MHB How Much Should the Radius Increase to Enlarge the Circle's Area by b Units?

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To determine how much to increase the radius of a circle so that the area increases by b units, the area formula A = πr^2 is essential. The correct approach is to set up the equation π(r + x)^2 = πr^2 + b, where x is the increase in the radius. The solution involves isolating x, leading to the expression x = √((πr^2 + b)/π) - r. It's crucial to ensure that the area and radius dimensions are not confused, as they represent different quantities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of correctly applying mathematical principles to solve the problem.
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The radius of a circle is r units. By how many units should the radius be increased so that the area increases by b units?

The information in this problem tells me that using the area of a circle formula is needed.

A = pi•r^2

I think b should be added to r and squared.

A = pi(r + b)^2

Can someone provide a one or two hints?
 
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RTCNTC said:
The radius of a circle is r units. By how many units should the radius be increased so that the area increases by b units?

The information in this problem tells me that using the area of a circle formula is needed.

A = pi•r^2

I think b should be added to r and squared.

A = pi(r + b)^2

Can someone provide a one or two hints?
You certainly should not add $b$ to $r$, because $b$ is an area and $r$ is a distance. Adding a two-dimensional quantity to a one-dimensional quantity does not make sense.

What you want to know is how much to increase $r$ so that $\pi r^2$ becomes $\pi r^2 + b$. Suppose that $x$ is the amount that has to be added to $r$. Then the equation is $\pi(r+x)^2 = \pi r^2 + b$. So you need to solve that equation for $x$.
 
Opalg said:
You certainly should not add $b$ to $r$, because $b$ is an area and $r$ is a distance. Adding a two-dimensional quantity to a one-dimensional quantity does not make sense.

What you want to know is how much to increase $r$ so that $\pi r^2$ becomes $\pi r^2 + b$. Suppose that $x$ is the amount that has to be added to $r$. Then the equation is $\pi(r+x)^2 = \pi r^2 + b$. So you need to solve that equation for $x$.

I understand what you are saying.

π(r + x)^2 = A + b

π(r + x)^2 = πr^2 + b

(r + x)^2 = (πr^2 + b)/π

sqrt{(r + x)^2} = sqrt{(πr^2 + b)/π}

r + x = sqrt{(πr^2 + b)/π}

x = sqrt{(πr^2 + b)/π} - r

Correct?
 
Last edited:
RTCNTC said:
π(r + x)^2 = A + b

π(r + x)^2 = πr^2 + b

(r + x)^2 = (πr^2 + b)/π

sqrt{(r + x)^2} = sqrt{(πr^2 + b)π}

r + x = sqrt{(πr^2 + b)π}

x = sqrt{(πr^2 + b)π} - r

Correct?
The method is correct, but in the last three lines you should have $(\pi r^2 + b)/\pi$ instead of $(\pi r^2 + b)\pi$.
 
Opalg said:
The method is correct, but in the last three lines you should have $(\pi r^2 + b)/\pi$ instead of $(\pi r^2 + b)\pi$.

I just forgot to include the slash symbol in the last 3 lines. It has now been edited.
 
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