Circle problem - perimater of a minor sector

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the perimeter of a minor sector of a circle with a radius of 5. The perimeter is expressed in the form Pπ + Q, where participants are tasked with finding the values of P and Q.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need for the central angle to determine P and Q. There is consideration of the definition of perimeter in this context, including both the arc length and the two radii. Some suggest different formulations for P and Q based on the angle measure.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations of the problem being explored. Participants are questioning assumptions about the definitions and relationships between P, Q, and the angle measure. Some guidance has been offered regarding the components of the perimeter.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the specific conditions or constraints on P and Q, particularly whether Q can take on any value. The lack of explicit information about the central angle adds to the complexity of the problem.

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The radius of the circle is 5. The perimeter of the minor sector AOB is [tex]P{\pi} + Q[/tex]. Find P and Q
 
Last edited:
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The circumference of the circle is, of course, [itex]10\pi[/itex]. I don't see any way of determining P and Q without knowing what part of the entire circle AOB is. Are you given the central angle? Surely there must be some conditions on P and Q? If P and Q could be any real numbers, then even if we know exactly what the perimeter is, we could choose one of P and Q to be anything we want and then solve for the other.

I take it by "perimeter" you mean the whole perimeter, both the curved part and the two radii. A plausible answer would be that Q= 10 (the length of the two radii) and P would be [itex]\frac{5\theta}{\pi}[/itex].
 
How about this:

[tex]P \pi +Q=5\theta[/tex]

with theta being the radian measure of the angle (inside the slice of pie):

Thus for "any" Q:

[tex]P=\frac {5\theta-Q}{\pi}[/tex]

Is is really for any Q?
 
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Why "[itex]5\theta[/itex]"?
 
HallsofIvy said:
Why "[itex]5\theta[/itex]"?

Ohhh, they mean the whole perimeter around the slice of pie and not just the arc length. In that case may I suggest:


[tex]P \pi +Q=(5\theta+10)[/tex]
(the arc length +2*radius)

with theta being the radian measure of the angle (inside the slice of pie):

Thus for "any" Q:

[tex]P=\frac {5\theta+10-Q}{\pi}[/tex]
 
Last edited:

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