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Chapter 1: Circular Measure

Form 5 Additional Mathematics Bab 1: Circular Measure

1.1 Radian

In circular measure, angles are measured in radians (rad) alongside degrees ($^\circ$).

Definition of Radian

One radian ($1\text{ rad}$) is defined as the measure of the angle subtended at the centre of a circle by an arc whose length is equal to the radius ($r$) of the circle.

Conversion Between Radians and Degrees

Since a complete revolution around the centre of a circle subtends an angle of $360^\circ$ and corresponds to an arc length of $2\pi r$:

$$2\pi\text{ rad} = 360^\circ \quad \implies \quad \pi\text{ rad} = 180^\circ$$
  • Degrees to Radians: $\theta\text{ (in radians)} = \theta^\circ \times \frac{\pi}{180^\circ}$
  • Radians to Degrees: $\theta^\circ = \theta\text{ (in rad)} \times \frac{180^\circ}{\pi}$

Note: Unless stated otherwise, take $\pi = 3.142$ or use the calculator's exact $\pi$ value.

1.2 Arc Length of a Circle

Formula for Arc Length

When an angle $\theta$ at the centre of a circle of radius $r$ is measured in radians, the arc length $s$ is directly proportional to $\theta$:

$$s = r\theta$$

where:

  • $s$ = length of arc
  • $r$ = radius of the circle
  • $\theta$ = angle subtended at the centre in radians

Perimeter of a Segment of a Circle

A segment is bounded by an arc and a chord. To find the perimeter of a minor segment:

$$\text{Perimeter of segment} = \text{Arc length } (s) + \text{Chord length } (c)$$

Using trigonometry on the isosceles triangle formed by two radii and the chord:

$$\text{Chord length } (c) = 2r \sin\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right)$$ $$\text{Perimeter of segment} = r\theta + 2r \sin\left(\frac{\theta}{2}\right)$$

1.3 Area of Sector of a Circle

Formula for Area of a Sector

When the central angle $\theta$ is measured in radians, the area $A$ of a sector of a circle with radius $r$ is given by:

$$A = \frac{1}{2}r^2\theta$$

Area of a Segment of a Circle

The area of a segment bounded by an arc subtending angle $\theta$ (in radians) and a chord is calculated by subtracting the area of the isosceles triangle from the area of the sector:

$$\text{Area of segment} = \text{Area of sector} - \text{Area of triangle}$$ $$\text{Area of segment} = \frac{1}{2}r^2\theta - \frac{1}{2}r^2\sin\theta = \frac{1}{2}r^2(\theta - \sin\theta)$$

1.4 Application of Circular Measure

Real-world applications often involve combined regions, belts and pulleys, or geometric designs:

  • Total Area of Composite Regions: Sum or difference of various sector and triangle areas.
  • Length of Belts/Chains: Sum of straight tangent segments and circular arc contact lengths.
  • Shaded Regions: Formed by intersecting circles or inscribed shapes inside sectors.
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