Radians, Arc Length, and Sector Area

Work in radians for IB Maths. Calculate arc lengths and sector areas.

Radians are the standard angle measure in IB Maths. Arc length and sector area formulas are simpler in radians.

Conversions

π\pi rad = 180°. Degrees → radians: × π180\frac{\pi}{180}. Radians → degrees: × 180π\frac{180}{\pi}.

Formulas

  • Arc length: s=rθs = r\theta
  • Sector area: A=12r2θA = \frac{1}{2}r^2\theta
  • Segment area: A=12r2(θsinθ)A = \frac{1}{2}r^2(\theta - \sin\theta)

(θ\theta in radians)

Worked Example

r=10r = 10 cm, θ=π3\theta = \frac{\pi}{3}.

Arc: s=10×π3=10π310.5s = 10 \times \frac{\pi}{3} = \frac{10\pi}{3} \approx 10.5 cm.

Sector: A=12(100)(π3)=50π352.4A = \frac{1}{2}(100)(\frac{\pi}{3}) = \frac{50\pi}{3} \approx 52.4 cm².

Segment: A=12(100)(π3sinπ3)=50(1.0470.866)=9.06A = \frac{1}{2}(100)(\frac{\pi}{3} - \sin\frac{\pi}{3}) = 50(1.047 - 0.866) = 9.06 cm².

Practice Problems

    1. Convert 150° to radians.
    1. Arc length: r=8r = 8, θ=1.2\theta = 1.2 rad.
    1. Segment area: r=6r = 6, θ=π4\theta = \frac{\pi}{4}.

Want to check your answers and get step-by-step solutions?

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store

Key Takeaways

  • s=rθs = r\theta. A=12r2θA = \frac{1}{2}r^2\theta. θ\theta in radians.

  • Segment = Sector − Triangle.

Ready to Ace Your IB maths?

Get instant step-by-step solutions to any problem. Snap a photo and learn with Tutor AI — your personal exam prep companion.

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store