A 120-degree sector cut from a circle has area 66/7 square centimetres. Find the radius of the circle.
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A1cm
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B2cm
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C3cm
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D4cm
Answer
Correct Answer: 3cm
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Sector area links a portion of a circle to its radius through the central angle fraction. By equating the given sector area to the fractional part of the full circle area, the radius follows directly.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Sector angle = 120 degrees.
- Sector area = 66/7 cm^2.
- Full circle area = pi * r^2.
Concept / Approach:The sector with central angle theta has area (theta/360) * pi * r^2. With theta = 120, this factor is 120/360 = 1/3. So (1/3) * pi * r^2 = 66/7. Solve for r using a convenient rational value for pi = 22/7 to keep arithmetic clean.
Step-by-Step Solution:
(1/3) * pi * r^2 = 66/7pi * r^2 = 3 * (66/7) = 198/7Using pi = 22/7 gives (22/7) * r^2 = 198/7r^2 = 198 / 22 = 9r = 3 cmVerification / Alternative check:Back-substitute: Full area = pi * r^2 ≈ (22/7) * 9 = 198/7. Sector is one third of that: (1/3) * 198/7 = 66/7 cm^2, matching the given value exactly.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 1cm or 2cm: Lead to sector areas far below 66/7.
- 4cm: Produces a sector area larger than 66/7 with the given angle.
Common Pitfalls:
- Using 120/180 instead of 120/360 for the sector fraction.
- Mixing centimetres and metres; units must remain consistent.
Final Answer:3cm