Circular System

The unit of circular system is based on the constant relation that exists between the circumference of a circle and the radius of that circle.

Let us take three concentric circles. From the smallest circle let us cut off an arc AD equal in length to the radius of the circle. O, A and O, D are joined. Then ∠AOD will be an angle at the centre subtended by the arc equal in length to the radius of the circle.

OA and OD are produced to meet other two circles at B, C and E, F respectively. On measurement we will find that BE and CF are equal in length to the radii of the corresponding circles.

So ∠BOE and ∠COF are angles at the centre subtended by arcs equal in length to the respective radii.

Hence we may conclude that an arc of any circle equal in length to the radius of the circle subtends at its centre an angle of constant magnitude.

This angle is taken as the unit of measurement of angles in the circular system.

See the magnitude of an angle of one radian in the figure.

Worked-out Examples on Circular System:

In a triangle the angles are in the ratio 2 : 5 : 3, what is the value of the least angle in radian?

Solution:

Let the angles be 2x, 5x and 3x radians.

Therefore, 2x + 5x + 3x = π

or, x = π/10

The least angle in radian is 2x = 2 · π/10 = π/5

9th Grade Math

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