Arc length formula is used to calculate the measure of the distance along the curved line making up the arc (a segment of a circle). In simple words, the distance that runs through the curved line of the circle making up the arc is known as the arc length. It should be noted that the arc length is longer than the straight line distance between its endpoints. Show
Formula to Calculate Arc Length Formulas for Arc LengthThe formula to measure the length of the arc is – Arc Length Formula (if θ is in degrees)s = 2 π r (θ/360°)Arc Length Formula (if θ is in radians)s = ϴ × rArc Length Formula in Integral Forms= \(\begin{array}{l}\int^{b}_a\sqrt{1+(\frac{dy}{dx})^2}dx\end{array} \) Denotations in the Arc Length Formula
Example Questions Using the Formula for Arc LengthQuestion 1: Calculate the length of an arc if the radius of an arc is 8 cm and the central angle is 40°. Solution: Radius, r = 8 cm Central angle, θ = 40° Arc length = 2 π r × (θ/360°) So, s = 2 × π × 8 × (40°/360°) = 5.582 cm Question 2: What is the arc length for a function f(x) = 6 between x = 4 and x = 6? Solution: Since the function is a constant, the differential of it will be 0. So, the arc length will now be- \(\begin{array}{l}s=\int^{6}_4\sqrt{1 + (0)^2}dx\end{array} \) So, arc length (s) = (6 – 4) = 2. Practice Questions Based on Arc Length Formula
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Stay tuned with BYJU’S to get more such mathematics related formulas and their explanations. Also, get various maths lessons, preparation tips, question papers, sample papers, syllabus, and other study materials by registering at BYJU’S. If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website. If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked. By checking this box, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Dummies.com, which may include marketing promotions, news and updates.Sign Up CancelOKA circle is 360° all the way around; therefore, if you divide an arc’s degree measure by 360°, you find the fraction of the circle’s circumference that the arc makes up. Then, if you multiply the length all the way around the circle (the circle’s circumference) by that fraction, you get the length along the arc. So finally, here’s the formula you’ve been waiting for. To find arc length, start by dividing the arc's central angle in degrees by 360. Then, multiply that number by the radius of the circle. Finally, multiply that number by 2 × pi to find the arc length. If you want to learn how to calculate the arc length in radians, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 797,929 times. This arc length calculator is a tool that can calculate the length of an arc and the area of a circle sector. This article explains the arc length formula in detail and provides you with step-by-step instructions on how to find the arc length. You will also learn the equation for sector area. In case you're new to circles, calculating the length and area of sectors could be a little advanced, and you need to start with simpler tools, such as circle length and circumference and area of a circle calculators. Arc length formulaThe length of an arc depends on the radius of a circle and the central angle L / θ = C / 2π As circumference L / θ = 2πr / 2π L / θ = r We find out the arc length formula when multiplying this equation by θ: L = r * θ Hence, the arc length is equal to radius multiplied by the central angle (in radians). Area of a sector of a circleWe can find the area of a sector of a circle in a similar manner. We know that the area of the whole circle is equal to πr². From the proportions, A / θ = πr² / 2π A / θ = r² / 2 The formula for the area of a sector is: A = r² * θ / 2 How to find the length of an arc and sector area: an example
Make sure to check out the equation of a circle calculator, too! FAQHow do you find arc length without the radius?To calculate arc length without radius, you need the central angle and the sector area:
Or the central angle and the chord length:
How do you find arc length using radians?
How do you calculate arc length without the angle?To calculate arc length without the angle, you need the radius and the sector area:
Or you can use the radius and chord length:
Does arc length have to be in radians?Arc length is a measurement of distance, so it cannot be in radians. The central angle, however, does not have to be in radians. It can be in any unit for angles you like, from degrees to arcsecs. Using radians, however, is much easier for calculations regarding arc length, as finding it is as easy as multiplying the angle by the radius. |