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Understanding Arc Length and Sector Area

May 14, 2025

Lecture Notes: Arc Length and Sector Area

Arc Length

  • Definition: Arc length (s) is the distance along the arc of a circle, defined by an angle Theta (in radians) and the radius (r).
  • Formula: (s = \Theta \times r)
    • Example 1:
      • Given: (\Theta = 5) radians, (r = 12) T
      • Calculation: (s = 5 \times 12 = 60) fet
    • Example 2:
      • Given: (\Theta = 150°), (r = 8) cm
      • Conversion: Degrees to radians (\Theta = \frac{5\pi}{6})
      • Calculation: (s = \frac{5\pi}{6} \times 8 = \frac{40\pi}{6} = \frac{20\pi}{3} \approx 20.944) cm

Arc Length in Degrees

  • Alternative Formula: (s = \frac{\Theta}{360} \times 2\pi r)
    • Used when (\Theta) is in degrees.

Sector Area

  • Definition: The area of a sector is a portion of the circle's area, defined by angle (\Theta) and radius (r).

  • Formula (Radians): (A = \frac{1}{2} \Theta r^2)

    • Example:
      • Given: (\Theta = 2) radians, (r = 8) cm
      • Calculation: (A = \frac{1}{2} \times 2 \times 8^2 = 64) square cm
  • Formula (Degrees): (A = \frac{\Theta}{360} \times \pi r^2)

    • Example:
      • Given: (\Theta = 90°), (r = 10) cm
      • Calculation: (A = \frac{90}{360} \times 100\pi = 25\pi) square cm

Key Concepts

  • Radian and Degree Conversion:
    • (\Theta) must be in radians for direct formulas with radians; otherwise, convert degrees to radians.
  • Relation of Arc Length and Sector Area:
    • Both use a fraction of the circle as determined by (\Theta).
    • Arc Length: Fraction of the circle's circumference.
    • Sector Area: Fraction of the circle's total area.

Additional Information

  • Trigonometry Course Availability: Online course by the lecturer covers more topics such as angles, unit circle, trigonometric functions, graphing, and identities.
    • Access: Visit emi.com, search for trigonometry course with a black background.
  • Other Topics Covered: Linear and angular speed, right triangle trigonometry, and various trigonometric formulas and identities.