Exam Importance
★★★★★
🎯 By the End of This Exercise, You Will Be Able To…
✅ Understand the Centre–Chord Relationship
✅ Understand Theorem 4 and Its Converse (Theorem 5)
✅ Use Theorem 5 to Show That a Perpendicular from the Centre Bisects a Chord
✅ Prove Results Using Triangle Congruence
✅ Find the Distance of a Chord from the Centre
✅ Solve Problems on Parallel Chords

📑 Table of Contents

📖 About Class 9 Maths Chapter 5 Exercise 5.3

Class 9 Maths Chapter 5 Exercise 5.3 is the third exercise of Chapter 5 – I’m Up and Down, and Round and Round from the latest NCERT Ganita Manjari (2026). This exercise contains three questions based on the concepts developed in this part of the chapter and provides further practice with chords and their relationship with the centre of a circle.

This page provides the complete Exercise Set 5.3 with clear, step-by-step NCERT-based solutions. It includes the relevant theorem statements and proofs, followed by question-wise solutions for all three questions. The presentation follows a student-friendly CBSE answer-writing approach and is designed for classroom practice, homework, self-study, revision, and examination preparation.

🎯 Exercise Snapshot

📘 What You’ll Find
  • Complete Exercise Set 5.3 coverage.
  • NCERT-based solutions for all three exercise questions.
  • Relevant theorem statements and step-by-step proofs.
📚 Page Includes
  • Chords and perpendicular-bisector related content.
  • Theorem 4 and Theorem 5 with their proofs.
  • Question-wise solutions with clear CBSE-style reasoning.
🏆 Best For
  • Students studying the NCERT Ganita Manjari (2026) textbook.
  • Homework and classroom practice.
  • Revision and CBSE examination preparation.
📚 Learn Before You Solve
Understand the key idea before solving Exercise 5.3.

Chord and Its Midpoint

Look at the circle. Its centre is C.

AB is a chord of the circle because both A and B lie on the circle.

Now take M as the midpoint of chord AB.
AM = MB
This means that the chord AB is divided into two equal parts at M.

Now join the centre C to the midpoint M.
💡 Notice:
The line CM joins the centre of the circle to the midpoint of the chord.
📐 Chord AB and midpoint M
Chord AB and its midpoint M A circle with centre C, chord AB, midpoint M of chord AB, and line CM joining the centre to the midpoint. A B C M
Midpoint means equal parts:
AM = MB
Theorem 4
Centre and Midpoint of a Chord
The line joining the centre of a circle and the midpoint of a chord of the circle is perpendicular to the chord.
Given:
AB is a chord of a circle with centre C, and M is the midpoint of AB.
To show:
CM ⟂ AB
📐 Figure
Centre and midpoint of a chord A circle with centre C and chord AB whose endpoints A and B lie on the circle. M is the midpoint of AB. The line CM joins the centre to the midpoint of the chord and is perpendicular to AB. A B C M
✍️ Proof
Consider the two triangles △CMA and △CMB.

Since CA and CB are radii of the same circle,
CA = CB
Since M is the midpoint of AB,
AM = MB
Also,
CM = CM
because CM is common to both triangles.

Therefore,
△CMA ≅ △CMB
by SSS congruence.
Hence, by CPCT,
∠CMA = ∠CMB
These two angles form a straight angle. Therefore,
∠CMA + ∠CMB = 180°
Hence,
∠CMA = ∠CMB = 90°
✅ Hence Proved
CM ⟂ AB
🧠 Remember
Centre + midpoint of chord → perpendicular to the chord
Theorem 5
Converse of Theorem 4
The perpendicular from the centre of a circle to a chord of the circle bisects the chord.
Given:
AB is a chord of a circle with centre C, and CM ⟂ AB.
To show:
AM = MB
📐 Figure
Perpendicular from the centre to a chord A circle with centre C and chord AB. The perpendicular CM from the centre C meets chord AB at M. The endpoints A and B lie on the circle. A B C M
✍️ Proof
Consider the two triangles △CMA and △CMB.

