What is the formula for finding the area of a sector in a circle?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the area of a sector in a circle, given the radius and the central angle. Participants explore different formulas and approaches related to this geometry topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss various formulas for calculating the area of a sector based on the central angle, both in degrees and radians. Questions arise about the correct application of these formulas and the implications of using different units for the angle.

Discussion Status

The conversation includes multiple interpretations of the formulas for sector area, with some participants providing insights into the relationship between the central angle and the area of the sector. There is acknowledgment of different cases depending on whether the angle is in degrees or radians, but no consensus has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working with specific values, such as a radius and an angle of 60 degrees, while also considering the implications of using radians. The discussion reflects an exploration of assumptions regarding the formulas and their applications.

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what is the formula to find a sector in a circle?

so I'm given the radius and the arc of angle 60 degrees. To find the area in that arc, the formula is something along the lines of:

[tex]A=\frac{r^2}{2} * arc[/tex] so...
[tex]A=\frac{r^2}{2} * \frac{\pi}{3}[/tex]

is this right?
 
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The area of a circle is pi r^2, yes? So if you have, say, 30 degrees of central angle, the area will be 30/360 of the area of the total circle. In that case, you'd take (30/360) * pi * r^2.

The sector is just a fraction of the circle, so use a fraction of the area formula.
 
Well, if you're given the radius and the central angle, then the sector area is just:
~in degrees,

[tex]A = \frac{{\pi r^2 \theta}}{{360^\circ }}[/tex]
------------------------------
~but if [tex]\theta[/tex] is in radians, then

[tex]A = \frac{{r^2 \theta }}{2}[/tex]
 
what if the arc was in radians? then would there be pi^2?
 
oh okay bomba, that's what I thought. thanks all
 

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