Question 41·Medium·Circles
Points , , , and lie in that order on a circle with center . The measures of arcs , , and are , , and , respectively. What is the radian measure of ?
For circle geometry questions with central angles, first identify exactly which arc the angle intercepts by following the order of points around the circle; add the measures of the relevant smaller arcs if the intercepted arc is made of several pieces. Use the key fact that a central angle’s measure (in degrees) equals the measure of its intercepted arc. Once you have the degree measure, convert to radians by multiplying by and simplify the resulting fraction, keeping symbolic rather than converting to a decimal to quickly match the answer choices.
Hints
Relate central angles and arcs
For a central angle (with vertex at the center of the circle), what is the relationship between the angle's measure and the measure of the arc it intercepts?
Determine which arcs make up arc AC
As you travel around the circle in order , which smaller arcs do you pass through when going from to without going past ?
Convert degrees to radians
Once you find the degree measure of arc , remember that to convert degrees to radians you multiply by and then simplify the fraction.
Desmos Guide
Compute the degree measure of arc AC
In a Desmos expression line, type 40 + 70 to confirm that the central angle (which intercepts arc ) has measure degrees.
Convert the degree measure to radians
In a new Desmos line, type (40 + 70)*pi/180 or 110*pi/180. Desmos will show this value in terms of ; match that simplified expression to the correct answer choice.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify which arc angle AOC intercepts
Angle is a central angle (its vertex is at the center ), so its measure equals the measure of the arc it intercepts.
Because the points lie in order , , , around the circle, the arc from to that does not pass through is made of arcs and together. So intercepts arc .
Find the degree measure of arc AC
Add the given arc measures for and :
Since is a central angle intercepting arc , .
Convert the central angle from degrees to radians
Use the conversion formula from degrees to radians:
Substitute :
Now simplify the fraction by dividing numerator and denominator by first, then by :
So the radian measure of is