CIRCULAR MEASUREMENTS

INTRODUCTION

Trigonometry is the branch of mathematics concerned with measurement of the parts, sides,
and angles of a triangle. Plane trigonometry, which is the subject of this chapter, is restricted
to triangles lying in a plane. Trigonometry is based on certain ratios, called trigonometric
functions, with the early applications of the trigonometric functions being in surveying,
navigation, and engineering. These functions also play an important role in the study of all
sorts of vibratory phenomena – sound, light, electricity, etc. Consequently, a considerable
portion of the subject matter is concerned with a study of the properties of and relations among
the trigonometric functions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this chapter, you will be able to:

 Define (explain) radian measure and perform calculations pertaining to circular

measurements.
 Demonstrate basic understanding of trigonometric functions.
 Solve trigonometric equations.
 Sketch graphs of the sine function and demonstrate understanding of simple harmonic
motion.

COMPILED BY T. PAEPAE
3.1 CIRCULAR MEASUREMENTS

Why it is important to understand: Circular Measurements

‘A circle is one of the fundamental shapes of geometry; it consists of all the points that are
equidistant from a central point. Knowledge of calculations involving circles is needed with
crank mechanisms, with determinations of latitude and longitude, with pendulums, and even
in the design of paper clips. The floodlit area at a football ground, the area an automatic garden
sprayer sprays and the angle of lap of a belt drive all rely on calculations involving the arc of
a circle. The ability to handle calculations involving circles and its properties is clearly essential
in several branches of engineering design.’ Bird, J., 2017. Higher engineering mathematics.
Routledge.

SPECIFIC OUTCOMES

On completion of this study unit, you will be able to:

 Define a radian.
 Convert angular measurements in degrees to angular measurements in radians and
vice versa.
 State some properties of a circle – including radius, circumference, diameter, sector,
chord, segment and arc.
 Perform calculations with circle sections, such as segments, sectors, arc lengths, radii,
chords, and angles.

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3.1.1 Measurement of Angles

An angle 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 consists of two rays 𝑅𝑅1 and 𝑅𝑅2 with a common vertex 𝑂𝑂 (Figure 3.1). We often
interpret an angle as a rotation of the ray 𝑅𝑅1 onto 𝑅𝑅2 . If the rotation is counterclockwise, the
angle is considered positive, and if the rotation is clockwise, the angle is considered negative.

Figure 3.1: Measurement of Angles

Angle Measure

The measure of an angle is the amount of rotation about the vertex required to move 𝑅𝑅1 onto
𝑅𝑅2 . Intuitively, this is how much the angle “opens”. One unit of measurement for angles is the
degree, which is used in applications such as navigation and surveying. In calculus and other
branches of mathematics, a more natural method of measuring angles is used: radian
measure; which is a scientific unit based on certain properties of a circle. The advantage of
measuring in radians is that in calculus and most other branches of mathematics beyond
practical geometry, angles are universally measured in radians.

3.1.2 Radian and Degree Measure

Definition of a Radian

Consider a circle indicated in the diagram below. One radian is defined as the central angle
𝜃𝜃 subtended from the center of a circle that intercepts an arc 𝑠𝑠 equal in length to the radius of
that circle. In other words, if an arc of a circle is drawn such that the radius is the same length
as the arc, the angle created is 1 radian (as shown below). A central angle is an angle formed
at the center of a circle by two radii.

