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What is the circumference

What is the circumference-example-1
User Sheralee
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1 Answer

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There are two (equivalent) formulas for the circumference of a circle:

C = 2 pi r, where r is the radius of the circle

C = pi d, where d is the diameter of the circle

In this particular problem, however, we're dealing with arc length. For the shown central angle "theta" = 160 degrees, the arc length is 42 cm.
Knowing this enables us to calculate the radius or diameter of the circle.

Arc length = s = (radius) (central angle, in radians, not degrees)

First, convert 160 degrees to radians: 160 deg pi rad
----------- * ------------ = (8/9) pi rad
1 180 deg

Then 42 cm = r *(8/9) pi rad

Solve for the radius (r): divide 42 cm by (8/9) pi rad

Then use the formula for circumference introduced earlier:

C= 2 pi r Substitute [42 cm / ( (8/9) pi rad )] for r.

Simplify your result, and you will then have the circumference, C, in cm.
User Diasia
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