Arcs in a Circle - Examples, Exercises and Solutions

Understanding Arcs in a Circle

Complete explanation with examples

Arcs in a Circle

An arc is a portion of the circumference of a circle, the part that is between 2 2 points on the circle.
The arc is part of the circumference of the circle and does not pass inside the circle.
Arcs are categorized as either major (larger than half the circle) or minor (smaller than half the circle).

Diagram of a circle illustrating key components: a central angle labeled theta, a radius, an arc (green), and a sector (shaded blue). The diagram highlights the relationships between these elements in the context of circles. Featured in a guide on understanding arcs and sectors in a circle.

More relevant components of the circle:

  • Radius: The distance from the center of the circle to any point on the circumference.
  • Diameter: A straight line passing through the center that connects two points on the circumference, equal to twice the radius.
  • Arc: A portion of the circumference.
  • Chord: A line segment connecting two points on the circle.
  • Tangent: A line that touches the circle at exactly one point.

Arc Length - Advanced

The central angle formed by two radii connecting the center to the arc determines its size. The distance along the arc can be calculated using the formula

Length=θ360×2πr \text{Length} = \frac{\theta}{360} \times 2\pi r

θ \theta is the central angle in degrees.

Sector: The area bounded by two radii and the arc, resembling a slice of pie.

Detailed explanation

Practice Arcs in a Circle

Test your knowledge with 6 quizzes

Calculate the length of the arc marked in red given that the circumference is 12.

60°60°60°

Examples with solutions for Arcs in a Circle

Step-by-step solutions included
Exercise #1

In which of the circles is the point marked inside of the circle and not on the circumference?

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's remember that the circular line draws the shape of the circle, and the inner part is called a disk.

Therefore, in diagram B, the point is located in the inner part, meaning inside the disk.

Answer:

Video Solution
Exercise #2

Identify which diagram shows the radius of a circle:

Step-by-Step Solution

Remember that a radius is a line segment connecting the center of a circle to any point on the circle itself.

In drawing C we can see that the line coming from the center of the circle indeed connects to a point on the circle itself, while in the other drawings the lines don't touch any point on the circle.

Therefore, C is the correct drawing.

Answer:

Exercise #3

Identify which diagram shows the radius of a circle:

Step-by-Step Solution

Remember that a radius is a line segment connecting the center of the circle to a point that lies on the circle itself.

In drawing A, the line doesn't touch any point on the circle itself.

In drawing B, the line doesn't pass through the center of the circle.

We can see that in drawing C, the line that extends from the center of the circle is indeed connected to a point on the circle itself.

Answer:

Video Solution
Exercise #4

Where does a point need to be so that its distance from the center of the circle is the shortest?

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's remember that the circle is actually the inner part of the circumference, meaning the enclosed area within the frame of the circumference.

Therefore, a point whose distance is less than the radius from the center of the circle will necessarily be inside the circle.

Answer:

Inside

Exercise #5

A point whose distance from the center of the circle is _______ than the radius, is outside the circle.

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's remember that the circle is actually the inner part of the circumference, meaning the enclosed area within the frame of the circumference.

Therefore, a point whose distance is greater than the center of the circle will necessarily be outside the circle.

Answer:

greater

Continue Your Math Journey

Practice by Question Type