𝑠𝑠 = 𝑟𝑟
𝑟𝑟
𝜃𝜃 = 1 radian
𝜃𝜃
𝑂𝑂 𝑟𝑟

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Relating Arc Lengths to Radius

Just as the full circumference of a circle always has a constant ratio to the radius, the
magnitude in radians of a subtended angle is generally equal to the ratio of the arc length to
the radius of the circle; that is, 𝜃𝜃 = 𝑠𝑠/𝑟𝑟, where 𝜃𝜃 is the subtended angle in radians, 𝑠𝑠 is arc
length, 𝑟𝑟 is radius, and the ratio 𝑠𝑠/𝑟𝑟 is called the radian measure. Conversely, the length of
the intercepted arc is equal to the radius multiplied by the magnitude of the angle in radians;
that is, 𝑠𝑠 = 𝑟𝑟𝜃𝜃. As the ratio of two lengths, the radian is a dimensionless number. As a result,
in mathematical writing, the symbol "rad" is almost always omitted. When quantifying an angle
in the absence of any symbol, radians are assumed, and when degrees are meant, the degree
sign (°) is used.

Converting Between Radians and Degrees

Because degrees and radians both measure angles, we need to be able to convert between
them. Since the circumference of a circle is 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 units, it follows that a central angle of one full
revolution (counterclockwise) corresponds to an arc length of
s = 2π r
Therefore, one revolution around a circle of radius 𝑟𝑟 corresponds to an angle of 2𝜋𝜋 radians
because
s 2π r
θ= = = 2π radians
r r
Radian measure is better understood when compared to degrees, and the following is a
comparison. Since a complete revolution measured in degrees is 360° and measured in
radians is 2𝜋𝜋, we get the following simple relationship between these two methods of angle
measurement.
360 ° = 2π and 180 ° = π

From the latter equation, we obtain:

°
π  180 
1° = and 1 rad =  
180  π 
which lead to the following rules:

π
To convert degree to radians, multiply degrees by
180 °
180 °
To convert from radians to degrees, multiply radians by
π

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Example 3.1 Converting Between Radians and Degrees

1. Express 60 ° in radians
Solution:
π π
60 ° × °
=
180 3

π
2. Express rad in degrees
6
Solution:

π 180 °
× = 30 °
6 π

3.1.3 Length of a Circular Arc

The radian measure formula, θ = s r , can be used to measure arc length along a circle. For

a circle of radius r , a central angle θ intercepts an arc of length s given by

s = rθ
where θ is measured in radians.

Example 3.2 Arc Length and Angle Measure

1. Find the length of an arc of a circle with radius 10 cm that subtends a central angle of
135°. Notice that we could have said the diameter is 20 cm or the circumference is 20𝜋𝜋.
Solution:
To use the formula s = rθ , first convert 135 ° to radian measure.
π 3
135 ° × = π °
180 4
Then, using a radius of 𝑟𝑟 = 10 cm, you can find the arc length to be:

 3  15
s = rθ = 10  π  = π ≈ 23,562 cm
4  2

2. A central angle θ in a circle of radius 4 m is subtended by an arc of length 6 m. Find the

measure of θ in radians.
Solution:
s 6 3
θ= = =
r 4 2

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3.1.4 The Circle and its Properties

A circle is a plain figure enclosed by a curved line, every point on which is equidistant from a
point within, called the centre.

3.1.4.1 Definitions and Basic Concepts

Radius: The distance from the centre of the circle to the curve.

Circumference: The boundary of a circle.

Diameter: Any straight line passing through the centre and touching the circumference at
each end. Thus, d = 2r .
circumference
The ratio =π
diameter
Hence, c / d = π or c =π d or c = 2π r

Semicircle: One half of the whole circle.

Chord: The straight line which joins any two points on the circumference.

Segment: The name given to the parts into which a circle is divided by a chord. If the segment
is less than a semicircle, it is called a minor segment. If the segment is greater than a
semicircle, it is called a major segment.

Arc: The length of the curve between two points on the circumference.

Sector: The part of a circle bounded by 2 radii and the arc of a circle. If a sector is less than
a semicircle, it is called a minor sector. If greater than a semicircle, it is called a major sector.

Central angle: The angle subtended to the centre of a circle by a given arc.

