Circle – radius reduced by half:\nIf the radius of a circle is decreased by 50%, what is the percentage decrease in its area?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 75%

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Area of a circle depends on the square of the radius. A percentage change in radius does not translate linearly to area.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Original radius = r.
  • New radius = 0.5*r.


Concept / Approach:
Area ∝ r^2. New area = (0.5)^2 times old area = 0.25 of original. Decrease = 75%.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Original area = πr^2.New area = π(0.5r)^2 = 0.25πr^2.Decrease = (1 − 0.25)*100% = 75%.


Verification / Alternative check:
Pick r = 10 → original area 100π; new radius 5 → new area 25π. Drop = 75π → 75%.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
65%, 35%, 25% are linear-style misreads; area scales quadratically, not linearly.


Common Pitfalls:
Applying 50% directly to area instead of squaring the radius factor.


Final Answer:
75%

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