Proving area theorem within semi-circle

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    Area Theorem
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving an area theorem related to a segment within a semi-circle, focusing on the calculation of areas of sectors and triangles formed by angles in both radians and degrees. Participants explore mathematical reasoning and identities relevant to the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose using the formula for the area of a segment based on the angle to find the area of segment $POC$.
  • One participant calculates the area of sector $POB$ as $A_1=\frac{1}{2}r^2\theta$ and suggests finding the shaded area $A_2$ by subtracting the area of triangle $POA$ from the area of sector $POA$.
  • There is a discussion about the angle $POA$ being $\pi - \theta$, with a participant noting the need to convert it into degrees to find the area of the triangle.
  • Another participant mentions the area of the triangle as $\frac{1}{2}r^2\sin(\pi-\theta)$ and asks for an identity to simplify this expression.
  • Some participants express confusion about using radians versus degrees, particularly regarding the sine function for the angle $\pi - \theta$.
  • One participant suggests using the angle-difference identity or the identity $\sin(\pi-\theta)=\sin(\theta)$ to simplify the sine function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the conversion between radians and degrees, as well as the application of trigonometric identities. No consensus is reached on the best approach to simplify the sine function or the overall area calculation.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the mathematical steps necessary for calculating the areas, particularly regarding the use of angles in different units and the application of trigonometric identities.

Milly
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The question is attached in the attachment below.

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Milly said:
The question is attached in the attachment below.

Hi Milly! Welcome to MHB! :)

The area of a full circle is $\pi^{} r^2$.
If we take a segment out of it with angle $\theta$, its area is:
$$\text{Area of segment with angle }\theta = \pi^{} r^2 \cdot \frac \theta {2\pi} = \frac 1 2 r^2 \theta^{}$$

Can you find the area of the segment $POC$ using this formula?
And how about the area of the shaded area between $P$ and $A$?
 
The area $A_1$ of the sector $POB$ is:

$$A_1=\frac{1}{2}r^2\theta$$

Now, the shaded area $A_2$ will be the area of sector $POA$ minus the area of triangle $POA$.

Can you use the formula for the area of a sector and the area of a triangle (where 2 sides are known along with the angle subtended by those two sides) to give an expression for $A_2$?
 
But the angel POA is pi - theta which i have to then convert into degree to find area of triangle.
 
Milly said:
But the angel POA is pi - theta which i have to then convert into degree to find area of triangle.

The area of the triangle is:

$$\frac{1}{2}r^2\sin(\pi-\theta)$$

Can you think of an identity for the sine function to simplify this?
 
I thought for sin (pi - theta) the angle should be in degrees but the angle given is in radians.
 
Milly said:
I thought for sin (pi - theta) the angle should be in degrees but the angle given is in radians.

If the angle $\theta$ is in radians, then we use for the supplementary angle $$\pi-\theta$$.
 
Ya but I don't know how to separate the ($/pi$−θ) in sin function
 
Last edited:
Milly said:
Ya but I don't know how to separate the ($/pi$−θ) in sin function

You could use the angle-difference identity, or simply use the identity:

$$\sin(\pi-\theta)=\sin(\theta)$$

Think of the unit circle...we have one point at (1,0) and one point at (-1,0). Now these two points begin moving along the top half of the circle at the same speed, towards one another...do you see that their $y$-coordinates will always be the same?
 

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