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3.1.4.2 Calculations of Circle Sections

Consider the circle below. O is the centre of the circle and AB is the chord subtending angle
θ at the centre of the circle, h is the height of the segment, r is the radius of the circle and
l = length of chord AB . Then:

 Area of circle: A = π r 2

 Circumference (or perimeter) of circle: c = 2π r

 Arc length ACB : s = rθ ( θ in radians)

 Area of Sector AOBC :

In addition to arc length, we can also use angles to find the area of a sector of a circle.
A sector is a region of a circle bounded by two radii and the intercepted arc, like a slice
of pizza or pie. Recall that the area of a circle with radius r can be found using the
formula A = π r 2 . If the two radii form an angle of θ , measured in radians, then θ 2π
is the ratio of the angle measure to the measure of a full rotation and is also, therefore,
the ratio of the area of the sector to the area of the circle. Thus, the area of a sector
is the fraction θ 2π multiplied by the entire area. (Always remember that this formula

only applies if θ is in radians.)

θ
A= × area of circle
2π
θ
= × (π r 2 )
2π
1 2
= r θ ( θ in radians)
2

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 1 2
 Area of ∆AOB : A = r sin θ (two sides and an included angle)
2

 Area of Segment ABC :

Area of segment ABC = Area of sector AOBC − Area of ∆ AOB

1 2 1
= r θ − r 2 sin θ
2 2

r (θ − sin θ )
1 2
= ( θ in radians)
2

 Given the length (l ) of the chord and the height of a segment (h ) . The radius r can
also be calculated by bisecting the chord AB, and use Pythagoras theorem in the
resultant triangle:
2
l
r 2 =   + (r − h )
2

2
2
l
r =   + r 2 − 2rh + h 2
2

2
2
l
2rh =   + h 2
2
2
l
  +h
2

r= 
2
2h

Note: In assessments, if only a sector; segment; or arc is mentioned, it means the minor
sector; minor segment; or minor arc.

Example 3.5 Calculations of Circle Sections

1. If the angle subtended at the centre of a circle of diameter 82 mm is 1.46 rad, find the
lengths of the (1.1) minor arc, and (1.2) major arc.
Solution:
82
If diameter d = 82 mm, radius r = = 41 mm
2
1.1 Minor arc length, s = rθ = (41)(1,46 ) = 59,86 mm
1.2 Major arc length = circumference − minor arc
= 2π (41) − 59,86 = 257,611 − 59,86 = 197,751 mm

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2. A circle has a central angle of 83° and subtends a chord AB of 20 cm. Calculate the
unshaded area.

Solution:
π
θ = 83° × = 1,4486
180 °
θ  O  1,4486  10
sin   = ⇒ sin  = ⇒ r = 15,0916 cm
2 H  2  r
Unshaded area = area of circle − area of minor segment

= π r 2 − r 2 (θ − sin θ )
1
2
 
= r 2 π − (θ − sin θ )
1
 2 
2 
= (15,0916 ) π − (1,4486 − sin 1,4486 )
1
 2 
= 663,581 cm2

3. The height of the shaded area is 2 cm and the chord length is 10 cm.

h
K M

θ
O

3.1 Calculate the length of radius.

Solution:
2 2
l  10 
  +h   + (2)
2 2

r=  r= 
2 2
⇒ = 7,25 cm
2h 2 ( 2)

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3.2 Find the size of ∠KOM in radians.

Solution:

θ  O θ  5
sin   = ⇒ sin   = ⇒ θ = 1,522
2 H  2  7,25

3.3 Calculate the shaded area.

Solution:

r (θ − sin θ )
1 2
A=
2
= (7,25) (1,522 − sin 1,522 )
1 2

2
= 13,751 cm2

3.4 Find the sector area.

Solution:

1 2
A= r θ
2

=
1
(7,25)2 × 1,522 = 40 cm2
2

3.5 Find the perimeter of the shaded area.

Solution:

