Difference between Orthocenter and Circumcentre

The Orthocenter and Circumcentre are two important points in a triangle with distinct properties and uses.

The main difference between Orthocenter and Circumcentre is that the Orthocenter is the point where all the altitudes of a triangle intersect, while the Circumcentre is the point where all the perpendicular bisectors of the sides of a triangle meet.

Before we move to the differences, let’s understand what are Orthocenter and Circumcentre:

  • Orthocenter: The orthocenter of a triangle is the point where the three altitudes of the triangle intersect. An altitude is a line segment that passes through a vertex of the triangle and is perpendicular to the opposite side.
  • Circumcentre: The circumcenter of a triangle is the point where the perpendicular bisectors of the sides of the triangle intersect. A perpendicular bisector is a line segment that passes through the midpoint of a side of the triangle and is perpendicular to that side. The circumcenter is always located inside or on the triangle.

Orthocenter vs Circumcentre

Now, let’s move to Orthocenter vs Circumcentre:

Major differences between Orthocenter and Circumcentre

Orthocenter Circumcentre
Orthocenter is the point where the three altitudes of a triangle intersect. Circumcenter is the point where the perpendicular bisectors of the sides of a triangle intersect.
Orthocenter may lie inside, outside, or on the triangle. Circumcenter is always located inside or on the triangle.
Orthocenter is important for determining the height and steepness of a triangle. Circumcenter is important for determining the symmetry and balance of a triangle.
Orthocenter can lie outside the triangle only for obtuse triangles. Circumcenter always lies inside the triangle for all types of triangles.
The orthocenter is not necessarily equidistant from the vertices of the triangle. The circumcenter is equidistant from the vertices of the triangle.

 

That’s it.

Note that sometimes, the question might also be asked as “distinguish between Orthocenter and Circumcentre”.

Also see:

Final words

Understanding these differences can help you better grasp the intricate geometry of triangles and their unique characteristics.

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