ASVAB circle and inscribed rectangle area problem

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a geometry problem involving a rectangle inscribed in a circle, specifically focusing on calculating the area of the shaded region outside the rectangle but within the circle. The problem includes dimensions of the rectangle and options for the area of the shaded region.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the area of the circle using the diameter derived from the dimensions of the rectangle and finds the area of the shaded region to be 72.7.
  • Another participant suggests a different interpretation of the dimensions, assuming that side BC is 12 instead of AB.
  • A third participant proposes using coordinate geometry to derive the radius of the circle and subsequently calculates the area of the shaded region as a function of π.
  • There are mentions of notation confusion regarding the representation of the lengths of the sides of the rectangle.
  • One participant expresses a preference for avoiding decimal calculations in the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the rectangle's dimensions and the calculations involved, indicating that multiple competing views remain. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the correct approach or final area.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations depend on assumptions about the dimensions of the rectangle, and there are unresolved questions regarding the notation used for side lengths.

karush
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Rectangle ABCD is inscribed in the circle shown.
If the length of side $\overline{AB}$ is 5 and the length of side $\overline{BC}$ is 12
what is the area of the shaded region?

71.png


$a.\ 40.8\quad b.\ 53.1\quad c\ 72.7\quad d \ 78.5\quad e\ 81.7$

well to start with the common triangle of 12 5 13 gives us the diameter of 13
area of the circle is $\pi \left(\frac{13}{2}\right)^2=132.73$
area of {circle - retangle)=$132.73-60 =72.7$ which is c

typos maybe:unsure:
 
Last edited:
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assuming $\overline{BC} = 12$, not $\overline{AB}$

$\pi \left(\dfrac{d}{2}\right)^2 - |AB| \cdot |BC|$
 
I, because of my "prejudices", would immediately go to coordinate methods. Set up a Cartesian coordinate system with center at the center of the circle and with axes parallel to the sides of the rectangle.

The circle can be written $x^2+ y^2= R^2$. The line AB is x= -6 and CD is x= 6. The line BC is y= 5/2 and the line AD is y= -5/2.

The line y= 5/2 intersects the circle where $x^2+ 25/4= R^2$, so $x^2= R^2- 25/4$- that is at $\left(\sqrt{R^2- 25/4}, 5/2\right)$.
The line x= 6 intersects the circle where $36+ y^2= R^2$, so $y^2= R^2- 36$- that is at $\left(6, \sqrt{R^2- 36}\right)$.

Of course, those refer to the same point so we must have $6= \sqrt{R^2- 25/4}$ and $5/2= \sqrt{R^2- 36}$. The first is equivalent to $36= R^2- 25/4$ and the second to $25/4= R^2- 36$ so both give $R^2= 36+ 25/4= (144+ 25)/4= 169/4$ so $R= \pm\frac{13}{2}$. Since the radius of this circle is a positive number, $R= \frac{13}{2}$.

The circle has radius $\frac{13}{2}$ so area $\frac{169\pi}{4}$. The area of the rectangle is $12(5)= 60$ so the area of the shaded region is $\frac{169\pi}{4}- 60= \frac{169\pi- 240}{4}$.
 
Last edited:
well this would be a lot easier if it wasn't decimal
 
skeeter said:
assuming $\overline{BC} = 12$, not $\overline{AB}$

$\pi \left(\dfrac{d}{2}\right)^2 - |AB| \cdot |BC|$
not sure if I have seen this notation before: |AB| as a distance between?
 
karush said:
not sure if I have seen this notation before: |AB| as a distance between?

yes
 
Jolly Good Mate!
 

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