Since CA and CB are radii of the same circle,
CA = CB
Also, CM is common to both triangles.
CM = CM
Since CM ⟂ AB,
∠CMA = ∠CMB = 90°
Therefore,
△CMA ≅ △CMB
by RHS congruence.
Hence, corresponding sides are equal by CPCT.
AM = MB
✅ Hence Proved
AM = MB
🧠 Remember
Perpendicular from centre to chord → chord is bisected

Distance of a Chord from the Centre

Finding the Distance of a Chord from the Centre

Chord AB and its perpendicular distance from the centre
Circle with centre O, chord AB, midpoint M and perpendicular distance d from the centre to the chord
Let AB be a chord of a circle with centre O. Let the perpendicular from O meet the chord at its midpoint M. Therefore,
OM = d
Also, since M is the midpoint of chord AB,
AM = ½ AB
Now, OA = r is the radius of the circle. Since OM ⟂ AB, △OMA is a right-angled triangle. By Pythagoras theorem,
OA² = OM² + AM²
Therefore,
r² = d² + AM²
Hence,
d² = r² − AM²
Distance of the chord from the centre
d = √(r² − AM²)

Distance Between Two Parallel Chords

First find the perpendicular distances d₁ and d₂ of the two chords from the centre. Then identify whether the two chords lie on the same side or on opposite sides of the centre.

Same Side of the Centre

Two parallel chords on the same side
Two parallel chords on the same side of the centre Two parallel chords intersect the circle at their endpoints and lie on the same side of centre O. Their perpendicular distances from O are d1 and d2. O d₁ d₂ Chord 1 Chord 2
Both chords are on the same side of the centre.
Distance = |d₁ − d₂|
Subtract the smaller distance from the larger distance.

Opposite Sides of the Centre

Two parallel chords on opposite sides
Two parallel chords on opposite sides of the centre Two parallel chords intersect the circle at their endpoints and lie on opposite sides of centre O. Their perpendicular distances from O are d1 and d2. O d₁ d₂ Chord 1 Chord 2
The two chords are on opposite sides of the centre.
Distance = d₁ + d₂
Add the two distances because the centre lies between them.
Remember: First find d₁ and d₂. Same side → subtract. Opposite sides → add.

Solved Example: Distance Between Two Parallel Chords

Example Problem
In a circle of radius 5 cm, two parallel chords AB and CD have lengths 6 cm and 8 cm, respectively. If the chords are on the same side of the centre, find the distance between them.

Finding the Distance of the Chords from the Centre

Class 9 Maths Exercise 5.3 parallel chords AB and CD on the same side of centre O with midpoints M and N

How will we find the distance?

First, we find the distance of each chord from the centre.

Since the perpendicular from the centre of a circle to a chord bisects the chord, the perpendiculars drawn to AB and CD meet them at their midpoints M and N.
For the first chord,
AB = 6 cm

Therefore,
AM = ½ AB
= ½ × 6
= 3 cm
Also,
OA = 5 cm
Here,
OM = d₁
In right-angled △OMA, by Pythagoras theorem,
OA² = OM² + AM²
5² = d₁² + 3²
25 = d₁² + 9
d₁² = 25 − 9
d₁² = 16
d₁ = √16 = 4 cm
Now for the second chord,
CD = 8 cm

Therefore,
CN = ½ CD
= ½ × 8
= 4 cm
Also,
OC = 5 cm
Here,
ON = d₂
In right-angled △OCN, by Pythagoras theorem,
OC² = ON² + CN²
5² = d₂² + 4²
25 = d₂² + 16
d₂² = 25 − 16
d₂² = 9
d₂ = √9 = 3 cm
Distance between the two chords
MN = d₁ − d₂
= 4 − 3
= 1 cm

📝 Class 9 Maths Chapter 5 Exercise 5.3 Solutions

Solve all three questions of Class 9 Maths Chapter 5 Exercise 5.3 with clear, step-by-step NCERT Ganita Manjari (2026) solutions. The exercise covers chords, perpendicular bisectors, Theorem 4, Theorem 5, and applications involving parallel chords, with simple CBSE answer-writing and clear reasoning.

📝 Step-by-Step Solutions 🎯 NCERT & CBSE Aligned ⭐ Complete Exercise 5.3
Question 1
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?
✍️ Solution
Given,
CM ⟂ AB
∠CMA = ∠CMB = 90°
CA = CB
(CA and CB are radii of the same circle.)
To prove,
AM = BM
📐 Figure
Circle with centre C, chord AB, midpoint M and perpendicular CM to chord AB
✍️ Proof
Consider the two right-angled triangles △CMA and △CMB.

Since CA and CB are radii of the same circle,
CA = CB
Also, CM is common to both triangles.
CM = CM
And,
∠CMA = ∠CMB = 90°
Therefore,
△CMA ≅ △CMB
by RHS congruence.
Therefore, corresponding sides of congruent triangles are equal by CPCT.
AM = BM
✅ Hence Proved
AM = BM
Question 2
An isosceles triangle ABC is inscribed in a circle, with AB = AC. Show that the altitude drawn from A to BC passes through the centre of the circle.
✍️ Solution
Given,
AB = AC
AD ⟂ BC
O is the centre of the circle.
To prove,
The altitude AD passes through O.
📐 Figure
Class 9 Maths Exercise 5.3 Question 2 isosceles triangle ABC inscribed in a circle with altitude AD and centre O
✍️ Proof
Consider the two right-angled triangles △ABD and △ACD.

