Unit 9 · Circles

9.8Arc Length and Sector Area

Quick Answer

Arc length = (central angle / 360°) × 2πr. Sector area = (central angle / 360°) × πr². Both formulas use the fraction of the full circle represented by the central angle.

Essential Question

How do arc length and sector area each represent a proportional fraction of the full circle's circumference and area?

Learning Goals

  • 1Derive the arc length formula from the circumference formula.
  • 2Calculate arc length given radius and central angle.
  • 3Derive the sector area formula from the circle area formula.
  • 4Calculate sector area given radius and central angle.
  • 5Solve problems involving arc length and sector area in context.

Key Vocabulary

Arc length

The distance along an arc; arc length = (θ/360°) × 2πr.

Sector

A region bounded by two radii and their intercepted arc.

Sector area

The area of a sector; sector area = (θ/360°) × πr².

Full lesson content coming soon

Worked examples, guided practice problems, a workbook, quiz, and downloadable PDF resources will be added to this lesson in Phase 2. The learning goals and vocabulary above reflect the complete lesson scope.