P = s+l
= rθ + 10
= (7,25 × 1,522 ) + 10 = 21,035 cm

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 ACTIVITY 1

1. Convert the following angles to radian measure:

1.1 45 ° [0,785]
1.2 − 60 ° [− 1,047]
2. Convert the following angles to degrees:
2.1 1,4 [80,214 ]°

2.2
2
3
π [120 ]
°

3. The arc of circle with diameter 20 cm subtends an angle 45 ° . Determine the total
perimeter and the area of the sector formed. [𝑃𝑃 = 27,85] ; [𝐴𝐴 = 39,27]

4. The area of a circle sector is 2,88 m2 and its arc length is 3,33 m. Determine its radius
and the angle subtended at the centre of the circle. [𝑟𝑟 = 1,73]m ; [𝜃𝜃 = 1,925]

5. The perimeter of a circle is 150 mm. Find its area. [1790]mm2

6. If the area of a circle segment is 500 m2 and the angle subtended at the centre of the
circle is 144 ° , calculate the radius of the circle [22,789]m

7. Find the diameter of a circle whose perimeter is 149,8 cm [47,683]cm

8. Find the length of an arc of a circle of radius 8,32 cm when the angle subtended at the
centre is 2,14 radians. Also calculate the area of the sector formed.
[s = 17,805 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 ; A = 74,067 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐2 ]

9. The arc of a circle with a radius of 3 cm subtends a central angle of 600. Determine the
perimeter of the minor sector and area of the major sector.
[P = 9,142 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐 ; A = 23,562 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐2 ]

10. If the angle subtended at the centre of a circle of diameter 82 mm is 1.46 rad, find the
lengths of the (a) minor arc, and (b) major arc.
�s𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 59,86 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 ; s𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 197,751 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚�

10
11. A segment of a circle has a base (chord AB) of length 120 mm and a height of 25 mm.
Calculate the area of the shaded segment and the length of the major arc.
�A = 2067,815mm2 ; Smajor = 397,49mm�

12. A circle has a central angle of 1,45 rad and subtends a chord AB of 20 cm. Calculate the
unshaded area. [ 662,412]cm2

13. With reference to the shape below, determine (a) the perimeter, and (b) the area.
[P = 105,982 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐, A = 783,876 𝑐𝑐𝑚𝑚2 ]

14. Find the area of the shaded portion of the shape below. [21,46]m2

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15. The following diagram shows a sector of a circle of radius r cm, and angle θ at the
centre. The perimeter of the sector is 20 cm.

20 − 2r
15.1 Show that θ = .
r
15.2 The area of the circle sector is 25 cm2. Find the value of r . [r = 5]cm

16. In the diagram below, the circle circumscribes triangle ABC, and the triangle is
equilateral. The circumference of the circle is 24 cm. Calculate the area of the shaded
part. [27,91]cm2

17. Two circles of radius 5 m and 4 m respectively intersect at two points A and B as shown
in the figure below. The distance between A and B is 6 m. Calculate the shaded area.
[9,719]m2

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18. In the diagram below, the circumference is 20 cm, and the area of the shaded sector is
6 cm2. Calculate the length of the major arc AB. [16,2]cm

O 𝛼𝛼

19. In the diagram, AB = 14 cm in length and h = 2,7 cm. Calculate the shaded area.
[25,79]cm2
h A

20. Two concentric circles with radii 10 and 5 cm respectively are given. If the length of arc
AB is 15 cm. Calculate area of the shaded part. [56,25]cm2

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21. The diagram below shows two circles which have the same centre O and radii 16 cm

and 10 cm respectively. The two arcs AB and CD have the same sector angle θ = 85 .


Calculate the area of the shaded region. [115,715]cm2

22. The diagram below shows, A and B are the centres of two circles, each with radius 6
cm.

Calculate the area of the shaded region. [137,752]cm2

°
23. A 50 tapered hole is checked with a 40 mm diameter ball as shown below.

Determine the length shown as x . [7,734]mm

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