Expressing area as a function of circumference

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around expressing area as a function of circumference, specifically how to derive A(c) from given formulas for area A(r) and circumference C. The user initially struggles with algebraic simplification, particularly in manipulating the expression A(c) = pi[c/(2pi)]^2. Clarifications provided emphasize the importance of correctly squaring the fractions and simplifying the resulting expression. Ultimately, the user realizes that proper multiplication and simplification lead to the correct form A(c) = C^2/4pi, resolving their confusion. The conversation highlights the significance of careful algebraic manipulation in mathematical expressions.
Fractal314
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I don't feel the formatting is right for this question because it's not a problem, it's just algebra I'm not getting.

A(r)= (pi)(r)^2
C= 2(pi)r

r= C/(2pi)

therefore,

A(c)= pi[c/(2pi)]^2

but I don't understand how this is supposed to equal A(c)= C^2/4pi

my attempt:
A(c)= pi(c/2pi)(c/2pi)
= pi(c^2/4pi)
= c^2pi/4pi

What am I doing wrong?
 
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You are mostly having trouble with the formatting. Your work up to the function, A(c) looks good. Why are you confused? You are simply forgetting some simple algebra, that's all.

This, "A(c)= pi[c/(2pi)]^2", is good. You only want to simplify it. Instead of struggling only with simple text in the message body, use of the advanced formatting available on the physicsforums let's us display that as:
A(c) = \pi(\frac{c}{2\pi})2
Start from there to simplify.

EDIT: Please excuse the poor arrangment on the parentheses, since I intended them to reach further vertically to enclose the entire rational part of the expression. also, the first pi factor is NOT intended to be superscripted although it is displayed unfortunately in such a superscripted location.
 
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Here's what I did.

A(c) = pi(c/2pi)^2

now I have to square the brackets first, right?

therefore, pi(c/2pi)(c/2pi) Is this not what I have to do?

and then I can multiply the extra pi in there. So I am still confused. I still end up with

A(c)= pi(c^2/4pi)
 
Multiplying by pi will eliminate one pi in the denominator.
 
What do you mean?

if
A(c)= pi(c/2pi)(c/2pi)

then I get pi[c*c/2(2pi)] do I not? Because I have to multiply the two brackets. Then I multiply the pi and end up not getting c^2/4pi.

I am still confused as to what I am doing wrong.
 
When you multiply (\frac{c}{{2\pi }}) \cdot (\frac{c}{{2\pi }}), you get \frac{{c^2 }}{{2^2 \pi ^2 }}. Multiplying by \pi eliminates 1 \pi in the denominator.
 
Thanks for your help Pengwuino and Symboli, I get it now... and I feel like an idiot.:redface:
 
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