Since AB = AC, we have
AB = AC
Also, AD is common to both triangles.
AD = AD
And, since AD ⟂ BC,
∠ADB = ∠ADC = 90°
Therefore,
△ABD ≅ △ACD
by RHS congruence.
Therefore, corresponding sides of congruent triangles are equal by CPCT.
BD = DC
Hence, D is the midpoint of chord BC.
Therefore, AD is the perpendicular bisector of BC.
Now, BC is a chord of the circle and O is its centre. By Theorem 4, the line joining the centre of a circle to the midpoint of a chord is perpendicular to the chord. Therefore,
OD ⟂ BC
But,
AD ⟂ BC
Both AD and OD pass through D. Therefore, AD and OD are the same straight line. Hence, O lies on AD.
✅ Hence Proved
The altitude AD passes through the centre O of the circle.
Question 3
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.
✍️ Solution
Given,
Radius of the circle = 5 cm
Length of first chord = 6 cm
Length of second chord = 8 cm
The two chords are on opposite sides of the centre.
To find,
Distance between the midpoints of the two chords.
📐 Figure
Class 9 Maths Exercise 5.3 Question 3 showing two parallel chords of lengths 6 cm and 8 cm on opposite sides of centre O
✍️ Solution
Let the midpoints of the two chords be M and N, and let O be the centre of the circle.

Since the perpendicular from the centre of a circle to a chord bisects the chord,
AM = ½ × 6 = 3 cm
and
CN = ½ × 8 = 4 cm
In right-angled △OAM,
OA² = OM² + AM²
5² = OM² + 3²
25 = OM² + 9
OM² = 25 − 9
OM² = 16
OM = √16 = 4 cm
In right-angled △OCN,
OC² = ON² + CN²
5² = ON² + 4²
25 = ON² + 16
ON² = 25 − 16
ON² = 9
ON = √9 = 3 cm
✅ Distance between the midpoints
MN = OM + ON
= 4 + 3
= 7 cm
Final Answer: 7 cm

⚡ Quick Revision Dashboard — Exercise 5.3

Midpoints of Chords • Theorem 4 • Theorem 5 • Pythagoras • Parallel Chords

Theorem 4

The line joining the centre of a circle and the midpoint of a chord is perpendicular to the chord.

OM ⟂ AB

Here, M is the midpoint of chord AB.

Theorem 5

The perpendicular from the centre of a circle to a chord bisects the chord.

OM ⟂ AB
⟹ AM = MB

This is the converse of Theorem 4.

🔑 Core Chord–Centre Relationship

If a perpendicular is drawn from the centre to a chord, immediately mark the chord’s two halves equal.

Chord is bisected
AM = MB = ½ AB

📐 Distance of a Chord from Centre

Join the centre to the midpoint of the chord. A right triangle is formed.

r² = d² + (l/2)²
Required Formula
d = √[r² − (l/2)²]

r = radius, l = chord length, d = distance of chord from centre.

📏 Parallel Chords — Distance Rule

Same Side of Centre
Distance = |d₁ − d₂|

Both chords lie on the same side of the centre.

Opposite Sides of Centre
Distance = d₁ + d₂

The centre lies between the two chords.

🧮 Pythagoras — Quick Steps

1. Take half of the chord.

2. Use radius as the hypotenuse.

3. Apply Pythagoras theorem.

r² = d² + (l/2)²
d² = r² − (l/2)²
d = √[r² − (l/2)²]

📝 Exercise 5.3 — What Each Question Tests

1
Understand the converse of Theorem 4 and establish that the perpendicular from the centre bisects the chord.
2
Use congruence and the chord–centre relationship to show that the altitude passes through the centre of the circle.
3
Find the distance between the midpoints of two parallel chords on opposite sides of the centre.

🧠 One-Line Memory Trick

Same side → Subtract.

Opposite sides → Add.

Same Side → |d₁ − d₂|
Opposite Side → d₁ + d₂

✅ Before You Solve — Remember

Centre → perpendicular to chord → midpoint of chord.

Find half the chord first, then use Pythagoras theorem to find its distance from the centre.

Finally, check whether the parallel chords are on the same side or on opposite sides of the centre.

📚 Continue Learning

Congratulations! You have completed Class 9 Maths Chapter 5 Exercise 5.3 Solutions. You have now worked through the third exercise of Chapter 5 – I’m Up and Down, and Round and Round, including perpendicular bisectors of chords and the related theorems.


