10/27/2016

Arc Length and Radian Measure

Arc Length and Radian Measure

Topic Index | Algebra2/Trig Index | Regents Exam Prep Center

(The arc length discussed on this page will be in relation to a circle.)

An arc of a circle is a "portion" of the circumference of the circle.

The length of an arc is simply the length of its "portion" of the
circumference. Actually, the circumference itself can be considered an arc
length.

The length of an arc (or arc length) is traditionally symbolized by s.

In the diagram at the right, it can be said that "
Definition: subtend - to be opposite to

subtends angle ".

The radian measure of a central angle of a circle is defined as the ratio of the length
of the arc the angle subtends, s, divided by the radius of the circle, r.

From this definition we can obtain:

RADIANS
Arc length of a circle:

DEGREES
Arc length of a circle:

When working in the unit circle, with radius 1, the length of

the arc equals the radian measure of the angle.

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Arc Length and Radian Measure

A radian is the measure of an angle

that , when drawn as a

central angle, subtends an arc whose length equals the length of the
radius of the circle.

m<COD = 1 radian

Relationship between Degrees and Radians:

When the arc length equals an entire circumference, we can use
This implies that
.
So,

to get

and
To change

To change

from degrees to radians,

from radians to degrees,

multiply by

multiply by

Examples:
1. Convert 50 to radians.
Answer:

2. Convert

to degrees.

Answer:

3. How long is the arc subtended by an angle of

radians on a circle

of radius 20 cm?
Answer:

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Arc Length and Radian Measure

How to use your

TI-83+/84+
graphing calculator
with radians and
degrees.
Click calculator.

Topic Index | Algebra2/Trig Index | Regents Exam Prep Center

Created by Donna Roberts
Copyright 1998-2012 http://regentsprep.org
Oswego City School District Regents Exam Prep Center

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