Circle – Definition, Parts, FAQs, Practice Problems, Examples

What Is a Circle? 

A circle is a round-shaped figure that has no corners or edges. 

In geometry, a circle can be defined as a closed shape, two-dimensional shape, curved shape.

A few things around us that are circular in shape are a car tire, a wall clock that tells time, and a lollipop. 

Center of a Circle

The center of a circle is the center point in a circle from which all the distances to the points on the circle are equal. This distance is called the radius of the circle.

Here, point P is the center of the circle.

Interior and Exterior of a Circle

Consider the circle with center P and radius r. A circle has an interior and an exterior region.

All those points for which the distance is less than the radius of  a circle lie in the interior of the circle. For example points P, Q, and R lie in the interior of the circle.

All those points for which the distance is greater than the radius of a circle lie in the exterior of the circle. For example points S and T lie on the exterior of the circle.

All those points for which the distance is equal to that of the radius of a circle lie on the circle. For example points U and V lie on the circle.

Semicircle:

Semi means half, so semicircle is half a circle. It is formed by cutting a whole circle along a line segment passing through the center of the circle. This line segment is called the diameter of the circle.

Quarter Circle:

Quarter means one-fourth. So, a quarter circle is a quarter of a circle, formed by splitting a circle into 4 equal parts or a semicircle into 2 equal parts. 

A quarter circle is also called a quadrant. 

Parts of a Circle

The Radius of a Circle:

A radius is a line segment with one endpoint at the center of the circle and the other endpoint on the circle.

Radius = $\frac{Diameter}{2}$

Diameter of a Circle:

A line segment passing through the center of a circle, and having its endpoints on the circle, is called the diameter of the circle.

Diameter = 2 × radius

Circumference:

The circumference of a circle is the distance around a circle. It is the same as the perimeter of other shapes.

Chords of Circles:

A line segment with its endpoints lying on a circle is called the chord of the circle.

The diameter of a circle is its largest chord.

Arc of a Circle:

An arc is a part of the circle, with all its points on the circle. It is a curve that is a part of its circumference.

An arc that connects the endpoints of the diameter has a measure of 180° and it is called a semicircle.

An arc divides the circle into two parts. The smaller part is called the minor arc and the greater part is called the major arc.

The Secant of a Circle:

A secant is a line that intersects a circle at exactly two points.

Tangent of a Circle:

A tangent is a line that intersects a circle at exactly one point.

Segments of a Circle:

A chord of a circle divides the circular region into two parts. Each part is called the segment of the circle.

The segment containing the minor arc is called the minor segment and the segment containing the major arc is called the major segment. 

The Sector of a Circle:

The sector of a circle is a part of the circle that is enclosed by two radii and an arc of the circle as a part of its boundary.

When two radii meet at the center of the circle to form the sector, it actually forms two sectors. A sector of a circle is called the minor sector if the minor arc of the circle is a part of its boundary. A sector is called the major sector if the major arc of the circle is a part of its boundary.

Circle Formulas

Area of a circle:

The area of a circle is the region enclosed inside the circle.

The area of a circle depends on the length of its radius.

Area = $\pi$r$^{2}$

Circumference:

The distance around the circle is the circumference of the circle.

Circumference = 2$\pi$r

The value of $\pi$ = 3.14 or $\frac{22}{7}$

Solved Examples on Circle

Example 1: Match each term with the correct definition.

Solution:

1 – b

2 – d

3 – a

4 – c

Example 2: Use the figure to answer the questions.

1. Which term best describes OE?
2. Name 3 line segments that have the same length.
3. Name the secant.
4. Which two terms can be used to describe AB?

Solution:

1. Radius
2. OA, OB, and OE 
3. PQ
4. Diameter and chord

Example 3: If a circle has a radius of 3 cm, what is the length of its longest chord?

Solution:

The longest chord is the diameter of the circle.

Diameter = 2 × radius = 2 × 3 = 6 cm

Example 4: The minute hand of a circular clock is 21 cm long. How far does the tip move in 1 hour?

Solution:

The distance covered in 1 hour is the circumference of the clock, which is a circle.

Circumference = 2$\pi$r = 2 × $\frac{22}{7}$ × 21 = 132 cm

Practice Problems On Circle

Frequently Asked Questions On Circle