California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Math Practice Exam

What is defined as a segment that connects two points on a circle and passes through the center?

1. Radius

2. Chord

3. Diameter

4. Arc

The correct answer is: Diameter

The segment that connects two points on a circle and passes through the center is known as the diameter. The diameter is specifically defined as the longest chord in a circle, and because it passes through the center, it divides the circle into two equal halves. This property makes the diameter a key concept in circle geometry, as it provides a direct relationship between the radius and the circumference of the circle. In contrast, a radius connects the center of the circle to any point on its circumference, while a chord connects any two points on the circle's circumference but does not necessarily pass through the center. An arc is a portion of the circumference and does not refer to a straight segment at all. Thus, the diameter's unique characteristics in relation to the circle validate that it is the correct answer.