Mathwords: Arc of a Circle

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Arc of a Circle

A F K P U Z

B C D E A connected section of the circumference of a circle. G H I J L M N O Q R S T V W X Y A to Z index

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Arcs are measured in two ways: as the measure of the central angle, or as the length of the arc itself.

Measurement by central angle (degrees)

The red arc (minor arc) measures 120. The blue arc (major arc) measures 240.

Measurement by arc length (radians)

Formula: s = r s = arc length r = radius of the circle = measure of the central angle in radians Red arc: r = 2 and = 2/3, so s = 4/3 Blue arc: r = 2 and = 4/3, so s = 8/3

See also
Arc length of a curve

this page updated 8-dec-10 Mathwords: Terms and Formulas from Algebra I to Calculus written, illustrated, and webmastered by Bruce Simmons

http://www.mathwords.com/a/arc_circle.htm

12/14/2010