Question about circle arc length formula

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The formula for the length of an arc that subtends a central angle is correctly expressed as L = (A/360) * C, where L is the arc length, A is the central angle in degrees, and C is the circumference of the circle. This relationship holds true as the arc length is directly proportional to the central angle. Testing the formula with central angles of 360°, 180°, and 90° confirms its validity, reinforcing the intuitive understanding that the arc length increases with the angle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry concepts
  • Familiarity with the properties of circles
  • Knowledge of circumference calculation
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic formulas
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the arc length formula in circle geometry
  • Explore the relationship between central angles and arc lengths in different contexts
  • Learn about the applications of arc length in real-world scenarios
  • Investigate the implications of radians versus degrees in angular measurements
USEFUL FOR

Students of geometry, mathematics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the properties of circles and arc lengths.

shadowboy13
Messages
20
Reaction score
0
Now i haven't checked yet whether or not this is correct, but the formula for the length of an arc that subtends a central angle can also be expressed this way: AC/360

Where:
A: Central Angle
C: Circumference

Is this correct?

Thank you for your help.
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
shadowboy13 said:
Now i haven't checked yet whether or not this is correct, but the formula for the length of an arc that subtends a central angle can also be expressed this way: AC/360

Where:
A: Central Angle
C: Circumference

Is this correct?

Thank you for your help.

Well you tell me. Does the formula match up with what you'd expect if the central angle A = 360o? 180o? 90o? If it doesn't work for one of these values, then it can't be correct, but if it does work for all, then it's pretty good evidence that it could be correct if you also couple it with some simple logic. In other words, is this what you'd expect the arc length to be intuitively?
 
Essentially what you are trying to say is that the length of a segment of a circle of given radius is proportional to the central angle. Yes, that's true.
 

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
8K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K