Radian measure
Use the chosen central angle in radians
- Conversion Degrees × π/180 gives radians; radians × 180/π gives degrees
- Arc length l=rθ, with θ in radians and matching length units
- Major arc For minor angle θ, the complementary major angle is 2π−θ
Worked example
A circle has radius 10 cm. The minor central angle is 72°. Find the major arc length
- \(\displaystyle \theta_{\rm major}=2\pi-\frac{2\pi}{5}=\frac{8\pi}{5}\)Select the major arc before multiplying
- \(\displaystyle l=10\times\frac{8\pi}{5}=16\pi\,\mathrm{cm}\)Keep the answer exact
Common mistakes
Difficulty levels
Questions about this topic
Must a radian angle contain π?+
No. For example, 5/2 radians is an exact radian angle
Can I use a calculator?+
A calculator is allowed unless a question is marked no calculator
Which year level and chapter is this?+
Year 11, VCE Units 1 & 2, Specialist Mathematics, chapter 7: Trigonometry and transformations