Question

lin measured the diameter of a circle in two different directions. Measuring vertically, she got 3.5 cm, and measuring horizontally, she got 3.6 cm. Explain sone possible reasons why these measurements differ.

Answer 1

Diameter of circle while measuring vertically=3.5 cm

Diameter of circle while measuring Horizontally=3.6 cm

As you have not written by which instrument from geometry box you have measured the length of diameter.

1. By Scale i.e ruler 2. By Divider Or 3. By mere Observation i.e by comparing length

1.If you have done measurement by simply observation there are maximum possibility of having error.

2. Then if you have measured these lengths by scale or ruler there is very less chances of getting error in measurement of length because sometimes divison in scale varies i.e if a point lies between 4.5 to 4.6 we can't say exactly whether it is 4.5 or 4.6.

3. So it is better to compare line segments by Divider.There is no chances of getting error.

Most probably you have measured Diameter by ruler, Due to that you have faced the problem.

Answer 2

The possible reasons are shown below:

• The shape is not a perfect circle as it is difficult to draw a perfect circle.
• Measurements could be rounded, not exact.
• It may be possible that the thickness of the circle affected the measurement.
• The length of vertical measurement is small, so may be she did't measure across the widest part when she is measuring vertically.

Explanation:

Consider the provided information.

lin measured the diameter of a circle in two different directions. Measuring vertically, she got 3.5 cm, and measuring horizontally, she got 3.6 cm.

The diameters of a circle should have the same length, If the length are not same then the reasons can be:

• The shape is not a perfect circle as it is difficult to draw a perfect circle.
• Measurements could be rounded, not exact.
• It may be possible that the thickness of the circle affected the measurement.
• The length of vertical measurement is small, so may be she did't measure across the widest part when she is measuring vertically.