Finding the arc length of a sector of a circle

In this publication, we will consider formulas that can be used to calculate the length of the arc of a sector of a circle, as well as analyze examples of solving problems to demonstrate their application in practice.

Content

Determining the Arc of a Sector of a Circle

Arc is the area between two points on the circle.

Long sector of a circle – this is the area between two points on a circle, which are obtained as a result of the intersection of this circle with two radii that form a sector of the circle.

In the picture below: AB is the arc of the green sector of the circle with radius R (or r).

Finding the arc length of a sector of a circle

  • OA = OB = R (r);
  • α – sector angle or central angle.

Formulas for finding the arc length of a sector

Through the central angle in degrees and the radius

Length (L) sector arc equals the number π, multiplied by the radius of the circle (r) times the central angle in degrees (), divided by 180°.

Finding the arc length of a sector of a circle

Note: number is used in calculations π, approximately equal to 3,14.

Through the sector angle in radians and the radius

Length (L) of the arc of the sector is equal to the product of the radius (r) and central angle expressed in radians (aglad).

Finding the arc length of a sector of a circle

Examples of tasks

Task 1

Given a circle with a radius of 15 cm. Find the length of the arc of a sector whose angle is 30°.

Solution

Let’s use the calculation formula, which uses the central angle in degrees:

Finding the arc length of a sector of a circle

Task 2

The arc length of the sector is 24 cm. Find its angle (in radians and degrees) if the radius of the circle is 12 cm.

Solution

First, let’s calculate the angle in radians:

Finding the arc length of a sector of a circle

1 radian ≈ 57,2958°

Therefore, the central angle is approximately 114,59° (2 rad ⋅ 57,2958°).

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