Did I Calculate the Perimeter of A Sector Correctly?

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In summary, the sector with a radius of 5 inches and an angle of 30° has a perimeter of 12.62 inches. The correct formula to use is $(2 \pi / 360) (30)(5) + (2)(5)$, which converts the angle to radians before computing the perimeter.
  • #1
mathdad
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A sector has the following:

radius = 5 inches

angle = 30°

I was told to use the formula in the picture.

My answer is P = 10.05 inches.

The book's answer is P = 12.62 inches.

Am I using the right formula?

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  • #2
RTCNTC said:
A sector has the following:

radius = 5 inches

angle = 30°

I was told to use the formula in the picture.

My answer is P = 10.05 inches.

The book's answer is P = 12.62 inches.

Am I using the right formula?

It looks like you have performed this computation: $(2 \pi / 360) (30)(2\pi / 360)(5) + (2)(5)$ instead of $(2 \pi / 360) (30)(5) + (2)(5)$

Remember: $\theta$ in degrees is equal to $\theta \cdot \dfrac{2\pi}{360}$ (or simply $\theta \cdot \dfrac{\pi}{180}$) in radians.
 
  • #3
I converted 30° to radians before using the formula. This was my error.

P = (30/360) • (2π)(5) + 2(5)

P = (1/12)((10π) + 10

P = 12.62 inches

I got it.
 

FAQ: Did I Calculate the Perimeter of A Sector Correctly?

What is the formula for finding the perimeter of a sector?

The formula for finding the perimeter of a sector is (arc length/360) * 2 * π * r + 2 * r, where r is the radius of the sector and arc length is the length of the arc.

Can the perimeter of a sector be greater than the circumference of the circle?

Yes, the perimeter of a sector can be greater than the circumference of the circle if the sector has a large central angle (greater than 180 degrees).

Does the angle measure affect the perimeter of a sector?

Yes, the angle measure of a sector affects its perimeter. The larger the central angle, the longer the arc length and therefore, the greater the perimeter of the sector.

Can the perimeter of a sector be negative?

No, the perimeter of a sector cannot be negative. It is always a positive value representing the length of the boundary of the sector.

How is the perimeter of a sector different from the area of a sector?

The perimeter of a sector is the length of the boundary of the sector, while the area of a sector is the measure of the space inside the boundary. The perimeter is measured in units of length, while the area is measured in units squared.

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