The distinction between circumference and area lies in the nature of the measurement. Circumference pertains to the total distance around, as seen in a circular track or the distance a car covers in one wheel turn. On the other hand, area relates to the space covered or enclosed, such as the number of tiles on a circular floor or the surface area of oil in a frying pan.
The distance around a circular track.
Circumference
Reasoning: We need to know the total distance around the track, not the area enclosed by it.
The total number of equally-sized tiles that fit on a circular floor.
Area
Reasoning: We need to know how much space the tiles will cover, not the distance around the edge of the floor.
The amount of oil it takes to cover the bottom of a frying pan.
Area
Reasoning: We need to know how much surface area the oil needs to cover, not the distance around the pan.
The distance your car will go with one turn of the wheels.
Circumference
Reasoning: The distance your car travels in one turn is equal to the circumference of the wheel.