📖 Explore More Class 9 Maths Chapters

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common student questions about Class 9 Maths Chapter 5 Exercise 5.3 Solutions. These FAQs explain the relationship between the centre of a circle, the midpoint of a chord, perpendicular bisectors, and the theorem-based reasoning used in Exercise Set 5.3.

What is the main focus of Exercise Set 5.3?

Exercise Set 5.3 focuses on the relationship between the centre of a circle and the midpoint of a chord. It uses the result that the line joining the centre of a circle to the midpoint of a chord is perpendicular to the chord, and also the converse result that a perpendicular from the centre to a chord bisects the chord. The exercise then applies these ideas to an isosceles triangle inscribed in a circle and to two parallel chords.

What does Theorem 4 say about the centre and midpoint of a chord?

Theorem 4 states that the line joining the centre of a circle and the midpoint of a chord of the circle is perpendicular to the chord. If AB is a chord, C is the centre and M is the midpoint of AB, then CM ⟂ AB. This result is the starting point for the reasoning used in Exercise Set 5.3.

What is the converse of Theorem 4?

The converse says that a perpendicular from the centre of a circle to a chord bisects the chord. In other words, if a line from the centre meets a chord at a right angle, then it divides that chord into two equal parts. For example, if CM ⟂ AB, where C is the centre and AB is a chord, then AM = BM. This is the key result required in Question 1 of Exercise 5.3.

Why does a perpendicular from the centre bisect a chord?

Suppose AB is a chord and the perpendicular from the centre C meets AB at M. Since CA and CB are radii of the same circle, CA = CB. Also, CM is common and the two angles at M are right angles. Therefore, the two right triangles can be proved congruent. Hence, their corresponding chord segments are equal: AM = BM. Thus, the perpendicular from the centre bisects the chord.

What is asked in Question 2 of Exercise 5.3?

Question 2 considers an isosceles triangle ABC inscribed in a circle, where AB = AC. We have to show that the altitude from A to BC passes through the centre of the circle. The important idea is that the altitude from the vertex of an isosceles triangle also acts as a perpendicular bisector of the base. Since the base BC is a chord of the circle, the result about the perpendicular from the centre to a chord helps establish the required result.

How is Question 3 of Exercise 5.3 solved?

Question 3 gives two parallel chords of lengths 6 cm and 8 cm. They are on opposite sides of the centre of a circle whose radius is 5 cm. For a chord of length 6 cm, its half-length is 3 cm. Using the right triangle formed by the radius and half-chord, the distance of this chord from the centre is √(5² − 3²) = 4 cm. For the chord of length 8 cm, its half-length is 4 cm, so its distance from the centre is √(5² − 4²) = 3 cm. Because the chords lie on opposite sides of the centre, the distance between their midpoints is 4 + 3 = 7 cm. Therefore, the required distance is 7 cm.

Why do we use half of the chord length in Question 3?

The perpendicular from the centre to a chord bisects the chord. Therefore, when the radius is joined to the endpoint of a chord and the perpendicular distance from the centre to the chord is considered, we use half of the chord as one side of the right triangle. For the 6 cm chord: Half of chord = 6 ÷ 2 = 3 cm. For the 8 cm chord: Half of chord = 8 ÷ 2 = 4 cm. These values are then used with the radius of 5 cm.

Are these Class 9 Maths Exercise 5.3 Solutions based on Ganita Manjari 2026?

Yes. This page follows Chapter 5 – I’m Up and Down, and Round and Round from the NCERT Ganita Manjari (2026) textbook and covers Exercise Set 5.3. The page explains the three questions step by step, including the converse of Theorem 4, the isosceles-triangle application, and the calculation involving two parallel chords. These Class 9 Maths Chapter 5 Exercise 5.3 Solutions are presented in a simple, student-friendly format so that students can understand the reasoning instead of only memorising the final answers.

📚 Useful Learning Resources

Continue your preparation with more Class 9 Maths resources from Maths Gurukulam, or visit the official NCERT and CBSE websites for the latest textbooks, syllabus, and academic updates.

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These Class 9 Maths Chapter 5 Exercise 5.2 Solutions are carefully prepared according to the latest NCERT Ganita Manjari (2026) and the CBSE curriculum. The solutions follow a clear, step-by-step approach to help students understand the central-angle and chord relationships, theorem-based reasoning, and problem-solving methods used in Exercise 5.2.

📘 NCERT Ganita Manjari (2026) 🎯 CBSE Aligned 📝 Step-by-Step Solutions 💡 Concept-Based Learning
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