Find angles when circumference is divided into 5 unequal parts

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The problem presented involves dividing the circumference of a circle into five unequal parts that are in Arithmetic Progression (A.P.), with the largest part being six times the smallest. The angles subtended at the center of the circle are calculated to be $$\frac{4\pi}{35}, \frac{9\pi}{35}, \frac{14\pi}{35}, \frac{19\pi}{35}, \frac{24\pi}{35}$$ radians. Understanding A.P. is crucial, as it defines the relationship between the parts. The clarification provided in the discussion highlights the significance of recognizing A.P. in solving such geometric problems.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Arithmetic Progression (A.P.)
  • Basic knowledge of circle geometry
  • Familiarity with radians and angle measurement
  • Ability to solve algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Arithmetic Progression in depth
  • Learn how to convert between degrees and radians
  • Explore geometric problems involving circles and angles
  • Practice solving problems related to circle circumference and segment division
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in geometric problem-solving, particularly those focusing on circle geometry and sequences.

Ragnarok7
Messages
50
Reaction score
0
Hello, I am using a very old textbook from 1895, Loney's Trigonometry, which poses the following problem:

If the circumference of a circle be divided into 5 parts, which are in A.P., and if the greatest part be 6 times the least, find in radians the magnitudes of the angles that the parts subtend at the centre of the circle.

The answers are given as $$\frac{4\pi}{35},\frac{9\pi}{35},\frac{14\pi}{35}, \frac{19\pi}{35},\frac{24\pi}{35}$$ radians.

The trouble is that I have no idea what is meant by "5 parts, which are in A.P.". There is no diagram and the only reference to points A and P I can find is in a much earlier diagram, where AP is an arc subtending an angle of one radian. Does anyone have any ideas, based on the specifications of the problem? Thank you!
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
Ragnarok said:
Hello, I am using a very old textbook from 1895, Loney's Trigonometry, which poses the following problem:

If the circumference of a circle be divided into 5 parts, which are in A.P., and if the greatest part be 6 times the least, find in radians the magnitudes of the angles that the parts subtend at the centre of the circle.

The answers are given as $$\frac{4\pi}{35},\frac{9\pi}{35},\frac{14\pi}{35}, \frac{19\pi}{35},\frac{24\pi}{35}$$ radians.

The trouble is that I have no idea what is meant by "5 parts, which are in A.P.". There is no diagram and the only reference to points A and P I can find is in a much earlier diagram, where AP is an arc subtending an angle of one radian. Does anyone have any ideas, based on the specifications of the problem? Thank you!

A.P. means Arithmetic Progression. In other words, each piece differs from the previous one by a constant amount.
 
Ah, thank you so much! I couldn't imagine what it meant, though it's quite clear now.
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
10K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K