How Do Formulas for Sector Area and Arc Length Relate?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the relationship between the formulas for the area of a sector and arc length in circular geometry. The area of a sector is given by K = (1/2)sr, where "s" is the arc length and "r" is the radius. The arc length formula is s = Θr, with Θ measured in radians. The confusion arises from the alternative area formula A = (Θ/360)πr², which is applicable when Θ is in degrees. Both formulas are equivalent when the appropriate conversion factor is applied, highlighting the importance of unit consistency in geometric calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry concepts, specifically sectors and circles
  • Familiarity with radians and degrees as units of angular measurement
  • Knowledge of the formulas for area and circumference of a circle
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic expressions and understand proportional relationships
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the area of a sector formula from the area of a circle
  • Learn about converting between radians and degrees in trigonometry
  • Explore applications of sector area and arc length in real-world problems
  • Investigate the properties of circles and their relevance in calculus
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Students studying geometry, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of circular measurements and their applications.

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I'm just wondering because I'm really confused right now.

My teacher gave us the formula:

K= \frac{1}{2}sr

for area of a given sector where "s" is the arc length and "r" is the given radius.

the formula for the arc length is:

s=\Theta r

Though, I can't seem to understand how he came up with the formula for the area of the sector, because searching the internet always came with the result that the formula for area of the sector is:

A= \frac{\Theta}{360} \pi r^2

I hope someone can help me. :)
 
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Your first formula is measured in "radians". A full revolution is 2*pi radians.

Your last formula is measured in degrees. A full revolution is 360 degrees.

Multiply your last formula by 1 in a clever way: 1 = (360 degrees)/(2*pi)
 
Oh! So both formulas are actually the same.

The difference is just that I'll use the "right formula" based on the given theta!

Thanks! :)
 
Here's an easy way to think of it. You know that the area of a circle is pi r^2, right? So, think of the circle as a "sector" of angle 360 degrees, or 2pi radians. You need to multiply the angle by whatever factor will give you the result pi r^2. And then that factor is the same for any other angle measured in the same units.
 

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