Cyclic quadrilateral with equal opposite angles (rectangle case):\nA quadrilateral inscribed in a circle has equal opposite angles (hence it is a rectangle). If its adjacent sides are 6 cm and 8 cm, find the area of the circumcircle.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 25π sq cm

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In a cyclic quadrilateral, equal opposite angles imply each is 90°, i.e., the figure is a rectangle. The circle circumscribing a rectangle has diameter equal to the rectangle’s diagonal.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Rectangle sides: 6 cm and 8 cm.
  • Diagonal d = √(6^2 + 8^2) = 10 cm.
  • Circumcircle diameter = diagonal; hence radius r = d/2 = 5 cm.


Concept / Approach:
Area of the circle = πr^2 = π * 25 = 25π sq cm.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Compute diagonal by Pythagoras: 10 cm.Radius r = 5 cm → Area = 25π sq cm.


Verification / Alternative check:
The rectangle’s vertices lie on a circle with diameter equal to the diagonal; this is a standard property of right angles in semicircles.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
64π, 36π, 49π, 50π do not equal π * 5^2.


Common Pitfalls:
Taking side as diameter or forgetting that the rectangle’s circumcircle radius depends on the diagonal, not any single side.


Final Answer:
25π sq cm

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